Abstract: A liposuction cannula with abrading suction apertures and a method of using a cannula with abrading suction apertures are disclosed. The liposuction cannula comprises: a hand-holdable housing having a cavity; a cannular tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the cannular tube being insertable within the cavity; and a plurality of abrading suction apertures about the cannular tube distal end. The abrading suction apertures can be arranged in a variety of configurations, for example, axially about the distal end of the cannular tube, radially about the distal end of the cannular tube or angularly about the distal end of the cannular tube. The abrading suction apertures include a hole, and an abrading member which may be a raised leading edge, a depressed trailing edge, or both a raised leading edge and a depressed trailing edge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for diagnosing the molecular basis for a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder in a mammal. In this method, a sample from the mammal is provided, the sample containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding the AIF. The sequence of nucleic acids in the nucleic acid sequence is determined by conventional techniques. This determined sequence of nucleic acids is then compared to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the wild-type AIF protein. Any difference between the sequence of nucleic acids determined from the two samples represents a candidate mutation. The candidate mutation is then further analyzed for an association with a decrease in expression of functional AIF protein. Such an association confirms a molecular basis for the late-onset neurodegenerative disorder in the mammal. Related methods and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liposuction cannula with abrading suction apertures and a method of using a cannula with abrading suction apertures are disclosed. The liposuction cannula comprises: a hand-holdable housing having a cavity; a cannular tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the cannular tube being insertable within the cavity; and a plurality of abrading suction apertures about the cannular tube distal end. The abrading suction apertures can be arranged in a variety of configurations, for example, axially about the distal end of the cannular tube, radially about the distal end of the cannular tube or angularly about the distal end of the cannular tube. The abrading suction apertures include a hole, and an abrading member which may be a raised leading edge, a depressed trailing edge, or both a raised leading edge and a depressed trailing edge.

Abstract: A compression sponge for wound care operable in the collection of liquid emanating from a wound site. The pad has at least one generally uniform bibulous layer operable as a wick to absorb, generally uniformly distribute there through, and retain liquid whereby such uniform liquid distribution throughout the entire layer provides uniform pressure distribution of any externally applied pressure on the pad. A liquid-permeable sheet such as a non-interacting, liquid-permeable paper product is disposed on the surface of the bibulous layer to interface with the wound site, while a liquid impermeable sheet with wrap-around edges prevents leakage of liquid from the pad.

Abstract: A surgical support for positioning a patient's lateral thighs during liposuction thereof. The support comprises an elongate pillow positionable between the thighs of the patient such that a respective one of the patient's lateral thighs is maintained in an upwardly-oriented position and abducted from the patients body such that the greater trochanter of the femur of such abducted leg is rotated interiorally and medially to such a degree that pseudobulging of the greater trochanter is eliminated or substantially minimized. The pillow preferably includes a tapered proximal end oriented to be positioned towards the crotch of the patient and a gradually upwardly-extending distal end that defines a top support surface upon which the lateral thigh is intra-operatively positioned.

Abstract: A two-component post-operative compression garment for use in enhancing fluid drainage from a plurality of open micro-incisions in breasts after liposuction surgery has been performed on the breasts. The compression garment includes a first garment component positionable on a person to cause a first magnitude of compression pressure upon the breasts, and a second garment component adjustably positionable in concert with the first garment component to cause an adjustable second magnitude of compression pressure greater than the first magnitude. This second magnitude of pressure is adjustable to thereby provide a pressure adequate to force fluid from the open micro-incisions of the breasts. Methodology of liposuction mammoplasty includes infiltrating each breast tumescently with a fluid that includes a local anesthetic. Thereafter, a plurality of micro-incisions are provided to the breasts and fatty tissue is withdrawn suctionally with operating microcannulas inserted within the micro-incisions.

Abstract: A liposuction cannula constructed of a cannular tube having a proximal open end attachable to a vacuum source and a plurality of apertures disposed laterally through at least one longitudinal segment of the tube. The apertures preferably are situated substantially uniformly about the tube and have a cross-sectional area of about 7.6.times.10.sup.-4 to about 3.0.times.10.sup.-3 inch. Inside diameter of the tube is preferably from about 1.2 mm to about 2.2 mm to thereby provide a cannula whose size causes a relatively minimal invasive action through individual incisions through skin to sites of lipid-containing tissue. A method of performing liposuction includes tumescent delivery of a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor medication to an adipose tissue site and thereafter providing the cannula defined above to the site. The vacuum source is activated and the cannula is moved longitudinally forward and backward within the tissue site.

Abstract: A skin applique protector protects a selected area of a user's skin from harmful effects of overexposure to ultraviolet light. The skin applique protector has a sheet of flexible material, a first layer of adhesive formed upon a first surface of the sheet of flexible material, and a second layer of adhesive formed upon a second surface of the sheet of flexible material. A first sheet of peel-away material generally covers the first layer of adhesive and a second sheet of peel-away material generally covers the second layer of adhesive material. Either the sheet of flexible material or the first layer of adhesive contains an ultraviolet light blocking material. Application of the sheet of flexible material to the selected area of the user's skin inhibits overexposure of the user's skin to harmful ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An improved liposuction handle incorporates a vacuum control for regulating the amount of suction applied during the liposuction procedure. An alternative embodiment allows for sequential performance of both the step of administering anesthetic to the surgical area and performing the liposuction procedure by the same instrument, the device additionally allowing for sterile collection of cells and tissue. Additionally, an improved liposuction method is disclosed, particularly suited for performance under local anesthesia.