Abstract: Insulated intravenous administration tubing is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention includes a single medical solution or I.V. tubing manufactured of a polymeric material having good flexibility and comprising an insulation polymer or having an insulation medium applied to the inner or outer surface of the tube or blended into the tube during or after forming, with Mylar being an advantageous insulation material. The present invention may also consist of a long tubular-like structure which consists of two concentric channels, an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel accepts and encloses the tubing in which warm fluid flows. Three key functions are, achieved: the inner channel is centered within the outer channel; this provides for maximum insulation efficiency/properties with the minimum of separating space, transparency may be provided; i.e. the more transparent the insulation the better the ability of the user to see the quality of the warm fluid flowing within, i.e.

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 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. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.

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: 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: A catheter has a 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.

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: A novel durable prosthetic heart valve compatible with implantation in a human natural heart valve annulus. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a tubular heart valve which in function resembles a human heart valve, but which is formed of either synthetic or biologic material. The present valve is capable of structurally complying with annular deformation during each heartbeat. Valve embodiments comprise aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonic implantable valves. Valves can be selectively impregnated with a group of biologically active substances consisting of antibiotics, bactericidal agents, anticoagulant medications, endothelial cells, genetic material, growth factors or other hormonal or biologically active substances. Use of non-thrombogenic biocompatible materials in the valve which mimics operation of a natural heart valve essentially eliminates the need for long term administration of anticoagulants.

Abstract: Insulated intravenous administration tubing is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention includes a single medical solution or I.V. tubing manufactured of a polymeric material having good flexibility and comprising an insulation polymer or having an insulation medium applied to the inner or outer surface of the tube or blended into the tube during or after forming, with Mylar being an advantageous insulation material. The present invention may also consist of a long tubular-like structure which consists of two concentric channels, an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel accepts and encloses the tubing in which warm fluid flows. Three key functions are, achieved: the inner channel is centered within the outer channel; this provides for maximum insulation efficiency/properties with the minimum of separating space, transparency may be provided; i.e. the more transparent the insulation the better the ability of the user to see the quality of the warm fluid flowing within, i.e.

Abstract: A rapid infusion system for rapidly delivering blood and/or volume expanding fluid to a patient, said rapid infusion device comprising in combination: a portion which includes an adjustable drive means and related control means therefor, and a portion which includes components that come into contact with the fluid infused to the patient, and optionally wherein said system can be portable.

Abstract: A rapid infusion system for rapidly delivering blood and/or volume expanding fluid to a patient, said rapid infusion device comprising in combination: a portion which includes an adjustable drive mechanism and related control mechanism therefor, and a portion which includes components that come into contact with the fluid infused to the patient, and optionally wherein said system can be portable.

Abstract: A figure for attachment to an apparatus for performing examinations on children which includes a toy-like figure attached to and/or at least partially encompassing the examination apparatus for distracting the child prior to or during the examination. The toy-like figure may be any child-attracting figure and may resemble a fictional or real animal, human, or the like. The apparatus with the figure attached will appear less foreign and threatening to children than those which are presently being used. As a result, an examination can be performed more safely and efficiently than was heretofore possible.

Abstract: A preformed mandible splint and a method of aligning and stabilizing a fractured mandible with such a splint is disclosed. The splint is configured to approximate the curvature of the lower teeth or the gingiva of the lower jaw. The curvature of an eight inch diameter sphere approaches the geometric curvature of the human teeth and gum, therefore, the similarly configured splint of the present invention is usable for almost any child or adult. The splint is approximately U-shaped, follows the human dental arcade, and has rows of holes or slots along its outer and inner perimeter. The splint is placed on the teeth or gingiva and wired through the holes or slots to the mandible thus correctly aligning the mandible. Fractures can then be screwed into place according to the curvature of the splint. This eliminates the need of wiring the patient's jaw shut as is presently done in current interdigitation techniques where even minute errors in mandibular repair results in flagrant morbidities in the patient.

Abstract: A rapid infusion system for rapidly delivering blood and/or volume expanding fluid to a patient, said rapid infusion device comprising in combination: a permanent portion and a removable portion; wherein said permanent portion includes an adjustable drive means and related control means therefor, wherein said removable portion includes sub-components that come into contact with the fluid infused to the patient, and optionally wherein said system can be portable.