Abstract: A loading device is configured to load a ventilation tube into an inserter device. The loading device includes a main body and at least one protruding member extending from the main body and terminating at a loading tip. An elongated hollow body has a first end, a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The elongated hollow body surrounds the at least one protruding member such that at least a portion of an outer facing surface of the protruding member engages with an inner wall of the elongated hollow body. A ventilation tube engages with the loading tip of the protruding member and is at least partially located within the elongated hollow body.

Abstract: A loading device is configured to load a ventilation tube into an inserter device. The loading device includes a main body and at least one protruding member extending from the main body and terminating at a loading tip. An elongated hollow body has a first end, a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The elongated hollow body surrounds the at least one protruding member such that at least a portion of an outer facing surface of the protruding member engages with an inner wall of the elongated hollow body. A ventilation tube engages with the loading tip of the protruding member and is at least partially located within the elongated hollow body.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward an implantable electrostimulation device, a plurality of sensing and pacing elements, and a fine wire lead extending in a sealed relationship from the electrostimulation device and to the plurality of sensing and pacing elements. The fine wire lead includes multiple discrete conductors and a drawn silica or glass fiber core, a polymer cladding on the drawn silica or glass fiber core, and a conductive metal cladding over the polymer cladding. Additionally, the fine wire lead simultaneously delivers different electrical signals or optical signals between the sensing and pacing elements and the electrostimulation device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a drug selectively and locally to internal body tissue with a catheter using electric current/voltage controlled in conjunction with active pacing of cardiac activity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a drug selectively and locally to internal body tissue with a catheter using electric current/voltage controlled in conjunction with active pacing of cardiac activity.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus and method for delivering a drug locally to internal body tissue. The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway or within body tissue and then selectively introducing a selected drug so that it is transported across a drug transport wall of the device for direct contact with the passageway wall or body tissue. A further aspect of the present invention involves treating a dilated vessel in the area of a stenotic lesion with a fixative or other drug to render the vessel biologically inert and to form a biological stent or prevent restenosis using specifically selected drugs. A still further aspect of the present invention involves treating a tumor or local or regional tissue mass with antitumor sensitizing agents, biological modifiers, antibiotics or other types of drugs by delivery of the drug to the tumor or tissue area directly or through the passageway wall.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus and method for iontophoretically delivering a drug locally to internal body tissue. The iontophoretic delivery apparatus and method include a current source producing a net flow of current in a desired direction with high frequency waveforms which enhance delivery and minimize side effects typically associated with iontophoresis.The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway or within body tissue and then selectively introducing a selected drug so that it is iontophoretically transported across a drug transport wall of the device for direct contact with the passageway wall or body tissue. A further aspect of the present invention involves treating a dilated vessel in the area of a stenotic lesion with a fixative or other drug to render the vessel biologically inert and to form a biological stent or prevent restenosis using specifically selected drugs.

Abstract: A method of simultaneous angioplasty and drug delivery to a localized portion of coronary or peripheral arteries or any other type of body passage that has a stricture. The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway and then selectively introducing a selected drug so that the device is expanded in order to dilate the passage and then simultaneously causing the drug to be transported across a drug transport wall of the device for direct contact with the passageway wall. A more specific aspect of the present invention involves treating a dilated vessel in the area of a stenotic lesion with a fixative or other drug to render the vessel biologically inert and to form a biological stent or prevent restenosis using specifically selected drugs.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus and method for delivering a drug locally to internal body tissue. The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway or within body tissue and then selectively wetting a membrane within the device, making the membrane permeable and allowing transport of a drug across the membrane and into the passageway wall or body tissue.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus and method for delivering a drug locally to internal body tissue. The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway or within body tissue and then selectively introducing a selected drug so that it is transported across a drug transport wall of the device for direct contact with the passageway wall or body tissue. A further aspect of the present invention involves treating a dilated vessel in the area of a stenotic lesion with a fixative or other drug to render the vessel biologically inert and to form a biological stent or prevent restenosis using specifically selected drugs. A still further aspect of the present invention involves treating a tumor or local or regional tissue mass with antitumor sensitizing agents, biological modifiers, antibiotics or other types of drugs by delivery of the drug to the tumor or tissue area directly or through the passageway wall.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus and method for delivering a drug locally to internal body tissue. The invention contemplates positioning a drug delivery device in a body passageway or within body tissue and then selectively introducing a selected drug so that it is transported across a drug transport wall of the device for direct contact with the passageway wall or body tissue. A further aspect of the present invention involves treating a dilated vessel in the area of a stenotic lesion with a fixative or other drug to render the vessel biologically inert and to form a biological stent or prevent restenosis using specifically selected drugs. A still further aspect of the present invention involves treating a tumor or local or regional tissue mass with antitumor sensitizing agents, biological modifiers, antibiotics or other types of drugs by delivery of the drug to the tumor or tissue area directly or through the passageway wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for enhancing the diffusion of a substance to a local area of material or tissue by providing ultrasonic energy to the substance and material in two or more distinct frequencies simultaneously. Each of the distinct frequencies of ultrasonic energy is chosen to enhance permeation of the substance through one or more diffusion rate-limiting sections of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring a blood constituent. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a semipermeable membrane for defining a volume with a flexible membrane disposed on one end and with a light source disposed on an opposite end. The flexible membrane flexes to become the moving mirror in an FTIR system.