Abstract: A gastric band introduction device includes an elongated support tube having a handle at a proximal end thereof and an opening for delivery of a gastric band at a distal end thereof. The introduction device also includes a transparent section formed at the distal end of the support tube. A method for the application of a gastric band through the utilization of an gastric band introduction device is achieved by removing the gastric band introduction device from its packaging, initiating a check of the gastric band prior to introduction within the patient, the check including viewing of the gastric band through a transparent section formed in the introduction device, and introducing the gastric band.

Abstract: A gastric band includes a balloon shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe the stomach at a predetermined location. The balloon includes a longitudinally extending body and a supply tube is secured to the balloon for fluid communication with an internal cavity of the balloon.

Abstract: A gastric band includes a belt and a balloon secured to the belt. The balloon and belt being shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe the stomach at a predetermined location. The balloon includes a longitudinally extending body with at least one crease formed therein, the crease extending along a longitudinal axis of the body for providing the balloon with a reduced noninflated profile without reducing the fill volume of the fully expanded balloon.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.

Abstract: An improved needle assembly is provided. A distal portion of the needle can be formed of a first material which does not interfere with MRI imaging of a tissue receiving port disposed in the distal needle portion. A proximal needle portion can be formed of a second, different material. The proximal needle portion can provide strength and stiffness.

Abstract: A method for forming a needle assembly is provided. A distal portion of the needle can be formed of a first material which does not interfere with MRI imaging of a tissue receiving port disposed in the distal needle portion. A proximal needle portion can be formed of a second, different material, such as a metal. The proximal needle portion can provide strength and stiffness.

Abstract: An implantable band for placement around an anatomical passageway, such as the stomach or other lumen, has a strap made of material having at least one first material property, and has an attachment mechanism having material which has at least one second material property which is different from the first material property. The attachment mechanism may include plastically or elastically deformable material.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture can include a breast compression plate and a biopsy probe support plate for supporting a biopsy probe for movement along multiple perpendicular axes. The position of both the breast compression plate and the biopsy probe support plate can be adjustable along an axis which is generally parallel to a probe needle.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducer assembly having a safety feature to prevent accidental needle sticks. The introducer assembly includes a needle assembly having a groove disposed on its outer surface. The introducer includes a protector made of a hollow member having an open distal end and an inwardly disposed resilient flange or a clip disposed thereon. The protector is coaxially slidably disposed around the needle with the flange abutting the outer surface of the needle and adapted to engage the groove when a catheter assembly is removed from the needle.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducer assembly having a safety feature to prevent accidental needle sticks. The introducer assembly includes a needle assembly having a groove disposed on its outer surface. The introducer includes a protector made of a hollow member having an open distal end and a inwardly disposed resilient flange disposed thereon. The protector is coaxially slidably disposed around the needle with the flange abutting the outer surface of the needle and adapted to engage the groove when a catheter assembly is removed from the needle assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an obturator for penetrating body tissue which contains a handle and a shaft. The shaft has a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending from it. The handle and shaft are formed from a single piece of molded polymer. A substantially rigid reinforcing member which is formed from a material having a greater rigidity than the molded polymer is disposed along the shaft.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducer assembly having a safety feature to prevent accidental needle sticks. The introducer assembly includes a needle assembly having an elongated hollow tubular needle with a proximal end attached to a catheter hub and a distal end extending therefrom. The needle has a groove disposed on its outer surface The introducer includes a protector made of a hollow member having an open distal end and a inwardly disposed resilient flange disposed thereon. The protector is coaxially slidably disposed around the needle with the flange abutting the outer surface of the needle. The introducer also includes a catheter assembly having an elongated hollow tubular catheter with a proximal end attached to a catheter hub and a distal end extending therefrom. The catheter is coaxially disposed about the needle.

Abstract: A trocar for performing a surgical procedure on a patient. The trocar includes a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end, and a housing having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. Wherein the wall has an aperture therethrough for inserting surgical instruments into the trocar. The trocar includes a hollow tubular guide member having a proximal end attached to the wall about the aperture and a distal extending therefrom The trocar has a first seal comprising an elastomeric conical member having a proximal end adjacent to the distal end of the guide member, and a distal end extending therefrom, the distal end of the member having an opening therethrough.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an obturator for penetrating body tissue which contains a handle and a shaft. The shaft has a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending from it. The handle and shaft are formed from a single piece of molded polymer. A substantially rigid reinforcing member which is formed from a material having a greater rigidity than the molded polymer is disposed along the shaft.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The clamping mechanism includes a pivotal clamp arm which cooperates with the end-effector for gripping tissue therebetween. The clamp arm is preferably provided with a clamp tissue pad having a plurality of axially spaced gripping teeth which cooperate with the end-effector to achieve the desired ultrasonic effect on tissue, while facilitating grasping and gripping of tissue during surgical procedures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. The apparatus includes an elongated portion having a pivotal clamp arm at a distal end thereof for clamping tissue against an associated ultrasonic end-effector. A clamp arm mount of the apparatus interferingly engages the pivotal clamp arm to thereby maintain the clamp arm in substantial alignment with the end-effector, while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances of the components.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The ultrasonic waveguide of the apparatus is preferably provided with an improved support member at the distal-most node thereof, which support member desirably functions to resist bending moments created in the waveguide, attendant to operation of the clamping mechanism, while sealing the region adjacent to the waveguide.