Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.

Abstract: A system that breaks calcium in a liquid includes a catheter including first and second electrodes arranged to receive there-across a high electrical voltage at an initial low current. The high electrical voltage causes an electrical arc to form across the electrodes creating a gas bubble within the liquid, a high current to flow through the electrodes, and a mechanical shock wave. A power source provides the electrodes with the high electrical voltage at the initial current and terminates the high electrical voltage in response to the high current flow through the electrodes.

Abstract: A clip fastener (10) comprises a housing and a releasable cartridge (12) to hold a plurality of clips (20). There is a truck (14) having a pair of guide rails (50, 52) to receive the clips (20). There is a mechanism (76, 78) to vary the distance between the guide rails (50, 52). There is a ram (68) to )move a clip (20) along the track (14). There is a depressor (90) to slightly open the loops.

Abstract: A clip fastener comprises a housing and a releasable cartridge located in or on the housing for holding a plurality of clips. A track is provided for receiving clips from the magazine. A ram rod moves the clip along a pathway defined by the track, and a spreader in the pathway separates an inner loop of the clip from an outer loop thereof.

Abstract: A clip fastener comprises a housing and a releasable cartridge located in or on the housing for holding a plurality of clips. A track is provided for receiving clips from the magazine. A ram rod moves the clip along a pathway defined by the track, and a spreader in the pathway separates an inner loop of the clip from an outer loop thereof.

Abstract: A clip fastener has a housing and a magazine located in or on the housing for holding a plurality of clips. A track for receiving clips from the magazine is provided. The fastener has means for moving the clip along a pathway defined by the track, and spreader means in the pathway for separating an inner loop of the clip from an outer loop thereof. An adjustable track to accommodate clips of different sizes may be provided.