Abstract: A medical device for use with an associated tube inserted into a respiratory outlet of a patient is disclosed. The medical device includes a mask with an opening sized to receive and allow movement of the associated tube, and a valve operatively connected with the opening of the mask. The valve includes a main body, and an opening formed in a portion of the main body in which the opening is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the associated tube.

Abstract: A medical device for use with an associated tube inserted into an incision formed in skin or tissue of a patient includes a dressing including an opening sized to receive and allow movement of the associated tube. A valve is operatively connected with the opening of the dressing and includes a main body; and an opening formed in a portion of the main body. The opening is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the surgical tube.

Abstract: A medical device for use with an associated tube inserted into an incision formed in skin or tissue of a patient includes a dressing including an opening sized to receive and allow movement of the associated tube. A valve is operatively connected with the opening of the dressing and includes a main body; and an opening formed in a portion of the main body. The opening is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the surgical tube.

Abstract: A variable-frequency stimulator for electrosurgery includes an impedance analyzer to identify the electrical impedance of biological tissue being treated by an electrosurgical instrument, such as a laparoscope. Based on the identified tissue impedance, a controller adjusts the frequency of electrical current delivered to the electrosurgical instrument to reduce, minimize or normalize the impedance of the tissue, thereby preventing collateral damage to the tissue in and about the surgical site. Additionally, the laparoscope may be configured with multiple electrically conductive grasping arms that are used to deliver the electrical current to the surgical site. The conductive grasping arms provide multiple current paths for the electrical current to flow, thus concentrating the electrical current at the surgical site during an electrosurgical procedure.

Abstract: A method of using a retractor for holding open an opening includes the steps of providing a retractor, wherein the retractor includes a shape memory support including a brace portion connecting opposed sides and a plurality of bracing ribs extending from the shape memory support at the opposed sides, forming a surgical opening, pinching the opposed sides of the shape memory support in an inward direction, inserting the pinched retractor of said step of pinching into the surgical opening, and thereafter allowing the opposed sides of the shape memory position to substantially revert to their original positions.

Abstract: A variable-frequency stimulator for electrosurgery includes an impedance analyzer to identify the electrical impedance of biological tissue being treated by an electrosurgical instrument, such as a laparoscope. Based on the identified tissue impedance, a controller adjusts the frequency of electrical current delivered to the electrosurgical instrument to reduce, minimize or normalize the impedance of the tissue, thereby preventing collateral damage to the tissue in and about the surgical site. Additionally, the laparoscope may be configured with multiple electrically conductive grasping arms that are used to deliver the electrical current to the surgical site. The conductive grasping arms provide multiple current paths for the electrical current to flow, thus concentrating the electrical current at the surgical site during an electrosurgical procedure.

Abstract: A home healthcare system includes a patient monitoring device, a therapy delivery device, a local storage device, and a communication device. The patient monitoring device monitors a physiological condition of a patient in a home or home-like environment. The therapy delivery device holds a prescribed therapy for medical treatment of the patient in the home or home-like environment and selectively delivers a prescribed dosage of the prescribed therapy to the patient. The local storage device stores information associated with the patient. The communication device provides a user interface to the patient and a communication interface with a communication network outside the home or home-like environment to enable establishment of a communication session to/from another communication device associated with another party.

Abstract: A surgical device for manipulation of an implantable medical device includes a surgical tool and a controller. The surgical tool may include a mechanical interface that enables a surgical instrument to hold and position the surgical tool, an electrical drive mechanism with a drive shaft, the electrical drive mechanism selectively controlling bidirectional rotation of the drive shaft, and a grasping mechanism operationally coupled to the drive shaft. The grasping mechanism for releasably grasping the implantable medical device. The controller includes a first control device. An implant activation of the first control device controls the electrical drive mechanism to rotate the grasping mechanism in a first direction. A removal activation of the first control device controls the electrical drive mechanism to rotate the grasping mechanism in an opposite direction. A method for manipulation of the implantable medical device is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical device for manipulation of an implantable medical device includes a surgical tool and a controller. The surgical tool may include a mechanical interface that enables a surgical instrument to hold and position the surgical tool, an electrical drive mechanism with a drive shaft, the electrical drive mechanism selectively controlling bidirectional rotation of the drive shaft, and a grasping mechanism operationally coupled to the drive shaft. The grasping mechanism for releasably grasping the implantable medical device. The controller includes a first control device. An implant activation of the first control device controls the electrical drive mechanism to rotate the grasping mechanism in a first direction. A removal activation of the first control device controls the electrical drive mechanism to rotate the grasping mechanism in an opposite direction. A method for manipulation of the implantable medical device is also provided.