Abstract: A martial arts training apparatus which includes a generally cylindrical shaped heavy bag having opposed ends and provided with means at its upper end for suspending the bag, and a simulated human leg which is positioned immediately adjacent the lower end of the heavy bag, with the simulated leg being generally cylindrical in shape and of a size which substantially replicates a human leg and is deformable. The simulated leg is secured to a frame means for properly positioning and suspending it from the heavy bag, with the frame means being positioned at the lower end of the heavy bag and external to the bag and shaped so as to conform to the shape of the lower end of the heavy bag. Means are also included for suspending and securing the frame means and the simulated leg to the heavy bag.

Abstract: An exercise machine or apparatus (10) to permit a user (U) to perform a squatting exercise while supported in an inclined supine position on a slidable platform (12) which may be positioned at a predetermined inclination relative to the vertical by adjustment of the length of a diagonal leg (16) is disclosed. The movable platform (12) has bearing sleeves (64) mounted for sliding movement along fixed rods (60). Shoulder pads (78) on the platform (12) engage the shoulders of user (U) supported on the platform (12) with the feet of the user supported on a foot rest (52). Force exerted by the user (U) against the shoulder pads (78) by a pushing action of the feet from the bent position shown in FIG. 1 forces the platform (12) upwardly for straightening of the legs of the user (U). The vertical load exerted by the user (U) is determined by the inclination of the body support platform (12).

Abstract: A first end of a lever pivots about a fixed axis as a second end is raised and lowered by the user. A carriage is disposed on the lever and is designed to travel the length of the lever between the first and second ends. A belt is coupled to a weight and to the carriage through a series of pulleys. The lever is shaped so that the weight neither raises nor lowers as the carriage travels from one end of the lever to the other. The distance that the weight travels in response to movement of the second end is thus proportional to the position of the carriage on the lever. By moving the carriage to numerous positions between the first and second ends of the lever, the torque needed to lift the weight and the distance by which the weight moves may be varied correspondingly in numerous increments over a very large range. A number of different user interfaces may be coupled to the lever for creating an equal number of different weight training machines.

Abstract: An exercise method having one or more exercise members connected by a cable system to a weight, such as a variable weight stack, and each movable by a user along an exercise path to perform an exercise routine against the resisting force of the weight, and a pre-stretch adjustment feature, whereby the position of each exercise member along its exercise path at which the resisting force of the weight commences to act on the member, and hence also the portion of the exercise path over which the resisting force acts on the member, are adustable in order to vary the exercise routine performed with each exercise member.

Abstract: An exercise and physical therapy device having a central elongated resilient element with a wrist attachment strap at one end and a foot attachment strap at the other end. The device is configured so that the foot strap fits comfortably inside the user's shoe, allowing the device to be used simultaneously while performing walking, running, or other exercises.

Abstract: A plurality of leg straps are arranged for securement about an individual's legs to permit manual manipulation of the legs to enhance circulation for individuals lacking control of their lower limbs. The strap members include cooperative fastening surfaces for securement about the lower limbs, with each strap member having a top surface loop, with each top surface loop interconnected by a connecting belt. The connecting belt permits ease of manual manipulation upon grasping the belt and manipulation of each limb.

Abstract: A machine tool has a spindle rotating in a headstock and has, further, a gripper for transferring a toolholder from an uncoupled position into a ready-to-couple position within the spindle. A coupling mechanism is provided for further transferring the toolholder from the ready-to-couple position to a couple position within the spindle in which the toolholder can be rigidly connected to the spindle for rotation therewith. In order to control the transferring steps, a sensor is provided for detecting whether the toolholder is in its couple position.

Abstract: An adjustable, elevated platform structure having a T-shaped planform. The upright of the T is a rail (10) on which is mounted a sled (58) carrying an elevated, oblong forward platform (54). The crossbar (12) of the T sports two vertical supports (14) which hold up the ends of an oblong, vertically oriented rear platform (24). A cushioned instep support (42, 44) is mounted across the forward facing side of the rear platform. The forward platform can be moved back and forth along the rail, the rear platform can be moved up and down on the vertical supports, and the cushioned instep support can be moved closer to or further away from the forward facing side of the rear platform. The user places his leading foot (74) on the forward platform and inserts the toe of his trailing foot (76) between the rear platform and the cushioned instep support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rolling practice. The proposed roll comprises a sleeve with a hard-alloy insert having a working surface and an element for protection of the insert against electrochemical wear. The element comprises an inductor coil located on the sleeve, and a magnet fixed stationary nearby the coil. Parts of turns of the coil located on the side of its outer surface are electrically connected to the hard-alloy insert, and parts of turns of the coil located on the side of its inner surface are adapted to be in electric contact with the coolant fluid.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator in which a wash fluid zone is formed within the confines of an annular weir, with excess wash fluids passing via a spillway to an excess wash fluid outlet. Recyclable fluids are forced into a wash fluid/recyclable fluid interface on top of the wash fluid zone by centrifugal force with recyclable fluids being skimmed from the wash fluid/recyclable fluid interface through a recyclable fluid outlet. Solids are propelled by centrifugal force outwardly toward interior sidewalls and washed down sloped interior sidewalls toward a solids outlet by wash fluids fed continuously in through a wash fluids inlet. A rotating shaft is provided having a plurality of arms which extend to immediately adjacent the solids outlet. The arms have paddle shaped extremities.

Abstract: A valved bandage and method for covering an open wound in the chest cavity. The bandage includes a flexible sheet having a hole formed therein. A normally closed one way valve section extends outward from the outside of the sheet and in communication with the hole. The bandage is secured over the chest wound, so that the valve is in alignment with the chest wound opening to close the chest wound. The bandage enables fluids from inside the chest cavity to flow into the valve, to open the valve and be released to the outside. The valve automatically closes after the flow of fluids into the valve substantially ceases, to prevent back flow of air from the outside to the inside of the chest cavity. The one way valve section of the bandage may be formed into an angled configuration, so that the position of the outlet of the angled valve section may be varied to provide optimum drainage of fluids.

Abstract: A wearing article with a tapering function for wearing on a human body in pressed relation to a surface of the human body, has a heavily-stretchable portion which has an excellent tightening force and is adapted to be held against a required portion of the human body so as to extend generally along muscle fibers over a region from a tendon to a central portion of the muscle. The remainder of the wearing article is defined by an easily-stretchable portion. With this arrangement, by merely wearing this wearing article on the required portion of the body, the heavily-stretchable portion tightens only a required portion of the body to support the central portion of the relevant muscle, thereby easily achieving a taping function.

Abstract: A low priming volume integrated centrifugal pump and membrane oxygenator comprising a housing containing a mass transfer bed comprising gas permeable hollow membrane fibers placed circumferentially in a ring around an impeller. The mass transfer bed is formed by a multiple wrap of a fiber ribbon comprising at least two layers of fibers bonded in precise orientation with fibers in alternate layers are positioned in line with the opening between fibers in the layers above and below. Adhesion means ensure precise orientation of the fibers. Priming volume is further reduced by a small impeller flow channel volume.

Abstract: A system for photopheresis treatment of immune diseases in the blood without immobilizing the patient or contacting the blood with treating agents, includes portable apparatus worn by the patient and a method of irradiating blood with rays as the blood flows continuously in a closed sterile loop path.

Abstract: A device for reducing swelling of hemorrhoidal tissues comprises an at least partially hollow body member, a hypertonic solution contained in the body member, and a semipermeable membrane defining a wall or surface of the body member. The membrane is positioned along the body member so that the membrane is in substantial direct contact with hemorrhoidal tissues upon insertion of the body member into a rectum.

Abstract: A surgical packing dispenser comprises an elongate tube having a housing mounted on its proximal end. A continuous roll of sterilized packing material is disposed within the housing, and a free end of the packing material extends distally through the tube. The sterilized packing material is mounted on the spindle, and a handle is provided to rotate the spindle to feed material from the roll down the dispenser tube. In this way, relatively lengthy amounts of the packing material can be dispensed during laparoscopic and other endoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: A catheter combination as disclosed for passing an endoscope along a vessel. The catheter combination includes a catheter having a hollow tubular member defining a lumen having a first cross-sectional area. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an irrigation connector at the proximal end of the catheter with a wall defining a passageway connecting with the lumen. An endoscope has an endoscope body with a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The body has a cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area of the lumen. The endoscope proximal end portion extends proximally of the catheter proximal end and the endoscope distal end portion extends distally of the catheter distal end. The endoscope body extends through the lumen such that fluid from the passage in the irrigation connector can pass between the endoscope body and the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to providing an infusion administration container which is effective in establishing about a normothermic temperature of a physiologic solution for its infusion into an animal, such as a human medical patient. The infusion administration container comprises an upper flexible bladder adapted to contain at least one first chemical agent and a first lower flexible bladder adapted to contain at least one second chemical agent. These first and second chemical agent(s), when combined, result in an exothermic reaction. A passageway interconnects the upper bladder and first lower bladder with manually openable closure means disposed within the passageway to separate the chemical agents until the closure means is opened. A second lower flexible bladder, adapted to contain an administrable physiologic fluid, is disposed in heat-exchange relationship with the first lower bladder.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is an implantable patient access port which provides a percutaneous route for access using an external filament such as an external catheter, needle, wire or optical fiber. The access port incorporates an internal reservoir for the retention of an antibacterial fluid and further includes a means for refilling the fluid chamber. Refilling is accomplished through providing a separate fluid reservoir within the housing and further through the provision of a barrier which can be penetrated using a needle. Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a blood check device which prevents migration of red blood cells from a percutaneously placed accessed catheter outside of the patient. The device includes a filter media element and connector for permitting in-line placement of the blood check in the access catheter.

Abstract: A catheter system for dilating the prostatic urethra of a male patient. The catheter has an elongated tubular catheter body with an inner lumen extending therein, an inflatable relatively inelastic balloon on the distal extremity of the catheter body, a core member extending through the balloon interior and at least to and preferably out the distal end of the catheter body where a flexible body such as a helical coil is disposed about and secured thereto. The catheter body proximal to the balloon has a diameter which is sufficiently small to allow the catheter shaft to be slidably disposed within the working channel of a flexible cystoscope. The flexible cystoscope can be utilized to allow the physician performing the dilatation to observe the external sphincter to ensure that there is no dilation thereof.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter, comprising a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with a balloon inflation lumen extending therethrough, a fixed, steerable torquewire extending through at least a portion of the shaft and out of the distal end thereof, an angioplasty balloon on the distal end of the catheter operatively communicating with the balloon inflation lumen for inflation and deflation of the balloon, wherein the proximal end of the balloon is attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and the distal end of the balloon is attached to the torquewire, and a bailout lumen extending along the catheter shaft from a point ordinarily outside the patient during use to a point proximal of the balloon and normally inside the patient during such use, the bailout lumen adapted to receive a removable guidewire and having an outer wall, with the outer wall preferably including a means such as a longitudinally extending slit for laterally removing the catheter from the patient and off of the guidewir

Abstract: The syringe includes a barrel, a plunger, and an adapter for mounting the needle in the distal end of the barrel. The adapter includes a protrusion projecting away from the needle end and into the barrel defining an annular space between the barrel and the protrusion. The plunger and protrusion have complementary surfaces whereby the plunger may grip the adapter for removal of the adapter into the interior of the barrel after use. The adapter includes vent passages communicating between the central passage through the adapter and the annular space whereby air can be vented from the barrel after receiving fluid within the barrel and prior to injection. Thus, the syringe may be oriented in a vertical position needle end uppermost with the vent passages forming the most superior portion of the barrel interior whereby air may be vented.

Abstract: A syringe having a casing, a shiftable rod assembly, and a needle foot latched at a first end of the casing is disclosed. The syringe is equipped with a shiftable ring for limiting stroke length of the rod assembly in such a way to maintain the piston at a predetermined distance from the needle foot, and to increase the stroke length after a second outward shifting stroke of the piston for drawing in liquid, in such a way that upon a second inward shifting stroke of the piston for expulsion of the injection liquid, the piston will be coupled with the needle foot.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder infusion pump which may be used for delivering a pharmaceutically active material to a patient at a substantially constant flow rate. A unitary internal stress member or mandrel is disposed within the bladder, prestressing the bladder in both the axial and radial dimensions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous local anesthetization set to be used for setting a catheter in a spinal subarachnoid space, the continuous local anesthetization set consisting of a puncturing guide needle 2, a guide member 3 and a catheter 4, the puncturing guide needle 2 is known. The guide member 3 is composed of a guide pipe 3A, the diameter of which is substantially equal to that of a guide needle 2A1, and a knob 3B fitted firmly around a substantially intermediate portion of the outer circumferential surface of the guide pipe 3A, the guide member 3 being formed so as to be fitted detachably in the puncturing guide needle 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a safety trocar which requires less insertion force to penetrate the abdominal wall than the prior art devices. The trocar has a blade with a shaft and body. The body includes a pointed tip which makes the initial incision in the abdominal wall of the patient. The body of the blade has a shoulder which is of a reduced size as compared to the body thereby creating a stepped relationship between the body and the shoulder of the blade. The thickness of the step formed by the relationship of the diameter of the body and shoulder is substantially the same thickness as the wall thickness of the cylindrical cannula that fits over the blade. The inside diameter of substantially the entire length of the cannula is substantially the same as the outside diameter of the body of the blade.

Abstract: A guidewire introducer assembly is disclosed, together with a method of introducing a guidewire into a blood vessel. The introducer assembly allows a guidewire to be grasped between the digits of a user, thereby facilitating advancement or retraction of the guidewire. It includes an elongated dispenser tube, a guidewire slidably positioned within the dispenser tube and a guidewire introducer. The guidewire introducer includes or defines an opening through which the guidewire may be grasped. As the guidewire passes through the opening, it can be grasped by a user and advanced or retracted through the guidewire introducer. The guidewire introducer also allows the user to straighten the end portion of the guidewire. This allows the easy insertion of a guidewire having a J-tipped end portion within an introducer needle or catheter.

Abstract: A cannula retaining device is disclosed in which a base includes a sleeve in the center thereof to provide a port for insertion of a cannula. A clamp including a compressible plug with an interior aperture that matches the diameter of the cannula is fitted into the base. The clamp includes a pair of laterally extending finger engageable arms which tighten the compressible plug on the cannula, thereby receiving the cannula while allowing adjustment, angulation and rotation.

Abstract: An elastomeric bladder type infusion device for delivering a beneficial agent, such as a drug to a patient at substantially a constant rate. The device uniquely includes an internally disposed functional substrate which carries the beneficial agent so that it can be mixed with the fluid as the fluid is being introduced into the device to distend the bladder to make it an energy source for controllably dispensing the solution mixture to a patient.

Abstract: A neonatal ventilator circuit holder including a strap for securely holding a ventilator circuit in place on a mattress adjacent to an infant in order to retain the ventilator circuit in optimum relation to the mouth of an infant reclining on the mattress. The holder is in the form of an elongated strap of flexible fabric or similar material having the ends thereof secured to the frame of the infant bed by the use of readily attachable and detachable fastening structures preferably in the form of hook and loop pile fasteners available under the trademark "VELCRO".

Abstract: A syringe (70), of the type having an adapter (76) housing a pharmaceutical-filled container (72) with a plunger (82, 86) disposed within the bore of the container barrel (74), includes a needle assembly (100) housed within a needle assembly guide (98) positioned along the exterior of the barrel. The needle assembly guide provides a path along which the needle assembly moves, between an extended position, with the needle exposed, and a retracted position, with the needle encompassed by the needle guide. The adapter includes a hollow spike (88) which pierces the septum (78) of the container to create a flow path (88, 104, 44) between the interior of the container and the needle assembly when the needle assembly is in the extended position. The needle assembly can be irreversibly locked (54, 60) in the retracted position to prevent syringe reuse.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an elongate first cylindrical cavity having a first end and a second end, with the second end formed with a conical recess, the conical recess including a through-extending bore in communication with the recess directed into a second cavity, wherein reverse flow of fluid relative to the first cylindrical body is prevented from flow into the second cylindrical body and contamination of intravenous fluid directed into the assembly.

Abstract: An adapter seal adapted to facilitate the use of a small instrument within a laparoscopic cannula. The adapter seal comprises a body portion formed of elastomeric material, and a relatively rigid insertion guide mounted on the body portion The body portion has an aperture therein adapted to sealingly engage and support the small instrument while permitting movement of the instrument through the aperture The insertion guide has a wall forming a generally conical passageway for guiding small instruments toward the aperture of the body portion. A tether may be provided for holding the adapter seal adjacent the cannula when the body portion is disconnected from the cannula, and the insertion guide may be color-coded to indicate the size aperture through the body portion of the adapter seal.

Abstract: A female fitting for a Luer which comprises a hollow, cylindrical member having means to attach it to the Luer at one end thereof, and means for quickly and manually attaching a plastic tubing to the opposite end of the member. In order to attach the tubing, the interior surface of the fitting adjacent this end is provided with protuberances on the inside surface thereof which engage with the tubing as the tubing is thrust thereinto in order to provide a substantially mechanical lock by being impressed into the material of the tubing. The material of the tubing is softer and more impressionable than the material of the fitting itself and its protuberances. The protuberances are arranged in spaced relation on a spiral path.

Abstract: A latex container for use as a leg bag by urinary incontinent persons. The latex leg bag is provided with strap holders that are formed simultaneously with the leg bag structure to provide a more structurally reliable strap holder. The strap holder includes a nodal growth of latex, simultaneously grown during the latex coagulation process. The nodal growth bridges an interstice on the former to close the strap holder loop. The leg bag container is provided with a skewed entry neck for facilitating better dressing of the delivery tube during use, and may be formed in a concave shape to better conform to the user's leg. The former is machined with corresponding structure to form the leg bag in a latex coagulation process. After the latex bag is formed and cured for a predetermined period, the latex bag structure is treated with a rubber polymer/solvent (KRATON G/toluene) chemical compound for managing the permeation of urine odors.

Abstract: An external incontinence device which reduces or eliminates maceration, skin irritation, microbial skin infiltration and infection, and urinary tract infection associated with conventional urinary catheters and incontinence devices is provided. The device comprises a housing having an outlet conduit, a plurality of leaves made of a thin, vapor permeable film connected to the housing, a vapor permeable adhesive on the interior surface of the leaves, a microbial-barrier layer provided on an inner surface of the housing and a barrier disc provided on the inner surface of the housing. The vapor-permeable leaves allow water vapor to evaporate from the underlying skin surface, thus eliminating maceration. In addition, a U-shaped release backing on each leaf allows the leaves to be applied to the skin surface in a wrinkle-free manner.

Abstract: Novel breathable disposable diapers of per se known configuration comprising a back sheet having a crotch portion and corner portions or wings adapted for engaging the waist and stomach of the wearer, the corner portions being both air-and liquid-permeable, the crotch portion of the back sheet comprising a a liquid-impermeable sheet material carrying an absorbent pad for receiving and retaining body waste materials with the side edges of the sheet material extending around and over the side edges of the pad, whereby to provide a barrier preventing the waste material from escaping through the back of the diaper or through the side edges of the pad.Preferably, a permeable cover or front sheet, is also provided, the absorbent pad in the crotch portion being sandwiched between the cover and liquid-impermeable sheets.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a backing sheet having a crotch portion, an absorbent pad having a pair of opposed side edges, and a liquid impervious barrier sheet having side margins extending around the side edges of the pad, such that the barrier sheet provides a barrier preventing waste material from escaping through the back of the diaper or through the side edges of the pad.

Abstract: A hand-held phaco-extractor instrument comprises an elongate tubular irrigation/aspiration system for a distal or operating end, wherein a fiber-optic cable delivers laser-irradiation of wavelength which is so substantially coincident with the known high absorptivity in water that laser-energy penetration is essentially limited to the region of cataractous-lens tissue to be fragmented and extracted. In other words, for the aqueous environment in which the particular laser radiation is to do its fragmentation, there is no possibility of damaging radiation penetration to the retina or to other regions of the eye which are irrelevant to the involved cataract-removal surgery.

Abstract: A laser system applies energy of the proper wavelength to the cornea of the eye and the stroma of the cornea is thereby heated and changes permanently, causing the shape of the cornea to change. Laser treatment patterns are disclosed for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatisms.

Abstract: A device for terminating a surgical apparatus such as a fiber optic catheter is disclosed. A fiber optic catheter having an outer body, an inner body disposed within the outer body to form an outer lumen therebetween and an inner lumen within the inner body, and optical fibers within the outer lumen is terminated at its distal end with a two-piece tip. An outer band of the tip has one end between the outer body and the optical fibers, while an inner band contacts the ends of the inner body and the optical fibers. The terminal faces of the optical fibers may be angled to increase the surface area illuminated or ablated by the fiber optic catheter. The inner and outer bands may be flared outwardly to increase the surface area affected even more. The inner body may also be extended beyond the terminal face to aid tracking of the catheter. The inner body and inner band may be eccentric to the outer body and outer band so that the catheter may be rotated to ablate a larger vascular area.

Abstract: A coil fusion implant is formed as a length of wire helically wound up or torqued about a center axis. It has terminal sections at opposed ends that can be releasably gripped and axially twisted about the reference axis to reduce the outer diameter of the coil. The coil can be screwed into place between opposing bony surfaces of a joint while it is constrained in a reduced diameter state. Following its insertion between the prepared bony surfaces, the coil is permitted to gradually recoil as its diameter increases. The coil, in its expanded state then exerts compressive forces radially outward against the bone surfaces in opposition to forces exerted by the ligaments and other tissues connecting the contacted bones of the joint.

Abstract: A pedicle hook for use in treatment of the spine has a bifurcated blade in which one of the legs formed by the bifurcation is longer than the other.

Abstract: A medullary nail (10) has a cavity (12) in which an inner part (20) can slide longitudinally without being able to rotate. The wall (11) of the medullary nail (10) which forms the cavity (12) is traversed on opposite sides by an elongated hole (16) in the region of the driving-in end (14). At least one fastening hole (22) aligned flush with the elongated hole (16) is provided in the inner part (20). When the connecting screws are driven into the spaced fastening holes (15, 16, 22) and an osteotomy is located between the connecting screws (15, 22), the edges of the osteotomy are moved apart as the inner part slides longitudinally, and the slowly widening gap between the edges of the osteotomy becomes filled with bone tissue.

Abstract: A ball joint for holding a neurosurgery tool in a predetermined orientation relative to a patient's skull has a plate that fits onto the skull. The plate is formed with a socket, and a ball is rotatably positioned in the socket. The ball, in turn, is formed with a bore, and the neurosurgery tool can be positioned in the bore to extend through the bore of the ball into the patient's brain. The ball can accordingly be rotated as appropriate to establish a predetermined orientation of the neurosurgery tool relative to the patient's skull. Set screws are provided to hold the neurosurgery tool stationary relative to the bore of the ball, and to hold the ball stationary relative to the plate. A retainer ring holds the ball against the plate.

Abstract: The ultrasonic scalpel blade includes a blade having an included blade edge angle of 25.degree. and greater such that, upon application of ultrasonic power, the otherwise blunt blade has a perceived sharpness corresponding to the sharpness of manually used scalpel blades with the added advantage of improved coagulation and hemostasis. Blades are also provided with varying included angles for ultrasonically incising different tissues.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument especially for ocular surgery including a hub having an axis with an axial bore in the proximal end and being receivable of a piston. In the distal end the bore is receivable of a tube, the piston and the tube being coaxial with the axis of the hub. A piston with an internal axial bore is disposed in the bore of the hub and is reciprocally movable along the axis. A face is disposed at one end of the piston and is adapted to engage a driver to provide movement of the piston on the axis. A tube is disposed in the bore at the distal end of the hub and extends outwardly therefrom. A member is rotatably disposed in the tube and extends outwardly to adjacent the distal end of the tube and inwardly to adjacent to the bore in the piston. Operative parts of the microsurgical instrument are disposed on the distal ends of each of the tube and the member. The parts cooperate with each other to perform a surgical task.

Abstract: The Dottering Auger Catheter system is designed for penetration of tight stenoses or total occlusions (called blockages) as a precursor to balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, or any other vessel opening means that requires an initial passageway. Specifically, the Dottering Auger Catheter system consists of a centering catheter and a Dottering auger catheter which is a catheter that opens a passageway through an arterial blockage by passing its wedge shaped distal end through that blockage causing outward plastic deformation of the plague; i.e., angioplasty. A centering catheter that surrounds the Dottering Auger Catheter can be used to center the distal end of the auger catheter just proximal to the blockage. The purpose of the auger type of Dottering catheter is to penetrate through the blockage by means of a self-tapping screw at the catheter's distal end.

Abstract: An ear piercing assembly includes a disposable cartridge assembly including a first and second ear piercing earring and an ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly for releaseably supporting the ear piercing earring therein. A clutch retaining sub-assembly is integrally formed with the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and releaseably supports a first and second clutch therein. An ear piercing instrument is adapted to receive the cartridge assembly and includes a plunger assembly for ejecting an ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and is displaceable for selectively moving between a first position for ejecting the first ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and a second position for ejecting the second ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided for treatment of hypertrophy of the prostate. The balloon is formed in a non-compliant transparent plastic sleeve fitted over a transparent plastic lumen. The distal end of the sleeve is secured to a fitting slidably mounted on the lumen.