Abstract: Systems and methods for marking a body cavity. In one embodiment, a system includes means for inspecting a body cavity, and means for visibly marking the body cavity so as to convey visual information regarding the body cavity. In one embodiment, a method includes inspecting a body cavity and marking the body cavity with a marking material to provide a visual indication regarding the cavity. In one embodiment, a marking material for marking a body cavity includes a radiopaque contrast agent that is viewable through fluoroscopy and a colored dye that is viewable using an internal viewing device.

Abstract: A urethral support system is described, including an introducer device and tissue implant. The introducer device may include a needle with multiple curves, some of the curves having multiple radii. A sheath assembly may be utilized to assist the passing of the tissue implant through a patient's tissue. The sheath assembly may include connectors configured to connect the sheath assembly to an end of the needle and a tab configured to detachably couple sheath sides over the tissue implant.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath comprises a sheath assembly having a main lumen and one or more secondary lumens. The sheath assembly can be configured with medical devices in both lumens, for example, a ureteroscope in the main working channel, and a guidewire, stone basket, grasper, laser fiber, or other surgical instrument in the secondary working channel. Or the sheath assembly can be configured with a medical device in one channel and the other lumen coupled to an irrigation means, such that irrigation of the surgical field can be efficiently accomplished even though the main working channel is substantially completely occupied by, e.g., a ureteroscope. Or the sheath assembly can be configured for irrigation through one lumen and aspiration through the other lumen, thereby creating a turbulent flow which washes the surgical field to facilitate removal of particles and debris.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a sheath assembly including sheath tubing, the sheath tubing having a main lumen and a secondary lumen that extends along the length of the main lumen, the main lumen being large enough to receive an endoscope.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath comprises a sheath assembly having a main lumen and one or more secondary lumens. The sheath assembly can be configured with medical devices in both lumens, for example, a ureteroscope in the main working channel, and a guidewire, stone basket, grasper, laser fiber, or other surgical instrument in the secondary working channel. Or the sheath assembly can be configured with a medical device in one channel and the other lumen coupled to an irrigation means, such that irrigation of the surgical field can be efficiently accomplished even though the main working channel is substantially completely occupied by, e.g., a ureteroscope. Or the sheath assembly can be configured for irrigation through one lumen and aspiration through the other lumen, thereby creating a turbulent flow which washes the surgical field to facilitate removal of particles and debris.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site. A preferred embodiment of this device is used during cardiac bypass surgery and includes a preferably rectangular, oblong or similar shaped device having a width dimension that is greater than the lengthwise dimension such that an aperture area is formed along three sides of the surgical site so that a graft or anastomosis that is formed in the aperture area allows the stabilizer to be removed without disturbing the graft and the device may be used in combination with flexible tapes or threads to apply an upwardly directed force to the tissue adjacent to the surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site. A preferred embodiment of this device is used during cardiac bypass surgery and includes a preferably rectangular, oblong or similar shaped device having a width dimension that is greater than the lengthwise dimension such that an aperture area is formed along three sides of the surgical site so that a graft or anastomosis that is formed in the aperture area allows the stabilizer to be removed without disturbing the graft and the device may be used in combination with flexible tapes or threads to apply an upwardly directed force to the tissue adjacent to the surgical site.

Abstract: A stent for maintaining the patency of a body passage including an elongate flexible body, at least one lumen extending the length of the body, a filament disposed along the elongate flexible body for inhibiting the fracture of the body within the body passage, and a valve for preventing the passage of fluid along the lumen in one direction. The filament is helically wound about the length of the elongate body. Hydrophilic and microbial coatings are applied to the surfaces of the stent and the stent is preferably constructed of a bioresorbable material.

Abstract: An apheresis apparatus for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood by centrifugation incorporates a centrifuge for separating whole blood into lower, intermediate, and higher density components. The centrifuge has inlet and outlet ports in selective fluid communication with a container for receiving lower density blood component from the outlet port. A pump is coupled to the container and the inlet port for recirculating lower density blood component from the first container through the inlet port into the centrifuge at a first, substantially constant, rate so as to widen the region of the centrifuge occupied by the intermediate density component without causing the intermediate density component to exit the centrifuge, and subsequently at a second rate, so as to displace intermediate density component from the centrifuge.

Abstract: An apheresis apparatus and method is disclosed for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood in a centrifuge. The whole blood in the centrifuge is diluted by recirculating fluid, such as plasma or saline, at a first flow rate, to mix with further withdrawn whole blood prior to entering the centrifuge. As plasma is collected, it is recirculated through the centrifuge at a second flow rate to further improve the separation between the intermediate density components, i.e., platelets and white blood cells in the "buffy coat." The plasma is then recirculated through the centrifuge at a third flow rate and platelets are displaced out of the centrifuge while the plasma is recirculating through the centrifuge at the third flow rate.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump assembly for easy loading includes a pump housing having a curved surface. A stationary tubing manifold from which a loop of tubing extends is positioned in line with the curved surface. A pump rotor rotatable about an axis is positioned adjacent to the curved surface. The rotor has a groove located above the curved surface encircling the rotor for retaining and stretching the loop of tubing in loading position between the rotor and the manifold. During loading, a notch located on the rotor progressively captures and urges the tubing downward between the curved surface and the pump rotor when the rotor is rotated.