Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon packaging sheath is provided which includes a long slim extruded plastic tube for storing a furled thin-walled intra-aortic balloon. An entry section of the same plastic is injection molded onto one end of the tube, with the entry section including an outwardly flared entry port surface which is spaced from one end of the tube, and an internal passageway which is co-linear and congruent with the internal cross-section of the tube from the respective end of the tube through the intersection of the second internal passageway with the outwardly flared passageway. Thereby a smooth internal surface is provided through the flared passageway into the internal passageway and through the later into the tube. The exit end of the sheath tube is inverted by use of a heated tipping die such that a distal end portion is turned outwardly and back circumjacent another portion of the tube wall to form a smoothly rounded exit passageway of the tube at the exit end.

Abstract: A fiber optic device for remote delivery of intense ultraviolet optical signals comprising an excimer laser source and an optical fiber. The output of the pulsed, transverse discharge, high pressure laser source is coupled to an articulating reflection mechanism which directs the pulsed laser output to an input end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber serves to transmit the light from the laser source to a remote location or target. The excimer laser further comprises a segmented first elongated laser electrode and a coextensive second laser electrode which is substantially solid. The discharge is stabilized by inductors connected to each segment of the first electrode and further by preionization electrodes located adjacent and coextensive with the second electrode. The preionization electrodes comprise a central conductor surrounded by a dielectric sleeve. The laser further comprises a closed gas system for the lasing medium gas.

Abstract: A device for transferring high energy electromagnetic radiation from a laser to an optical fiber, which comprises a cone-shaped coupler having a wide proximal end and a narrow distal end, wherein the proximal end is in the form of a convex surface which acts as a focussing lens adapted to receive radiation from a laser and to transmit said radiation into and through said optical fiber and the distal end is attached to the input end of the optical fiber to form an integral assembly therewith, said cone-shaped coupler having a taper angle .theta. defined by the equation ##EQU1## wherein N.A. is the numerical aperture of the fiber material and .mu. is the refractive index of the material of the coupler at the wavelength of the incident radiation. A process for removing an obstruction by laser surgery using said device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing laser energy to a vascular occlusion comprises a catheter and a plurality of optical fibers disposed in an annular array about a central axis at the outer wall of the catheter. The distal end of each fiber is beveled at an angle and is oriented away from the central axis and perpendicular to a plane formed by the central axis and the center of the distal end of the respective fiber, whereby the output of the fibers are directed toward the central axis and converge at a common focal point.

Abstract: A device for conveying high energy electromagnetic radiation from a laser source to an optical fiber which comprises a sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end and being adapted to enclose a liquid which is transparent to said radiation, the distal end of said sleeve being adapted to be attached to the input end of the optical fiber; and a focussing lens attached to the proximal end of said sleeve said liquid having a refractive index which substantially matches the refractive index of the lens and of the optical fiber. A process for removing an obstruction by laser surgery using said device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual lumen subclavian cannula is disclosed for use in hemodialysis where the lumens are formed by a septum dividing an essentially circular tube longitudinally. The blood return lumen is closed at its distal end by a blunt point and has openings in its side wall proximal to the point. The blood inlet lumen has an open distal end plus openings in the side wall which are proximal to the analogous openings in the blood return lumen. A manifold at the proximal end of the tube separately distributes blood into the return lumen and collects blood from the inlet lumen.

Abstract: A dual lumen subclavian cannula is disclosed for use in hemodialysis where the lumens are formed by a septum dividing an essentially circular tube longitudinally. The blood return lumen is closed at its distal end by a blunt point and has openings in its side wall proximal to the point. The blood inlet lumen has an open distal end plus openings in the side wall which are proximal to the analogous openings in the blood return lumen. A manifold at the proximal end of the tube separately distributes blood into the return lumen and collects blood from the inlet lumen.

Abstract: A membrane plasmapheresis module (10) comprises semipermeable membrane means (11) capable of permitting blood plasma to pass therethrough while preventing the passage of blood cells, and sealed housing means (18, 19) defining a blood inlet port (43) and blood outlet port (44) positioned adjacent opposite ends of a first flow path (60) extending along one side of the membrane (11). The housing (18, 19) also defines a plasma outlet port (38) adjacent one end of separate, second flow paths (62) extending along the other side of the membrane (11). The membrane (11) may be folded together about a fold line (12) to define a pair of membrane portions (14, 16) lying against each other. The first flow path (60) extends between the membrane portions (14, 16) and the second flow path (62) may optionally extend between each membrane portion (14, 16) and a wall of the sealed housing means (18, 19), or alternatively an adjacent fold (12) of the membrane portion.

Abstract: The control apparatus of the invention comprises a feedback system to maintain the level of glucose in a diabetic within predetermined limits. Surgically implanted in the body are a means for sensing glucose levels and a means for dispensing insulin in an amount determined by the sensing mechanism. The sensing mechanism employs a chemical solution, which, like the insulin, is stored within a reservoir forming part of the surgical implant. Means are additionally provided to couple these reservoirs to the surface of the skin so as to permit their rechargings at regular time intervals. Integrated circuit technology is employed to translate an indication of an unacceptable glucose level into an automatic injection of insulin, with the electronics being of the type capable of being powered by batteries of the kind employed in pacemaker technology.