Abstract: A novel approach to the removal of coffee and tea stains from dishes is disclosed. Tea, coffee and other stains caused by tannins are particularly difficult to remove and traditional techniques include harsh treatments that use bleach, or other environmentally undesirable chemicals such as phosphates, EDTA, NTA or other aminocarboxylates. Applicants have found that an acid rinse prior to alkaline cleaning of stained dishware such as ceramics porcelain and the like can remove up to one hundred percent of even aged coffee and tea stains.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis. A tube device is provided that is generally inert in a first state. The device includes a second state that is configured to provide one or both of mechanical and chemical stimulation to induce pleurodesis. Different sheath and tube configurations are provided for the actuatable features of the device.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing fractured bone structure having a fractured height includes expanding the bone structure to a restored height greater than the fractured height by transitioning an expandable member inserted into the bone structure from a contracted state to an expanded state. A curable material is delivered into a cavity formed in the bone structure and allowed to harden while the expandable member maintains the bone structure at the restored height. The expandable member is then removed from the bone structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a vertebral body using a structural support to stabilize the vertebral body. The apparatus includes a first curable material deposit proximal to a first endplate of a vertebral body for providing support to the first endplate of the vertebral body and a second curable material deposit proximal to a second endplate of a vertebral body for providing support to a second endplate of the vertebral body. The apparatus also utilizes a stabilizing structure between the first curable material deposit and the second curable material deposit and connecting the first curable material deposit and the second curable material deposit for providing support to the vertebral body.

Abstract: A stylet-guided balloon vertebroplasty system, as well as methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a bone structure including directing first and second expandable members in contracted state to a first location within the bone structure. The expandable members are expanded, forming first and second cavities within the bone structure. The first expandable member is then transitioned back to the contracted state while maintaining the second expandable member in the expanded state. The first expandable member is removed, and curable material delivered into the first cavity. The second expandable structure is contracted and removed. A curable material is delivered into the second cavity. A height of the bone structure is restored via expansion of the two expandable members, and is retained throughout the procedure first by the second expandable member during delivery of curable material into the first cavity, and then by the hardened material in the first cavity during removal of the second expandable member.

Abstract: A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen. The device may be used to create voids for receiving curable material, and may include spacers configured to control location and/or orientation of the voids.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that includes a housing maintaining a stylet and a cannula. A control device is operably coupled to operate the stylet and the cannula. A handle operates to modify the device from a loading configuration with an expanded profile to a delivery configuration with a reduced profile.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a locking connector for a pleural access valve comprises an elongated access tip operable for engaging a lumen in a pleural access valve, the elongated access tip defining an internal lumen and the elongated access tip having a radial ridge. The locking connector also comprises a handle section connected with the elongated access tip and substantially concentric to the elongated access tip, the handle section having a first end and a second end, the first end defining an opening in fluid communication with the internal lumen of the elongated access tip, the handle section further comprising at least one support arm extending between the first end and the second end of the handle section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing two components and delivering the mixture to a patient. The apparatus contains a mixing chamber for mixing a liquid component and a powder component. The liquid component and powder component are mixed within the mixing chamber by rotation of a collapsible mixing element. A high strength cartridge capable of withstanding high opposing axial loads from the mixing chamber and a threaded rod generates force to drive the curable material from the mixing chamber. A plunger connected to the rod is then advanced through the mixing chamber to force the mixture out of the mixing chamber and deliver the mixture to the patient.

Abstract: A distal end of a cannula immediately proximate a target site within bone. A portion of a cavity-forming device is extended through the cannula and distally beyond the distal end, and then operated to form a cavity at the target site. A track is defined in tissue of the target site between the distal end of the cannula and the cavity. The cavity-forming device is removed from the cannula, and replaced with a delivery tube. A distal tip of the delivery tube is directed distally beyond the distal end of the cannula, through the track and into the cavity. Finally, a material (e.g., a curable material) is delivered through the delivery tube and into the cavity. The cannula can remain stationary following initial insertion, and curable material is not directly deposited into the normally occurring “dead space”.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a bone structure including directing first and second expandable members in contracted state to a first location within the bone structure. The expandable members are expanded, forming first and second cavities within the bone structure. The first expandable member is then transitioned back to the contracted state while maintaining the second expandable member in the expanded state. The first expandable member is removed, and curable material delivered into the first cavity. The second expandable structure is contracted and removed. A curable material is delivered into the second cavity. A height of the bone structure is restored via expansion of the two expandable members, and is retained throughout the procedure first by the second expandable member during delivery of curable material into the first cavity, and then by the hardened material in the first cavity during removal of the second expandable member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing material into an injection site of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a carrier. The cannula is inserted into an injection site of a patient. The carrier is connected to an injector containing a volume of material. Material may be pre-loaded into the carrier so that the material is delivered to a distal end of the carrier from the injector and the carrier is thus pre-loaded with material. A portion of the distal end of the pre-loaded carrier is inserted into the cannula and material is delivered to an injection site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing material into an injection site of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a carrier. The cannula is inserted into an injection site of a patient. The carrier is connected to an injector containing a volume of material. Material may be pre-loaded into the carrier so that the material is delivered to a distal end of the carrier from the injector and the carrier is thus pre-loaded with material. A portion of the distal end of the pre-loaded carrier is inserted into the cannula and material is delivered to an injection site. The supply section can be rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner section.

Abstract: A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen.

Abstract: A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen. The device may be used to create voids for receiving curable material, and may include spacers configured to control location and/or orientation of the voids.

Abstract: A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optimizing reaction for curable material is disclosed. In operating rooms that are relatively colder, heating curable material can increase the reaction time. A heater may be placed in thermal contact with the curable material to heat the curable material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring curable material to an injector to convenient deliver the curable material to a patient. The apparatus contains a mixing chamber for mixing a liquid component and a powder component to form a curable material. The curable material is transferred to an injector to when the mixing chamber and injector are moved toward each other.