Abstract: Disclosed is an equalization vent usable for venting and drying a roof. In accordance with example embodiments, the equalization vent may include a base, a cup arranged in the base, a flexible membrane arranged in the cup, an airflow guide arranged on the base and the cup, and a cover on the air flow guide, wherein the flexible membrane allows air to flow through the vent when the pressure outside of the vent is less than the pressure inside the base and prevents air from flowing through the vent when the pressure outside of the vent is greater than pressure inside the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is an equalization vent usable for venting and drying a roof. In accordance with example embodiments, the equalization vent may include a base, a cup arranged in the base, a flexible membrane arranged in the cup, an airflow guide arranged on the base and the cup, and a cover on the air flow guide, wherein the flexible membrane allows air to flow through the vent when the pressure outside of the vent is less than the pressure inside the base and prevents air from flowing through the vent when the pressure outside of the vent is greater than pressure inside the base.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: A power source for an implantable medical device, such as a spinal cord stimulator, has a controlled anterior surface. Preferably, the contoured anterior surface includes a layer of a biocompatible material, such as a polymer. Also preferably, the layer provides a contour generally conforming to the profile of a human buttock. Optionally, a cosmetic implant of generally substantially the same size and shape as the power source is implanted in the opposite buttock as the power source so as to create balance.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter for an intrathecal drug delivery system and a stylet having a curved forward end. Preferably, the curved forward end has a shape in the form of a “J” or a “C.” Also preferably, the catheter has a distal end that conforms to the curved forward end of the stylet. Thus, the present invention provides a catheter having a blunt forward end that minimizes the risk of penetrating the substance of the spinal cord. Additionally, the curved forward end of the stylet can be formed of a springy material so that it straightens out during the processes of insertion through a guide needle and retraction from the needle.

Abstract: A spinel cord stimulator lead for placement in the epidural space of a human or animal subject. The spinal cord stimulator lead includes a biocompatible body portion defining an elongate shaft, wherein at least a portion of which is flexible; at least one electrode positioned along the shaft; a lumen extending through at least a portion of the shaft for carrying a fluid; and a distensible balloon positioned around a distal end of the shaft and in fluid communication with the lumen. Preferably, the balloon is a cuffed balloon that expands radially outwardly from at least a portion of the shaft's distal end. The spinal cord stimulator lead can also include a second lumen for discharging a fluid directly to a tissue obstruction and a stylet for guiding the stimulator lead into and through the epidural space. The spinal cord stimulator lead can have the form of a percutaneous lead or a surgical lead.

Abstract: A catheter for displacing tissue obstructions. The shaft of the catheter has first and second conduits extending therethrough. Preferably, the catheter has a distensible, cuffed balloon positioned around the distal end of its shaft, in fluid communication with the first conduit. The catheter preferably also has a fluid delivery port located at its distal end for discharging fluid from the second conduit. Preferably, the catheter also includes a stylet for guiding the catheter into and through the epidural space.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: A percutaneous lead with at least one electrode has a lumen or fluid canal extending the length of its biocompatible body. The lumen aids in accurately placing the percutaneous lead by allowing a practitioner to inject fluid, such as a saline solution, through the canal to displace fat, veins, adhesions, or connective tissues that prevent the passage or accurate placement of the lead in the epidural space. Optionally, an inflatable balloon is attached at the distal end of the percutaneous lead to further aid in displacing connective tissue.

Abstract: A method for performing a percutaneous lumbar sympathectmony includes the steps of placing the patient in a prone position, monitoring the temperature over each of the patient's lower extremities, making a small incision on the back of the patient, inserting a scope through the incision and into the epidural space, using fluoroscopy to aid in the guidance of the scope to the area of the sympathetic ganglion, locating the sympathetic ganglion, and severing the sympathetic ganglion with, for example, a sharp dissection tool, biopsy forceps, or an electrocautery tool. Thus, the method for performing a percutaneous lumbar sympathectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that minimizes patient recovery time.

Abstract: A catheter for displacing tissue obstructions having first and second conduits extending therethrough. Preferably, the catheter has a distensible balloon positioned at its distal end in fluid communication with the first conduit, and a fluid delivery port also located at its distal end for discharging fluid from the second lumen. Preferably, the catheter also includes a stylet for guiding the catheter into and through the epidural space.

Abstract: A needle and stylus system. The system has a hollow tubular needle formed of a rigid material. The needle has an elongated linear intermediate section constituting the majority of the length of the needle and with a curved distal section terminating in an oval opening. A bore is formed through the intermediate and distal sections of an essentially common diameter and the oval opening at the distal end is located in a plane essentially parallel with the axis of the intermediate section and spaced from the exterior surface of the intermediate section. The needle also has a proximal end formed as a radially exterior enlargement with an enlarged cylindrical bore. A tubular stylet has an elongated linear intermediate section and a curved distal section with an oval planar face positionable at the opening at the distal end of the needle when the stylet is inserted within the needle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sheeting system for covering an operating table which includes a main body section with a head section and a foot section pivotally coupled about horizontal axes to the main body section, and with sidearms pivotally coupled about vertical axes to the main body section, the sheeting system including a single large sheet positionable over the main body section, head section and foot section formed of a non-woven fabric having an enlarged planar portion, downwardly turned edges and an inwardly turned periphery with elastomeric material coupled to at least portions of the periphery whereby the edges and periphery accommodate the bending of the sheet along its side edges with the bending of the operating table; and a pair of small sheets positionable over the side arms.