Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to tissue and placed through the tissue adjacent an opening. The suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by needle that penetrates the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the opening.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the PFO. The tails of the suture extending from the knot are then cut and removed. It is also contemplated that a pre-formed or pre-tied knot may be disposed on the device, wherein after deployment of the suture through the tissue adjacent to the PFO and removal of the device a loop of suture having a pre-tied knot will remain, wherein the pre-tied knot may then be tightened to close the PFO. Further still it is contemplated that other means may be utilized to retain the sutures.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the PFO. The tails of the suture extending from the knot are then cut and removed. It is also contemplated that a pre-formed or pre-tied knot may be disposed on the device, wherein after deployment of the suture through the tissue adjacent to the PFO and removal of the device a loop of suture having a pre-tied knot will remain, wherein the pre-tied knot may then be tightened to close the PFO. Further still it is contemplated that other means may be utilized to retain the sutures.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a pair of suture lengths together or for using a single strand of suture to secure tissue(s) together at an operative site in a patient without necessarily tying a knot. The suture lock device includes a suturing securing device having an outer body member having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen defines a suture path through the outer body. An inner wedge member is axially insertable into the outer body member to secure a portion of a suture between the wedge and the interior surface of the lock member. An outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The outer tube carries the outer body member at the distal end of the outer tube. The outer tube carries the wedge proximal to the outer body member.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the PFO. The tails of the suture extending from the knot are then cut and removed. It is also contemplated that a pre-formed or pre-tied knot may be disposed on the device, wherein after deployment of the suture through the tissue adjacent to the PFO and removal of the device a loop of suture having a pre-tied knot will remain, wherein the pre-tied knot may then be tightened to close the PFO. Further still it is contemplated that other means may be utilized to retain the sutures.

Abstract: A method for suturing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) includes providing a suturing device, advancing the suturing device through the inferior vena cava, right atrium, and PFO such that a first foot of the device is positioned in the left atrium, deploying the first foot to a deployed position, orienting the suturing device such that a distal portion of tissue of the PFO is received in a pre-formed curve portion of a foot housing of the device, advancing the first needle through tissue and further into a first needle receptacle disposed on the first foot, and advancing at least one end of the length of suture through the tissue to suture the PFO.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. The suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. The suture can be secured to the tissue through use of a knot, a suture clip or other clip like device to retain the suture in a position such that the PFO is closed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a pair of suture lengths together or for using a single strand of suture to secure tissue(s) together at an operative site in a patient without necessarily tying a knot. The suture lock device includes a suturing securing device having an outer body member having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen defines a suture path through the outer body. An inner wedge member is axially insertable into the outer body member to secure a portion of a suture between the wedge and the interior surface of the lock member. An outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The outer tube carries the outer body member at the distal end of the outer tube. The outer tube carries the wedge proximal to the outer body member.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of a PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. The suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. The suture can be secured to the tissue through use of a knot, a suture clip or other clip like device to retain the suture in a position such that the PFO is closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a portable band saw to an upright stationary table band saw includes a stand having a base, at least one vertically extending side wall, and a top. A work piece support surface can include an opening through which one run of a closed loop saw blade of the portable band saw can pass when the portable band saw is mounted in a supporting relationship with respect to the stand. A switch mounted on the stand operates the portable band saw independent of the finger trigger on the handle. The on/off switch is connected to a plug engaged by the portable band saw when mounted in the stand. The plug is engagable within a socket of the band saw and is electrically connected to bypass the finger trigger of the portable band saw and to create a circuit through the on/off switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for securing a pair of suture lengths together or for using a single strand of suture to secure tissue(s) together at an operative site in a patient without necessarily tying a knot. The suture lock device may include a suturing securing device having an outer body member having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen defining a suture path through the outer body, an inner wedge member axially insertable into the outer body member to secure a portion of a suture between the wedge and the interior surface of the lock member, an outer tube carrying the outer body member at the distal end of the outer tube, the outer tube carrying the wedge proximal to the outer body member, and a pusher member slidable within the outer tube to push the wedge into the lock member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a portable band saw to an upright stationary table band saw includes a stand having a base, at least one vertically extending side wall, and a top. A work piece support surface can include an opening through which one run of a closed loop saw blade of the portable band saw can pass when the portable band saw is mounted in a supporting relationship with respect to the stand. A switch mounted on the stand operates the portable band saw independent of the finger trigger on the handle. The on/off switch is connected to a plug engaged by the portable band saw when mounted in the stand. The plug is engagable within a socket of the band saw and is electrically connected to bypass the finger trigger of the portable band saw and to create a circuit through the on/off switch.

Abstract: A powered hand-held band for cutting a work piece and a method for manufacture and use. The band saw includes alternate blade guides respectively for selectively using one of a first cutting path for cutting a work piece flush with respect to a work surface and a second cutting path for non-flush cuts.

Abstract: A powered hand-held band for cutting a work piece and a method for manufacture and use. The band saw includes alternate blade guides respectively for selectively using one of a first cutting path for cutting a work piece flush with respect to a work surface and a second cutting path for non-flush cuts.

Abstract: A hand-held band saw is provided for one-hand operation. The band saw has a frame and a handle extending from a longitudinal edge of the frame at an acute angle and opposite an edge containing a throat for receiving the work piece. The orientation of the handle centers the mass of the saw below the hand and positions the cutting section of the blade in a vertical plane so it will engage a work piece at a preferred angle selected by the user.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the PFO. The tails of the suture extending from the knot are then cut and removed. It is also contemplated that a pre-formed or pre-tied knot may be disposed on the device, wherein after deployment of the suture through the tissue adjacent to the PFO and removal of the device a loop of suture having a pre-tied knot will remain, wherein the pre-tied knot may then be tightened to close the PFO. Further still it is contemplated that other means may be utilized to retain the sutures.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the PFO. The tails of the suture extending from the knot are then cut and removed. It is also contemplated that a pre-formed or pre-tied knot may be disposed on the device, wherein after deployment of the suture through the tissue adjacent to the PFO and removal of the device a loop of suture having a pre-tied knot will remain, wherein the pre-tied knot may then be tightened to close the PFO. Further still it is contemplated that other means may be utilized to retain the sutures.

Abstract: A powered handheld band for cutting a work piece and a method for manufacture and use. The band saw includes alternate blade guides respectively for selectively using one of a first cutting path for cutting a work piece flush with respect to a work surface and a second cutting path for non-flush cuts.

Abstract: A stabilized electrophysiology catheter (4) includes a main body portion (16) and a flexible tip portion (18). A plurality of electrodes (24, 26) are positioned along the tip portion. The tip portion includes a main section (20) and a pre-curved, offset, reverse-angle anchor section (22) at its distal end. The anchor section is shaped to engage with and anchor to a coronary opening, typically the coronary sinus opening (48) in the right atrium or a pulmonary vein opening (82) in the left atrium, for stabilized mapping and ablation of the right atrium or the left atrium. A manipulator wire (36) is used to radially deflect the tip portion in a first direction (40). When introduced through the superior vena cava (46), the tip portion forms a generally J-shape. When introduced through the inferior vena cava (54), the tip portion is deflected more than 360.degree..