Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

Abstract: A drainage and autotransfusion system is coupled with a closed wound drain. A detachable suction reservoir provides suction to the system to facilitate drainage of blood from the wound into a substantially rigid collection container. This blood is adapted to be transferred into an attached blood bag which in turn may be coupled with an administration set for reinfusion. While blood is reinfusing, blood collection into the container continues. Following autotransfusion, the suction reservoir can be converted to a suction device for blood collection directly from the closed wound drain.

Abstract: A system and method for draining a postoperative wound, the system having a bottle which is coupled in a manner to facilitate fill of the bottle under low pressure from a postoperative wound.

Abstract: An improved process for catalytically oxidizing alpha-beta unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes in the vapor phase with molecular oxygen to produce alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acids using a catalyst composition which has been thermally activated in the presence of ammonia, and which comprises the elements Mo, V, W, Cr and Cu.

Abstract: An improved process for catalytically oxidizing alpha-beta unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes in the vapor phase with molecular oxygen to produce alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acids using a catalyst composition which has been thermally activated in the presence of ammonia, and which comprises the elements Mo, V, W, Cr and Cu.