Abstract: A cycling, suturing and knot-tying device is characterized by an arcuate fixed, grooved or recessed way provided in a correspondingly shaped support frame for accommodating a curved needle fitted with thread, and frictional needle-engaging devices provided in the way for selectively engaging the needle and driving the needle in one or both rotational directions to suture a wound with the thread. Selective articulation of the frame and the way and driving of the needle in the way by positioning the frictional needle-engaging devices with respect to the needle are typically effected by manipulation of a pistol-grip operating apparatus having a transmission tube that mounts the frame and the way in articulating relationship and rotates and articulates with respect to the pistol grip and carries various operating elements that interface with the frictional needle-engaging devices in the way.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand-held radiation device for treating bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections found on the skin of a patient and in various of the body's anatomical orifices. The device of the invention is particularly effective in treating Methicillin resistant staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) colonies in the nose and on the skin surface of a patient. The device includes a reusable UV light source and a UV-transparent disposable cover for covering the probe portion of the reusable UV light source. The device further includes a combination probe cover ejector and disabling assembly for safely ejecting the probe cover after use without the necessity of the operator touching the contaminated probe cover and for disabling the device if the cover is not in place over the probe.

Abstract: A cycling suturing and knot-tying device is characterized by an arcuate fixed, grooved or recessed way provided in a correspondingly-shaped support frame for accommodating a curved needle fitted with thread, and frictional needle-engaging devices provided in the way for selectively engaging the needle and driving the needle in one or both rotational directions to suture a wound with the thread. Selective articulation of the frame and the way and driving of the needle in the way by positioning the frictional needle-engaging devices with respect to the needle are typically effected by manipulation of a pistol-grip operating apparatus having a transmission tube that mounts the frame and the way in articulating relationship and rotates and articulates with respect to the pistol grip and carries various operating elements that interface with the frictional needle-engaging devices in the way.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved anesthesia manifold and an improved induction valve mechanism. A plurality of induction valve elements may be joined or “ganged” together in order to define a manifold. In the preferred embodiment of the induction manifold, at least two individual valve elements are combined to form the manifold. Each of the plurality of valve elements includes the following components: (1) a valve body; (2) a first inlet port carried by the valve body and defining at least in part a central fluid communication flow path for supplying intravenous fluid to patient; and (3) a second inlet port carried said valve body and at least in part defining an anesthesia drug inlet.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a) revascularization and/or b) performing other medical procedures at vascular or non-vascular intracorporeal locations within a mammalian body. The methods generally comprise the formation of at least one extravascular passageway from a blood vessel to a vascular or non-vascular target location. In the revascularization methods the extravascular passageway is utilized for blood flow. In the medical procedure methods the extravascular passageway is utilized as a conduit for accessing or performing procedures at the vascular or non-vascular target location. Also disclosed are catheter devices and systems which are useable to form the extravascular passageways of the invention, as well as apparatus for modifying, maintaining and/or closing such extravascular passageways.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a) revascularization and/or b) performing other medical procedures at vascular or non-vascular intracorporeal locations within a mammalian body. The methods generally comprise the formation of at least one extravascular passageway from a blood vessel to a vascular or non-vascular target location. In the revascularization methods the extravascular passageway is utilized for blood flow. In the medical procedure methods the extravascular passageway is utilized as a conduit for accessing or performing procedures at the vascular or non-vascular target location. Also disclosed are catheter devices and systems which are useable to form the extravascular passageways of the invention, as well as apparatus for modifying, maintaining and/or closing such extravascular passageways.

Abstract: A stent has a plurality of cells disposed about the circumference of the stent, with at least one cell having a plurality of struts that are connected together to form the cell. At least one strut has a portion that compensates for foreshortening of the struts during expansion of the stent.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis is provided with a plurality of annular elements. Each annular element includes a plurality of struts and apices connected to form an annular configuration. Each annular element has a compressed state and an expanded state, and has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. A plurality of connecting members connect the apices of adjacent annular elements. The connecting members have a plurality of alternating segments that function to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of each annular element in the expanded state. The stent may be provided with varying flexibility along its length and/or circumference, and may include segments that have different diameters.

Abstract: A percutaneous tissue track closure assembly (2) includes a semipermeable barrier (26) mounted to the distal end of a tubular barrier carrier (20). The barrier is passed down a tissue track (12) and into a blood vessel (18) where the barrier is expanded to close off the blood vessel opening (14). A syringe device is used to drive a hemostatic flowable material (30) through a delivery tube (34) and into the tissue track. The semipermeable barrier permits blood to flow therethrough but prevents passage of the hemostatic flowable material therethrough. The hemostatic material includes a material which swells upon contact with blood, and a blood clotting agent. After an appropriate period of time, the barrier is collapsed and the barrier carrier and delivery tube are removed from the tissue track.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis is provided with a plurality of annular elements. Each annular element includes a plurality of struts and apices connected to form an annular configuration. Each annular element has a compressed state and an expanded state, and has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. A plurality of connecting members connect the apices of adjacent annular elements. The connecting members have a plurality of alternating segments that function to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of each annular element in the expanded state. The stent may be provided with varying flexibility along its length and/or circumference, and may include segments that have different diameters.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a) revascularization and/or b) performing other medical procedures at vascular or non-vascular intracorporeal locations within a mammalian body. The methods generally comprise the formation of at least one extravascular passageway from a blood vessel to a vascular or non-vascular target location. In the revascularization methods the extravascular passageway is utilized for blood flow. In the medical procedure methods the extravascular passageway is utilized as a conduit for accessing or performing procedures at the vascular or non-vascular target location. Also disclosed are catheter devices and systems which are useable to form the extravascular passageways of the invention, as well as apparatus for modifying, maintaining and/or closing such extravascular passageways.

Abstract: A percutaneous tissue track closure assembly (2) includes a semipermeable barrier (26) mounted to the distal end of a tubular barrier carrier (20). The barrier is passed down a tissue track (12) and into a blood vessel (18) where the barrier is expanded to close off the blood vessel opening (14). A syringe device is used to drive a hemostatic flowable material (30) through a delivery tube (34) and into the tissue track. The semipermeable barrier permits blood to flow therethrough but prevents passage of the hemostatic flowable material therethrough. The hemostatic material includes a material which swells upon contact with blood, and a blood clotting agent. After an appropriate period of time, the barrier is collapsed and the barrier carrier and delivery tube are removed from the tissue track.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a) revascularization and/or b) performing other medical procedures at vascular or non-vascular intracorporeal locations within a mammalian body. The methods generally comprise the formation of at least one extravascular passageway from a blood vessel to a vascular or non-vascular target location. In the revascularization methods the extravascular passageway is utilized for blood flow. In the medical procedure methods the extravascular passageway is utilized as a conduit for accessing or performing procedures at the vascular or non-vascular target location. Also disclosed are catheter devices and systems which are useable to form the extravascular passageways of the invention, as well as apparatus for modifying, maintaining and/or closing such extravascular passageways.

Abstract: Systems and method for sealing vascular penetrations rely on placement of a temporary barrier on the posterior side of the penetration. Penetrations are then sealed by delivering a hemostatic gel to a region over the penetration, where the barrier both inhibits loss of the gel and promotes back flow of blood into the gel. A combination of natural clotting factors in the blood and hemostatic agents in the gel promote rapid and effective sealing of the vascular penetration. Specific systems for performing the method include a barrier carrier for temporary placement of the barrier within the blood vessel and a gel delivery tube which may be positioned within a tissue tract or line of penetration simultaneously with the barrier carrier to deliver the hemostatic gel.

Abstract: A stent has a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state, with each annular element having a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. The stent also has at least one connecting member connecting adjacent annular elements, the connecting member having a longitudinal dimension which is larger in the expanded state than in the compressed state.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis is provided with a plurality of annular elements. Each annular element includes a plurality of struts and apices connected to form an annular configuration. Each annular element has a compressed state and an expanded state, and has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. A plurality of connecting members connect the apices of adjacent annular elements. The connecting members have a plurality of alternating segments that function to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of each annular element in the expanded state. The stent may be provided with varying flexibility along its length and/or circumference, and may include segments that have different diameters.

Abstract: A method of introducing continuous lengths of filament into the body in surgical procedures in which it is desirable to place a significant amount of material into the body through a small portal. The material so introduced may serve to bulk a tissue or cavity of the body or to occlude a vas, as well as to introduce diagnostic or therapeutic agents into a site in the body. A device for implementing the method has a mechanism for feeding the filament through a conduit in such a manner that sufficient force is applied to the filament that it is forced into the desired site. In one embodiment, a system of reciprocating cannulae and synchronized grippers is used to supply the requisite force to the filament.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis is provided with a plurality of annular elements. Each annular element includes a plurality of struts and apices connected to form an annular configuration. Each annular element has a compressed state and an expanded state, and has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. A plurality of connecting members connect the apices of adjacent annular elements. The connecting members have a plurality of alternating segments that function to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of each annular element in the expanded state. The stent may be provided with varying flexibility along its length and/or circumference, and may include segments that have different diameters.

Abstract: A stent has a plurality of cells disposed about the circumference of the stent, with at least one cell having a plurality of struts that are connected together to form the cell. At least one strut has a portion that compensates for foreshortening of the struts during expansion of the stent.