Abstract: The present invention relates to a stiffening member, which is a stylet, that helps increase the fluid flow area within a catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the stylet is made of a single piece of flat rectangular stock that can be twisted to provide equal rigidity in all directions. A cross-section of the stylet reveals that the substantially flat rectangular shape of the stylet permits maximum fluid flow between the stylet and the catheter. This results in increased ease in manipulating and removing the stylet from the catheter. In addition, because the preferred embodiment of the stylet comprises a single element, it is easier to manufacture and should result in lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the use of the present invention should also result in lower overall health-care costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stiffening member, which is a stylet, that helps increase the fluid flow area within a catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the stylet is made of a single piece of flat rectangular stock that can be twisted to provide equal rigidity in all directions. A cross-section of the stylet reveals that the substantially flat rectangular shape of the stylet permits maximum fluid flow between the stylet and the catheter. This results in increased ease in manipulating and removing the stylet from the catheter. In addition, because the preferred embodiment of the stylet comprises a single element, it is easier to manufacture and should result in lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the use of the present invention should also result in lower overall health-care costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stiffening member, which is a stylet, that helps increase the fluid flow area within a catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the stylet is made of a single piece of flat rectangular stock that can be twisted to provide equal rigidity in all directions. A cross-section of the stylet reveals that the substantially flat rectangular shape of the stylet permits maximum fluid flow between the stylet and the catheter. This results in increased ease in manipulating and removing the stylet from the catheter. In addition, because the preferred embodiment of the stylet comprises a single element, it is easier to manufacture and should result in lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the use of the present invention should also result in lower overall health-care costs.

Abstract: The present invention describes a stylet that softens dramatically upon insertion into a living body with a temperature of about 37.degree. C. The stylet has a distal end and a proximal end. Upon insertion of the distal end into a living body, the distal end softens from a stiffness of about 78 Durometer Shore D units to 25 Durometer Shore D units in a preferred embodiment. Moreover, the proximal end of the stylet, which is not inserted into the living body, retains its stiffness to aid a physician or a nurse in inserting and placing the catheter and stylet assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling mammary prostheses and tissue expanders using pumping systems are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a pumping system is used to deliver flow at the desired flow rate or pressure through a tube to the injection needle, allowing the surgeon to concentrate his attention on the injection itself to fill the inflatable mammary prosthesis or the tissue expander without having to operate and count filling syringes, all in a much faster manner than in the prior art. The pumping system used may include fluid volume measuring capabilities, pressure measuring capabilities, and other capabilities such as the capability, for viscosity reduction purposes, of heating the fluid to a temperature still compatible with injection.

Abstract: A factory preassembled, preferably partially prefilled three piece penile prosthesis that can be implanted in a patient as one pre-assembled unit and filled without any required further connection or purging of air. The prosthesis has a pair of inflatable cylinders that can be implanted into the corpora cavernosa regions of the penis, the inflatable cylinders preferably being attached to a solid rear portion to which the various tubing is connected. The prosthesis also has a reservoir for implantation into the abdomen, a pump for implantation into the scrotum for transferring fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders, and a controllable valve associated with the pump for retaining the fluid within the cylinders and for controllably allowing it to escape from the cylinders back into the reservoir when desired. When fluid is pumped into the cylinders, the cylinders are inflated to to encourage the penis to an erect position.