Abstract: A medical instrument and associated functionality are described for performing a cystostomy with optical guidance. A cystostomy device (10) includes a sound (12) including a distal portion (18) and a proximal portion (20), a front handle (14) and a rear handle (16). A physician or other user can grip the handles (14 and 16) to guide the distal portion (18) of the sound (12) through the urethra and into a bladder of the patient. The device (10) includes an optical unit (32) mounted at the tip (22) of the sound (12). The optical unit (32) generally includes a distal sound tip cap (34) with a lens opening and an optical lens (36) mounted on the opening. The optical unit (32) may further include one or more illumination sources, such as LEDs, for illuminating a volume forward of the tip (22) of the sound (12).

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a lumen occlusion device includes a pusher configured for releasably coupling with and pushing and pulling a proximal end of the occlusion device in a distal or proximal direction and a distal control wire capable of releasably coupling with the distal end and the proximal end of the occlusion device. The control wire may be configured for moving the distal end of the occlusion device in both proximal and distal directions allowing precise simultaneous control of both proximal and distal ends of the occlusion device. Control of both ends provides for placing the occlusion device in tension during delivery through a delivery catheter, thereby reducing delivery forces, achieving greater compaction of the occlusion device in the lumen, and precisely locating both distal and proximal ends of the occlusion device within the lumen.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a lumen occlusion device includes a pusher configured for releasably coupling with and pushing and pulling a proximal end of the occlusion device in a distal or proximal direction and a distal control wire capable of releasably coupling with the distal end and the proximal end of the occlusion device. The control wire may be configured for moving the distal end of the occlusion device in both proximal and distal directions allowing precise simultaneous control of both proximal and distal ends of the occlusion device. Control of both ends provides for placing the occlusion device in tension during delivery through a delivery catheter, thereby reducing delivery forces, achieving greater compaction of the occlusion device in the lumen, and precisely locating both distal and proximal ends of the occlusion device within the lumen.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a lumen occlusion device includes a pusher configured for releasably coupling with and pushing and pulling a proximal end of the occlusion device in a distal or proximal direction and a distal control wire capable of releasably coupling with the distal end and the proximal end of the occlusion device. The control wire may be configured for moving the distal end of the occlusion device in both proximal and distal directions allowing precise simultaneous control of both proximal and distal ends of the occlusion device. Control of both ends provides for placing the occlusion device in tension during delivery through a delivery catheter, thereby reducing delivery forces, achieving greater compaction of the occlusion device in the lumen, and precisely locating both distal and proximal ends of the occlusion device within the lumen.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a lumen occlusion device includes a pusher configured for releasably coupling with and pushing and pulling a proximal end of the occlusion device in a distal or proximal direction and a distal control wire capable of releasably coupling with the distal end and the proximal end of the occlusion device. The control wire may be configured for moving the distal end of the occlusion device in both proximal and distal directions allowing precise simultaneous control of both proximal and distal ends of the occlusion device. Control of both ends provides for placing the occlusion device in tension during delivery through a delivery catheter, thereby reducing delivery forces, achieving greater compaction of the occlusion device in the lumen, and precisely locating both distal and proximal ends of the occlusion device within the lumen.

Abstract: A suction nozzle holster is provided with a latch mechanism for receiving a universally adjustable strap having a groove system whose individual grooves can engage with a pawl of a lever arm of said latch mechanism. A forward surface of the holster may be provided with a hole into which a suction hose can be forced in order to constrict said hose and, hence, curtail the vacuum conditions in a suction nozzle serviced by that hose.

Abstract: A suction nozzle holster is provided with a latch mechanism for receiving a universally adjustable strap having a groove system whose individual grooves can engage with a pawl of a lever arm of said latch mechanism. A forward surface of the holster may be provided with a hole into which a suction hose can be forced in order to constrict said hose and, hence, curtail the vacuum conditions in a suction nozzle serviced by that hose.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for draining fluid from a patient. A drainage line is connected to a vacuum bottle. The vacuum is transferred into the drainage line by piercing a seal over the bottle mouth. The indicator in the form of a collapsible bulb or other deformable element confirms the presence of the vacuum at the time of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for draining fluid from a patient. A drainage line is connected to a vacuum bottle. The vacuum is transferred into the drainage line by piercing a seal over the bottle mouth. The indicator in the form of a collapsible bulb or other deformable element confirms the presence of the vacuum at the time of use.

Abstract: A shoe for treating and preventing chronic foot wounds such as ulcerations in diabetes patients. A malleable shoe upper is attached to a sole and receives a custom-fitted orthosis produced by imprinting the patient's plantar aspect into heat-deformable foam or a hardening silicone. A heel of the shoe includes an internal spring to further dampen reactive forces.

Abstract: A device for localizing and stabilizing a mass within the breast of a patient. The device has a housing with a sharpened cannula extending therefrom, and a plunger having a barbed wire extending therefrom that is slidably disposed within the housing. The barbed wire is releasable from the cannula housing by sliding the plunger, allowing the barb to engage a mass. A locking position prevents the plunger from unwanted sliding. Indicators alert a user as to the status of the device. The device can be held and used with one hand.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing fluid from the body of a patient, such as in paracentesis and thoracentesis. Fluid may be withdrawn via a retractable needle assembly, including a sharp introducing needle and a retractile blunt needle. The needle assembly is housed in a housing having a chamber with two oriented grommets that prevent fluid flow through the chamber (other than through the needle assembly) both when the needle assembly is inserted through the chamber and when it is withdrawn. A beam spring blocks the chamber after the needle assembly is withdrawn so that the device cannot be reused.