Abstract: Provided are beverage compositions comprising a urine citrate increasing component and a urine oxalate reducing component. The beverage compositions may be provided in a ready-to-drink form or may be provided in a concentrate form. Also provided are kits comprising the beverage compositions and methods for treating various conditions using the beverage compositions.

Abstract: Provided are beverage compositions comprising a urine citrate increasing component and a urine oxalate reducing component. The beverage compositions may be provided in a ready-to-drink form or may be provided in a concentrate form. Also provided are kits comprising the beverage compositions and methods for treating various conditions using the beverage compositions.

Abstract: This invention related to manufactured microbubbles, as well as methods of using manufactured microbubbles, for example, in medicinal applications. The invention pertains to the physical structure and materials of the microbubbles, as well as to methods for manufacturing microbubbles, methods for targeting microbubbles for specific medicinal applications, and methods for delivering microbubbles in medical treatment.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel surgical device well suited to use in laparoscopic or other (e.g. open surgical) procedures. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a surgical probe, including a handle comprising at least one channel passing through the handle; and at least one conduit passing through the handle, where wherein at least one effector element is inserted into or through the channel, which effector element effects one or more surgical functions; and where the conduit comprises a distal conduit port that directs gas out of the conduit to substantially remove debris and/or fluid from a surface disposed proximal to the effector and/or from the effector element.

Abstract: Active and passive wound drainage systems and method are provided. A drainage device includes an input passage for receiving the fluid from a site on or within the patient's body, a container for holding the fluid, and a reversible valve disposed between the input passage and the container. The reversible valve in an original configuration provides unidirectional fluid flow from the input passage toward the container, and in a reversed configuration provides fluid flow from the container toward the input passage.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel surgical device well suited to use in laparoscopic or other (e.g. open surgical) procedures. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a surgical probe, including a handle comprising at least one channel passing through the handle; and at least one conduit passing through the handle, where wherein at least one effector element is inserted into or through the channel, which effector element effects one or more surgical functions; and where the conduit comprises a distal conduit port that directs gas out of the conduit to substantially remove debris and/or fluid from a surface disposed proximal to the effector and/or from the effector element.

Abstract: An electro-nerve stimulator system includes a pulse generator for generating current pulses with a transcutaneous patch and percutaneous needle for delivering current pulses to selected stimulation sites. The stimulator is a small battery operated external device that allows adjustment of stimulation levels and interfaces, via a connector, to the trans-percutaneous cable. The transcutaneous electrode is attached to the skin distal from the desired stimulated nerve site. A percutaneous needle is inserted close to the internal nerve site. Stimulation current pulses are designed to flow between the transcutaneous electrode and the internal percutaneous needle. The field generated at the needle site causes the nerve to fire.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal ion/bisphosphonate complexes that are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of urinary calculi. Preferred bisphosphonates include etidronate, pamidronate (APD), methylene diphosphonate (MDP), and imidodiphosphonate (IDP). The metal ion is preferably a quadrivalent metal ion such as Sn.sup.+4.

Abstract: An actuator (2) is used for actuating an auxiliary endoscopic device, such as an irrigation syringe (4), a pronged forcep (98) or a flexible stone-capturing basket (86). The auxiliary endoscopic device has a stationary portion (46) and a portion (62) which moves relative to the stationary portion. The actuator includes a foot pedal assembly (6) having a movable part (14) and a stationary part (12), a housing (8) and a coaxial cable (10). The coaxial cable includes an inner wire (30) and an outer tube (22) fixed at its ends (24, 26) to the movable part of the foot pedal assembly and to the housing. The stationary portion of the auxiliary endoscopic device is secured to the housing while the movable portion is connected to one end of the wire, the other end of the wire being connected to the stationary part of the foot pedal assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to connecting tubes for medical use. A connector (1) having a conical hollow body (2) and a pierceable sealing diaphragm (10) is attached to a flexible tail portion (12) comprised of two co-operating adhesive-coated strips (24/26). The adhesive on inner surfaces (20) of the strips is protected by peel-away coverings (14) prior to use. In use, a medical tube (16) is introduced into the body through an end (6) and through the sealing diaphragm. The adhesive strips contact the tube to further secure it to the body. Another device, such as a second tube or a drainage bag, connects to the other end (4) of the body.

Abstract: A suture applying and tying device comprises at least one grasping device for securing a length of suture, a second grasping device for forming a loop in a length of the suture, and a pushing rod for advancing the loop towards tissue.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture system comprises a transmitter for emitting high frequency magnetic energy pulses and a receiver, sealed within an implantable "thumb-tack" shaped device, for receiving and converting such pulses into stimulating pulses of current. The device comprises a head having an exposed ring-electrode (anode) secured therein and a needle-like electrode (cathode) having a proximal end secured in the head and a distal end adapted to pierce body tissue. The latter electrode comprises a metallic tube secured in the head and a metallic wire inserted through the tube to position and fix an exposed tip of the wire at a preselected location and depth in the body tissue, in accordance with method steps taught herein.

Abstract: A retrieval catheter (10) for removing deleterious materials (S) from body lumens has an elongate catheter body (12) having a slack net (26) at its distal end (16). The slack net may be collapsed to facilitate introduction into the body lumen and opened in situ to permit capture and retrieval of the deleterious materials. A method for removing ureteral stones from the ureter is described.

Abstract: A stent of the present invention includes a tubular body having a helical-like ridge along at least a portion of its outer wall for expelling masses within a body passage. The helical-like ridge includes a smooth, convex superior surface having a beveled central portion, and a concave inferior surface.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture system comprises a transmitter for emitting high frequency magnetic energy pulses and a receiver, sealed within an implantable "thumb-tack" shaped device, for receiving and converting such pulses into stimulating pulses of current. The device comprises a head having an exposed ring-electrode (anode) secured therein and a needle-like electrode (cathode) having a proximal end secured in the head and a distal end adapted to pierce body tissue. The latter electrode comprises a metallic tube secured in the head and a metallic wire inserted through the tube to position and fix an exposed tip of the wire at a preselected location and depth in the body tissue, in accordance with method steps taught herein.