Abstract: The malleolar pad of preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a treating physician with the ability to monitor pressure at a wound site, adjust the pressure to more accurately treat and facilitate healing of, for example, a pressure ulcer while providing adequate wound care. Pressure ulcers can have varied presentations with respect to open sores and the location of the wound. Thus, proper fixation methods provided by monitoring the pressure measurement devices which allow adjustment of the compressive forces applied by the malleolar pad provide rewarding outcomes for the patient and the physician.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may then be attached to a second conduit that has a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may be connected to the aorta prior to the first conduit being attached to the heart. The prosthetic device may be a prosthetic valve or a pump, for example. The apparatus of the present invention includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a retractor expansion component, a coring component, and a pushing component. The retractor expansion component is slideably coupled to the coring component. The retractor expansion component serves to seat against and separate the inside apical wall of the left ventricle so that the coring component may cut cleanly through the myocardium to form a tissue plug without leaving any hanging attachments to the inside walls.

Abstract: The invention provides an applicator for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ and for connecting a hemostatic connection assembly to the hollow organ, wherein, when the hole is formed in the wall of the hollow organ, a first fluid seal exists between the hemostatic connection assembly and the wall of the hollow organ and a second fluid seal exists between the hemostatic connection assembly and the applicator, thereby minimizing fluid loss from the hollow organ.

Abstract: Novel component devices for urine management systems including a novel collection device, a novel conveyance tube, and a novel storage container. The collection device, a novel male catheter, comprises a waterproof, thin-walled conduction tube surrounding the penis, having wettable internal walls and containing a spacing wick. At one end, the conduction tube is connected to, or surrounded by, an elastic compression tube that provides a uniform compressive force around the girth of the penis for attachment and liquid seal to said penis, and at the other end is attached to a fitting that connects to the conveyance tube. The elastic compression tube is radially expanded prior to donning and, when in place over the penis, is allowed to elastically retract, providing radial compression for comfortable, and leak-free fit and use.

Abstract: A urine management system including components in fluid wicking communication with one another—a collection device, a conveyance tube, and a storage container—is disclosed. The gender-shaped collection device has wettable internal walls and contains a spacing wick. The male collection device additionally has a compression tube that provides a uniform compressive force for attachment and seal. The conveyance tube wicks urine from the collection device to the storage container, and contains a spacer throughout its length to prevent blockage by kinks or twists. The tube adapts to human shape and movement, expands during use, and contracts during idle periods. The storage container receives urine from the conveyance tube and immobilizes it. The storage container can be reusable or disposable. It's internal structure causes uniform distribution of the urine throughout the storage container. The urine system components provide continuous wicking through special connecting devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical suture placement device that includes a handle assembly rotatably secured to an elongated hollow outer tube extending from the handle assembly. Also included is a suturing assembly rotatably secured to the distal end of the elongated hollow outer tube and a hollow flexible tube connecting the handle assembly to the suture assembly by traversing the inside of the elongated hollow outer tube. The device can be used for placing a suture through the urethra and bladder neck to perform an urethrovesical anastomosis, e.g., after removal of the prostate.

Abstract: Implantable devices that deliver a drug to a target location are disclosed. In general, the devices include a portion that engages tissue near the target location and a section with an internal cavity that houses the drug. The drug can be incorporated into a controlled release agent, such as drug-polymer microspheres, which steadily or intermittently release the drug. Alternatively, instead of defining an internal cavity, the section can be formed from a material that includes the controlled release agent. The devices can be used, e.g., to deliver down-regulatory cytokines to a site of inflammation.

Abstract: Novel component devices for urine management systems including a novel collection device, a novel conveyance tube, and a novel storage container. The collection device, a novel male catheter, comprises a waterproof, thin-walled conduction tube surrounding the penis, having wettable internal walls and containing a spacing wick. At one end, the conduction tube is connected to, or surrounded by, an elastic compression tube that provides a uniform compressive force around the girth of the penis for attachment and liquid seal to said penis, and at the other end is attached to a fitting that connects to the conveyance tube. The elastic compression tube is radially expanded prior to donning and, when in place over the penis, is allowed to elastically retract, providing radial compression for comfortable, and leak-free fit and use.

Abstract: The invention features methods of making living tissue constructs that can be used to repair perforations in tympanic membranes, the repair constructs themselves, and methods of repair.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed at a suction coagulator having a contact wire and a suction tube which has a portion thereof circumscribed by an insulating layer. The suction tube is electrically conductive and electrically connected to the contact wire and portions of both the contact wire and the suction tube, with its insulating layer, have a layer of plastic material molded thereabout to form a first insert. The first insert includes a body section having a surface through which a vent extends and an airway is formed within the first insert in spaced parallel relation with the upper surface of the first insert and in communication with the vent. A vent activation button is integrally formed from the upper surface of the body section and a longitudinally extending baffle forms the lower wall of the airway.

Abstract: This is a hand switch adapter for use with two prong bipolar forceps. It utilizes a reed spring for energizing a circuit which in turn activates the main circuit.