Abstract: A template grid is provided for use in positioning medical implants. The template grid includes apertures defining passages extending through the template grid. The passages are sized to accommodate a medical implant such as needles. The template grid further includes an elongated slot. The elongated slot allows a needle to be placed in Denonvilliers space at a desired angle so that the injection of fluid can be accomplished. The elongated slot also allows at least one posteriorly angled treatment probe to be placed below the urethra into the prostate to treat otherwise difficult to reach areas. The template grid can be made in multiple components so that it can be used in different configurations to suit the user's needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for irrigating and collecting tissue from a body cavity in a patient. The system includes an irrigation and collection device for injecting an irrigation fluid into the body cavity. The irrigation device injects fluid into the body cavity by creating a positive pressure within the device to expel the irrigation fluid from the device into the body cavity. The irrigation fluid is evacuated from the body cavity by the resulting negative pressure within the device, drawing the irrigation fluid and any loose tissue or particulate material into the device. The irrigation fluid is filtered, collecting the evacuated tissue and particulate material in a collection receptacle thereby isolating the evacuated tissue and particulate material within the irrigation fluid.

Abstract: An eye drop applicator system includes a barrel-shaped body, a stem, and a fluid directing portion. The stem is adapted to retain a fluid reservoir for providing eye drop fluid. A method for administering eye drops to an eye includes demountably coupling a fluid reservoir to a fluid directing portion associated with a barrel-shaped body so that a tip of the fluid reservoir communicates with a conduit in the fluid directing portion; rotating the barrel-shaped body against a lower eyelid to retract the eyelid and expose a cul-de-sac of the eye; and transmitting fluid from the fluid reservoir to the cul-de-sac through an opening in the fluid directing portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue warming device for use with an ultrasound probe having top and bottom sides located diametrically opposite to each other viewed from a frontal cross-section of the probe. The device includes a sheath configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the probe. A first sack, which is associated with the sheath, covers at least a portion of the top side of the probe. The sack includes first and second passages. The first passage allows warm fluid to be directed into the first sack for expansion thereof. The second passage allows fluid to be removed from the first sack. When expanded with warm fluid, the first sack warms body tissue disposed adjacent thereto. The warm fluid may be a warm liquid, such as an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A system is provided for supporting a patient during computed axial tomography imaging. The system includes a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material, a discrete attachment region in the platform, and a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform at the discrete attachment region. A method for supporting a patient during a plurality of procedures also is provided. The method includes: disposing the patient on a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material; positioning a device with respect to the patient, the device being disposed on a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform; placing the platform, positioned device, and patient in a computed axial tomography imaging system and performing an imaging procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter that includes an elongate body having distal and proximal ends, the elongate body having at least one lumen therethrough, a distal portion of the elongate body having a perimeter. First and second retention members of the catheter are first and second retention members selectively disposed in either an insertion state or a retention state. In the insertion state, the first and second retention members form a distal body defining a central axis, the central axis being generally spaced apart from the perimeter of the distal portion of the elongate body, the distal body and elongate body insertable along a passageway of a mammal. In the retention state, the first and second retention members are selectively disposed in a spaced apart configuration to resist proximal movement of the catheter along the passage of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for irrigating and collecting tissue from a body cavity in a patient. The system includes an irrigation and collection device for injecting an irrigation fluid into the body cavity. The irrigation device injects fluid into the body cavity by creating a positive pressure within the device to expel the irrigation fluid from the device into the body cavity. The irrigation fluid is evacuated from the body cavity by the resulting negative pressure within the device, drawing the irrigation fluid and any loose tissue or particulate material into the device. The irrigation fluid is filtered, collecting the evacuated tissue and particulate material in a collection receptacle thereby isolating the evacuated tissue and particulate material within the irrigation fluid.