Abstract: A vented ostomy bag with a gas filter is described, the bag having a top and a bottom and comprising first and second outer walls sealed around their edges, the first outer wall incorporating a stoma-receiving opening. The bag further comprises first and second intermediate walls also sealed with the first and second outer walls around their edges to provide between the first outer and first intermediate walls a first chamber, between the first and second intermediate walls a second chamber and between the second intermediate and second outer walls a third chamber. A first gas vent is provided in the first intermediate wall between the first and second chambers for the passage of gas there between, and a second gas vent is provided in the second intermediate wall between the second and third chambers for the passage of gas there between. A gas passage is provided from the third chamber out of the bag which passes through the gas filter.

Abstract: This disposable device for securing an ostomy bag to a stoma created in a patient, of the type comprising means for joining the ostomy bag to an adhesive seal (5) which is applied on the patient via a contact face, a through-passage (8) communicating with the stoma being formed in the adhesive seal (5), of which the contact face on the patient is at least partially covered by an adhesive composition, is characterized in that the adhesive seal (5) additionally comprises means (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) for detecting wetness of the adhesive composition and means for triggering an alarm when a predetermined level of wetness is reached in the adhesive composition.

Abstract: An absorbent article having both outwardly extending and upwardly extending side cuffs is disclosed. The article has a perimeter defined at least in part by a pair of oppositely disposed ends and oppositely disposed sides that extend substantially between the ends. A pair of side flanges extends from a proximal portion adjacent an absorbent structure to a distal portion proximate one of the article sides. Each side flange has a base element, an outer zone disposed adjacent the perimeter and an inner zone disposed between the outer zone and the absorbent structure. There is an elastically extensible element having a width sufficient to span at least the inner zone and a portion of the outer zone, a thickness, and a length. Each elastically extensible element is laminated to the cover material to form a cuff laminate. Each cuff laminate is attached to the base element of the side flange in the outer zone, but each is unattached to the base layer in the inner zone.

Abstract: A generally thin, flexible sanitary napkin capable of handling medium to high menstrual flows which has a central absorbent hump is disclosed. The hump comprises a longitudinally-oriented elongated medial absorbent hump that projects from the body surface of the sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin preferably has surrounding absorbent regions outboard of the hump with a caliper of less than or equal to about 5 millimeters. The sanitary napkin preferably has a caliper at the point of maximum amplitude of the hump that is greater than twice the caliper of the surrounding regions. The hump preferably has a caliper of at least about 0.15 inch (about 3.5-4 millimeters). The longitudinal central region of the sanitary napkin preferably has a flexure-resistance that is greater than that of the surrounding regions.

Abstract: Absorbent devices, and more particularly toilet-disposable absorbent devices that are worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, are disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention comprises a central absorbent portion and preferably a pair of flexible extensions joined to the central absorbent portion. The main absorbent portion comprises an upper portion, and a lower portion opposed to the upper portion. In use, the upper portion is positioned furthest inward into the space between the wearer's labia majora. The pair of flexible extensions extends downwardly and laterally outward from the upper portion of the main absorbent portion, and preferably is capable of maintaining contact with the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia majora when the wearer's body goes through a range of motions, including squatting.

Abstract: A venting device is provided for venting the interior of a blood culture bottle by passing the tip of a hollow needle through a sealing stopper of the bottle. The device includes a collapsible shield for shielding the needle, a needle support in the vicinity of one end of the shield for holding the needle and incorporating a vent passage providing fluid communication between the hollow interior of the needle and the atmosphere, and a detachable sterilizing cap on the other end of the shield. The two ends of the shield are reciprocable relative to one another in the direction of the length of the needle against the action of a compression spring. Venting of the bottle is effected by placing the end of the shield against the sealing stopper with the shield in an extended condition, and applying pressure to the device in a direction towards the sealing stopper.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved electrotransport drug delivery system for analgesic drugs, namely fentanyl and sufentanil. The fentanyl/sufentanil is provided as a water soluble salt (eg, fentanyl hydrochloride) dispersed in a hydrogel formulation for use in an electrotransport device (10). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the concentration of fentanyl/sufentanil in the donor reservoir (26) solution is above a predetermined minimum concentration, whereby the transdermal electrotransport flux of fentanyl/sufentanil is maintained independent of the concentration of fentanyl/sufentanil in solution. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the donor reservoir (26) of the electrotransport delivery device (10) is comprised of silver and the donor reservoir (26) contains a predetermined “excess” loading of fentanyl/sufentanil halide to prevent silver ion migration with attendant skin discoloration.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter that exhibits the combined features of superior flexibility, softness, radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal region of the shaft includes an inner lubricious polymer layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer layer. The reinforcement layer comprises a braid having one or more metallic members and a plurality of polymer members wherein each polymer member comprises a plurality of monofilaments, preferably formed of LCP. The polymer members of the braid provide improved flexibility and softness in addition to high burst pressure. The metallic member(s) of the braid provide improved radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter may also include a longitudinal member extending along the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A flow directed microcatheter is formed having a gradually changing flexibility and diameter between a proximal end and a distal end of the microcatheter. The changing properties of the microcatheter according to the present invention provide the flexibility of the distal tip needed to allow the microcatheter to be directed by the flow of blood within the vasculature, and the columnar strength and torquability at the proximal end and along the length of the microcatheter needed to advance and direct the distal tip to the target site. A proximal segment of the microcatheter includes a plurality of strands which vary in diameter to change the flexibility of the microcatheter. A distal segment of the microcatheter includes an inner layer which is compatible with solvents, such as DMSO, and an outer layer which provides strength and flexibility. The proximal segment and the distal segment of the microcatheter are joined by a kink resistant fuse joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiopaque catheter tip and catheter assembly having radiopaque elements associated with a catheter. The preferred materials for the radiopaque elements are made of a 90% platinum and 10% nickel composite structure or a 90% platinum and 10% iridium composite structure.

Abstract: A drug-infusing device is implanted into a body cavity such as a bladder. The device is implanted in an uninflated, low profile state. After insertion into the body cavity, the device is filled with a substance, such as a drug, and assumes an increased profile. After the device is filled, it is allowed to float freely within the body cavity. Alternatively, the device can be tethered to a wall of the body cavity. The device delivers the drug at a controlled rate over an extended period of time. In order to deliver the drug at a controlled rate, the device preferably has a pressure-responsive valving member. The flow resistance of the valving member is responsive to the pressure at which the drug is stored within the infusing device. The resistance of the valving member decreases as the pressure within the infusing device decreases, thereby providing a resultant controlled flow rate.

Abstract: An active cannula or sleeve which does more than merely maintain a channel or passage is usable to create and/or enlarge a channel or passage, to position a scope or instrument, to move or locate tissue, etc. The cannula can vary in size or shape as needed, intraoperatively. Because a cannula of the present invention is expandable, the surgeon can make a small relatively small incision, stretch the tissue with the expandable cannula, contract the cannula and remove it, allowing the skin to come back to its unstretched condition. Thus, a smaller incision can be made to fit the same size instrument. This results in less trauma and scarring and an easier operation. The cannulas are or can assume such a non-circular shape, to fit into a natural skin opening and cause less trauma. The devices can be used to seal off a space; to expand an existing space or a potential space for working or visualization; to move tissue (for example, to stretch an incision) or to protect it.

Abstract: A tubing cassette and method for use in cooling a surgical handpiece. The handpiece is provided with a drive motor which is received within a cooling chamber adapted to circulate cooling fluid around the motor. The cooling chamber is accessible from the exterior of the handpiece via inflow and outflow apertures, and a disposable cassette is selectively attachable to the exterior of the handpiece so as to communicate inflow and outflow apertures of the cassette with the inflow and outflow apertures on the handpiece body. The cassette is provided with inflow and outflow ports in communication with its inflow and outflow apertures in order to direct cooling fluid into and out of the cooling chamber via tubes through which coolant fluid may be circulated with the aid of an external pump, if desired.

Abstract: Dynamically cooling the epidermis of a port wine stain patient undergoing laser therapy permits maximization of the thermal damage to the port wine stain while at the same time minimizing nonspecific injury to the normal overlying epidermis. A cryogenic spurt is applied to the skin surface for a predetermined short period of time in the order of tens of milliseconds so that the cooling remains localized in epidermis while leaving the temperature of deeper port wine stain vessels substantially unchanged. The result is that epidermal denaturation and necrosis which normally occurs in uncooled laser irradiated skin sites does not occur and that clinically significant blanching of the port wine stains at the dynamically cooled sites establishes that selective laser photothermolysis of the port wine stain blood vessels is achieved. In addition, dynamic epidermal cooling reduces patient discomfort normally associated with flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser therapy.

Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus and a method for synchronizing the activation of a light source with the position of a hand piece on a surface and for providing a substantially homogenous exposure of a surface to light irradiation. The apparatus includes a light source, a handpiece for delivering light pulses to the irradiated surface, and a beam delivery system for delivering light from the light source to the handpiece. The handpiece, which is moved along the surface by an operator, includes a sensor for sensing the distance traversed by the handpiece on the surface. The sensor sends signals to a signal processing unit which calculates the distance traversed by the handpiece on the surface and controls the activation of the light source either by automatically activating the light source or by providing the operator with a signal indicating that the light source should be pulsed.

Abstract: An elongate probe for providing irradiation treatment of the heart, the probe having a distal end for engaging heart tissue of a subject, including a waveguide, which conveys radiation to the heart tissue; and a sensor, adjacent the distal end of the probe, which generates signals for use in controlling the treatment.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the contact of a biomedical electrode to skin of a patient is disclosed, where the phase angle of current flow through one portion of the electrode is compared to the phase angle of current flow through another portion of the electrode. The two portions are both electrical conductors, one having a lossy dielectric surface and the other bare metal. Any monitoring of an electrical interface is possible based on the difference in phase angle. Lift of any portion of the electrode from contact with skin of a patient can be monitored more easily than using conventional Contact Quality Monitoring circuitry and “split plate patient plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to a biological site includes a catheter having a plurality of electrodes positioned proximal the biological site. A power control system supplies power to each electrode. Where an electrode or group of electrodes is turned off, the power control system provides a high impedance to the turned off electrodes so that substantially no current flows to those electrodes from other electrodes that may remain on. This permits the electrodes turned off to cool. The power control system may permit control over the phase and duty cycle of the power applied to the electrodes and may permit individual control over the power provided to each electrode. A backplate is also positioned proximal the biological site so that the biological site is interposed between the electrodes and the backplate.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods form larger and deeper lesion patterns by shaping a support body with multiple electrodes in ways that increase the density of the electrodes per given tissue area. The support body can carry either elongated, continuous electrodes or arrays of non-contiguous, segmented electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for the external unilateral fracture fixation, fracture compression or enlargement of osseous tissue with a metal or equivalent material slotted forked stick to hold and position the threaded pins in its length, inserted in the bone with multiple fastening slid able screws and their bolts to attach the pins to the slotted forked stick, a solid slid able cube to hold and position the slotted forked stick, a supporting axial bar, and an axial threaded bar. A preferred embodiment includes at least three slotted forked sticks that hold and fix, with the use of compression screws and their bolts, threaded pins that penetrate the proximal and distal fragments of the bone through both corticals. A preferred embodiment includes slotted forked sticks that adapt to the threaded pins, introduced in the bone, at any degree of inclination or orientation that these pins might have with respect to the bone.

Abstract: A fixator for securing a first bone portion in a position relative to a second bone portion. The fixator includes a first bone screw clamp that serves as a template for drilling a hole in a first bone portion and that secures the first bone screw to the fixator. The fixator also includes a second bone screw clamp that serves as a template for drilling a hole in the second bone portion and that secures the second bone screw to the fixator once the second bone screw is secured to the second bone portion. The fixator also includes a main body that is operable to secure the first bone screw clamp to the second bone screw clamp.

Abstract: The present invention is a bone fixator for repairing fractures of the distal radius and wrist. It includes, in the preferred embodiment, at least two generally parallel spaced-apart elongate distal mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the metacarpal bone and at least two generally parallel spaced-apart elongate radial mounting pins with lower ends for mounting in the radius. A distal pin clamp assembly secures the distal pins to an elongate distal member. The clamp assembly and pins are movably coupled to the distal member for translational movement along its elongate axis and pivotal motion about a pivot axis generally perpendicular to the elongate axis of the distal member and the elongate axes of the distal pins. The fixator further includes a proximal pin mounting block for securing the radial pins and an elongate medial assembly of adjustable length.

Abstract: In order to be able to adjust the tension of a ligament replacement implant in a controlled manner, a device is suggested for handling an implant which can be placed against a contact surface of a bone and thereby covers a tunnel in the bone and fixes in position at least one thread extending in the tunnel, this device being characterized by releasable spreading elements on the device, with which the device can be connected to the implant in a locking position of the spreading elements in such a manner that as a result of rotation of the device this implant can be turned in relation to an axis defined by the tunnel and, in addition, be lifted away from the contact surface in the direction of this axis.

Abstract: A transverse connector includes a pair of transverse connector bodies and connector inserts for connecting a rod to each of the transverse connector bodies. A locking and fixing mechanism draws the transverse connector inserts into seat portions of the transverse connector bodies while simultaneously locking the transverse connector inserts in the insert seat portions and compressing a rod seat surface of the inserts to lock a rod within the rod seats. An interconnecting mechanism interconnects the pair of transverse connector bodies along an axis defined by the length of the transverse connector bodies.

Abstract: The invention set forth includes a set of tools which compact bone tissue as they develop a bore in the bone tissue and a driving mechanism for providing movement to the tools. The tools have engaging surfaces which displace bone tissue radially outward with respect to a central axis of the tool to create high density bone tissue at the wall defining the bore. The driving mechanism may provide only vibrational movement to assist in inserting the tool. Alternatively, the driving mechanism may provide translational movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the tool to insert the tool into the bone.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dental base regeneration has a support bar having fixing members on ends thereof for fixing the bar to teeth of the mandible or maxilla. A bone section engagement member, such as a fork or spade, is connected to a shaft and is inserted into a bone section resulting from osteotomy. A mechanism connects the support member with the shaft for vertical translation of the shaft. Thus, the bone section can be gradually vertically distracted to allow tissue to regenerate and gradually augment the bone ridge of the maxilla or the mandible.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for maintaining open air passageways in a human are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one central support member and may include side support members. The support members include a chin contacting surface and body contacting surfaces. Placement of the apparatus under the chin of the human in a supine position maintains air passageways of the human substantially open. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in maintaining open air passageways in humans undergoing surgical procedures requiring anesthesia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing polyps by which an elongated tubular member generally positionable within the working channel of an endoscopic device. The tubular member carries a selectively extendable severing device and capturing device at its distal end. Control apparatus at the proximal end of the tubular member enables a physician to extend and retract the severing and capturing devices. The physician retracts the capturing device to grasp the portion of the polyp to be severed and retracts the severing device to sever the polyp. The capturing device retains the severed portion of the polyp for removal with the tubular member. In one embodiment the capturing device includes an injection needle.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument suitable for use with a needle-grasper having a rotational translation device for creating rotational motion at the distal end of the surgical instrument in a non 1:1 ratio to rotational energy imparted at the handle of the surgical instrument. The shaft of the surgical instrument has an articulated segment capable of remote adjustment to articulate the effector unit at the end of the surgical instrument. The effector unit may be a needle-gripper having an upwardly pointed V-shaped notch in a channeled upper jaw, a convex gripping surface on the lower jaw, such that grasping a curved suture needle between the upper and lower jaw serves to automatically orient the needle perpendicular to the needle-gripper with the curvature pointed down. Conically tapered edges on the upper jaw further facilitate this orientation.

Abstract: A knot tying device comprises a knotting guide which carries a pair of snare cords. Each snare cord comprises a suture capture end and a pull end. The snare cords are carried within the knotting guide in a loose, knotted configuration. By capturing a pair of free suture ends in the suture capture ends of the snare cords, the knotted configuration originally embodied in the snare cords can be transferred to the free suture ends by pulling those ends through the knotting guide.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. The pouch houses a stiffening layer to provide stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. An access slit is formed in one of the layers for insertion of a surgeon's finger or instrument into the pouch to allow the surgeon to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for creating a seal around the inner wall of an incision in a blood vessel. The device is particularly adapted to create an anastomosis site for coronary artery bypass grafts to a patient's aorta without obstructing the flow of blood in the aorta. The device comprises an extruded tube with a translatable shaft positioned therein. One end of the shaft is coupled to a handle of the device which allows a practitioner to advance and withdraw the shaft relative to the tube. The other end of the shaft is connected to a flexible inverting member which is attached to the distal end of the tube. By manipulating the handle, the practitioner can remotely deform the inverting member between two configurations: an elongated, narrow configuration in which the inverting member is adapted to be inserted through a small incision, and an inverted configuration in which the inverting member forms an expanded, inward-facing cup.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical clip (10) including three lengths of wire integrally formed of a shape memory alloy, two of which (12, 22) each form closed geometrical shapes similar in configuration and magnitude to each other, and the third (18) connects the first two. When at a first temperature or higher, the first and second lengths of wire (12, 22) are positioned in a side by side closed position. The shape memory alloy is in an elastic sate. When at a second temperature or lower, below the first temperature, the shape memory alloy is in a plastic state, thereby enabling the first and second lengths of wire (12, 22) to be moved into and to retain a spaced apart position. Upon heating of the clip to a temperature at least equal to the first temperature, the first and second lengths of wire return to the side by side closed position, thereby to apply a compressive force to tissue located therebetween; and a method of anastomosing a gastrointestinal tract with such a surgical clip (10).

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member. forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner having an elongate shank portion for holding thereof and a portion extending from one end thereof for supporting a tongue scraping edge. The support portion is skewed relative to the shank portion to slope downwardly for effecting engagement of the edge with a posterior part of the upper surface of the tongue so that the posterior part may be comfortably scraped.

Abstract: A corneal marker and a method of using a corneal marker are disclosed. The corneal marker includes a handle having a head coupled thereto. The inferior surface of the head includes a set of protuberances which form marking surfaces adapted to simultaneously engage corneal tissue. The marking surfaces form opposing sets of marks which allow a surgeon to form an incision of precise length and width. An alignment line on the superior and/or front surface of the marker facilitates the positioning thereof. A method of performing clear corneal surgery following the application of markings to the cornea is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-shaft apparatus for incising a substrate of soft resilient material such as a body tissue. The incising apparatus includes two or more incision shafts each having a distal edge. The shafts are not affixed to each other and are allowed to slide against each other to drive the distal edges alternately against the substrate to incise the substrate. In the case of incising a body tissue, such alternate motion would result in less pain to the patient than a puncture resulting from a sharp jab by a sharp shaft of similar size to the shafts.

Abstract: The three dimensional, low friction vasoocclusive coil has a distal portion that is three dimensionally shaped, and a proximal portion that is linear or helically shaped. The distal three dimensional portion will form a basket for filling the anatomical cavity at the site in the vasculature to be treated, while the proximal portion will fill and reinforce the basket. The vasoocclusive device is formed from at least one strand of a flexible material formed to have an a first inoperable, substantially linear configuration for insertion into and through a catheter or cannula to a desired portion of the vasculature to be treated, and a second operable, three dimensional configuration for occluding the desired portion of the vasculature to be treated.

Abstract: A filter disposed at the distal end of an elongate guidewire. Catheters are provided for delivering the filter to, and retrieving the filter from, a treatment site. The catheters can be over-the-wire or single operator exchange. The catheters include a housing for receiving the filter therein. The housing has an atraumatic distal end.

Abstract: A filter device for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The device includes an expandable filter mounted on a distal end of a catheter. The filter comprises a plurality of circumferentially adjacent porous segments which are arranged generally about the surface of a cone having an open base, and the segments are engaged to one another by means, such as a hook. The filter conforms to the interior of a vessel wall when expanded and contracts to a consistent diameter without bunching when stowed. Methods of using the filter device to entrap and remove embolic material from a vessel during endovascular procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding device for sealing a defect in a wall, such as a septal defect. The device of the present invention has a helical shaped periphery formed from an elastic wire and at least one eyelet. The eyelet has a non-circular (“asymmetric”) shape which allows the eyelet to slide along a guiding mandrel. The non-circular shaped eyelet and mandrel prevent rotation of the eyelet relative to the mandrel thereby ensuring a consistent deployed shape. The present invention also incorporates a self-articulating catheter tip which can be bent to a variety of angles to enhance the ease of delivery. The tip is articulated by varying the position of the closure device within the articulated portion of the catheter.

Abstract: The handle body (A) constitutes one of the branches of a T, of which the other branch is formed by its attachment piece (2) which is continued by the interchangeable element (B), and this body includes, on the side toward the interchangeable element (B), indentations (26) for positioning the fingers of the hand, said indentations (26) being arranged on either side of the attachment piece, and of which one (26a), for positioning the index finger, is equipped with a bore through which there protrudes the push-button (14) for activating the pneumatic distributor (11).

Abstract: The disclosed device is used to treat pathological tissues with a noncoherent emission. The device includes an emitter precalibrated to provide a required emission power density. The emitter includes a broad band semiconductor silicon LED including a supershallow “p−n” transition for emitting noncoherent IR emission having wavelengths ranging from 1 to 56 &mgr;m and including wavelengths at least between 26 and 56 &mgr;m. The device further includes a power supply connected along a plane of “p+n” or “n+p” transition to provide electric current inside the “p+n” or “n+p” transition region.

Abstract: A cosmetic method of treatment of dermatological conditions, particularly portwine stains, tattoos or psoriasis, which includes irradiating the affected area with an incoherent high intensity non-laser light beam having an intensity greater than 0.075 watts per square centimeter, the light beam having only a bandwidth in the range 0 to 30 nm. The method can include delivery of the light beam by optic fiber bundle by pulsed or non-pulsed light. The method can also include the introduction of a drug into the body undergoing the treatment, wherein the drug is activated by light of a particular wavelength.

Abstract: A heating and cooling comforter for heating or cooling a user. The heating and cooling comforter includes an inner bladder comprising a pair of panels coupled together along the outer perimeter of the inner bladder to define an air space therebetween. Each of the panels of the inner bladder has a plurality of spaced apart air apertures therethrough into the air space of the inner bladder. A comforter cover is also included comprising a pair of panels coupled together along the outer perimeter of the comforter cover. The comforter cover has an elongate slit therein between the panels of the comforter cover. The inner bladder is inserted into the comforter cover. A vent cover is included having an arcuate upper wall and an open bottom. An elongate conduit is extended between the from the inner bladder and the vent cover to fluidly connect the air space of the inner bladder to the vent cover.

Abstract: A configuration for expandable stents wherein a series of circumferentially disposed serpentine elements are spaced such that apexes defined by adjacent serpentine elements are nested within one another and only apexes extending along the same side of each serpentine element are linked. Such configurations impart enhanced coverage areas, expansion ratios and radial strength to the stent.

Abstract: The invention provides a prosthetic valve having a generally annular frame with three post and three scallops. The frame is tri-symmetric with an axis of symmetry defined by the axis of blood flow through the valve. The external surface of the frame is generally cylindrical with diameter D. Each leaflet has a truncated spherical surface adjacent to its free edge. The spherical surface is joined tangentially to a truncated conical surface. The half angle of the truncated cone is approximately 37.5°. The radius of the sphere is approximately D/2−0.5 (mm). The leaflet surface is axi-symmetrical with the axis of symmetry being perpendicular to the axis of the valve frame and blood flow.

Abstract: A method, implant, and apparatus to alter the refractive power of the cornea. The method involves creation of radial, intrastromal corneal incisions and insertion of semirigid, biocompatible implants (13). An apparatus (26) is provided to facilitate creation of the incisions with precise depth, orientation, and dimension. The implants (13) are of predetermined shape and curvature in accordance with the patient's pre-existing refractive error and corneal curvature. The implants (13) induce a predictable and stable flattening or steepening of corneal curvature for the correction of refractive errors. If residual refractive error is present following this procedure, the curvature or dimensions of the implants may be selectively increased or decreased by application of laser or other energy source to a heat-shrinkable portion of the implants, thereby eliminating residual refractive error.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a positive power anterior chamber ocular implant for placement in a phakic eye to correct refractive errors caused by hyperopia which includes at least one convex surface and means for positioning the lens in the anterior chamber of an eye, wherein contact between the lens and other anatomic bodies such as the anatomical lens, the corneal endothelium and iris is avoided, and wherein the means for positioning avoids contact with the iris.

Abstract: A surgical device made of biodegradable material for keeping open a tissue cavity. The tissue includes at least one tissue type selected from the group consisting of healthy tissue or parts thereof, operated tissues or parts thereof, and damaged tissue or parts thereof. The device includes an elongated rod made of the biodegradable material. The elongated rod is at least partially wound, at least once, around a winding center into a helical configuration in a manner that there exists a space free of material of the biodegradable rod between portions of the elongated rod that are adjacent in the wound structure. The rod is at least partially reinforced with biodegradable reinforcement elements oriented in the longitudinal direction of the elongated rod so as to produce an opening force in the winding due to the effect of the winding of the elongated rod into the helical configuration.