Abstract: Described is a swab comprising a rod having a longitudinal axis and a tip. The tip includes a proximal region at a distal end of the rod, a distal region opposite the proximal region, and a plurality of straight blades extending from the proximal region to the distal region, parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for repair of a region within an ear via a natural orifice, the device comprising a body. The body comprises a first port for visibly identifying the region to be sealed, the region being inside the ear; and a second port through which a seal can be introduced into the ear through the device. The region comprises a perforation of a tympanic membrane of the ear and the device is a speculum. The present invention also relates to method for repairing a perforation in a tympanic membrane using the same device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-emulsifier comprising a stack of piezoelectric materials, a horn at a proximal end of the stack of piezoelectric materials, and a transmission wire receivable in the horn for transmission of ultrasound waves able to be produced by the stack of piezoelectric materials. The ultrasound waves are able to be produced in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stack of piezoelectric materials and the horn. The transmission wire comprises a first end receivable in the horn and a second end remote from the first end, the second end having a bulb thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of non-biodegradable stents, and therein to non-biodegradable stents coated with at least one layer of a biodegradable polymer which maintains mechanical integrity of the coating both in storage and upon balloon expansion and which can optionally release drugs. The at least one polymer layer comprises a biodegradable polymer and a plasticizer. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such a non-biodegradable stent.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid pressure generator for generating high pressure head in a fluid. The ultrasonic fluid pressure generator comprises a transducer comprising a piezoelectric actuator and a displacement amplifier, the displacement amplifier having a fluid channel therethrough, the displacement amplifier being connected to the piezoelectric actuator at one end and having a free vibrating tip at another end; a reflecting condenser disposed at the vibrating tip of the displacement amplifier to form a gap between the vibrating tip and a reflecting surface of the reflecting condenser; and a casing configured for establishing a standing wave in the fluid contained within the casing, the transducer and the reflecting condenser being at least in part within the casing.

Abstract: Endothelialization of a bodily fluid or tissue-contacting, particularly blood-contacting, surface may be accomplished to render that surface substantially non-thrombogenic. Thrombosis may also be mitigated or eliminated by providing an eroding layer on the surface that results in the removal of any thrombus formation as the layer erodes. An implantable device may utilize at least one surface having a plurality of nano-craters thereon that enhance or promote endothelialization. Additionally, an implantable device may have at least one first degradable layer for contacting bodily fluid or tissue and disposed about a central core, and at least one second degradable layer between the first degradable layer and the central core. The first degradable layer has a first degradation rate and the second degradable layer has a second degradation rate which degrades more slowly than the first degradable layer on contact with bodily fluid or tissue.

Abstract: An electro-active, valveless pump having a pumping chamber with at least one chamber wall. There is at least one opening in the at least one chamber wall. An electro-active actuator is located over each of the openings for inducing fluid flow.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid pressure generator for generating high pressure head in a fluid. The ultrasonic fluid pressure generator comprises a transducer comprising a piezoelectric actuator and a displacement amplifier, the displacement amplifier having a fluid channel therethrough, the displacement amplifier being connected to the piezoelectric actuator at one end and having a free vibrating tip at another end; a reflecting condenser disposed at the vibrating tip of the displacement amplifier to form a gap between the vibrating tip and a reflecting surface of the reflecting condenser; and a casing configured for establishing a standing wave in the fluid contained within the casing, the transducer and the reflecting condenser being at least in part within the casing.

Abstract: A tissue retractor for retracting tissue opened by an incision, the tissue retractor including a base support unit having a topside and an underside. The topside has at least one securing mechanism and the underside is conformable and removably attachable to a surface proximate to the incision. The tissue retractor has a tissue hook having a tissue engagement portion and a mounting portion, the tissue engagement portion capable of engaging at least the periphery of the incision. The tissue retractor has a retractable member substantially inelastic in its central longitudinal axis and bendable in any axes deviating from the central longitudinal axis. The retractable member receives the mounting portion of the tissue hook, the retractable member being removably attachable to said securing mechanism on the topside of the base support unit, and being retractable away from the incision, such that the tissue engagement portion retracts tissue engaged thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of non-biodegradable stents, and therein to non-biodegradable stents coated with at least one layer of a biodegradable polymer which maintains mechanical integrity of the coating both in storage and upon balloon expansion and which can optionally release drugs. The at least one polymer layer comprises a biodegradable polymer and a plasticizer. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such a non-biodegradable stent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-emulsifier comprising a stack of piezoelectric materials, a horn at a proximal end of the stack of piezoelectric materials, and a transmission wire receivable in the horn for transmission of ultrasound waves able to be produced by the stack of piezoelectric materials. The ultrasound waves are able to be produced in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stack of piezoelectric materials and the horn. The transmission wire comprises a first end receivable in the horn and a second end remote from the first end, the second end having a bulb thereon.

Abstract: A stent formed of polymeric material, useful for the expansion of a lumen and the delivery of one or more therapeutic agents in situ is disclosed. The stent may be multi-layered, and may change shape at a state transition temperature governed by the materials forming the layers. Methods of use and manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Endothelialization of a bodily fluid or tissue-contacting, particularly blood-contacting, surface may be accomplished to render that surface substantially non-thrombogenic. Thrombosis may also be mitigated or eliminated by providing an eroding layer on the surface that results in the removal of any thrombus formation as the layer erodes. An implantable device may utilize at least one surface having a plurality of nano-craters thereon that enhance or promote endothelialization. Additionally, an implantable device may have at least one first degradable layer for contacting bodily fluid or tissue and disposed about a central core, and at least one second degradable layer between the first degradable layer and the central core. The first degradable layer has a first degradation rate and the second degradable layer has a second degradation rate which degrades more slowly than the first degradable layer on contact with bodily fluid or tissue.

Abstract: A tissue retractor for retracting tissue opened by an incision, said tissue retractor including a base support unit having a topside and an underside. The topside comprises at least one securing mechanism and the underside is adapted to be conformable and to be removably attachable to a surface proximate to the incision. The tissue retractor also includes at least one tissue hook having a tissue engagement portion and a mounting portion, wherein the tissue engagement portion is capable of engaging at least the periphery of the incision. The tissue retractor also includes at least one retractable member substantially inelastic in its central longitudinal axis and bendable in any axes deviating from said central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electro-active, valveless pump having a pumping chamber with at least one chamber wall. There is at least one opening in the at least one chamber wall. An electro-active actuator is located over each of the openings for inducing fluid flow.

Abstract: A fluid pump for pumping fluid. The fluid pump includes a driver having a substantially tubular shaped body defining a body axis and, a number of elements circumferentially spaced around the body. Each element is responsive to a signal to so as cause a corresponding portion of the body to expand or contract in a direction substantially parallel to the tube axis. The pump also includes an urging member positioned in a flow path. In use, the urging member is coupled to the driver such that selective expansion and/or contraction of the body causes the urging member to rotate, thereby urging fluid along the flow path.

Abstract: A method of forming piezoelectric tubes. The method includes forming a suspension of ceramic particles in a fluid medium, positioning a rod in the fluid medium and then depositing particles on the rod using electrophoresis. The deposited layer is then heat treated to form a piezoelectric tube.