Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to methods for performing a surgical procedure. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for performing a surgical procedure, using a delivery catheter containing a laser fiber assembly. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of performing a surgical procedure comprises the steps of: advancing a delivery catheter to a procedure specific area; activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the delivery catheter; and advancing the laser fiber assembly to create a treatment specific hole at the procedure specific area.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placement of surgical fasteners. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises an insertion assembly, a handle, and a delivery catheter. The insertion assembly may be a force member, or propulsion assembly, which is integrated within a handle itself attached to a delivery catheter. The apparatus may provide for delivery of at least one fastener through a catheter assembly and its subsequent deployment at a surgical site.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The surgical support device is disclosed for use during a surgical procedure. The surgical support device includes a support assembly for supporting a surgical component during the surgical procedure. A stabilizing assembly stabilizes the support device within a vessel during the surgical procedure. The support device further includes a manipulating assembly for adjusting the position of the surgical component. The surgical support device may also be beneficially used as a ‘partial’ or ‘controlled’ occlusion balloon having the benefit of facilitating intermittent or lower level profusion to the extremities during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a repair apparatus for repairing a vessel during a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes a housing, and at least one of a penetration apparatus for use in forming a treatment specific hole in a vessel and a visualization apparatus for viewing an interior of the vessel during the surgical procedure. The housing includes a plurality of layers surrounding a central channel. The housing further includes at least one lumen formed in one of the plurality layers. The repair apparatus according to the present invention may further include a positioning assembly for positioning the repair apparatus within the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical cutting device. The surgical cutting device may include a housing, an assembly for securing the cutting device upon an object to be cut, and a cutting assembly for cutting the object. The cutting device permits the close cutting of control lines, sutures or other surgical components during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A depth sensor is disclosed for sensing the position of a surgical device within a vessel wall during a surgical procedure. The depth sensor includes a housing, sensing assembly for sensing acoustic wave information generated during the surgical procedure, a processing assembly for processing the acoustic wave information received from the sensing assembly and a control assembly that receives data from the processing assembly thereby enabling operational control of the penetration device.

Abstract: A fastener for use during a surgical procedure for securing a surgical component to a vessel wall is disclosed having a flexible fastening assembly for securing the surgical component to the vessel wall under a compressive force. The fastening assembly has a first portion located on one side of the surgical component and the vessel wall, a second portion located on another side of the surgical component and the vessel wall, and an intermediate portion connecting to the first portion and the second portion, the intermediate portion extending through the vessel wall and the surgical component. The first portion, second portion and the intermediate portion act together to apply a compressive force to the surgical component and the vessel wall to secure the surgical component to the vessel wall. The fastening assembly may further include at least one supplemental fastening assembly to secure the surgical component to the vessel wall.

Abstract: Innovative fasteners are disclosed for use in repairing a vessel having an aneurysm. The fasteners comprise either coiled spring or ring type fasteners. An attachment assembly and repair graft are also disclosed for use in the repair of the vessel. An attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A laser surgical instrument is embodied as a handpiece supportable on the wrist and forearm of a surgeon. The handpiece is connected by an umbilical cord to a remote console. An internal shutter mechanism is actuated by steady finger pressure applied by the surgeon at a fixture grasped by the hand during use. An annular aiming beam is projected through an aperture in a physical distance gauge to focus concentric with the surgical laser beam.

Abstract: Lightweight electrodes and their method of manufacture for disposition in an electrochemical cell are described. The electrodes comprise a catalytic layer made up of a substantially uniform admixture of metal containing electrocatalyst particles and a fluorocarbon polymer. The manufacture is such that an open pore structure is obtained having porosity sufficient to permit diffusion of gases into the catalytic layer. There is further described electrolytes comprising an eutectic mixture of at least two alkali metal hydroxides substantially free of water and electrolytes which are mobile and have a pastelike consistency at a temperature below about 300.degree. C.