Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body having an axis. A handle is mounted to a proximal end portion of the elongate body. A tissue-removing element is mounted on a distal end portion of the elongate body. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and defines a guidewire lumen. An advancer is mounted on the handle and is movable relative to the housing. The inner liner is coupled to the advancer at a proximal end portion of the inner liner such that movement of the advancer causes a corresponding movement of the inner liner to exert a push force on the tissue-removing element to advance the tissue-removing element and a pull force on the tissue-removing element to retract the tissue-removing element for moving the tissue-removing element relative to the handle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining body composition by combining dual-energy x-ray (DXA) technology with three-dimensional (3D) optical technology and/or bioimpedance technology. A multi-modality scanning system may include a dual-energy x-ray source and an x-ray detector mounted to opposing sides a c-arm and configured to scan a patient on a optically translucent table. The system may also include one or more 3D optical imaging devices to capture 3D optical images of the patient substantially concurrently with the emission of the dual energy x-rays. A bioimpedance machine may also be included in the multi-modality scanning system. Data based on the dual-energy x-rays may be combined with the data from the 3D optical images and/or the bioimpedance data to generate values of at least three compartments selected from: bone, fat tissue, lean tissue, dehydrated lean tissue, and water.

Abstract: Plaque treating instruments and related methodology, are disclosed, the instruments comprising at least one barb by which plaque in an artery may be disunified, excavated and removed from the artery.

Abstract: Technology by which, collectively, deposits of stemotic and restenotic plaque are more efficiently and more effectively removed from arteries is disclosed, including kit and method techniques by which arterial plaque is sequentially treated through a surgically-created arterial opening, followed by sequential arterial insertion and removal of medical instruments and appliances by which a bond at the interface between the plaque and the arterial well is first disunified and destrengthened with the arterial wall materially stretched away from the plaque, after which plaque is excavated and removed and, in some instances, a novel tubular graft and encased proximal stent adheringly installed.

Abstract: An adjustable loop ring stripper for stretching an arterial wall outwardly as plaque is excavated inwardly.

Abstract: A tablet container having a cover and sliding tray is used for dispensing birth control tablets for either a twenty-one-day or twenty-eight-day cycle. Normally, the tray does not slide completely out of the cover and is stabilized with respect thereto when open. The case resembles a cosmetic compact and is reuseable in that once birth control tablets contained in a blister pack are used up, a new blister pack may easily be inserted.