Abstract: A disposable shoe cover for athletic use includes a unitary flexible material sheet folded into a shoe shape. The shoe shape defines a sole, an upper and a closed-loop shoe-receiving opening in the upper adapted to receive a wearer's shoe. Surface gripping members are provided on the sole.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus may include an impermeable or semi-permeable dressing, a securement strap on the dressing for securing the dressing over a wound on a patient, and a pressure/vacuum generator in fluid communication with the dressing. A wound treatment method utilizing the wound treatment apparatus may include placing the dressing of the apparatus over a wound, securing the securement strap of the apparatus around a body portion of a patient where the wound is situated, and manually operating the pressure/vacuum generator to selectively deliver positive or negative air pressure to the dressing and the wound. In another aspect directed to leg wound care, a wound treatment apparatus may include an impermeable or semi-permeable dressing and a vacuum generating foot pump in fluid communication with the dressing. The foot pump is manually operable by a patient and adapted to deliver air pressure (negative or positive) to the dressing and the wound.

Abstract: A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent for use in a varicose vein treatment method includes a stent body, a bio-absorbable material associated with the body, and a closure for blocking blood flow past the stent when implanted in a vein. The stent produces localized blood clotting, fibrosis and vein collapse as it is absorbed. A permanent blockage is produced that prevents the undesirable back flow of blood from above the blockage site, thereby reducing distension of a varicose vein below the blockage site.

Abstract: A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent for use in a varicose vein treatment method includes a stent body, a bio-absorbable material associated with the body, and a closure for blocking blood flow past the stent when implanted in a vein. The stent produces localized blood clotting, fibrosis and vein collapse as it is absorbed. A permanent blockage is produced that prevents the undesirable back flow of blood from above the blockage site, thereby reducing distension of a varicose vein below the blockage site.

Abstract: A diverticular remodeling technique comprises the introduction of a remodeling agent into the diverticulum to promote permanent closure of the diverticular sac. In disclosed exemplary embodiments, the diverticulum is accessed non-invasively and optionally cleaned to remove unwanted matter therefrom. The remodeling agent is introduced into the diverticular interior and the neck of diverticulum is closed (as necessary) to prevent egress of the remodeling agent. The remodeling agent can be any of a variety of materials, including small intestine submucosa (SIS) collagen or other absorbable fibrosis materials in gel, liquid or solid form. An endoscopic device may be used that includes a multi-lumen flexible catheter having a distal end adapted to be steered through a patient and a proximal end that remains outside the patient's body.

Abstract: A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent for use in a varicose vein treatment method includes a stent body, a bio-absorbable material associated with the body, and a closure for blocking blood flow past the stent when implanted in a vein. The stent produces localized blood clotting, fibrosis and vein collapse as it is absorbed. A permanent blockage is produced that prevents the undesirable back flow of blood from above the blockage site, thereby reducing distension of a varicose vein below the blockage site.

Abstract: A disposable shower system for non-ambulatory patients includes a flexible waterproof bag enclosure, a patient access opening in the bag enclosure to enable a patient to be placed therein, and an adjustable closure for adjustably closing the access opening to selectively create a wholly or partially watertight bathing environment within the bag enclosure. A fresh water delivery system delivers water from a fresh water source into the bag enclosure, where it can be dispensed onto a patient. A waste water removal system removes and collects waste water from the bag enclosure. During use of the shower system, the patient is placed in the bag enclosure with the patient's head protruding from the patient access opening, and the closure is manipulated to close the access opening as desired. Using one or more dispensing nozzles associated with the fresh water delivery system, the patient is bathed with fresh water while waste water is collected and removed by the waste water removal system.

Abstract: A system and method for exclusion of an aneurysm of an aortic arch region using a graft delivery system capable of maneuvering around an aortic arch, an aortic arch graft, and an occluder system for isolating an aneurysm while occluding one or more corresponding arteries, and with bypass of those arteries being performed using one or more selected bypass grafts. The graft may be branched or branchless. The graft delivery system has a flexible sheath that is manipulated manually with the aid of a guidance system. A hoist delivery system may also be provided. The occluder system may comprise independent occluders with one or more anchor members adjacent to one end. Alternatively, the occluders can be provided as part of the aortic arch graft, either as a built-in singular self-deploying occluder or as built-in multiple occluders. A kit is also provided containing a graft, stents, occluders, and optional delivery system.

Abstract: A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent for use in a varicose vein treatment method includes a stent body, a bio-absorbable material associated with the body, and a closure for blocking blood flow past the stent when implanted in a vein. The stent produces localized blood clotting, fibrosis and vein collapse as it is absorbed. A permanent blockage is produced that prevents the undesirable back flow of blood from above the blockage site, thereby reducing distension of a varicose vein below the blockage site.

Abstract: A percutaneous epicardial injection apparatus for myocardial repair and treatment includes a catheter having a tubular wall, an interior portion surrounded by the tubular wall, a base end, a distal end, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the catheter base end and the catheter distal end. The catheter distal end has an end face that is formed at an oblique angle relative to the catheter longitudinal axis and adapted to attach to a patient's myocardium using suction. A lumen extends from the catheter base end to the catheter distal end within the catheter interior. The lumen is adapted to slidably support an elongated syringe having a needle tip adapted for movement between a retracted position wherein the needle tip is recessed within the catheter interior to an extended position wherein the needle tip extends from the catheter interior.

Abstract: A percutaneous epicardial injection apparatus for myocardial repair and treatment includes a catheter having a tubular wall, an interior portion surrounded by the tubular wall, a base end, a distal end, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the catheter base end and the catheter distal end. The catheter distal end has an end face that is formed at an oblique angle relative to the catheter longitudinal axis and adapted to attach to a patient's myocardium using suction. A lumen extends from the catheter base end to the catheter distal end within the catheter interior. The lumen is adapted to slidably support an elongated syringe having a needle tip adapted for movement between a retracted position wherein the needle tip is recessed within the catheter interior to an extended position wherein the needle tip extends from the catheter interior.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for engrafting a blood vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tubular graft of a preselected cross section having a proximal and distal end containing compressable and expandable nitinol springs, and connecting bars to facilitate physical communication between both springs. Furthermore, the apparatus contains a transport and deployment member for delivering said hollow tublar graft to an engrafting site within a blood vessel. The transport and deployment apparatus is comprised of an insertion catheter having a graft balloon and a tip balloon, as well as multiple inner tracks for injection of fluid into said balloons and the blood vessel interior. The method includes transport and deployment of said graft, as well as non surgical movement and removal of said graft in the event of misplacement.