Abstract: Use of potassium iodide, administered orally, in an average daily dosage of 0.10 to 0.40 milligrams for the treatment of symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The potassium iodide preferably is used in the form of a saturated aqueous solution of potassium iodide.

Abstract: A unique cleaning catheter adapted for use in conjunction with a fiber optic surgical device comprising an elongate flexible casing having a cleaning brush or the like affixed adjacent its distal end. The cleaning brush or the like is adapted to remove bodily tissue which may accumulate on the distal end of the fiber optic surgical device, without having to completely remove the device from the patient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fracturing hard deposits such as urinary and biliary stones and atherosclerotic plaque in the human body. A flexible guide having a hard mass capping an end is adapted for insertion through a fluid passage in a living body. An energy source creates a rapid vapor expansion adjacent to the cap causing it to undergo a pulse like movement, imparting a high-velocity impulse to an adjacent deposit, thereby fracturing it. The energy source may be a laser with a fiber optic delivery system in the guide terminating adjacent to the cap to cause vaporization of the mass cap to create the vapor expansion. The energy source may be a spark generator with a conductor associated with the guide to deliver a fluid vaporizing spark adjacent to the mass cap. Other forms of rapid energy delivery such as chemical detonations or ballistic impact may also be applicable.

Abstract: A coagulating scalpel including a cutting and coagulating element and a dissecting element. The dissecting element and cutting and coagulating element is positioned and configured and of such size that tissue to be cut can pass over or along a surface of the dissecting element and into the cutting zone of the scalpel. The surface of the dissecting element is adapted to permit substantially free passage of the tissue over or along the surface of the dissecting element upon movement of the scalpel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fracturing hard deposits such as urinary and biliary stones and atherosclerotic plaque in the human body. A flexible guide having a hard mass capping an end is adapted for insertion through a fluid passage in a living body. An energy source creates a rapid vapor expansion adjacent to the cap causing it to undergo a pulse like movement, imparting a high-velocity impulse to an adjacent deposit, thereby fracturing it. The energy source may be a laser with a fiber optic delivery system in the guide terminating adjacent to the cap to cause vaporization of the mass cap to create the vapor expansion. The energy source may be a spark generator with a conductor associated with the guide to deliver a fluid vaporizing spark adjacent to the mass cap. Other forms of rapid energy delivery such as chemical detonations or ballistic impact may also be applicable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fracturing hard deposits such as urinary and biliary calculi and arteriosclerotic plaque in the human body. An elongate guide member having an apertured hollow adjacent its distal end is inserted within the body with the distal end positioned adjacent the target. A working fluid is supplied to the hollow, and an electric spark is discharged within the hollow from an external energy source for generating pulse waves in the working fluid. The resulting pulse waves express working fluid from the hollow to impinge on the target. Makeup fluid is supplied and the spark repeated. The method and apparatus also may be advantageously employed for dilating narrowing in hollow internal structure in the body.