Abstract: A tip cap assembly is provided for positive sealing engagement with the tip of a syringe barrel of a syringe. The tip cap assembly includes an inner cap formed from an elastomeric material dimensioned for sealing engagement with the tip of the syringe barrel. The tip cap assembly further includes an outer cap engaged with the inner cap, and a collar for mounting the tip cap assembly to the syringe barrel. In addition, the outer cap includes a plurality of frangible portions for evidencing tampering and for connecting the outer cap to the collar.

Abstract: A medical fluid injector, replaceable syringe, and coupling mechanism to engage the syringe plunger to the plunger drive ram of the injector are provided wherein coupling involves a cam cleat-like mechanism, thereby allowing for cooperative movement between the plunger drive ram and syringe plunger. The coupling mechanism of the plunger drive ram is provided with first and second movable members, each having toothed, arcuate surfaces, while the coupling mechanism of the syringe plunger is provided with a knurled extension. Disengagement of the coupling mechanism is facilitated by translational movement of a face plate located on the forward end of the injector housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an injection system and a pump system for use therein for pressurizing a liquid medium for injection into a patient. In general, the pump system comprises a pressurizing unit having at least one chamber. Each chamber has disposed therein a pressurizing mechanism to pressurize liquid medium within the chamber. Preferably, the pressurizing mechanism positively displaces the liquid medium through generally linear motion of the pressurizing mechanism within the chamber. Through reciprocating linear motion of the pressurizing mechanism (for example, a piston), the liquid medium is alternatively drawn into the chamber from a source of liquid medium (for example, a container) and forced out of the chamber under a desired pressure. Each chamber comprises an inlet port and an outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vascular access device for introducing a catheter in a blood vessel using a guide advancing mechanism. The device generally comprises a housing, an introducer needle, a catheter, a guide wire and an actuating means. The introducer needle of the vascular access device is used to penetrate the blood vessel. The actuating means is then initiated and the guide wire is steadily propelled into the blood vessel. Once the guide wire is in place, the catheter, which is concentrically placed over the introducer needle and guide wire, is uncoupled from the vascular access device and guided into the blood vessel by the guide wire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in internal surgical procedures and is particularly advantageous for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. An example implementation is directed to a tool having a depth-adjustable cannula having an upper portion that rests on the body, and having an automatically-sealing channel that readily accepts the insertion and removal of surgical instruments without permitting gases to pass. In one particular embodiment, the tool includes a low-profile platform for stabilizing the tool on a body layer, a projection channel with a flexible sleeve for maintaining the channel closed, and an adjustable member for setting the penetration depth of the tool. The flexible sleeve is sufficiently elastic to close the inner channel in response to pressurization between the outside of the flexible sleeve and the inner surface of the hollow channel. The low-profile platform and the adjustable member permit use of the same tool for different body-wall thicknesses.

Abstract: Catheter advancing assembly having a stylet including a shaft, and a catheter advancing piece including a rod having a bore therethrough. The bore of the rod accommodates a portion of the shaft of the stylet. A holding unit affixed to the proximal end of the shaft, to be used in conjunction with a grasping unit affixed to the rod, allows for the holding and manipulation of the catheter advancing assembly with only one hand. A method for making a catheter advancing assembly of the invention is disclosed, as well as a method for advancing a ventricular catheter within a ventricular catheter in a “soft” manner using only one hand.

Abstract: In a device for fixing subcutaneous catheters connected predominantly to a so-called open, or partially implantable system, in which a catheter is connected to a venous port, a peridural space, or other parts of a human body, the catheter is situated outside a subcutaneous pocket and introduced into a relative subcutaneous tunnel. The device includes a disc or a cylinder, which is introduced in said subcutaneous pocket and which features, made therein, at least three tubular through cavities, first, second and third, respectively. The three tubular cavities do not intersect. The catheter is introduced into the three tubular cavities.

Abstract: The check valve comprises an inlet duct (31) , an outlet duct (32) and a valve chamber (34) arranged between them. The valve chamber (34) is permanently connected with the inlet duct (31) via openings (35). On a blind duct (33) a valve member (36) is mounted which is made up of a flexible inherently stable hose. The valve member (36) extends into the outlet duct (32) and contacts the inner surface of the outlet duct. At a pressure exceeding the opening pressure of the valve the valve member (36) is lifted off the inner surface of the outlet duct (32).

Abstract: Ergonomic handle for a syringe intended for puncturing blood vessel walls and establishing blood path connections. The typical syringe comprises a tube body and a needle body. The handle prevents unintended displacements between the tube body and the needle body and permits placement of the thumb and forefinger at the side and the tip of the puncture needle for more precision in use.

Abstract: Disclosure of methods and apparatus providing bases for design of compact small bore medical needle retraction safety devices wherein actuators are displaced away from slender needle sheathing bodies to initiate a needle retraction cycle for safely containing a medical needle after use. Such actuation guards against inadvertent acts, such as depression of an actuator, which may result in untimely needle retraction. Four embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, needle retracting energy is stored as a medical needle is extended for use and is expended to retract the needle into safe containment. Other embodiments comprise power assist mechanisms which store energy during an initial phase of needle retraction to be used to enhance and assist needle retraction during a needle retraction completing phase.

Abstract: A dropper tip 30 is provided which allows a person to instill a drop D into and eye E from a bottle 20 that has compressible and resilient walls 19 while the bottle 20 is held in a horizontal orientation. The dropper tip 30 includes an internal passage 37 into which a stem 35 is inserted. The stem 35 has a groove 36 along its peripheral surface which allows the flow of liquid 21 from the reservoir 20 to the free end 29 of the tip 30. The stem 35 protrudes from the external opening 44 of the internal passage 37 of the tip 30 and has a head 33 on the protruding end. The drop D adheres to the head 33 rather than adhere to and migrate along the external surface 28 of the tip 30. The dropper tip 30 further includes an annulus 32 at the free end 29 of the tip 30 which encircles the external opening 44 of the internal passage 37. The annulus provides a surface for a drop D of liquid 21 to adhere to while awaiting release.

Abstract: A design and method of operation are disclosed for a fluid control conduit of a blood reservoir. The venous blood inflow conduit includes a fluid control nozzle and a base. When assembled together, the nozzle and base form a trap feature which prevents reflux of air or other gas upwardly into the nozzle of the conduit. As a result, during use of the reservoir the conduit normally runs full of venous blood and turbulence of the blood is prevented. In addition, the conduit also functions to divert the downward flowing venous blood in the nozzle into the base at an optimum fluid velocity to overcome the buoyancy effect of air or gas bubbles within the blood.

Abstract: A low-profile faceplate assembly for a two-piece ostomy appliance, and a method for manufacturing it, are disclosed. The faceplate includes a wafer of an adhesive skin barrier material and a flexible plastic coupling ring (for detachably coupling the faceplate to an ostomy pouch having a mating ring), and is distinguished by the mounting flange of the coupling ring being embedded within the faceplate.

Abstract: A male incontinence diaper for absorbing urine from a male user. The male incontinence diaper includes a back panel with a hole therethrough extending between the front and back faces of the back panel. A front flap is coupled to back panel along the side edges and the bottom edge of the back panel to cover the hole of the back panel. An elongate flexible belt strap is coupled to the back panel adjacent the top edge of the back panel.

Abstract: Each lateral waist region of a disposable garment in the form of a diaper 1 at least partially 13 comprises a pair of breathable nonwoven fabrics 21, 22 being extendible circumferentially of the diaper but normally under no tension and elastically stretchable hot melt adhesive 23 applied on respective inner surfaces of the nonwoven fabrics 21, 22 so as to extend continuously in the circumferential direction but intermittently in the vertical direction, wherein the adhesive 23 is applied with no tension on the nonwoven fabrics 21, 22.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a patient. The apparatus includes a deployment mechanism having a surface. The apparatus also includes at least one probe disposed on the deployment mechanism surface. The probe extends between 25 microns and 1000 microns from the surface of the deployment mechanism. The apparatus also includes material coated on the probe. A method for treating a patient. The method includes the steps of placing a material with a probe which extends less than 1000 microns from a surface of a deployment mechanism. Next, there is the step of inserting the probe into preferably a blood vessel of a patient. Then, there is the step of penetrating the interior wall of the vessel from the interior of the vessel with the probe by activating the deployment mechanism so the material can contact the vessel.

Abstract: This is a catheter section having a number of radially placed holes through the catheter section wall and a catheter assembly including that section. That catheter assembly may be used in accessing and treating a tissue target within the body, typically one which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the catheter section is the presence of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated in such a way to provide an exceptionally thin wall, controlled stiffness, high resistance to kinking, and complete recovery in vivo from kinking situations. The orifices in the section are optimally placed in the interstices between the turns of the braid. The braid may have a single pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section. The braided ribbon reinforcing member typically is placed between a flexible outer tubing member and an inner tubing member to produce a catheter section which is very flexible but highly kink resistant.

Abstract: A catheter having at least two lengths of tubular material axially joined together by a scarf joint with no perceptible change in outer diameter at the joint; the scarf joint including a substantially axially oriented seam component between the two lengths of tubular material with the seam visible along the peripheral surfaces of the axially joined sections and extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the catheter; and wherein one of the at least two lengths of tubular material includes an inner tubular reinforcement layer, wherein the reinforcement layer forms part of the scarf joint.

Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.

Abstract: An articulated apparatus is disclosed including a plurality of link members each in communication with and rotatably moveable with respect to at least one other adjacent link member about an associated joint between the adjacent link members. The plurality of link members include a first link member that extends in a first direction and is associated with a first joint having an axis of rotation in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and a second link member that extends in a third direction and is associated with a second joint having an axis of rotation in a fourth direction that is substantially coplanar with the third direction. The apparatus also includes a base portion including a drive assembly for controlling the movement of each of the link members with respect to other link members about the joints via tendons that control the rotational movement of the link members about the joints responsive to the drive assembly.

Abstract: Presbyopia correction is achieved by a tightening of the crystalline lens capsule. Applying laser energy to the pre-equatorial lens capsular membrane in increase the capsule tension without unwanted effects on the central clarity or on the refractive status of the eye. Wavelength selection, power, pulse duration, treatment spot size, placement, and pattern affect the accommodative and refractive effect.

Abstract: A universally sized blank made of organic or synthetic material that can be placed on an exposed inner surface of a live cornea and ablated with a laser beam to be altered to a particular shape. A flap-like portion of the live cornea is removed to expose an inner surface of the cornea, and the blank is positioned on the exposed inner surface of the eye. A laser beam is directed onto certain portions of the blank that are selected based on the type of ametropic condition (i.e., myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism) of the eye needing correction, so that the laser beam ablates those portions and thus reshapes the blank. The laser beam can also be directed onto certain portions of the laser surface of the cornea to ablate those surfaces of the cornea. The flap-like portion of the cornea is repositioned over the remaining portion of the blank, so that the remaining portion of the blank influences the shape of the reattached flap-like portion of the cornea and thus modifies the curvature of the cornea.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for selective photocoagulation of subsurface skin (dermis) for the purpose of increasing skin tone, reducing wrinkles, removing hair, removing tattoos or treating varicose veins without damaging the skin surface (epidermis). A diffuser lens in the laser apparatus is employed to focus the laser energy to the dermis. The laser apparatus includes a highly transmissive contact tip and cooling means to reduce heat build-up in the contact tip, as monitored by a thermocouple mechanism. The device can be used alone or in conjunction with superficial laser resurfacing or chemical peels to increase skin tone.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge region” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: A novel therapeutic instrument and technique for delivering thermal energy to a target tissue volume or site in an interior of a patient's body in a “non-invasive” manner for medical purposes, such as selective cell damage to thereafter cause population of the extracellular compartment of the injury site with a collagen fiber matrix. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a catheter-like device dimensioned for transurethral introduction. The distal working end has radiused laterally-extending elements that are deployable to engage target tissues around the patient's sphincter from both within the bladder and within the urethra. RF electrodes are carried on the working faces of the opposing laterally-extending elements for delivering thermal energy to the target tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for catheter ablation, with an ablation catheter and, associated with this, a connection to a high frequency generator, to a controlled or to a regulated high frequency ablation equipment, wherein the catheter has at least one electrode for the ablation of tissue by irradiation of ablating power, preferably of high frequency power and preferably at least one temperature sensor associated with this electrode for the determination of the temperature of the electrode; the energy delivery to the tissue to be ablated is controlled or regulated such that a predetermined coagulation temperature is reached within the concerned tissue region, and a device is provided for the sensing of a parameter which is related to the temperature difference between the temperature measured at the electrode and the temperature in the tissue in the neighborhood of the electrode.

Abstract: An adjustable electrocautery surgical apparatus for selectively delivering electosurgical coagulation and cut current from an electrosurgical generator to a surgical site is provided comprising an elongated body, an extension member passing at least partially through the elongated body, a track in the elongated body for guiding the extension member, an electrode blade attached to the extension member for cutting or coagulating tissue, and an adjustable lock coupled to the extension member for selectively adjusting the position of the extension member and electrode blade relative to the elongated body and for locking the extension member and electrode blade in a selected position. A longitudinal channel passes through a sidewall of the elongated body member. A plurality of stops are positioned in the channel for providing a sequence of stop positions between maximally retracted and maximally extended positions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A grooved slider forming part of an electrode for use with a resectoscope is shown. The electrode includes an electrode lead member having an elongated conductor member. The elongated conductor member has a first end and a second end with an insulative cover extended therebetween. The first end has a protruding electrode adapted to be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator and the second end terminates in an active member. An electrode support member is operatively connected to the active member. The electrode support member has an elongated semi-rigid bifurcated arm terminating in a conductive core spaced a predetermined distance from the active member. The bifurcated arm is covered with an insulative material except at the distal end where the grooved slider is located.

Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments for the coagulation of biological tissue are known that comprise a gas source to supply an inert gas, in particular a noble gas, to at least one outflow opening as well as an HF source to supply a coagulation current to an electrode device that is disposed in the region of the at least one outflow opening. It is proposed to make the outflow opening slit-shaped in such a way that the inert gas emerges in a flat or fan-shaped stream, which in its marginal regions flows laminarly so that the inert gas reaches the tissue substantially without becoming mixed with ambient air.

Abstract: A fixture for external bone fixation includes a number of pins clamped within pin mounting holes. Each pin extends through a flexible sleeve and through a clamping nut. Each pin mounting hole includes a pilot hole guiding the pin and an internally threaded portion engaging an externally threaded portion of the clamping nut. As the clamping nut is tightened, the flexible sleeve is longitudinally compressed, so that it expands transversely to clamp itself within the pin mounting hole and to clamp the pin within itself. A fixture configured particularly for external fixation of a fractured distal radius includes a number of such pins configured for attachment within a shaft portion of the radius and a number of such pins configured to attachment to a fragment of the fractured radius. The fixture also includes a sliding attachment block supporting a number of pins extending for lateral attachment to such a fragment.

Abstract: A sacral implant system includes first and second sacral plates that are affixed on opposite sides of the sacrum adjacent the lumbosacral junction. The sacral plates include at least a pedicle and an oblique mounting means for rigidly affixing the sacral plates to the sacrum. First and second fixation rods extend in a superior direction along the lumbar portion of the spine. One or more connecting members tie the rods together. The superior most vertebra to be fixed is tied to the implant system with a special fixation plate and pedicle screw. Conventional vertebra hooks can also be used as necessary. Intermediate vertebra are tied to the system with a straight fixation plate and pedicle screw.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail in which a plurality of fins (26) which protrude radially are formed on the outer circumference of the nail, providing firm internal fixation which makes the nail easy to operate.

Abstract: Elastic-loaded, retractable shank surgical pins having a hollow shank adapted to receive an elastic-loaded retractable shank can be inserted into the bone flap or into the walls of the skull cavity from which the bone flap has been removed, the retractable shank compressed against the elastic loading, and the bone flap placed into position in the skull cavity. The retractable shanks are allowed to expand outwards into corresponding holes positioned in the skull or bone flap, securing the latter in place without the necessity of protruding wires or other conventional locating devices. The pins need not be positioned parallel to each other, and may be spaced around the bone flap, preferably constituting the sole means of securing the bone flap in the skull cavity.

Abstract: An IM rod has a proximal threaded portion that threads into the bone to increase the stability of the rod. The rod further includes an extended pointed tip for positive slip-free placement of the rod on the bone and an end cutting drill and reaming flutes for drilling a hole into and reaming the IM canal. Conformity between the shaft and the IM canal is increased to maximize stability by including a starter tip and drill as integral extensions of the shaft. Flutes extend up the rod beyond the drilling and reaming portion to allow decompression of the IM canal as the rod is inserted into the canal.

Abstract: A profile gauge for use with an acetabular cup loading tube provided with a skirt or flange characterized by adjustable means for measuring and indicating the diametric profile of the mouth of the rim area adjacent thereto of an acetabular socket into which an acetabular cup is to be implanted and includes means for removably locating said adjustable means on a loading tube to indicate on the skirt thereof the measured diameter profile.

Abstract: A guide sleeve with longitudinally offset bone engaging portions is provided for engagement with anterior-posterior offset vertebral bodies. In one aspect of the invention the guide tube has fixed bone engaging portions in a predetermined offset position. In another form of the invention, the guide sleeve is composed of at least two moveably connected portions adapted to permit adjustment of the offset between the bone engaging portions. Further, a method is provided for using a guide sleeve with offset bone engaging portions.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein deals with a medical marking device which is useful for making lines and marks on soft and hard tissue of a mammal. The invention also deals with a pen containing a medical marking device and methods of using such pens to make lines and marks on soft and hard tissue of a mammal. The pen, which can be used for surgical or any other medical marking applications, is configured to be held freely in a person's hand like an ordinary writing instrument.

Abstract: An applicator for setting a needle secured to a suture thread, a method of assembling the applicator and a method of using the applicator. The applicator includes an elongated sleeve comprising a bore, a first end and a second end, the needle being disposed within the bore near the second end, a rod having a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted to slide within the bore and rest adjacent the needle, and a retaining mechanism for maintaining the position of the rod with respect to the elongated sleeve. The method of assembling includes securing the suture thread to the needle, placing the needle and a portion of the thread into the bore of the elongated sleeve, introducing the second end of the rod into the bore until it is positioned adjacent the needle, retaining the first end of the rod on the retaining mechanism, and retaining the first end of the elongated sleeve on the retaining mechanism.

Abstract: Herniation, including cystocele, rectocele and enterocystocele may be treated with prefabricated repair patches. The repair patches include a natural or synthetic biocompatible material having a shape adapted to support herniated tissue. The patch also contains a plurality of apertures positioned in the central plane of the patch which may permit ingrowth and may also be an attachment site for pexing sutures. The patch may be covered with coating to decrease the possibility of infection, and/or increase biocompatibility. The coating may also include one or more drugs, for example, an antibiotic, an immunosuppressant, and/or an anticoagulant.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for joining adjacent bone portions includes a top flange and a bottom flange joined by a rib that together help define two bone receiving cavities. The Respective bone edge portions, such as from an osteotomy cut, are inserted into the bone receiving cavities and gripped by the compressive action between the top flange and the bottom flange. In the installed state, the top flange is disposed on one side of the bone while the bottom flange is disposed on the opposite side of the bone, with the rib disposed between the bone edges. The bone clamp may be a unitary device that is made from a flexible bioresorbable material. Due to its configuration, the bone clamp may be installed without the use of any tools. Further, the bone clamp acts as a temporary fastener in that it dissolves over time, thereby allowing for the bone edges to knit, even in the vicinity of the bone clamp.

Abstract: A microkeratome for improved corneal flap production for corneal surgery. The microkeratome, having a first aperture and a cutting blade, includes a second aperture located just below the plane of the cutting blade and through which a corneal plug protrudes in preparation for the lamellar cut of the microkeratome to create a uniformly thick lamellar flap of predetermined diameter and depth. The second aperture can include a second cutting blade. The microkeratome also includes a transparent applanation plate positioned at a predetermined distance above the plane of the cutting blade and an adjustable stop to prevent complete transection of the corneal flap.

Abstract: A surgical implement employs first, second and third like elongated thin vertical closely spaced apart cutting blades. Each blade terminates at its upper end in an arrow head type point. All of these points lie in a common horizontal plane. Connection apparatus is integral with and forms a common base with the lower ends of all of these blades.

Abstract: A lancing device has a spring-loaded lancet holder slidably mounted within a housing for carrying a disposable lancet and needle. A slider mounted in a slot in the housing is moved back for cocking the device and, after the lancet is fired, is moved forward to eject the used lancet. A releasable connector reversibly immobilizes the holder while the lancet is being ejected. The releasable connector permits a shortened ejection stroke, which, in turn, permits a shorter slot in the housing.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered trocar assembly includes a source of compressed gas which releases a metered amount of gas to a chamber. A piston slidably positioned within the chamber is driven forward by the compressed gas introduced therein, and an obturator with a tissue piercing tip are advanced thereby. Optionally, a sensor detects the presence of body tissue within the cutting path of the tip and blocks the passage of compressed gas to the chamber, or alternatively, opens an escape vent to release compressed gas therefrom if insufficient body tissue resistance is encountered. The powered trocar assembly is intended for use in conjunction with a cannula assembly to create a passage to the interior of a body cavity for conducting surgical procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an introducer sheath with an integrated closure component. The closure component includes an advanceable resilient spring clip with an expanded delivery configuration in which opposing sides do not contact one another, and an unstressed deployed configuration, in which opposing sides close towards one another. The clip is advanced along the sheath until it pierces opposing sides of a vessel wall at a puncture site. The sheath then is withdrawn, thereby causing the clip to resiliently return to its unstressed deployed configuration and draw opposing sides of the puncture together to seal the wound.

Abstract: A flexible, isoelastic polymer surgical suture and suture construct formed from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers, rubber, and other hemocompatible and biocompatible thermoplastic elastomers, wherein the suture and suture construct is formed from a single or multiple filament, the suture and suture construct having an elastic modulus between about 50 to 2000 psi, a tensile strength between about 500 to 50,000 psi, and a tensile elongation between about 100 to 1000 percent. In an alternate suture construct, the construct includes a base material and an inner core formed from a higher-strength fiber or group of fibers having a helical orientation. The low-modulus base material is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers, rubber, and other hemocompatible and biocompatible thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: An improved pacifier configured to facilitate the oral delivery of fluids, such as formula and breast milk, to infants. The improved pacifier may have a pliable nipple usually coupled to a mouth guard. The nipple typically extends outward from a surface of the mouth guard, such that the nipple can be inserted into an infant's mouth to encourage sucking. According to the principles of the present invention, the nipple has an inner lumen which may removably receive a tube, specifically a feeding or medication tube. The tube will generally serve as a passage way for oral fluids entering the digestive system of the infant. Thus, the improved pacifier allows a caregiver to administer medications or feedings without having to first remove the pacifier from the infant's mouth or else having to abstain from using the pacifier during the administration of medication or feedings altogether.

Abstract: A medical pad 10 includes a thermal exchange layer capable of absorbing and/or releasing heat to a patient and an adhesive surface 16A disposed on a skin-contacting side of the thermal exchange layer for adhering the pad 10 to the skin of the patient. The thermal exchange layer may comprise a fluid containing layer 12 for containing a thermal exchange fluid 14 capable of absorbing thermal energy from and/or releasing thermal energy to the patient. The pad 10 may also include a conformable thermally conductive layer 16 between the adhesive surface 16A and the fluid containing layer 12 and an insulating layer 18 on the non-skin contacting side of the fluid containing layer 12. A related fluid circulating system 40 including a pump 42 connected downstream from a fluid outlet 22 and a fluid reservoir 44 connected upstream from a fluid inlet 20 may be employed to circulate the fluid 14 though the fluid containing layer 12.

Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.

Abstract: A stent, particularly a coronary stent, which includes at least one thin-walled, tubular body (2), the surface (1) of which is divided into strap-like, expandable elements (4,4′,4″,4′″,4″″) extending in the longitudinal direction of the stent and expandable in the circumferential direction thereof and, which elements are linked by at least one joining strap (6,6′). Two expandable elements (4,4′,4″,4′″,4″″) are juxtaposed in the circumferential direction of the stent and, by means of an end attachment (8), with the end face (4.4′) of an expandable element (4,4′,4″,4′″,4″″) adjoining in the longitudinal direction of the stent. The surface (1) in the non-expanded condition is substantially free of apertures and is divided by partition lines (3), which have a considerably smaller width compared with the strap width of the expandable elements (4,4′,4″,4′″,4″″).