Abstract: An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, including a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface, and first means for securing fixing suture formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder. The apparatus also includes a second cylinder having second means for securing fixing suture formed on an interior surface of the second cylinder, such that the second means corresponds to and fixedly engages the first means for securing fixing suture, and the first means and the second means secure fixing sutures therebetween.

Abstract: A method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart, includes the steps of removing an existing heart valve thereby forming an annulus in the patient's heart, and placing a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising first securing means formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder, in which the first cylinder includes a valve sleeve having an annular cuff, such that the annular cuff surrounds the exterior surface adjacent to the first end of the first cylinder. Moreover, the method includes creating a blood-tight seal between the cuff of the valve sleeve and the annulus, and securing the plurality of sutures between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, including a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface, and first means for securing fixing suture formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder. The apparatus also includes a second cylinder having second means for securing fixing suture formed on an interior surface of the second cylinder, such that the second means corresponds to and fixedly engages the first means for securing fixing suture, and the first means and the second means secure fixing sutures therebetween.

Abstract: A method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart, includes the steps of removing an existing heart valve thereby forming an annulus in the patient's heart, and placing a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising first securing means formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder, in which the first cylinder includes a valve sleeve having an annular cuff, such that the annular cuff surrounds the exterior surface adjacent to the first end of the first cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, includes a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface. An annular lip is formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder. The apparatus further includes a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of the second cylinder, such that the second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage the first securing means.

Abstract: A suture placement device includes a crook-shaped needle having a suture passage through which a suture thread passes; a suture opening in a tip portion of the needle, from which the suture thread exits the needle; and a bend in the needle including an open portion of the suture passage. The bend defines a suture capture zone in which the suture thread is separated from the needle. A shuttle includes a shuttle body and a shuttle hook. The shuttle hook is formed at a distal end of the shaft. The needle and the shuttle extend from the barrel, and the barrel includes a source of the suture thread and a rotating shaft or cable that causes the shuttle to traverse over the needle. A guide groove guides the shuttle over the needle. The shuttle hook engages the suture thread in the suture capture zone and draws the suture thread to the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking use of an electrical device, such as a tattoo machine, by an operator in the tattoo industry. A power switch is coupled to a power source and a computer system. The computer system executes software which in response to user input activates the power switch, enabling current to flow from the power source to the electrical device coupled to the power switch. The software tracks a time elapsed during which the power switch is activated. The software can generate billing and audit information based on the time during which the power switch is activated.

Abstract: A suture placement device includes a crook-shaped needle having a suture passage through which a suture thread passes; a suture opening in a tip portion of the needle, from which the suture thread exits the needle; and a bend in the needle including an open portion of the suture passage. The bend defines a suture capture zone in which the suture thread is separated from the needle. A shuttle includes a shuttle body and a shuttle hook. The shuttle hook is formed at a distal end of the shaft. The needle and the shuttle extend from the barrel, and the barrel includes a source of the suture thread and a rotating shaft or cable that causes the shuttle to traverse over the needle. A guide groove guides the shuttle over the needle. The shuttle hook engages the suture thread in the suture capture zone and draws the suture thread to the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically fixing sutures used in the surgical replacement of a heart valve, includes a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and a valve sleeve including an annular cuff surrounding the exterior surface adjacent to the first end of the first cylinder. An annular lip is formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder, and a replacement heart valve is positioned within the valve sleeve. The apparatus further includes a second cylinder having second securing means formed on an interior surface of the second cylinder, such that the second securing means corresponds to and are adapted to fixedly engage the first securing means. The invention further includes a method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart.