Abstract: An articulatable stapler (20) is arranged in the form of an elongated catheter having a plurality of segments (25,26,28) mounted on one end of a catheter main body (24). A stylet (64) is slidably received within the catheter main body and two intermediate segments, and may be selectively moved to articulate the segments such that the most-distal segment is either aligned with, or arranged at a substantial angle with respect to, the catheter main body portion. The most-distal segment (28) carries stapling means (30) by which the improved catheter may cause a staple to be inserted through a graft (89) into the wall of the blood vessel. The improved device also has means for selectively bending a staple (75) so as to prevent unintended separation therefrom.

Abstract: An improved portal-caval shunt (20) includes a male section (25) and a female section (26). A cutter (52) is first inserted through a patient's vena cava and is used to punch or cut an opening between proximate portions of the vena cava and portal vein. The female section (26) is then inserted through the opening. Once so inserted, spokes (36') on the female section move to their outward positions. The male section (25) is then inserted through the vena cava, is aligned with, and is joined to the female section, with its spokes (36) being aligned with the female section spokes (36'). The improved shunt is particularly useful in relieving a portal hypertension condition.

Abstract: A device for aiding cardiocepital venous flow from the foot and leg of a patient including a first flexible fabric cuff for encircling the arch and instep of a patient's foot, a first bladder in the first cuff for placement in contiguous relationship to the arch, a second cuff for encircling the leg of the patient, a plurality of sequentially ascending second bladders in the second cuff for placement in contiguous relationship to the calf of the leg of the patient, a first conduit in communication with the first bladder, and second conduits in communication with the second bladders. A modification includes cuff structure for encircling the toes of the patient.

Abstract: A method for implanting a tubular graft within a preselected blood vessel utilizes apparatus embodiments for inserting the graft endwise and axially through the blood vessel into place therein and for operatively securing the graft to the inside wall of the blood vessel with surgical staple-like clips. For inserting the graft through the blood vessel, an apparatus embodiment includes a lengthy conduit for insertion through the blood vessel and having a distal end adapted to selectively expand and contract for cooperating with a preformed hole in the sidewall of the graft for binding the graft to or releasing the graft from the distal end.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve and an associated method of implanting the valve within a blood vein utilize a valve support ring and a pair of leaflet members pivotally connected to the ring. The valve is positionable within a radial plane of the blood vessel for permitting substantially unidirectional flow through the blood vein. The support ring is not required to be sutured within a blood vein and instead includes an outer surface defining a radially outwardly-directed annular groove, so that the valve can be secured within the blood vein by means of a cord tied around of the blood vein and in a tightened condition within the annular groove. The support ring is held in such fixed position along the length of the blood vein because the blood vein is held between the support ring outer surface and the cord.

Abstract: A protective garment having a vest portion for substantially covering the torso of a wearer utilizes inflatable envelopes adapted to inflate upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, such as a collision of an automobile in which the wearer is riding, for providing protective cushioning about selected regions of the wearer's body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the oxygenation of the blood. The apparatus (14) includes a hollow membrane (16) having a central tubular portion (32) and a plurality of radially outwardly extending diffusion elements (34). The membrane is disposed within a sheath (18) and both are supported by a flexible wire (20), one end of the membrane and sheath being secured to the wire. The other end of the membrane and sheath are secured to a tube (22) through which oxygen may be supplied to the hollow membrane. The sheath and membrane may be twisted upon the wire (20) to facilitate insertion and, once inserted, they may be untwisted to resume their operable position.

Abstract: A device for aiding cardiocepital venous flow from the foot and leg of a patient including a first flexible fabric cuff for encircling the arch and instep of a patient's foot, a first bladder in the first cuff for placement in contiguous relationship to the arch, a second cuff for encircling the leg of the patient, a plurality of sequentially ascending second bladders in the second cuff for placement in contiguous relationship to the calf of the leg of the patient, a first conduit in communication with the first bladder, and second conduits in communication with the second bladders. A modification includes cuff structure for encircling the toes of the patient.

Abstract: A shunt for attachment between an artery and a vein being harvested for use in an arterial bypass including an elongated tube, a first end on the elongated tube for insertion into a femoral artery, a second end on the elongated tube for insertion into the distal portion of a saphenous vein to thereby maintain communication between the artery and the vein even though normal blood flow to the vein is disrupted, a stopcock between the first and second ends, a second elongated tube coupled to the stopcock for selectively receiving blood from the elongated tube to irrigate the external portion of the vein being harvested, and a detachable connection at the second end of the elongated tube for selectively permitting detachment of the second end of the elongated tube from the remainder of the elongated tube during vein harvesting.

Abstract: A leg blood pressure monitor for an ambulatory patient during his normal daily activities including a catheter for insertion into a blood vessel, a pressure transducer for converting blood pressure to an electrical signal which is representative of the blood pressure, a voltage controlled oscillator for providing a frequency output which is proportional to the electrical signal, and a tape recorder for recording the frequency output and the attitude of the ambulatory patient along a time base. The tape recorder may include a microphone into which the patient dictates the attitude of various relevant parts of his body during pain episodes, or position transducers may be attached to the calf, thigh and side of the patient to produce outputs which show the attitudes of these parts of the body and which are recorded on the tape recorder with reference to the blood pressure readings. In addition, the tape recorder may include referencing mechanism to indicate on the tape the occurrences of pain episodes.

Abstract: A needle catheter for scraping or thrombosing vascular walls has a sleeve mounted fast to a needle. The sleeve has a recess in which an inflatable balloon is mounted. The balloon may be selectively inflated and deflated by means of an extra-corporeal syringe. The balloon carries a plurality of abrasive burrs or ribs on the outer surface. After insertion, either subcutaneously or intravascularly, the balloon may be selectively inflated, after which the catheter may be moved longitudinally therealong to scrape or thrombose the walls of the vessel.