Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.

Abstract: A transcutaneous electrostimulation device includes an electrostimulation generator providing at an output a nerve electro stimulation signal, an electronic signal conduit conductively connected to the output of the generator, and an electrode coupler shaped to form fit an ear canal of a human ear and having at least one electrostimulation electrode. The electrode is conductively connected to the electronic signal conduit to receive the nerve electrostimulation signal and is positioned at the electrode coupler to contact tissue within an ear canal and apply the nerve electrostimulation signal to the tissue transcutaneously. An audio source outputs audio signals. The electrode coupler has a speaker receiving the audio signals for output into the ear canal when the electrode coupler is worn. The generator sends the nerve electrostimulation signal to the electrode coupler while the audio signals are output. The generator modulates the nerve electrostimulation signal based upon the audio signals.

Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.

Abstract: A method for implanting a stent includes contracting a self-expanding/forcibly-expanding stent of a shape-memory material set to a given shape to a reduced implantation size with a delivery system having drive wires. The stent has a selectively adjustable assembly with adjustable elements operatively connected to the drive wires such that, when the adjustable elements are adjusted by the drive wires, a configuration change in at least a portion of the self-expanding stent occurs. The contracted stent is inserted into a native annulus in which the stent is to be implanted. The drive wires are rotated with the delivery system to forcibly expand the stent into the native annulus. While rotating the drive wires, a torque applied to the drive wires is determined with the delivery system. Rotation of the drive wires is stopped based upon a value of the determined torque.

Abstract: A vascular catheter with a circular external diameter, a circular lumen contained within, and an inflatable balloon that overlies a trough in the catheter body such that when the balloon is deflated, the balloon does not protrude beyond the outer circumference of the catheter shaft. The wall of the catheter shaft is thicker along one side than along the remainder of the circumference of the catheter shaft to permit an inflation lumen to be disposed within the thick wall section without increasing the outer diameter of the remaining portion of the circumference. The inflatable balloon is further disposed to maintain the circular lumen of the catheter in the center of flow of the blood vessel in which it is used, maintaining optimal flow.

Abstract: A method for controlling the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural orifice or lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.

Abstract: An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

Abstract: A rapid infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluids at standard and rapid flow rates. The system includes a pump assembly, a drive assembly to power the pump, and a fluid containment system that keeps the infused fluid out of direct contact with the pump assembly and that is preferably disposable and removable. In one embodiment the drive assembly includes a differential drive that interacts with more than one motor. In one embodiment, the pump assembly includes a roller pump and the pump chamber is a collapsible, preformed tube that is preferably attached to a pump cartridge frame. Optionally, the system includes a self-leveling drip chamber and the fluid containment system is disposable and includes a pump cartridge containing the drip chamber and the pump chamber, I.V. tubing, outlet infusion tubing, and a heater cartridge.

Abstract: An implantable device for controlling the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling shape and/or size of an anatomical structure or lumen. The implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. The implantable device is housed in a catheter and insertable from a minimally invasive surgical entry. An adjustment tool actuates the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during or after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function.

Abstract: A vascular catheter with a circular external diameter, a circular lumen contained within, and an inflatable balloon that overlies a trough in the catheter body such that when the balloon is deflated, the balloon does not protrude beyond the outer circumference of the catheter shaft. The wall of the catheter shaft is thicker along one side than along the remainder of the circumference of the catheter shaft to permit an inflation lumen to be disposed within the thick wall section without increasing the outer diameter of the remaining portion of the circumference. The inflatable balloon is further disposed to maintain the circular lumen of the catheter in the center of flow of the blood vessel in which it is used, maintaining optimal flow.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomical structure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. An adjustment tool is configured to actuate the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during and after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for increasing the temperature of a fluid being infused into a patient's body while the infusion is taking place. The present invention also provides for improved monitoring of air in the infusion system such to prevent the introduction of air into the patient's body receiving the fluid infusion. The present invention also provides for a system pump which provides a variable flow rate that serves a vast amount of infusion needs and purposes. A disposable cartridge in accordance with the present invention will allow for the efficient transfer of heat energy to the fluid being infused into the patient's body. The cartridge will further ensure that deleterious amounts of air will not be introduced into the patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for increasing the temperature of a fluid being infused into a patient's body while the infusion is taking place. The present invention also provides for improved monitoring of air in the infusion system such to prevent the introduction of air into the patient's body receiving the fluid infusion. The present invention also provides for a system pump which provides a variable flow rate that serves a vast amount of infusion needs and purposes. A disposable cartridge in accordance with the present invention will allow for the efficient transfer of heat energy to the fluid being infused into the patient's body. The cartridge will further ensure that deleterious amounts of air will not be introduced into the patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.

Abstract: A system for implanting a surgical device to control the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.