Abstract: The invention relates, in one embodiment to a computer-implemented method for dynamically tailoring dosages of a biochemical compound administered to a human under a biochemical-based therapy program. The method includes administering a first plurality of stimulus exercises to the human over a period of time. The first plurality of stimulus exercises are administered to the human after at least one administration of the biochemical compound. The method also includes measuring responses from the first plurality of stimulus exercises to assess efficacy levels of the biochemical portion on the human as a function of time over the period of time. The method further includes dynamically modulating the dosages of the biochemical compound responsive to the efficacy levels measured from the first plurality of stimulus exercises.

Abstract: A system and method is described that enables a health care provider to monitor and manage a health condition of a patient. The system includes a health care provider apparatus operated by a health care provider and a remotely programmable patient apparatus that is operated by a patient. The health care provider develops a script program using the health care provider apparatus and then sends the script program to a remotely programmable patient apparatus through a communication network such as the World Wide Web. The script program is a computer-executable patient protocol that provides information to the patient about the patient's health condition and that interactively monitors the patient health condition by asking the patient questions and by receiving answers to those questions. The answers to these health related questions are then forwarded as patient data from the remotely programmable patient apparatus to the health care provider apparatus through the communication network.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic imaging system, a transducer array structure, preferably a linear one-dimensional array on a catheter, is provided wherein the direction of a beam is controlled by a preselected, linear delay profile implementing a linear portion of a beam forming equation so that the array is effectively curved electronically. Beam forming is effected independently of the steering. An active aperture is provided by which a beam is steered according to linear array techniques. The active aperture comprises selected adjacent subsets of transducer elements of the array structure. The delay profile may be implemented by delay lines to each transducer element or by any preselected delay elements whereby the flatness or curvature of the array structure is matched and so that beam steering can be implemented by simple translation of the aperture along the transducer array. The pitch or separation between the transducer elements may be uniform or varied.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic ultrasound method and system for simultaneous phase correction of signal components at two frequency bands is provided. Simultaneous phase correction is performed, in part, during transmission of ultrasound waveforms and, in part, during reception of returning echoes. The phase between any two transmitted beams is adjusted by a first phase value. The phase between any two received beams is adjusted by a second phase value. Selection of the first and second phase values allows for simultaneous correction of signal components at two different frequency bands. For example, fundamental and second harmonic frequency bands are corrected for coherent imaging or processing. The phase corrections may account for different transmit and receive processes, such as fixed focus transmission and dynamic receive focusing.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device includes a housing having an interior sized for containing a flexible diaphragm, the deflection of which causes subsequent movement of a movement mechanism relative to an indicating dial face. The diaphragm is nonfixedly attached to the bottom side of a support plate disposed within the housing interior, in which the plate includes a center opening sized to support the movement mechanism and position an input member of the movement mechanism adjacently to the flexible diaphragm. A pressure chamber is established between the bottom of the housing and the diaphragm such that air or other fluid entering the chamber causes deflection of the diaphragm and subsequent movement of the input member. Preferably, the diaphragm is retained within a slot formed in the housing and clamped into contact with a flexible gasket and the bottom surface of the support plate.

Abstract: A hybrid sphygmomanometer comprises: (a) an arm cuff with an inflatable air bladder; (b) a pumping device for inflating the air bladder; (c) a manually controlled air outlet valve for deflating the air bladder; (d) an air pressure transducer operative to receive the pressure in the air bladder of the arm cuff and to produce an electrical signal representing this pressure; (e) a manually operated switch for generating systolic and diastolic interrupt signals; (f) a first electronic display for displaying the instantaneous pressure in the air bladder in the form of a bar graph; (g) a second electronic display for displaying systolic and diastolic pressures; and (h) an electrical circuit connected to the pressure transducer and to the button for controlling said first and second display. The first display, for displaying the instantaneous pressure in the air bladder, is a simulated mercury column.

Abstract: A phonopneumograph system for analyzing breath sounds includes a plurality of breath related sensors placed around the respiratory system of a patient for measuring breath related activity and a breath analyzer. The breath analyzer matches the breath sound data produced by the breath related sensors to a plurality of breath sound templates each of which parametrize one type of breath sound and determines the presence of regular and/or adventitious breath sounds only when the breath sound data matches, within predetermined goodness of fit criteria, one or more of the breath sound templates.

Abstract: Apparatus for relating pain and activity experienced by a patient comprises: pain transducing means for allowing a patient to select any one pain level from a predetermined number of pain levels and for producing a pain level signal indicative of the selected level; activity transducing means responsive to the pain level signal for measuring a level of a parameter of a physical activity of the patient near the time corresponding to the selection of the pain level and for producing an activity parameter level signal indicative of the measured level of the parameter; and relating means responsive to the pain level signal and the activity parameter level signal for characterizing the activity of the patient corresponding to the selected level of pain to be one activity level of a predetermined number of predefined activity levels and for producing a signal indicative of the characterized level of activity and the corresponding pain level.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to emplacable devices for interventional therapeutic treatment or vascular surgery, and more particularly concerns a stranded micro-cable with enhanced radiopacity that can be used to fabricate a vascular device, a stent, a guidewire or the like. The micro-cable is made of strands of a material exhibiting super-elasticity or shape memory properties, such as nickel-titanium, and includes a strand of radiopaque material, such as platinum or gold, in order to provide a radiopaque marker during interventional therapeutic treatment or vascular surgery. The micro-cable can be used to form occluding coils which can be used in devices to restrict, reinforce, or to occlude areas of small diameter vasculature such as an aneurysm or malformation in an artery or vein in the brain.

Abstract: An elongate elastic metal alloy member for use in a medical device. The elongate member may be formed from a linear elastic metal alloy which may be twisted such that the torsional elasticity of the member is removed while the longitudinal flexibility of the member is maintained. The elongate member may further be placed under tension, fixed to prevent rotation, and heat treated such that the stress caused by tensioning and twisting the member is relieved without transforming the linear elastic metal alloy into a super-elastic metal alloy. The resulting elongate elastic metal alloy member may have increased straightness and may be easier to grind.

Abstract: A probe for examining viscoelasticity and anisotrophy of an area of an external layer of a living or artificial tissue, comprises an assembly (34) including at least one group of piezoelectric spaced-apart transducers (78,80,82), each having a surface contact making edge, wherein one of said transducers operates as a transmitter and at least one other transducer operates as a receiver, and wherein said assembly is movable both axially, as well as angularly; means for effecting the controlled axial movement (22,24) of said assembly; means for controlling the contact pressure (24) to be exerted by the transducers on the surface of an area of a tissue to be examined, and means for effecting angular movement of said assembly (18,20) at a selected axial displacement.

Abstract: An effect analogous to a tail-pinch effect is evoked in humans by apparatus for applying variable localized pressure to the spine. Control of the pressure can be accomplished manually, by remote control and/or automatically. By selectively applying pressure a number of changes can be evoked in the human including, for example, causing an increase in appetite, a change in sexual behavior, increased blood flow to brain, and/or an increase of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The effect is useful in treating Parkinson's disease, depressive disorders, stroke and other conditions.

Abstract: A spa accessory that includes a massage wand, a connecting fitting, and a flexible connecting hose connected between the massage wand and the connecting fitting. The connecting fitting is adapted to connect the accessory to tubular spa jet outlet tubes that are not adapted to attach with an accessory.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a miniature pump which can be implanted in the eye for controllably removing excess fluid from the eye to treat glaucoma. The pump, in accordance with the inventive method, may be placed beneath the conjunctiva and/or extraocular muscles. In order to ensure that the right amount of fluid is removed from the eye the pump has a variable pumping rate, which results in a variable rate of removal of fluid from the eye. The pumping rate can be manually adjusted or automatically controlled in response to sensed ocular pressure. In the automatic mode, serious complications such as hypotony are avoided by reducing fluid flow when ocular pressure is low.

Abstract: A hand-operated disposable device for controllably dispensing medications having a paste-like or cream-like consistency includes a transparent plastic container member having a cylindrical medication-holding bore, and a plunger member which slidably engages the bore. The bore has a series of annular grooves corresponding to incremental volumes of the bore, and the plunger has a lip which interacts with the grooves.

Abstract: A directed stream blower is provided for removing materials from a surgical site, thus improving the visibility of the surgical site. Preferably, the directed stream blower provides a directed stream of pressurized gas combined and intermixed with a sterile fluid which may be used to clear or wash away blood, debris, particulate, or other materials from the target surgical site. The directed stream blower may be provided with flow control positioned directly on the handle for convenient one-handed operation during use.

Abstract: A portable kidney dialysis system device is provided including a belt with a drain bag mounted thereon. A pump is also mounted on the belt and coupled between a user and the drain bag. The pump is adapted to pump fluid from the user to the drain bag upon the receipt of a drain signal. Further provided is a pressure switch for detecting when the drain bag is full. A control mechanism serves for transmitting the drain signal to the pump only when the means fails to detect that the drain bag is full.

Abstract: A filter flush system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The system typically includes a guidewire insertable within a guiding catheter, which has an occlusion balloon disposed about its distal end. The guidewire has an expandable filter, which can be collapsed to pass through a lumen and distal port of the guiding catheter. The lumen is adapted to receive a variety of endovascular devices, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting catheters. Fluid medium or blood can be infused through the lumen of the guiding catheter to flush embolic material or mobile plaque generated during the endovascular procedures toward the expanded filter deployed downstream from the region of interest. Methods of using the filter flush system to entrap and remove embolic material from the vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: An antimicrobial device which is adaptably affixable to a large variety of commercially available catheters. Preferably, the device employs a pair of metal ion emitting electrodes which are at least partially disposed within an insertion site of the catheter and which are pulsed with alternating potentials to electrolytically elute ions into surrounding tissue to build an antiseptic zone about the insertion site. The device comprises an insertion sleeve and associated jacket which is slidably affixable to the indwelling catheter and a self-contained battery power source and electronics unit. The unit supplies power for the electrolytic action and for electronics which time the period and width of potential signals for the electrolysis. Through alternate elution and deposition of ions back and forth between the electrodes, long term indwelling catheter efficacy is assured. Period activation also increases length of battery life.

Abstract: A drop dispenser having a sleeve carrying a closure and resilient dosage receiving fitting. The sleeve is treadably mounted an a fluid containing container having a nipple thereon. The closure on the sleeve has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the nipple for sealing the nipple in the closed position. The fitting is filled with fluid from the container by turning the sleeve in a direction away from the closed position on the nipple to an open position to thereby establish fluid communication between the container and fitting. The fluid is dispensed from the fitting by squeezing the fitting after the closure has been returned to the closed position on the nipple, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from the resilient fitting back into the container. Cooperating stop members are provided between the sleeve and bottle neck to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the bottle neck.

Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article (20) having a pair of first flaps (24) and a pair of second flaps (25) with fasteners, such as adhesive fasteners (76, 77) thereon, is disclosed. The absorbent article is wrapped by a wrapper (78) for individually packaging the absorbent article. The wrapper comprises a main wrapper sheet (80) and a first flap fastener cover (84). Adhesive fasteners of the first flaps are releasably covered by the first flap fastener cover which is joined to a part of the main wrapper sheet. Adhesive fasteners of the second flaps are releasably covered by an outer surface of the main wrapper sheet. The first flap fastener cover protects the fasteners located on the first flaps of the absorbent article and maintains the flaps in a position which protects an absorbent side of the absorbent article from contamination until the article is ready for use.

Abstract: A body waste disposable article adapted to receive feces and/or urine discharged thereon, the article having a body fluids absorbent means above which an opening is formed by a surrounding wall partially covering the body fluids absorbent means and surrounding the opening. The article is longitudinally composed of a front end, a rear end and an intermediate region extending between these two ends. The article is configured so as to have the largest width in its intermediate region.

Abstract: A spacer for use in a disposable absorbent article. The spacer is symmetric about a longitudinal axis and has two transversely oriented springs generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The transversely oriented springs have different spring rates, so that transverse compression caused by the wearer's thighs may be readily accommodated, yet the spacer remain open to receive fecal material. The spacer may be advantageously used in a disposable absorbent article having a void space between the topsheet and the core, and maintain this void space under the weight of the wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes an outer cover defining opposite waist regions and an elastically suspended absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly, which has a longitudinal axis and opposite longitudinally spaced ends, includes an absorbent core and a moisture barrier. The garment also includes a tummy band formed of an elastic material and operatively joined to the outer cover adjacent at least a portion of one of the waist regions. In one embodiment, the tummy band is capable of stretching in first and second substantially perpendicular directions and elastically connects one end of the absorbent assembly and the outer cover. In an alternate embodiment, the tummy band elasticizes a portion of one waist region and a suspension member elastically connects one end of the absorbent assembly and the outer cover.

Abstract: An expandable lumen cannula which includes an elongate tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate flexible region, and a lumen therebetween. The cannula further includes a balloon occluder mounted on the distal end of the tube. The intermediate flexible region of the tube further includes an elongate generally cylindrical balloon disposed circumferentially about the flexible region which, upon inflation, expands the luminal diameter of the intermediate region. First and second inflation ports are in fluid communication with the balloon occluder and the cylindrical balloon. The cannula may optionally include a cardioplegia port disposed within the distal region of the tube, proximal the balloon occluder and distal the generally cylindrical balloon.

Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane (28) which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected.

Abstract: A catheter having at least two lengths of tubular material axially joined together by a welded joint with no perceptible change in diameter at the welded joint; the welded joint including a substantial axially oriented seam between the two lengths of material.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method for permanently removing a plurality of hair follicles from the skin of a patient. The laser apparatus includes a housing having a single laser for sequentially emitting a series of pulses of coherent light energy having a pulse width in the range of ½ ms to 40 ms; a fiber optic bundle connected to the laser for transmitting said series of pulses of coherent light energy to the skin of a patient; and a sequence control device for controlling the laser to emit the series of pulses of coherent light energy sequentially, with a time delay of less than 100 milliseconds between the sequential pulses of the single laser. The laser apparatus includes a handpiece assembly for holding a section of the fiber optic bundle for directing the series of pulses of coherent light energy to the same spot of the patient's skin to remove the plurality of hair follicles, veins, or capillaries.

Abstract: A method for permanently removing hair utilizes the hair shaft and hair ducts to transmit light into the tissue sustaining the hair follicle, thereby permanently destroying or modifying the tissue in a manner which desirably mitigates hair growth. The method includes the steps of covering the patient's skin area with a high reflectance substance so as to substantially protect all skin components other than those sustaining the hair. The hair is optionally shaved or pulled out, and then the skin is illuminated with either a large-area electromagnetic radiation field for simultaneous destruction of multiple hair-follicles, or alternatively with a tightly-focused beam which destroys one hair at a time. Optionally, the beam may be rapidly scanned so as to destroy single hairs quickly in succession. The surrounding skin region is left substantially free of injury. This mitigates pain and enhances post hair removal healing.

Abstract: Phototherapeutic instruments are disclosed having a light transmitting optical fiber with a flexible portion that facilitates passage of the instrument through a tortuous lumen within a patient and an outer support sheath slidably mounted about the fiber. In one preferred embodiment, the instrument includes a rigid light-emitting tip. The support sheath is configured to protect the more delicate optical fiber and provide support for the flexible portion of the optical fiber during penetration of the light-emitting tip into a patient's tissue. During insertion of the instrument into a tortuous lumen, the optical fiber is covered by the support sheath, allowing the light-emitting tip to deflect with ease as it travels along the tortuous lumen.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode, comprising a metal conductor having a first external surface area and having a convex body, a flat face on the body, and a connector for attaching the body to an electrosurgical probe handle, and an insulating layer covering the first external surface of the metal conductor except at a selected second area of one of the convex body and the flat face, the second area being positioned on the metal conductor so that a line from a geometric center of the second area and substantially perpendicular to the second area intersects at an angle an axis formed by a probe handle and the metal conductor upon attachment of a probe handle to the connector, wherein the second area does not intersect the axis along the probe handle. Also disclosed are methods of manufacture and similar off-axis electrodes useful in endoscopic electrosurgery.

Abstract: An electrophysiology energy treatment system for treating tissues within a patient's body with RF energy comprises an elongate catheter tube having a distal end, with a porous member thereon, insertable into the patient's body. An RF electrode is within the catheter tube adjacent the distal end and locatable within the patient's body, and an electrolyte fluid flows within the catheter tube for electrically connecting the electrode to the tissues to be treated within the patient's body.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for use in combination with a proximal bone screw. The nail includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end with a central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the body has a transverse slot therethrough, the transverse slot therethrough with contour for allowing the proximal bone screw to be inserted through the transverse slot and through the proximal end of the body with the longitudinal axis of the proximal bone screw located at an angle to the central axis of the body of the nail within a range between an acute angle on either side of a plane extending transverse to the central axis of the body of the nail.

Abstract: A clip to inter-connect primary and secondary bone zones having edges, comprising in combination a tab to extend over a surface or surfaces of at least one of the bone zones, above a level defined by the one surface; a first projection carried by the tab and having a hook to engage a bone zone at its edge, and below the level.

Abstract: A bone screw (1) having a threaded shaft portion (2) and a head (3) is provided. In order to ensure a good fastening capability of the bone screw even in soft bone material the bone screw has a longitudinal bore (5) extending along the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft portion (2) and having a portion (7) which flares towards the free end (6) opposite to the head (3). Slits (8) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis are provided in this portion of the threaded shaft portion. An expanding member (20) comprises a top portion (22) forming the top (22) of the bone screw (1) and a shaft (21) adjacent thereto extending into the longitudinal bore (5). The threaded shaft portion is provided with notches at its inner wall adjacent to the flared portion (7) of the longitudinal bore (5), the notches surrounding the longitudinal bore (5) in a defined region thereof.

Abstract: A surgical anchor is provided with one or more anchor holes distributed around the head of the anchor. Each anchor hole is inclined to allow attachment of one or more sutures to the anchor either before, during or after the anchor is seated in a bone. The upper and lower apertures of each anchor hole are chamfered, and the chamfered areas from the anchor hole to the outside edge shall be polished or somehow smoothed to remove sharp edges and rough areas which may cause friction and abrasion to soft tissue or suture material. The lower surface of the anchor head may be angled to further simplify the task of feeding a surgical needle through the anchor hole after the anchor is seated into bone.

Abstract: A long bone reamer apparatus is assembled from a plurality of blades that interlink with each other. According to a first embodiment, six long cutting blades are held in position by a plurality of disks, each having six blade receiving slots spaced at 60 degrees with respect to each other. The longitudinal axis of each of the blade receiving slots is slightly offset from the center of the disk so that tabs on opposing blades contact and are welded to each other. According to a second embodiment of the invention, four blades are connected together in a boxlike arrangement having a long rod in the center thereof for support. A first set of the blades includes an interior aperture with a plurality of tabs which engage with a plurality of tab receiving slots in the second set of blades. Both sets of reamers have a head with blade portions arranged to lie along the surface of a semi-circle and, moreover, both embodiments have longitudinal sidewalls having cutting edges, which lie in the plane of a cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is a backing plate for an acetabular reamer assembly that allows for the attachment of a reamer driver. The acetabular reamer assembly comprises a cutting cup and backing plate, the cutting cup having an external surface with cutting teeth formed therein and having an internal surface, the cutting cup terminating in a peripheral edge. The rigid backing plate has a planar surface which terminates in an outer circumferential edge, the outer circumferential edge being coupled to the peripheral bottom edge of the cutting cup, the rigid plate also having an internal edge profile. The internal edge profile of the rigid backing plate has at least two finger elements protruding from the outer circumferential edge thereof towards a central vertical axis drawn perpendicular to the planar surface of the plate. Further, the finger elements of the backing plate form a holding opening for a reamer driver.

Abstract: A device for distracting a temporomandibular joint and repositioning an antetiorly dislocated disc in a patient comprises upper and lower elongated members coupled together by a pivotal, slidable and releasable coupling. This versatile coupling is accomplished by providing the upper member with a longitudinally extending cavity and the lower member with a roller configured for translation within the cavity. Each member includes a handle at one end and an opposite distal tip configured for engaging posterior teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The lower member includes a clamp for adjustably securing the patient's mandible to the lower member. A method of using the device comprises positioning the device in the patient's mouth so that the distal tips are seated on upper and lower posterior teeth of the patent, squeezing the handles together to distract the joint, and sliding the lower member anteriorly (toward the opening of the mouth) relative to the upper member.

Abstract: A soluble capsule, fairing or adherent material for a stent catheter or other device to inserted into the human body. The capsule, fairing or adherent material is made of a material which dissolves within the body in a convenient time, for example ten or fifteen minutes, allowing a convenient time for placement of the device and protecting the blood vessel from any sharp surfaces of the device.

Abstract: A surgical extractor for removing objects from a body including, for example, calculi, such as kidney stones and gall stones. The extractor includes a handle at a proximal end with a slider for operation by a physician. At the distal end the extractor includes a plurality of wires with each wire comprising a first portion having an individual strand and a second portion comprising a plurality of filaments. When a retaining sheath is retracted, the wires, formed of a shape memory material such as stainless steel, expand such that each of strands assume a spaced relationship to define a first section of a basket and the plurality of the filaments assume a spaced relationship to define a second section of the basket.

Abstract: A vascular filter for capturing and removing emboli includes a sack having a mouth and a closed bottom opposite the mouth. A guide wire is received through the mouth of the sack and projected through the closed bottom of the sack. The closed bottom of the sack is connected to the projection of the guide wire therethrough. A collapsible frame is connected between the guide wire and the mouth of the sack. The collapsible frame biases the mouth of the sack open around the guide wire. A tube slidably receives the guide wire coaxially therein. The collapsible frame is moveable via the guide wire between outside the tube where the mouth of the sack is biased open by the collapsible frame and inside the tube where the mouth of the sack is closed, and vice versa.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical scissors for cutting tissue is disclosed. The laparoscopic surgical scissors has a handle body assembly having an actuation member moveable toward and away from the handle body assembly. An elongated shaft having a proximal and a distal end that define a longitudinal axis is connected to the handle body assembly at the proximal end of said shaft. A pair of cutting blades have a first blade member and a second blade member that are co-operably connected about a common pivot member adjacent to the distal end of the elongated shaft. The common pivot member defines a common pivot axis perpendicular to the elongated shaft. The first blade member has a first cutting edge and the second blade member has a second cutting edge facing the first cutting edge. The blade members have a single point of blade contact translating proximally and distally as the blade members open and close in response to movement of the actuation member away from and toward the handle body assembly.

Abstract: A single-use, spring driven lancet is described. The device is precooked during assembly so that the user needs only to remove the safety cap prior to use. A concave trigger button with direct up and down motion releases the spring, causing the tip of the lancet to strike the subject's finger. A thin plastic fiber connection between the pull-tab and the needle safety cap prevents any compressive force from being applied to the drive spring, which effectively prevents recocking of the device.

Abstract: The trocar assembly of the present invention includes a tubular body portion, a sleeve, a unidirectional sealing means included within the sleeve and a funnel portion mounted around the sleeve. A perforating tool is insertable through the funnel, through the unidirectional sealing means and thence through the tubular portion of the trocar assembly into the body of a patient. All portions of the trocar assembly of the present invention are formed from materials which may not be readily sterilized by immersion in a sterilizing bath or autoclaving. Thus, the single use trocar assembly of the present invention may be only used once and will be destroyed if an attempt is made to resterilize the entire trocar assembly or any portion thereof.

Abstract: An improved laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling to a desired anatomical location and developing a surgical space is disclosed, including a tunneling member adapted to receive a laparoscope therein and an inflatable balloon secured on the tunneling member. The tunneling member has a passage extending between its open proximal and distal ends. A lip is integrally formed on the distal end to retain a laparoscope inserted into the passage, the lip having a substantially rounded and blunt distal edge. The lip defines a recessed or open center area in the distal opening, enhancing the field of view of the laparoscope therethrough. The balloon is formed from flexible, transparent material, and is rolled and secured to the tunneling member.

Abstract: A catamenial collector, in an embodiment, has a receptacle with a flexible hollow rim capable of inflation and has a handle with substantially the length of a female vagina. The collector may have a string, in one embodiment, extending through the rim and at least a portion of the handle so that a pulling force axially applied to a string end causes the receptacle to close. In another embodiment, an elastic member is so configured that deflation of the rim also causes the receptacle to close. The collector and associated methods of use provide for the sanitary collection and disposal of menses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for excluding a pathological defect such as an aortic aneurysm. By the disclosed method, a grafstent complex is advanced through each branch of the patient's femoral and iliac system. The graftstent complex includes a segment of graft material attached at each end to a respective stent. The cephalic stents of each graftstent complex are positioned relative to one other in a common region of normal aortic tissue on one side of the aneurysm and then deployed. The caudal stents are deployed in the iliac arteries. Additional steps can be taken to ensure that the internal iliac artery is not blocked when the caudal stents are deployed.

Abstract: A suturing needle assembly enables simultaneous passage of suture and introduction of local anesthetic into body tissue. Two suturing needle assembly embodiments are described and methods of using the needle assemblies include cystopexy, cystourethropexy, urethropexy and uteropexy procedures.