Abstract: A medical device is provided. The medical device includes a sheath with an extended distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a lumen defined therethrough. A handle is fixedly connected to the proximal end portion of the sheath, the handle includes an operator that is translatable between a first position and a second position. A flow path is defined within the handle in fluid communication with the proximal end portion of the sheath, wherein the operator is configured to substantially block the flow path in a second position and allow flow therethrough in a first position. The flow path includes a portion that is configured to communicate with a remote source of suction. The handle additionally includes a second inlet portion configured to receive a tool therethrough and allow the tool to extend through the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter with a protective sheath is disclosed. The use of a protective sheath shields a guide catheter from cervical mucus. The retracted open flaps of the outer protective sheath draw the mucus and blood away from the inner guide catheter. This allows an inner embryo transfer sheath to enter the uterus unobstructed. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus by means of fluid pressure with a culture medium. The protective sheath may be snap fit onto the guide catheter. The sheaths and catheters may be manufactured in a variety of lengths for individual convenience and then snap-fit onto each other for better control during an embryo implantation procedure. Other catheters and related instruments may also be manufactured with snap-on features.

Abstract: A medical device is provided. The medical device includes a sheath with an extended distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a lumen defined therethrough. A handle is fixedly connected to the proximal end portion of the sheath, the handle includes an operator that is translatable between a first position and a second position. A flow path is defined within the handle in fluid communication with the proximal end portion of the sheath, wherein the operator is configured to substantially block the flow path in a second position and allow flow therethrough in a first position. The flow path includes a portion that is configured to communicate with a remote source of suction. The handle additionally includes a second inlet portion configured to receive a tool therethrough and allow the tool to extend through the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and a brush disposed upon the elongate member between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first aperture is disposed proximate the first end portion and a second aperture disposed proximate the second end portion. A first suture is disposed through the first aperture and tied upon itself to form a first loop, and a second suture is disposed through the second aperture and tied upon itself to form a second loop, wherein each of the first loop and the second loop are configured to receive an implantable material.

Abstract: Instruments for implanting a urethral sling in female patients, and a better technique for implanting the sling, are disclosed. Porcine small intestine submucosa is processed into a sturdy yet assimilable sling for supporting a urethra of a female patient. The sling is implanted using ligature carriers and sheaths to minimize contact between the sling and the vaginal and abdominal tissues of the patient. The ligature carriers are implanted into the patient via a suprapubic or vaginal route (antegrade or retrograde). The sling is then attached to the ligature carriers and is drawn into the patient through the sheaths. Then sheaths are then removed and the sling is adjusted and trimmed.

Abstract: A replaceable handle for side loading the proximal end of a medical device therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device into the handle for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. An inner housing is rotatable within an outer housing of the handle to secure the medical device in the housing passageway, and is spring biased to then move proximally with respect to the outer housing, moving the inner control rod of the medical device proximally to withdraw the stone basket mostly into the outer cannula and capture the stone for removal from the patient. A push button in the proximal end portion of the inner housing is depressible to permit insertion or withdrawal of the proximal end of the inner control rod of the stone retriever within the inner housing, and is releasable to secure the inner control rod in the handle.

Abstract: A localization device (10) comprising an outer needle cannula (11), an optional inner sleeve cannula (13) and an anchor stylet comprising a plurality of preformed superelastic alloy wires (12). Once the distal portions (14) of the wires (12) are deployed from the ends of the sleeve and needle cannulae, they function as curved barbs (15) projecting outward to anchor the device into tissue, an organ, or a foreign body. A slidable locking member (18), such as a pin vise, can be included over the outer needle cannula for securing the localization device against a template.

Abstract: A replaceable handle for side loading the proximal end of a medical device therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device into the handle for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. An inner housing is rotatable within an outer housing of the handle to secure the medical device in the housing passageway, and is spring biased to then move proximally with respect to the outer housing, moving the inner control rod of the medical device proximally to withdraw the stone basket mostly into the outer cannula and capture the stone for removal from the patient. A push button in the proximal end portion of the inner housing is depressible to permit insertion or withdrawal of the proximal end of the inner control rod of the stone retriever within the inner housing, and is releasable to secure the inner control rod in the handle.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device 10 for exposing to radioactivity a patient includes an elongate member such as a needle or cannula 12 adapted for introduction into the patient and also includes a stylet 14 slideably receivable in a longitudinal throughbore 16 in the needle 12. The device 10 also includes a portion 64 near either the proximal end 18 of the needle 12 or the distal end 24 of the stylet 14 which provides a local, defined amount of friction between the needle 12 and the stylet 14. The device 10 further includes an anti-static handle 34 connected to the needle 12. The handle 34 has an interior ramp surface 40 in communication with the throughbore 16 of the needle 12, frustoconical in shape and possessing an included apical angle of at least about 16°. The localized friction portion 64 can be a crimp or flange 48 on the stylet 14, or a crimp 44 or deformation 46 in or of the needle 12.

Abstract: The specification discloses an optical technique for retrieving images of geometric shapes from a cluttered background in a photographic record by means of amplitude and phase filters configured according to the particular shape sought to be retrieved. A Fourier transform of the record is filtered with filters of both types and light representing the desired shape, if present, is brought to a focus in an image plane.