Abstract: An improved suturing device and method is provided. The suturing device is of the type including a guide body and means on the guide body for translating at least one needle relative to the guide body. The suturing device is improved by providing a rotatable sleeve disposed over at least a distal portion of the guide body to facilitate introduction of the device to a puncture site.

Abstract: An improved suturing device and method is provided. The suturing device is of the type including a guide body and means on the guide body for translating at least one needle relative to the guide body. The suturing device is improved by providing a rotatable sleeve disposed over at least a distal portion of the guide body to facilitate introduction of the device to a puncture site.

Abstract: A knot pusher comprises a shaft having a fitting at its distal end. The fitting includes a radial slot for receiving a suture length therein. A mechanism is provided for closing the slot so that the suture can be contained within the slot as a knot is advanced over the contained suture length.

Abstract: A device for providing or enhancing hemostasis at a vascular puncture site disposed at the distal end of a tissue tract comprises a shaft having a non-compliant surface at its distal end. The non-compliant surface is oriented at an angle which allows it to lie flat over tissue puncture when the tissue tract is oriented obliquely, e.g., as the result of the Seldinger catheter introduction technique. The device may be used by itself or in combination with suturing of the vascular puncture, where the device enhances hemostasis and prevents blood leakage through the primary suture closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for ablating biological tissue having a deflectable ablation area including an elongated catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and an elongated body portion. A plurality of optical fibers extend between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter. The distal ends of all of the plurality of optical fibers define an ablation area at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter includes a device for selectively deflecting the distal ends of all of the optical fibers so that at least a portion of the ablation area extends beyond an area defined by the cross-sectional area of the catheter while the amount of light energy over the entire ablation area remains constant.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter with a twistable tip. The catheter having a flexible wall for use in complex twisting anatomy contains a torque wire or a torquable guide wire lumen. The torque wire or torquable guide wire lumen extends through the length of the catheter and is attached to the catheter at or near the distal end thereof. The distal face of the catheter is angled to self align the catheter with an obstruction upon insertion. The proximal end of the torque wire protrudes from the proximal end of the catheter and is attached to a turn limiter. Rotation of the turn limiter imparts a torque to the torque wire or torquable guide wire lumen which is transmitted through the catheter to the distal end of the catheter where the applied torque twists the distal tip to manually align the tip with an obstruction.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of works of art comprises removing portions of a protective cover paper from a first surface of a clear plexiglass panel, spray painting the thus exposed surface areas of the panel while the remaining protective paper functions as a mask, repeating the steps of partial removal of the protective paper and paintaing until a completed design has been formed on the rear surface of the panel and then peeling the protective cover paper from the front surface of the plexiglass panel to permit viewing of the work of art.