Abstract: A titanium electrosurgical instrument, such as a scalpel (20), and electrosurgical devices, e.g., needle (40), and Bovie tips (40), are provided with a silane coating (30) directly against the solid titanium metal (26, 43, 73) of the body tissue-contacting distal ends (24, 47, 70) thereof whereby to impart advantageous non-stick properties thereto.

Abstract: A titanium electrosurgical instrument, such as a scalpel (20), and electrosurgical devices, e.g., needle (40), and Bovie tips (40), are provided with a silane coating (30) directly against the solid titanium metal (26, 43, 73) of the body tissue-contacting distal ends (24, 47, 70) thereof whereby to impart advantageous non-stick properties thereto.

Abstract: Described is a surgical instrument for electrocauterization (e.g., an electric knife), the surgical instrument including: a body portion for holding and controlling the surgical instrument, and, physically attached thereto, a radio-opaque tip for cauterizing living body tissue, wherein at least the tip comprises a silicon material. In such an instrument, the tip is typically a tip electrode. Aspects of the invention may also comprise a tip (e.g., a tip electrode) made of a composite fiber and colored. Aspects of the invention may also comprise a tip made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of M60 pitch fiber, metal coated carbon fiber, metal impregnated into fiber, AS4 carbon fiber, polyacrylonitrile fiber, shaped vinyl carbon fiber, and combinations thereof. Also described are methods of making a surgical instrument for electrocauterization, as well as methods of electrocauterization.

Abstract: A mini-nasal filter including a filter element and an anchoring arrangement adapted to hold the filter element in registration external to, and under, a user's nose. An operable anchoring arrangement includes one or more section of adhesive tape that can be affixed to the user's nose, and/or lip. The filter element may carry a masking scent, or be impregnated with a substance to enhance adherence of particulate matter to the filter. Certain masks may include a bioactive agent to resist germs, bacteria, and viruses, and/or a treatment compound for nasal therapy.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as scalpels (10), needles (30) and electrosurgical knife tips (50), are provided with a silane coating (20) directly against the parent metal (16, 33, 63) of the tissue-contacting (15) distal ends (14, 37, 60) thereof whereby to impart advantageous non-stick and/or conductive properties thereto.

Abstract: A method of occluding a vessel including: cinching the vessel with a ligature comprising a flexible elongate base structure having a longitudinal axis, a needle end, and a second end, a collar for receiving a needle and affixed elongate base structure, positioned on the second end, and a node for interacting with the collar, the node positioned on the elongate base structure, between the needle and second ends, transverse to the longitudinal axis and having a proximal and a distal edge with respect to the needle end of the flexible elongate base structure, a portion of the node's proximal edge relative the needle end of the flexible elongate base structure being perpendicular to the elongate base structure's longitudinal axis. The method is ideally suited for performing a tubal (fallopian tube) ligation for reproductive control.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate suture having a longitudinal axis, a needle end, a latch collar end, and a node for interacting with the latch collar end. The node lays laterally on the elongate suture transverse to the longitudinal axis and has a proximal and a distal edge with respect to the needle end. In the invention, a portion of the node's proximal edge is perpendicular to the elongate suture's longitudinal axis thus acting to prevent forward movement after the suture has been placed. Between the proximal and distal edges of a single notch is a top surface. This top surface will usually be planar or convex. In one embodiment of the device, the elongate suture has multiple nodes. The nodes are then spacedly positioned along the longitudinal axis of the suture cord, thus forming notches between the nodes. These notches are sized in relation to the collar to allow it to move along the longitudinal surface when the stitched tissue moves.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid therapy system includes a source of intravenous fluid which is an intravenous-fluid-filled non-vented container having deformable side walls. Pressure means substantially surrounds the side walls of the source to pressurize the intravenous fluid therein. The pressure means includes tensioning means to cause the pressure means to exert a force against the side walls. An airless flow meter receives intravenous fluid from the source by a tube means. The airless flow meter includes flow indication means which may be a plurality of fins symmetrically secured to a hub rotatably mounted within a non-vented chamber. An outlet from the flow meter is connected by tube means to an intravenous catheter. In operation, the source is pressurized to allow intravenous fluid to flow through the tube means and the airless flow meter and out the catheter to urge all air therefrom.

Abstract: A base member having a side surface and a bottom surface is provided. First and second ports are formed in the side surface which are interconnected by a channel in the base member. An intravenous system tube may be passed through the first port and channel and out the second port to provide for reversal of fluid flow in the tube with respect to the direction of fluid flow in the tube at the first port. The channel is formed to preclude kinking of the tube. Alternately, intravenous fluid system tubing may be adapted to the first and second ports. The tubing connects to an intravenous fluid supply and to a catheter apparatus. Means may be adapted to a top surface of the base member to permit the injection of medications into the fluid passing through the channel or the tubing in the channel.