Abstract: An optical medical tube and control unit assembly and methods of using the same are provided. The optical medical tube may include a steering mechanism and an imaging device which provides the user a visual aid when placing a tube in the body of a patient. The optical medical tube may be coupled to a coupling adaptor to enable quick and easy connecting of the imaging device and steering mechanism of the tube with a control unit such that a single control unit may be used to place multiple feeding tubes or confirm that a feeding tube remains in its proper position without the need for lengthy sterilization procedures between uses.

Abstract: A tissue resector includes an outer cannula with a cutting wire disposed therein. The outer cannula includes an opening that is configured to be associated with a cutting element of the cutting wire in such a way that when tissue is drawn into the opening of the cannula, a cutting element of the cutting wire can be rotated past the opening to engage and cut into and through the tissue. The outer cannula and the cutting wire may also be configured to enable aspiration of the tissue. A tissue resector according to this disclosure may be used with a hand-held, hand-operated rooter.

Abstract: An optical medical tube and control unit assembly and methods of using the same are provided. The optical medical tube may include a steering mechanism and an imaging device which provides the user a visual aid when placing a tube in the body of a patient. The optical medical tube may be coupled to a coupling adaptor to enable quick and easy connecting of the imaging device and steering mechanism of the tube with a control unit such that a single control unit may be used to place multiple feeding tubes or confirm that a feeding tube remains in its proper position without the need for lengthy sterilization procedures between uses.

Abstract: An elongate medical instrument that may comprise steering mechanisms, optical sensors, light emitters, and/or fluid flow paths is disclosed. A removable sheath may be utilized to isolate the instrument from contamination when the instrument is used within the human body. The sheath may be disposable or reusable. In some instances, the elongate device may be used to position other components, such as elongate tubes.

Abstract: A safety cutting device includes a slidable insert that moves longitudinally within a cavity of a housing. The slidable insert has a cutting blade attached and moves within the housing from a safe position in which the blade is covered to an exposed position for cutting. The safety device has a release button positioned near an anterior end of the housing. A biasing member automatically retracts the blade when the release button is activated.

Abstract: Devices and methods for convertibly changing the means and carrying capacity of a pedestrian are provided. Specifically the present disclosure comprises a backpack capable of being converted into a wheelbarrow for the purpose of transporting increased loads in emergency or varying conditions. The device may include a frame and satchel whereby a series of components are fastened to the frame in order provide for implements such as handles and rolling wheels for transportation of increased loads. The components of the system may include, for example, a frame, a satchel, handles, a wheel, and an axle. When assembled to convert the pack to a wheelbarrow configuration, the device may increase the safe carrying capacity of a pedestrian from 50-100 lbs. to 200-300 lbs. or more.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely cannulating a body part are disclosed. The apparatus is an endoscopic cannulation apparatus having a fluid stasis assembly and a coring assembly. The fluid stasis assembly allows for the penetration of the body part and deployment of an occlusive device to prevent the escape of fluid during the coring and cannulation of the body part. The cannulation assembly allows for the coring of the body part without the introduction of air bubbles or other embolic materials into the patient. The method of the invention provides for the remote coring and cannulation of a body part such as a heart, blood vessels, the stomach, intestines, and other body parts with a sealed apparatus that may be de-aired to lessen the risk of the introduction of emboli into a system.

Abstract: A remote cannulation assembly is disclosed for rapidly cannulating a body part such as a heart during a medical procedure. Cannulation is often conducted in procedures such as the installation of a ventricular assist device. The cannulation assembly of the invention utilizes an isolation valve to create a sealed fluid environment for the procedure. The invention further includes a coring assembly that may be used with the cannulation apparatus. Methods of cannulating a heart or other body part are also disclosed in which the risk of emboli is reduced. Additionally, methods of connecting and disconnecting two fluid conducting elements are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for convertibly changing the means and carrying capacity of a pedestrian are provided. Specifically the present disclosure comprises a backpack capable of being converted into a wheelbarrow for the purpose of transporting increased loads in emergency or varying conditions. The device may include a frame and satchel whereby a series of components are fastened to the frame in order provide for implements such as handles and rolling wheels for transportation of increased loads. The components of the system may include, for example, a frame, a satchel, handles, a wheel, and an axle. When assembled to convert the pack to a wheelbarrow configuration, the device may increase the safe carrying capacity of a pedestrian from 50-100 lbs. to 200-300 lbs. or more.

Abstract: An optical medical tube and control unit assembly and methods of using the same are provided. The optical medical tube may include a steering mechanism and an imaging device which provides the user a visual aid when placing a tube in the body of a patient. The optical medical tube may be coupled to a coupling adaptor to enable quick and easy connecting of the imaging device and steering mechanism of the tube with a control unit such that a single control unit may be used to place multiple feeding tubes or confirm that a feeding tube remains in its proper position without the need for lengthy sterilization procedures between uses.

Abstract: An optical medical tube and control unit assembly and methods of using the same are provided. The optical medical tube may include a steering mechanism and an imaging device which provides the user a visual aid when placing a tube in the body of a patient. The optical medical tube may be coupled to a coupling adaptor to enable quick and easy connecting of the imaging device and steering mechanism of the tube with a control unit such that a single control unit may be used to place multiple feeding tubes or confirm that a feeding tube remains in its proper position without the need for lengthy sterilization procedures between uses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely cannulating a body part are disclosed. The apparatus is an endoscopic cannulation apparatus having a fluid stasis assembly and a coring assembly. The fluid stasis assembly allows for the penetration of the body part and deployment of an occlusive device to prevent the escape of fluid during the coring and cannulation of the body part. The cannulation assembly allows for the coring of the body part without the introduction of air bubbles or other embolic materials into the patient. The method of the invention provides for the remote coring and cannulation of a body part such as a heart, blood vessels, the stomach, intestines, and other body parts with a sealed apparatus that may be de-aired to lessen the risk of the introduction of emboli into a system.

Abstract: A remote cannulation assembly is disclosed for rapidly cannulating a body part such as a heart during a medical procedure. Cannulation is often conducted in procedures such as the installation of a ventricular assist device. The cannulation assembly of the invention utilizes an isolation valve to create a sealed fluid environment for the procedure. The invention further includes a coring assembly that may be used with the cannulation apparatus. Methods of cannulating a heart or other body part are also disclosed in which the risk of emboli is reduced. Additionally, methods of connecting and disconnecting two fluid conducting elements are disclosed.