Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing electrosurgery with an ultra-sharp electrode composed of a refractory alloy, said electrode having a blunt end and a tip end, and a method for forming the ultra-sharp electrode by rotating about its axis a vertically held cylindrical rod composed of a refractory alloy and repeatedly withdrawing and replacing the rod into a pool of molten oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A biomedical implantable shunt is provided having an enlarged generally circular pump body and a perforated distal and proximal catheter attached to said body. The catheters are intended to have excess length so they can be cut to proper length as necessary to fit a specific patient. The pump body includes a vestibule at the outlet end directly connected to the distal catheter. A pair of one-way miter valves are provided within the pump body. The inlet valve is directly connected to the entrance provided for the proximal catheter while the outlet valve is positioned within the vestibule which is connected to the distal catheter. A longitudinal ridge is provided in the base member of the pump body with one end of the ridge positioned directly under the inlet valve to eliminate the possibility of the valve becoming sealed in the closed position during the pumping operation.

Abstract: An antenatal shunt is provided for implantation in utero to drain blocked fluid cavities within a fetus. The shunt includes a proximal catheter having one or more expandable wing anchors strategically positioned on the catheter, a distal tube having an additional anchor and a retracting tab provided at the free end of the distal tube. A check-valve may be provided in the catheter to allow fluid to flow in only one direction through the shunt. The shunt is sized and arranged to be implanted by means of a hollow surgical needle into the fetus by the use of ultrasonography as a guidance aid. Suitable apertures are provided in the proximal and distal free ends of the shunt to allow the flow of fluid from the fluid cavity in the fetus to the amniotic sac. Expandable anchors are included which are capable of being folded for insertion and movement through the needle during implantation. The arms expand upon release from the needle to provide a secure anchoring arrangement.

Abstract: A peritoneo-venous shunt for the surgical management of ascites includes a perforated inlet catheter with an asymetrical, one-way valve attached to and contained within a pump body, a venous catheter and a plurality of x-ray absorbing markers placed along the catheters for ascertaining their positioning in a patient.

Abstract: A body fluid drainage apparatus or shunt for implantation in the inner ear or elsewhere includes an essentially rigid elongated tube having one open end and a closed, flexible end with a valve, a generally rigid housing fixedly secured to and telescoping over the closed end of said elongated tube, a pair of angularly, oppositely extending arms fixedly secured to the assembly, and a pair of plastic films, with open sides, secured to the apparatus enclosing the valve. When the valve is a slit valve, it is sealed in a flexible tube sealed to and extending a short distance beyond the elongated tube.

Abstract: A tube for implantation in an animal organ or cavity, for example, an eye, communicates with the anterior chamber of the eye and terminates in a unilateral pressure dependent valve shunt positioned outside the anterior chamber. Lateral side arms secured to the tube provide fixation means to the eye.