Abstract: A catheter with an improved retaining, activation and locking features is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort for a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “closed” position for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the body cavity of a patient, and is transitioned into the “open” position when the catheter is positioned within the body cavity by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through an activation mechanism having a piston member slideably displaceable within a cylinder housing member. A locking mechanism is included for maintaining the catheter in the “open” position.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an implantable penile prosthesis including an elongated cylinder that includes a pendulous portion configured to move from a non-pressurized state to a pressurized state. A tapered tailoring portion of the elongated cylinder is configured to anchor the elongated cylinder at a base of the penis. The elongated cylinder further includes a flared reservoir portion, at least a portion of which has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the pendulous portion.

Abstract: A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “closed” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through an activation mechanism having a syringe based actuator with a plunger selectively displaceable within a receiving member.

Abstract: A urinary catheter stabilizer comprises a body member, a rotatable adhesion member, and an adhesive laminar membrane. The body member includes an upper cradle member that is hingedly attached to a lower cradle member. Each of the upper and lower cradle members is adapted to receive a bellows of a urinary catheter. The bellows includes oppositely disposed proximal and distal ends and a ribbed portion extending therebetween. Each of the upper and lower cradle members includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a main body portion extending between the proximal and distal end portions. The rotatable adhesion member is securely connected to the lower cradle member. The rotatable adhesion member includes a base portion having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The adhesive laminar membrane includes oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces. A portion of the first major surface is securely attached to the first surface of the base portion of the rotatable adhesion member.

Abstract: A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “close” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through the activation mechanism. An actuating linkage wire connected between the retaining mechanism and activation mechanism controllably reciprocates in the channel of the catheter to transition the catheter between the “open” and “closed” states.

Abstract: A safety pre-impact deceleration system for a variety of conveyances includes a parachute structure formed from air bags inflated with gas. Alternatively, the parachute structure includes a canopy with orifices. Air spaces in the parachute structure or orifices in the canopy have adjustable and selective dimensions to control the operational parameters of the vehicle. The system includes sensors and rapid exposure rate cameras with continuous loop recording to measure operational parameters of the vehicle and to predict possible collision. Once a collision condition is detected, audio/video images are stored on storage media. The air bags are deployed and inflated. In addition to air bags constituting the parachute structure, a plurality of air bags are provided to be deployed external the vehicle to aid in a safe landing.

Abstract: A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “close” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through the activation mechanism. An actuating linkage wire connected between the retaining mechanism and activation mechanism controllably reciprocates in the channel of the catheter to transition the catheter between the “open” and “closed” states.

Abstract: A safety pre-impact deceleration system for a variety of conveyances includes a parachute structure formed from air bags inflated with gas. Alternatively, the parachute structure includes a canopy with orifices. Air spaces in the parachute structure or orifices in the canopy have adjustable and selective dimensions to control the operational parameters of the vehicle. The system includes sensors and rapid exposure rate cameras with continuous loop recording to measure operational parameters of the vehicle and to predict possible collision. Once a collision condition is detected, audio/video images are stored on storage media. The air bags are deployed and inflated. In addition to air bags constituting the parachute structure, a plurality of air bags are provided to be deployed external the vehicle to aid in a safe landing.

Abstract: A safety pre-impact deceleration system for a variety of conveyances includes a parachute structure formed from air bags inflated with gas. Alternatively, the parachute structure includes a canopy with orifices. Air spaces in the parachute structure or orifices in the canopy have adjustable and selective dimensions to control the operational parameters of the vehicle. The system includes sensors and rapid exposure rate cameras with continuous loop recording to measure operational parameters of the vehicle and to predict possible collision. Once a collision condition is detected, audio/video images are stored on storage media. The air bags are deployed and inflated. In addition to air bags constituting the parachute structure, a plurality of air bags are provided to be deployed external the vehicle to aid in a safe landing.

Abstract: A self-retaining catheter that eliminates the problem of residual urine and also of bladder wall irritation caused by continuous contact with a spherical retention balloon which does not rely on a stylet for placement. The system may use an internal control wire that reversibly foreshortens the proximal end of the catheter thus radially displacing longitudinal strips defined in the proximal catheter to form retention wings. Alternatively, a balloon situated between the longitudinal strips is inflated to force open the retention wings once inside the urinary bladder. Radial displacement of the retention wings widens the spaces between the longitudinal strips, these spaces constituting the drainage apertures which permit complete emptying of the urinary bladder. The radially displaced retention wings abut the bladder wall in a non-continuous manner thereby reducing the area of bladder-catheter contact and further reducing bladder wall irritation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling blood pressure are provided. The system (10) includes an energy dispensing means (14) which is secured to a user's epidermis and positioned adjacent a blood vessel (22) of the user. The energy dispensing means (14) is in electrical communication with a control means (18). Through the control means (18), a user may control pulse rate, pulse amplitude, pulse width, and duration of treatment. Through the delivery of a series of energetic pulses to the blood vessel (22), the user's blood pressure will be lowered.

Abstract: A non-invasive focused energy blood withdrawal and analysis system (1) is provided. A laser energy source (11) and a vacuum pump (9) are mounted within a portable housing. A focused laser beam is directed on an epidermal layer to create a microscopic incision in the epidermis of a patient. Vacuum pump (9) draws a blood sample from the microscopic incision through a disposable fluid displacement device (2). A removable dry slide is placed in the fluid path of the blood sample to receive the blood sample. Further, sensor elements (6 and 7) are mounted within the portable housing on either side of the removable dry slide (8) to perform blood analysis. A logic processing unit (5) is provided in electrical communication with sensor elements (6 and 7) for performing the necessary blood analysis.

Abstract: A non-invasive focused energy blood withdrawal and analysis system (1) is provided. A laser energy source (11) and a vacuum pump (9) are mounted within a portable housing. A focused laser beam is directed on an epidermal layer to create a microscopic incision in the epidermis of a patient. Vacuum pump (9) draws a blood sample from the microscopic incision through a disposable fluid displacement device (2). A removable dry slide is placed in the fluid path of the blood sample to receive the blood sample. Further, sensor elements (6 and 7) are mounted within the portable housing on either side of the removable dry slide (8) to perform blood analysis. A logic processing unit (5) is provided in electrical communication with sensor elements (6 and 7) for performing the necessary blood analysis.

Abstract: A female incontinence device made of a soft semi-collapsed hollow tube that can be easily inserted into the bladder by a patient or a healthcare professional. The proximal end can open diagonally within the bladder to retain the catheter in the proper position, and can be easily removed without the use of special tools. A valve system which is pressure-sensitive is provided at the distal end such that it can be manually activated to empty the bladder.

Abstract: A device for coagulating, vaporizing, resecting, and removing prostate and bladder tissue. The resectoscope uses the standard diathermy electrical units available at hospitals. The resectoscope uses a rotating cutting/coagulation element to cut, coagulate and vaporize tissue at a much higher speed compared to the linear motion of currently available resectoscopes, allowing the operator to perform these procedures more efficiently, and also allowing the operator to retrieve most of the excised tissue for histological examinations.

Abstract: A resectoscope for laser coagulation and cutting of prostatic or bladder tissue. The resectoscope also uses a mechanical cutting element having sharp blades rotating at high speed to further cut the coagulated lased tissue. The combination of coagulating/cutting using the laser energy with further cutting by mechanical means allows the surgeon to perform this procedure more quickly and efficiently, and permits retrieval of the resected tissue for pathological examination.

Abstract: A collapsible hollow elastomeric tube catheter for draining the urinary bladder. The wall of the collapsible catheter is constructed of minimally distensible, or non-distensible, biocompatible rubber material. Fluid may be injected in the catheter wall to cause stiffening of the catheter when desired, such as during insertion into the bladder. The proximal end of the catheter has a retaining mechanism within the urinary bladder without the use of a balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resectoscope and a method for lasing, coagulating, resecting, removing and retrieving prostate tissue. The resectoscope of the invention includes an interstitial laser fiber as a laser directing system and a unique configuration of an extensible and retractable plurality of thin blades which are capable of forming a plurality of elliptical shapes. Laser radiation sources are to be used with the device. This combination provides a more efficient and safer surgical method and provides the additional benefit without impairing the cellular integrity of the tissue. Thus, the retrieved tissue is preserved for histological analysis.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling blood pressure wherein blood pressure is non-invasively monitored and an electromagnetic stimulus applied to a patient's baro-receptors responsive to the monitored blood pressure being above a predetermined value. The stimulation of the patient's baro-receptors has a blood pressure reducing effect.

Abstract: A method and a kit are provided for the diagnosis and prognosis of human adenocarcinoma. The method and the kit measure levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor within tumor cells.