Abstract: A method for rapidly collecting cells from a surface, such as a surface bearing fingerprints, for subsequent macromolecular analysis involves dispensing a predetermined amount of an aqueous solution onto the surface, and subjecting the aqueous solution to ultrasound waves to promote a detachment of the cells from the surface. Extraction of macromolecules such as DNA from the cells can be effected directly in the solution containing the collected cells by further subjecting the solution to ultrasound waves for a prescribed period of time to lyse the cells, and then extracting the DNA.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for removing carbon dioxide from patient expired gas during anesthesia is described. The assembly (10) comprises a chamber (12) configured to contain an adsorbent (14) for treating the patient expired gas during a capture mode of operation and return treated patient expired gas to an anesthesia machine; integral regeneration equipment (28, 30, 44) configured to regenerate the adsorbent (14) during a release mode of operation; and a control device for switching from the capture mode of operation to the release mode of operation.

Abstract: There is provided a membrane disruption device including a sample container and an electrode assembly. The sample container includes a sample-containing space defined by a containing surface and configured for containing a cellular-material comprising fluid, wherein the sample-containing space includes at least one membrane disruption space. The electrode assembly including a first electrode portion spaced apart from a second electrode portion, for generating an electric field within the membrane disruption space and effecting membrane disruption of a cell of a cellular material-comprising fluid disposed within the membrane disruption space.

Abstract: There is provided a method for treating an ailment in a patient comprising: raising a temperature of at least one portion of the patient's body by an unendangering pre-determined amount; holding an increased temperature for the at least one portion for an unendangering pre-determined time period; and repeating the raising and holding steps until a desired results is achieved.

Abstract: A method for rapidly collecting cells from a surface, such as a surface bearing fingerprints, for subsequent macromolecular analysis involves dispensing a predetermined amount of an aqueous solution onto the surface, and subjecting the aqueous solution to ultrasound waves to promote a detachment of the cells from the surface. Extraction of macromolecules such as DNA from the cells can be effected directly in the solution containing the collected cells by further subjecting the solution to ultrasound waves for a prescribed period of time to lyse the cells, and then extracting the DNA.

Abstract: A pumping system for assisting either or both ventricles of the heart. In one embodiment, separate devices are provided for each ventricle. In another embodiment, one device provides both right and left pumping. The pumping system is small, efficient, atraumatic, and fully implantable. In addition, the pumping system can provide pulsatile flow during systole. The ventricular assist device includes an actuator plate between a pair of serially connected pumping chambers that operate in a two-stroke mode, specifically a power stroke and a transfer stroke. The ventricular assist device also includes an electromagnetic drive system that provides adjustment to the pump pressure according to the current through an electromagnet. For the pumping system, springs provide a “spring force” on the actuator plate that is towards the high-pressure pump chamber.

Abstract: A pumping system for assisting either or both ventricles of the heart. In one embodiment, separate devices are provided for each ventricle. In another embodiment, one device provides both right and left pumping. The pumping system is small, efficient, atraumatic, and fully implantable. In addition, the pumping system can provide pulsatile flow during systole. The ventricular assist device includes an actuator plate between a pair of serially connected pumping chambers that operate in a two-stroke mode, specifically a power stroke and a transfer stroke. The ventricular assist device also includes an electromagnetic drive system that provides adjustment to the pump pressure according to the current through an electromagnet. For the pumping system, springs provide a “spring force” on the actuator plate that is towards the high-pressure pump chamber.

Abstract: An implantable blood flow monitoring system for providing synchronized blood vessel flow and myocardial wall contractility data to an external monitor independent of transcutaneous leads. Synchronized electrocardiogram data allows and provides comprehensive monitoring. A means is provided for transmitting synchronized cardiac function data and blood flow data to a distant remote location to facilitate continual physician monitoring.

Abstract: An inflow conduit assembly for conducting blood from a ventricle to a Ventricular Assistance Device (VAD) is provided. The assembly includes a rigid tube including an angled heart engaging end for insertion into a ventricle. The angled heart engaging end defines a long side for placement adjacent a heart septum. The tube includes an orifice end for attachment to the VAD, and the inflow conduit assembly further includes a coupling for attaching the orifice end of the tube to the VAD. The coupling is movable between a rotatable position wherein the tube is rotatable relative to the VAD, and a locked position wherein the tube is immobile relative to the VAD.

Abstract: A conduit assembly is provided for attachment to a Mechanical Circulatory Device (MCD) having an orifice surrounded by an orifice rim and a blood bag for forming a blood chamber in the MCD. The blood bag has an open end extends through the orifice. The conduit assembly comprises a tube, a coupling and a washer. The tube is provided for conducting blood between a patient and the orifice of the MCD. The tube has an orifice end. The coupling attaches the orifice end of the tube to the orifice of the MCD with the open end of the blood bag folded over the orifice rim of the MCD. The coupling is movable between a rotatable position wherein the tube is rotatable relative to the MCD, and a locked position wherein the tube is immobile relative to the MCD. The washer is placed between the orifice end of the tube and the blood bag folded over the orifice rim of the MCD.

Abstract: A unified system for implantation in the thorax and for cannulation to the blood circulatory system comprises an electronic controller for generating an actuating signal and an energy convertor for converting the actuating signal into a back and forth rhythmic displacement of the blood between a blood pumping chamber (BPC) and a volume displacement chamber (VDC). The BPC has an inflow port and an outflow port and converts the back and forth displacement into a rhythmic unidirectional displacement of blood from the inflow to the outflow port. The actuating signal is generated by a detector in response to the status of the BPC. A support unitary with the VDC supports the internal electronic controller, the actuating means, the BPC, and the detecting means in a compact structure and has a surface curvature compatible with the internal human sagittal and transverse chest wall curvatures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a unified system for an electrohydraulic ventricular assist device adapted for implantation in the thorax and for cannulation to the blood circulatory system comprising an internal electronic controller for generating an actuating signal actuating means far converting the actuating signal into a back arid forth rhythmic displacement of a fluid, a blood pumping chamber having an inflow blood port and an outflow blood port for converting the back and forth displacement of the fluid into a rhythmic unidirectional displacement of blood through the inflow and outflow port, hermetic coupling means for supplying the internal electronic controller with a supply voltage, detecting means for generating the actuating signal in response to the status of the blood pumping chamber, a volume displacement chamber (VDC) acting as a reservoir for the back and forth rhythmic displacement of a fluid, and a support with a surface curvature compatible with the internal human sagittal and transverse che