Abstract: An implant assembly 10 is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space S, such as for stabilization of vertebrae V adjacent the intervertebral space S during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly 10 includes a primary segment 20 separate from a secondary segment 60. These segments 20, 60 are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The segments 20, 60 preferably have a rectangular cross-section so that they can be inserted on a side into the intervertebral space S and then rotated into a maximum height orientation to widen the intervertebral space S. The segments 20, 60 interlock together at an intersection there between. The primary segment 20 preferably includes a tunnel 30 and the secondary segment 60 preferably includes a neck 70 with the tunnel 30 and neck 70 sized complementally so that the segments 20, 60 stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck 70 within the tunnel 30.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a rapid exchange type intravascular catheter suitable for maintaining patency of a body lumen for a period of time sufficient to permit delivery of a radiation source to the body lumen. The catheter utilizes a reinforcing mandrel to improve the pushability and strength of the catheter as it tracks along a guide wire, and permits blood flow through an inflatable member while radiation therapy is being provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a rapid exchange type intravascular catheter suitable for maintaining patency of a body lumen for a period of time sufficient to permit delivery of a radiation source to the body lumen. The catheter utilizes a reinforcing mandrel to improve the pushability and strength of the catheter as it tracks along a guide wire, and permits blood flow through an inflatable member while radiation therapy is being provided.

Abstract: An angioplasty autoperfusion catheter flow measurement apparatus includes a balloon catheter having an autoperfusion lumen incorporated therein which is acoustically in communication with a flow velocity measuring system. The flow measuring system may include a Doppler transducer, usually a section of piezoelectric material, located adjacent to the autoperfusion lumen and connected to an external activating and measuring device that indicates the velocity of the blood flowing through the autoperfusion lumen at a remote location outside the patient's body.

Abstract: A movable blood aspiration wand, especially for use in autotransfusion, carries with it a tank for anticoagulant replenished from an anticoagulant source fixed at a high source and is connected to a blood reservoir at a low elevation. Differences in wand height relative to the source and to the blood reservoir are compensated for, so that differences in wand height and corresponding blood and anticoagulant head do not substantially vary the anticoagulant proportion added to the aspirated blood.

Abstract: A tool for applying a membrane on a small upstanding post like device, which tool incorporates a housing with means for securing the membrane across the top of the post with additional means disposed opposite the post for holding the membrane against the post and urging it down the side of the post, the housing being closeable to serve as a shipping container and a calibration cell for the device to be membraned with means to secure the post captive with little or no chance of its falling into a non-sterile environment.