Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a frame and an articulated deck coupled to the frame. The articulated deck may include a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. The seat section may include a stationary frame coupled to the frame and a moveable frame that moves relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame may move between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A computer system (11, 12, 13) and method for managing data used in conducting clinical studies concerning subjects at a plurality of participating, geographically distributed clinical sites, each participating clinical site having a computer (17, 18, 19) for inputting, transmitting and receiving data over the Internet (15). An Internet network server computer (13) is interfaced to a database host computer (11) through a private network (12). The system (11, 12, 17, 18, 19) communicates data over the Internet (15, 16) to determine patient eligibility, randomization and initial prescriptions, which can then be adjusted by the physician online. The final prescription is printed out for signature and sent electronically to a distribution center (55). Study data is maintained in a database in the host computer (11) behind a firewall provided in the Internet server computer (13).

Abstract: A guidewire is provided for use with medical devices such as catheters. The guidewire has a structure which is particularly suitable for use as a micro-guidewire which is small enough for use even within the cerebral vascular system. The guidewire includes a unitary core wire of nickel and titanium alloy, which unitary core wire has a distal tip portion including a ribbon tip. A coil is positioned generally along the outside surface of the distal tip portion, including the ribbon tip. The distal tip portion of the device exhibits super-elasticity properties by which the tip is easily bent and rebent without kinking.