Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish a nipple-lift by deploying the sutures cranially from the nipple-areolar complex to stable anatomical features higher on the chest. Additional barbed sutures may be used to accomplish a breast-lift and/or breast contouring by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.

Abstract: A wire-guided esophageal bougie comprises a PTFE-lined, silicone rubber tube with a tapered, silicone rubber dilator on its distal end, the dilator being more flexible than the PTFE-lined tube. Radiopaque material throughout the length of the tube renders it fluoroscopically visible in the esophagus while a radiopaque ring in the dilator fluoroscopically locates the position of the dilator relative to a stricture.

Abstract: Fluro-substituted aromatic carboxylic acids, and particular 2- and 4-fluorobenzoic acid can be made from the corresponding fluoro-methyl compound such as fluorotoluene in a single stage by the reaction at elevated temperature, preferably of at least 80.degree. C. with hydrogen peroxide and bromide in mole ratios to the substrate of greater than 2:1, and preferably around 3:1, in the presence of means capable of generating bromine free radicals from bromine molecules, such as radiation having a wavelength of not greater than 600 nm or an organic peroxide.

Abstract: An esophageal dilator comprises a hollow, flexible tube filled with a dispersion of Tungsten particles in a fluid silicone material for treating cardiospasm, esophagitis, stenosis and other esophageal diseases.

Abstract: A sawbuck is constructed of short lengths of lumber, and comprises a horizontal rail member disposed between and interconnecting a pair of end supports. The end supports are made up of metal brackets, which provide angularly disposed sockets for arms and legs and an additional socket for an end of the rail member. The brackets are fabricated from sheet metal, preferably joined by rivets or the like.

Abstract: An intravenous infusion pumping system in which an independent and therefore disposable pump set cooperates with a rotor assembly block to produce a peristaltic action conveying a therapeutic solution drawn from a container into a patient. The pump set, which includes a flow line extending between the container and the patient, has a pump chamber interposed therein constituted by a precisely-dimensioned, flexible tube terminating in inlet and outlet connectors. The tube is looped in a block cavity to conform to an arcuate stator wall therein and is subjected to compression by a pair of diametrically-opposed rollers carried by the rotor, the rollers pressing the tube against the wall to occlude the tube and thereby trap the fluid therein. As the rotor turns, the points of occlusion are advanced to propel the fluid toward the outlet.