Abstract: Systems and method for the preparation and delivery of biological samples for charged particle analysis are disclosed herein. An example system at least includes an ion filter coupled to select a sample ion from an ionized sample supply, the ion filter including a quadrupole filter to select the sample ion from the sample supply, an energy reduction cell coupled to receive the selected sample ion and reduce a kinetic energy of the sample ion, a validation unit coupled to receive the sample ion and determine whether the sample ion is a target sample ion, a substrate coupled to receive the sample, wherein the substrate is electron transparent, an ion transport module coupled to receive the sample ion from the ion filter and transport the sample ion to the substrate, and an imaging system arranged to image, with a low energy charged particle beam, the sample located on the substrate, wherein the substrate is arranged in an analysis location.

Abstract: A seal for a hemostasis valve is provided as well as a novel seal stack for use in hemostasis valves. The seal stack includes a plurality of conical or frustoconical members including an anti-prolapse member, and a sealing member. The seal stack may optionally include a diaphragm and/or a second sealing member. The valve body may include a pressure sensing member which may be located in a sidearm.

Abstract: A measuring system for detecting pressure and/or density, having at least one process connector, a diaphragm, a measuring unit, a housing and a display, wherein a process pressure acts via the process connector on the diaphragm and the measuring unit converts a stroke of the diaphragm caused thereby into a rotational movement of a pointer when the process pressure is changed via the measuring unit, and the pointer on the display shows the pressure applied on the diaphragm on a scale. The measuring system includes a connecting piece which includes the process connector, a meter base and a tubular extension.

Abstract: Polymer catheters and guidewires for use in intravascular surgery, and more particularly polymer catheters and guidewires micro-machined with a micro-cutting machine to provide sufficient flexibility to travel through a patient's vasculature while retaining sufficient torquability to transmit torque from a proximal end to the distal end of the catheter or guidewire, and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a micro-cutting machine for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products. The micro-cutting machine can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into these types of products, and can also capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification. The micro-cutting machine has two cutting blades each with cutting edges aligned with a vertical axis. Motors operate to move the cutting blades in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stock material being cut to form a pair of opposing grooves in the stock material with each cut.

Abstract: A measuring system for detecting pressure and/or density, having at least one process connector, a diaphragm, a measuring unit, a housing and a display, wherein a process pressure acts via the process connector on the diaphragm and the measuring unit converts a stroke of the diaphragm caused thereby into a rotational movement of a pointer when the process pressure is changed via the measuring unit, and the pointer on the display shows the pressure applied on the diaphragm on a scale. The measuring system includes a connecting piece which includes the process connector, a meter base and a tubular extension.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a micro-cutting machine for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products. The micro-cutting machine can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into these types of products, and can also capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification. The micro-cutting machine has two cutting blades each with cutting edges aligned with a vertical axis. Motors operate to move the cutting blades in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stock material being cut to form a pair of opposing grooves in the stock material with each cut.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a micro-cutting machine for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products. The micro-cutting machine can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into these types of products, and can also capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification. The micro-cutting machine has two cutting blades each with cutting edges aligned with a vertical axis. Motors operate to move the cutting blades in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stock material being cut to form a pair of opposing grooves in the stock material with each cut.

Abstract: Micro-cutting machines for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products, are disclosed, including a micro-cutting machine that can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into products, and that can capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification.

Abstract: Micro-cutting machines for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products, are disclosed, including a micro-cutting machine that can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into products, and that can capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification.

Abstract: Micro-cutting machines for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products, are disclosed, including a micro-cutting machine that can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into products, and that can capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification.

Abstract: Micro-cutting machines for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products, are disclosed, including a micro-cutting machine that can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into products, and that can capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification.

Abstract: A set of styli comprised of a shaped memory or elastic metal are disclosed wherein each stylus has a different preformed curvatures for use with a cutting device for performing a selective discectomy. The device is inserted at a point chosen from contralateral, anterior or anterolateral relative to a herniation site. Once the cutting device is inserted its cutting window is moved to the desired position by inserting a first stylus having an appropriate curvature and moving the device, removing the stylus, inserting a second stylus with a different curvature relative to the first stylus before or after moving the device. By using a plurality of styli with different curvatures and using positioning movements the cutting window is positioned at the site of herniation and a selective discectomy is carried out.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable tissue augmentation devices, methods, and associated tools. The devices include an inflatable body, having a self-sealing membrane operably attached to a wall of the implant. The self-sealing membrane provides access for filling the device, and includes a first layer comprising a fabric. The fabric has a first plurality of yarn strands positioned in a first direction, and a second plurality of yarn strands positioned in a second direction. The first and second plurality of yarn strands intersect to form a matrix pattern with cells defined by free spaces between yarn strands. The membrane also includes a first elastomeric material configured to fill the cells as well as form a coating over the first and second plurality of yarn strand, and a second layer comprising a second elastomeric material. The second elastomeric material has a lower durometer than the first elastomeric material. Kits and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Micro-cutting machines for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products, are disclosed, including a micro-cutting machine that can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into products, and that can capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification.

Abstract: A cutting device for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed along with a method for using the device whereby the device is inserted into the intervertebral disc at a point contralateral, anterior, or anterolateral to a site of herniation. The device includes a shaft with a cutting mechanism at its distal end. Control wire(s) attached to either or both shafts may be used to position cutting components and perform the discectomy.

Abstract: A set of styli comprised of a shaped memory or elastic metal are disclosed wherein each stylus has a different preformed curvatures for use with a cutting device for performing a selective discectomy. The device is inserted at a point chosen from contralateral, anterior or anterolateral relative to a herniation site. Once the cutting device is inserted its cutting window is moved to the desired position by inserting a first stylus having an appropriate curvature and moving the device, removing the stylus, inserting a second stylus with a different curvature relative to the first stylus before or after moving the device. By using a plurality of styli with different curvatures and using positioning movements the cutting window is positioned at the site of herniation and a selective discectomy is carried out.

Abstract: A method for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed whereby a path for insertion of a tissue removal device is created by inserting a cannula with a flexible distal end position into an intervertebral disc by entering the nucleus at a point contralateral or anterolateral to a herniation site or entering anterior or anterolateral relative to the herniation site. The path is followed by a cutting device with a cutting window and either or both of the cannula or cutting device may be positioned at a site of herniation using all of any of control wires, a set of styli, viewable markings on a component and/or visualization devices.