Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: A blood vessel wall-defining device for repairing an abdominal aneurysm includes a percutaneously-insertable structural frame extending between first and second ends having an unexpanded diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the blood vessel to permit the structural frame to be placed into the blood vessel. The structural frame is expansible to form a cylindrical structural skeleton having a slightly larger diameter than the blood vessel to facilitate the securing of the skeleton in position in the blood vessel. The skeleton has a sheath of a tubular fabric. The structural frame has a plurality of spaced coiled stents prior to expansion which are uncoiled under the aegis of a balloon catheter and locked into position by ratchet means.

Abstract: An oro-pharyngeal apparatus defining both a suction conduit adapted to receive an operative connection to a suction pump for removing liquids from a patient's throat and at least one airway through which the patient can breath during medical or dental treatment. The invention allows simultaneous use of the suction conduit and airway. Alternately, an oxygen pump can be connected to the conduit for insufflation of the patient. The airway is provided with a color coded ring to indicate a pre-determined size of the airway to accommodate various sized individuals. The device is fabricated by gas assisted injection molding techniques.

Abstract: A blood vessel wall-defining device for repairing an abdominal aneurysm. The device comprises a percutaneously-insertable structural frame extending between first and second ends having an unexpanded diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the blood vessel to permit the structural frame to be placed into the blood vessel. The structural frame being expansible to form a cylindrical structural skeleton having a slightly larger diameter than the blood vessel to facilitate the securing of the skeleton in position in the blood vessel. The skeleton has a sheath of a tubular fabric. The said structural frame has a plurality of spaced coiled stents prior to expansion which are uncoiled under the aegis of a balloon catheter and locked into position by ratchet means.

Abstract: A blood vessel wall-defining device for repairing an abdominal aneurysm. The device comprises a percutaneously-insertable structural frame extending between first and second ends having an unexpanded diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the blood vessel to permit the structural frame to be placed into the blood vessel. The structural frame being expansible to form a cylindrical structural skeleton having a slightly larger diameter than the blood vessel to facilitate the securing of the skeleton in position in the blood vessel. The skeleton has a sheath of a tubular fabric. The said structural frame has a plurality of spaced coiled stents prior to expansion which are uncoiled under the aegis of a balloon catheter and locked into position by ratchet means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pharmaceutical amnesic sedation composition for administering to a subject comprising an effective of: (i) a benzodiazepine derivative, (ii) a phenanthrene derivative, and (iii) an anticholinergic agent. This invention also relates to a method of administering to a subject a pharmaceutical amnesic sedation composition comprising: (a) preparing a pharmaceutical amnesic sedation composition of this invention, and (b) administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition that sedates the subject.

Abstract: A prosthesis for use in preventing restenosis after angioplasty is formed of plastic or sheet metal, and is expandable and contractible for placement. The prosthesis can be inserted while in a collapsed position, then expanded and locked at the larger diameter. Spring force can be provided by the material itself, or metal springs can be embedded within the walls of the prosthesis. Preferably, the walls have holes therethrough to promote tissue growth; and, in one embodiment, the holes are in the form of slots so that the prosthesis is segmented and can bend longitudinally.In a further embodiment the angioplasty stent is fitted with an internal fabric liner of substantially the same longitudinal dimensions as the stent. It is adhesively secured to the internal wall of the stent at selected points whereby the liner may have longitudinal fold or folds and may then be expanded as the stent is expanded after being positioned.

Abstract: A prosthesis for use in preventing restenosis after angioplasty is formed of plastic or sheet metal, and is expandable and contractible for placement. The prosthesis can be inserted while in a collapsed position, then expanded and locked at the larger diameter. Spring force can be provided by the material itself, or metal springs can be embedded within the walls of the prosthesis. Preferably, the walls have holes therethrough to promote tissue growth; and, in one embodiment, the holes are in the form of slots so that the prosthesis is segmented and can bend longitudinally.In one of the embodiments the stent is longitudinally hinged and has separated oppositely disposed edge portions which are retained together by a wire that is fitted into retaining lugs on both edge portions. The distal portion of the wire contains radioactive material to treat the area in which the stent is located.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for a temporomandibular joint comprising a prosthetic condyle and a prosthetic meniscus. The prosthetic condyle conprises two plates that are clamped about the ramus of the mandible wherein one of the plates extends upwardly into a convex surface thereby forming the condyle. The prosthetic meniscus comprising a resilient insert which is inserted into the joint capsule and has a reinforcing mesh embedded therein, and an extension for attaching the meniscus to the temporal bone.

Abstract: A patient monitor for an airway or endotrachial tube having a liquid detector which alerts an operator to the presence of liquid in a patient's throat. Vital signs sensors are also deployed on the appliance for sensing various body conditions. The fluid detector and the vital signs sensors are electricallly coupled to a microprocessor which operates numeric displays for the vital signs information and visual and audible alarms for the liquid detector and vital signs that are not normal or expected.