Abstract: A pump drive unit has an openable housing that accommodates a disposable impeller unit which is pre-connected with tubing, while maintaining the tight tolerances and close spacing. A levitation system (magnets and sensors), drive motor and drive magnets, and control electronics are all re-usable and housed within relatively permanent structures. In one embodiment, a hinged top separates the levitating magnets to allow the impeller unit to be captured and retained with positional accuracy and in close proximity to the desired locations when the hinged top is closed. The top may be separated into sections covering unequal arcs to coincide with the organization of the magnetic subcomponents in the upper drive unit housing.

Abstract: A pump drive unit has an openable housing that accommodates a disposable impeller unit which is pre-connected with tubing, while maintaining the tight tolerances and close spacing. A levitation system (magnets and sensors), drive motor and drive magnets, and control electronics are all re-usable and housed within relatively permanent structures. In one embodiment, a hinged top separates the levitating magnets to allow the impeller unit to be captured and retained with positional accuracy and in close proximity to the desired locations when the hinged top is closed. The top may be separated into sections covering unequal arcs to coincide with the organization of the magnetic subcomponents in the upper drive unit housing.

Abstract: A catheter and stylet assembly comprising an elongate catheter having a lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the catheter, and a connector adjacent the proximal end of the catheter for connecting the catheter to an extracorporeal support system. A stiff-flexible stylet is provided that is slidably receivable in the lumen of the catheter for providing rigidity to the catheter to facilitate introduction of the catheter into a chamber of a heart or other organ. First and second shoulders are provided on the catheter for abutting a latching portion of the stylet to secure the stylet in either of two positions relative to the catheter. The two positions include a first position wherein the distal end of the stylet extends outwardly from the distal end of the catheter for introducing the catheter into an artery or vein, or directly through the heart wall, and a second position wherein the distal end of the stylet is received within the lumen of the catheter for positioning the catheter in the heart.

Abstract: A thermal atherectomy catheter has a tip of high magnetic permeability cylindrical stem with an enlarged head at one end and an enlarged collar at the other end, a coil of wire wrapped about the stem adjacent the head and removed from said collar, a sleeve of ferromagnetic material disposed about the coil and a second sleeve of non-magnetic outer sleeve extending between and of the diameter of the head and collar to define a space between the sleeves whereby the outer sleeve to collar are maintained at a lower temperature than the head.

Abstract: A catheter and stylet assembly comprising an elongate catheter having a lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the catheter, and a connector adjacent the proximal end of the catheter for connecting the catheter to an extracorporeal support system. A stiff-flexible stylet is provided that is slidably receivable in the lumen of the catheter for providing rigidity to the catheter to facilitate introduction of the catheter into a chamber of a heart or other organ. First and second shoulders are provided on the catheter for abutting a latching portion of the stylet to secure the stylet in either of two positions relative to the catheter. The two positions include a first position wherein the distal end of the stylet extends outwardly from the distal end of the catheter for introducing the catheter into an artery or vein, or directly through the heart wall, and a second position wherein the distal end of the stylet is received within the lumen of the catheter for positioning the catheter in the heart.

Abstract: A computer terminal support and hand rest to be placed on a desk top and interposed between the computer terminal and a computer operator as well as being interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top. The computer terminal support provides a hand rest for supporting the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer terminal and during rest intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the support also includes a conductive portion for draining static charges from the computer terminal operator to prevent circuit damage and erroneous command signals to the computer and to prevent electrical shock to the operator.Several embodiments of the support are disclosed including alternate structures for providing a static discharge path, alternate structures for supporting the hands and alternate structures for supporting the computer terminal.

Abstract: A computer terminal support and hand rest to be placed on a desk top and interposed between the computer terminal and a computer operator as well as being interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top. The computer terminal support provides a hand rest for supporting the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer terminal and during rest intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the support also includes a conductive portion for draining static charges from the computer terminal operator to prevent circuit damage and erroneous command signals to the computer and to prevent electrical shock to the operator.Several embodiments of the support are disclosed including alternate structures for providing a static discharge path, alternate structures for supporting the hands and alternate structures for supporting the computer terminal.

Abstract: A computer terminal support and hand rest to be placed on a desk top and interposed between the computer terminal and a computer operator as well as being interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top. The computer terminal support provides a hand rest for supporting the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer terminal and during rest intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the support also includes a conductive portion for draining static charges from the computer terminal operator to prevent circuit damage and erroneous command signals to the computer and to prevent electrical shock to the operator.Several embodiments of the support are disclosed including alternate structures for providing a static discharge path, alternate structures for supporting the hands and alternate structures for supporting the computer terminal.

Abstract: An improved craniotome footplate, or dura guard for cutting between bur holes or from a single bur hole in the skull without damaging the dura membrane which is intermediate the underside of the skull and the brain. The guard includes a flexible, resilient tip for negotiating bony prominences on the underside of the skull and for separating the dura from the underside of the skull in advance of the craniotome cutting of the skull.