Abstract: The disclosure relates to a retrievable intrauterine device which includes a recess suitable for containing one or more elements selected from the group that includes an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilized oocyte, a non-fertilized ovule and a combination of the elements. The recess includes an inner wall made of a biocompatible polymer, the inner wall including at least one perforated portion having perforations with dimensions of between 1 pm and 10 pm, and an outer wall covering the inner wall, the outer wall being made of a biocompatible silicone elastomer and including at least one opening opposite said at least one perforated portion of the inner wall. The use of the device relates to the preimplantation development of gametes and/or embryos.

Abstract: Assembly for endoscopically securing gastrointestinal tissue folds, comprising a first tissue anchor and a second tissue anchor, a first suture thread part and a second suture thread part, each of the first and second thread parts having a connected end and a free end opposite the connected end. The first thread part and the second thread part are tied to each other through a sliding knot, such that the first thread part firms a post of the sliding knot along which the sliding knot is arranged to slide during tightening of the assembly and such that the second thread part wraps around the post to create the sliding knot. The first thread part extends from the first anchor to past the sliding knot where the first thread part's free end forms a post free end, and the second thread part extends from the second anchor to past the sliding knot where the second thread part's free end is free, such that the sliding knot is interposed between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retrievable intrauterine device which includes a recess (10) suitable for containing one or more elements selected from the group that includes an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilised oocyte, a non-fertilised ovule and a combination of said elements. The recess (10) includes an inner wall (11) made of a biocompatible polymer, the inner wall (11) including at least one perforated portion (13a, 13b) having perforations with dimensions of between 1 ?m and 10 ?m, and an outer wall (12) covering the inner wall (11), the outer wall (12) being made of a biocompatible silicone elastomer and including at least one opening (14a, 14b) opposite said at least one perforated portion (13a, 13b) of the inner wall (11). The use of the device relates to the pre-implantation development of gametes and/or embryos.

Abstract: Assembly for endoscopically securing gastrointestinal tissue folds, comprising a first tissue anchor and a second tissue anchor, a first suture thread part and a second suture thread part, each of the first and second thread parts having a connected end and a free end opposite the connected end. The first thread part and the second thread part are tied to each other through a sliding knot, such that the first thread part firms a post of the sliding knot along which the sliding knot is arranged to slide during tightening of the assembly and such that the second thread part wraps around the post to create the sliding knot. The first thread part extends from the first anchor to past the sliding knot where the first thread part's free end forms a post free end, and the second thread part extends from the second anchor to past the sliding knot where the second thread part's free end is free, such that the sliding knot is interposed between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together two sections of tubing using a laser. A pair of fixtures hold the two tubing sections in opposed, end-to-end relation so that axially facing surfaces of the tube sections at the ends are free from exposure to a surrounding environment. A photodiode laser emits an electromagnetic beam at a separate sheet of material positioned between the axial surfaces at the ends of the tubing sections. The sheet absorbs energy of the electromagnetic beam. The pair of fixtures move the two tubing sections to bring the respective axially facing surfaces of the two tubing sections into engagement with the sheet and after the axially facing surfaces of the two sections are brought into engagement with the sheet, the electromagnetic beam is directed onto the sheet for welding the two sections of tubing together.

Abstract: A surgical staple for a surgical stapling device fitted with a substantially flat back that can deform between a closed position and an open penetration position of the staple, and two spaced-apart pin rows. The back comprises two parts that are hinged with respect to each other. The two pin rows are affixed by the base of the pins to these two parts, substantially lying along axes perpendicular to a plane of each of the two parts. In the closed position of the back a free end of the pins of the two rows converge, but when the back is in the open penetration position, the axes of the pins of the two rows tend to align parallel to each other so as to offer minimal resistance to penetration into tissues and the parts of the back bearing the bases of the pins are separated by a gap larger than in the closed position. The staple is particularly designed to be used with a combined device for plugging and fluidtight puncturing of a wall of a hollow organ.

Abstract: A combined device for plugging and fluidtight puncturing of a wall of a hollow organ, comprising a head bearing a surgical staple for the wall of the hollow organ, a fluidtight puncturing system comprising a puncturing device and a hollow channel, a keeping means for bringing the said staple from its open position to its closed position, a support connected to a traction member extending towards the distal part of the device. The device comprises an introducer capable of introducing the head of the device inside an organism. A staple particularly designed to fit this device is also describe.

Abstract: A Surgical retractor, designed in particular for minimally invasive operations, consisting essentially of an elastic plate rolled up about an axis so as to form the side wall of a substantially truncated cone shape, the narrowest cross section of the truncated cone constituting the distal part of this retractor, when the retractor is in place, and delimiting an operating field, the widest cross section of the truncated cone forming the proximal part, through which instruments can be introduced, said plate being able to be rolled up into a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than or equal to the narrowest cross section of its truncated cone shape.

Abstract: A rib retractor comprises a pair of L-shaped members able to be pivoted between an inserting and a working shape. Each lever comprises a detachable handle at a proximal side and a stretching jaw at a distal side. The members are linked at their respective corners by pivoting joining means. Each stretching jaw comprises a distal blade part and a curved section, acting as a cam to stretch apart the ribs when the retractor is brought from inserting to working shape and which define the operating field.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting together two sections of tubing using a laser. A pair of fixtures hold the two tubing sections in opposed, end-to-end relation so that axially facing surfaces of the tube sections at the ends are free from exposure to a surrounding environment. A photodiode laser emits an electromagnetic beam at a separate sheet of material positioned between the axial surfaces at the ends of the tubing sections. The sheet absorbs energy of the electromagnetic beam. The pair of fixtures move the two tubing sections to bring the respective axially facing surfaces of the two tubing sections into engagement with the sheet and after the axially facing surfaces of the two sections are brought into engagement with the sheet, the electromagnetic beam is directed onto the sheet for welding the two sections of tubing together.

Abstract: A method for sterile connection of tubing includes welding the tubing sections together using an efficient laser. The ends of the tubing sections are brought together prior to the initiation of welding, facilitating isolation of interior passage of the tubing sections. The method can be carried out by an apparatus which is relatively inexpensive and compact.

Abstract: A fluidthight surgical staple for a surgical stapling device comprises a deformable back that comprises two parts that are hinged with respect to each other and at least four rows of anchoring pins. The back remains substantially flat when the staple is in place, so that it does not protrude from the wall of the organ; when the back is in the open position, the axes of the pins of the two central rows tend to align parallel to each other and the tips of the pins are separated by a gap larger than in the closed position. At least a second row of converging second anchoring pins is placed towards the outer side of each hinged part of the back. The staple is provided with gripping points for keeping the staple in open or closed position.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is disclosed that includes a sample container including at least one wall defining a fluid-receiving interior chamber and including a fluid inlet for receiving fluid into the chamber and a sample device receiver carried by the container wall and in fluid communication with the chamber, the receiver being adapted to receive a sampling device for withdrawing a fluid sample from the chamber.

Abstract: A blood collection tube holder assembly is disclosed that includes a needle assembly including a piercing end and a non-piercing end and a generally cylindrical housing including a distal end engageable with the needle assembly, a proximal end adapted to receive a blood collection tube, and a sidewall extending between the proximal and distal ends. A cover is movably associated with the proximal end of the cylindrical body and movable between a closed position covering the proximal end and an open position opening the proximal end.

Abstract: A Surgical retractor, designed in particular for minimally invasive operations, consisting essentially of an elastic plate rolled up about an axis so as to form the side wall of a substantially truncated cone shape, the narrowest cross section of the truncated cone constituting the distal part of this retractor, when the retractor is in place, and delimiting an operating field, the widest cross section of the truncated cone forming the proximal part, through which instruments can be introduced, said plate being able to be rolled up into a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than or equal to the narrowest cross section of its truncated cone shape.

Abstract: A fluidthight surgical staple for a surgical stapling device comprises a deformable back that comprises two parts that are hinged with respect to each other and at least four rows of anchoring pins. The back remains substantially flat when the staple is in place, so that it does not protrude from the wall of the organ; when the back is in the open position, the axes of the pins of the two central rows tend to align parallel to each other and the tips of the pins are separated by a gap larger than in the closed position. At least a second row of converging second anchoring pins is placed towards the outer side of each hinged part of the back. The staple is provided with gripping points for keeping the staple in open or closed position.

Abstract: An adaptable blood processing platform comprises a blood processing device and a ground engaging frame including a shelf to which the blood processing device is secured. The frame supports the shelf for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. The shelf can be supported, e.g., for swinging cantilevered movement about an axis between the lowered and raised positions. The shelf can be supported, e.g., by a scissors linkage assembly coupled to the shelf for lowering and lifting the shelf between a lowered and raised positions. In the lowered position, the center of gravity of the blood processing device is located a first distance above ground, which is conducive for stable storage and/or transport of the platform. In the raised position, the center of gravity of the blood processing device is located a second distance above ground greater than the first distance, which is conductive for set-up and operation of the platform.

Abstract: A method for centrifugally separating whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent rotates about a rotational axis a separation zone having radially spaced apart walls with a high-G side and a low-G side located closer to the rotational axis than the high-G side. Whole blood enters the rotating separation zone in an entry region to begin separation. Separation is halted by a terminal wall that is circumferentially spaced from the entry region. The whole blood separates into red blood cells toward the high-G side and plasma constituent toward the low-G side. The method directs red blood cells separated in the separation zone in a circumferential flow direction toward the terminal wall. The method directs separated red blood cells from the rotating separation zone through a second path that extends, at least in part, radially beyond the high-G wall.

Abstract: A combined device for plugging and fluidthight puncturing of a wall of a hollow organ, comprising a head bearing a surgical staple for the wall of the hollow organ, a fluidthight puncturing system comprising a puncturing device and a hollow channel, a keeping means for bringing the said staple from its open position to its closed position, a support connected to a traction member extending towards the distal part of the device. The device comprises an introducer capable of introducing the head of the device inside an organism. A staple particularly designed to fit this device is also described.

Abstract: A method for sterile connection of tubing includes welding the tubing sections together using an efficient laser. The ends of the tubing sections are brought together prior to the initiation of welding, facilitating isolation of interior passage of the tubing sections. The method can be carried out by an apparatus which is relatively inexpensive and compact.