Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.

Abstract: A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.

Abstract: A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.

Abstract: A foreign body retrieval device is disclosed. The device moves between an open position for receiving the foreign body and a closed position for capturing the foreign body. A novel method for retrieving a foreign body such as a stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.

Abstract: A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes-a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.

Abstract: A device for treating leakage from an external orifice in the body of a patent which comprises a first member having a body-contacting first surface and an opposing second surface about an aperture, which first surface is attachable to the patient with said aperture positioned over said orifice, and a second member integral with said second surface, which second member comprises a valve mounted over said aperture, which valve has a closed position which prevents leakage of fluid through the device and an open position which allows fluid to flow through said aperture when desired, the closed and open positions being achievable without removing the device from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism that prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The preventative mechanism includes a switching mechanism for moving a valve into either a closed or an open position. When closed, the locking valve prevents fluid flow in an adverse direction. While open, the pump functions normally allowing the cylinders to be inflated.

Abstract: A foreign body retrieval device is disclosed. The device moves between an open position for receiving the foreign body and a closed position for capturing the foreign body. A novel method for retrieving a foreign body such as a stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism that prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The preventative mechanism includes a switching mechanism for moving a valve into either a closed or an open position. When closed, the locking valve prevents fluid flow in an adverse direction. While open, the pump functions normally allowing the cylinders to be inflated.

Abstract: A design and method of manufacture are disclosed for a female continence augmentor device used to alleviate urinary incontinence. The female continence augmentor includes a mount formed of a resilient material, an intralumenal part carried on the mount and a resilient portion carried on the intralumenal part of device. The mount adheres to the female body about the urethral exit to support the female augmentor into position to prevent inadvertent urine loss. The intralumenal part of the device extends from the mount into the urethral lumen at least to the mid-urethra. In particular, the resilient portion of the intralumenal part extends into the urethra and is adapted to at least urge the dorsal urethral wall in the dorsal direction to stretch and/or reshape the mid-urethral lumen to have a more arcuate shape. Thus, the mid-urethral lumen in cross-section would preferably exhibit a crescent shape of smaller radius.

Abstract: A device for treating leakage from an external orifice in the body of a patient which comprises a first member having a body-contacting first surface and an opposing second surface about an aperture, which first surface is attachable to the patient with said aperture positioned over said orifice, and a second member integral with said second surface, which second member comprises a valve mounted over said aperture, which valve has a closed position which prevents leakage of fluid through the device and an open position which allows fluid to flow through said aperture when desired, the closed and open positions being achievable without removing the device from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A female continence augmentor stops involuntary urine loss due to transient increases in bladder pressure but allows urine flow when automatically opened by transmitted bladder pressure during voluntary voiding. The augmentor improves coaptation and increases midurethral resistance to opening with a resilient mount releasably adhered adhesively to the body in position to prevent inadvertent urine loss. An intralumenal part on the mount has a resilient portion extending into the urethra for urging the dorsal midurethral wall in a dorsal direction for stretching and/or reshaping the midurethral lumen to an arc. The portion has a member located to engage the midurethral wall. A coaptation improver on the member engages with the adjacent midurethra. The improver carries biocompatible hydrophilic material adapted to coact with mucus and mucosa within the urethra. A coated biocompatible hydrophilic membrane can be the member with opposed generally rectangular major surfaces and is circumscribed by an edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering laser energy to a target through a radiation-transmitting waveguide having a distal end terminating in a tip which is in contact with the target during delivery, while protecting the tip from heat damage, which apparatus comprises a waveguide for transmitting laser radiation and having a distal end terminating in a tip adapted to be placed in contact with the target to deliver laser energy directly to the target at the site of contact, and means for delivering a controlled small amount of liquid to the target adjacent to the tip, which small amount is just sufficient to limit the temperature at the target to not more than the failure temperature of the tip. An apparatus assembly for performing ILC incorporating a waveguide and a method for protecting the tip of a waveguide from damage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system for reversibly occluding a body passageway, preferably the urethra, enables the body passageway to be opened and closed in sequence due to the action of a lifting and lowering device which is adapted to be in integral contact with or disposed about the body passageway. An actuating device is operably connected to the lifting and lowering device, and a pump capable of being volitionally operated is in fluid communication with the actuating device to provide a pressurized flow of fluid into the actuating device.

Abstract: A mechanical penile prosthesis which comprises an elongated, tubular, prestretched, elastic outer sheath having a distal tip, a proximal tip and an intermediate portion defining a hollow tubular chamber having positioned therein a central core anchored at each of its ends to a tip, and an articulated member positioned about the flexible core, which articulated member comprises a plurality of alternating rings and discs, each of the rings being defined by a toroid having a curved surface, a substantially circular cross-section and an outer circumference, each of the discs being defined by a toroid having a flattened upper surface and a flattened lower surface, each surface having a peripheral portion which has a tapered or convex profile which contacts the curved surface of the adjacent rings.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis for alleviating erectile impotency includes a generally tubular enclosure which is implantable within the corpus cavernosum. The tubular enclosure includes a generally non-distensible pressurizable chamber which when filled with fluid substantially to capacity will transform the prosthesis from the flaccid to an erect state, and a unique inflation valve assembly comprising two valves in longitudinally sequential relationship which will open or close under sequentially applied pressure differential conditions. The prosthesis includes a pump implantable in the body apart from the tubular enclosure, preferably in the scrotum, and a deflation valve.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a flow path, which valve comprises a housing defining a flow path and having two indented portions about the flow path, a poppet mounted within each indented portion such that the internal end of each indented portion defines a seat which provides a fluid tight seal when the associated poppet head is held against the seat, a spring associated with each poppet for holding each poppet against each seat, a rigid moveable member associated with each poppet and adapted to alter the orientation of the associated poppet relative to its seat and thereby seal or unseal the flow path around the poppet, and an actuator for moving each movable member; and inflator apparatus incorporating at least one valve.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis implantable within the corpus cavernosum of the penis in order to alleviate erectile impotency includes a unique deflation valve mechanism for returning the prosthesis from the erect to the flaccid state. In its preferred embodiment the prosthesis is of a unitary type comprising a distal portion including a pump, a medial portion defining a pressurizable chamber comprising an internal, tubular, substantially non-distensible portion and a concentric tubular sleeve, and a proximal portion including a fluid reservoir, the latter being in fluid communication with the pump. The deflation valve mechanism is activated in accordance with pressure differential conditions within the valve and a movable or distensible partition capable of exerting an internal force within the valve to place the valve in an open mode, thereby effecting the deflation of the prosthesis or hydraulic system in which the valve mechanism is present. Apparatus for extending the length of the prosthesis are also provided.