Abstract: An ultrasonic angioplasty device includes a catheter and a connector assembly for interconnecting an ultrasound transmission member to an ultrasound transducer. A rotation control device is provided that prevents the ultrasound transmission member from rotating relative to the catheter. Rotation is prevented by a fastener aligning the connector assembly with the elongated catheter body, or a key member that fits in a correspondingly shaped slot in a proximal shaft portion of the catheter, for preventing rotation of the connector assembly relative to the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention describes a catheter suitable for introduction into a tubular tissue for dissolving blockages in such tissue. The catheter is particularly useful for removing thrombi within blood vessels. In accordance with the preferred embodiments, a combination of vibrating motion and injection of a lysing agent is utilized to break up blockages in vessels. The vessels may be veins, arteries, ducts, intestines, or any lumen within the body that may become blocked from the material that flows through it. As a particular example, dissolution of vascular thrombi facilitated by advancing a catheter through the occluded vessel, the catheter causing a vibrating, stirring action in and around the thrombus usually in combination with the dispensing of a thrombolytic agent such as urokinase into the thrombus. The catheter has an inflatable or expandable member near the distal tip which, when inflated or expanded, prevents the passage of dislodged thrombus around the catheter.

Abstract: A method and device for improving blood circulation to an area of interest within a patient' heart is described. The method comprises inserting a guidable elongated flexible ultrasound device into a patient's vasculature, applying ultrasonic energy to an area in need of improved circulation, and injecting materials such as angiogenic materials or contrasting agents into the area of interest. The device, suitable for performing the method, comprises an elongated tubular body, a distal head of the elongated tubular body for introducing ultrasonic energy to an area of interest, and a needle to deliver materials to an area of interest.

Abstract: A radiation treatment system comprising a balloon catheter and a treatment apparatus. A method for delivering radioactive dose adequately to treat eccentric atheroma comprises positioning a radiation source on the treatment apparatus to the eccentric atheroma for a predetermined treatment period, wherein the positioning of the radiation source over a balloon catheter is radially and/or axially adjustable. The balloon catheter has adjustable centering capability and comprises a tubular centering structure disposed at the distal end of the balloon catheter, wherein the centering structure comprises a plurality of balloon members that are independently radially expandable and adjustable in inflation size. The treatment apparatus is slidably positioned inside the lumen of the balloon catheter, wherein the treatment apparatus comprises a radiation source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the flux rate of a fluid through a biological membrane. The method includes the steps of porating a section of the tissue to form one or more micropores in the tissue, and applying a flux enhancer to the tissue through the one or more micropores. The resulting enhancement of fluid flux in the tissue enables more effective harvesting from the body of fluids, as well as more effectively delivery of a drug.

Abstract: A needle or cylindrical element position lock includes a disposable template assembly having front and back templates halves which define an array of close-fitting through-holes to guide needles therethrough. A series of lock slides locks the positions of columns of needles positioned within the template. Each lock slide locks the position of one or more needles inserted into one or more series of the through- holes in the template, with a preferred embodiment locking two series of needles. Each lock slide has the capability of locking one or more series of needles inserted into through-holes in the needle guide template by an axial motion applied by a lock lever or cam. When the lock slide is moved axially, a locking function is provided by a wedge/clamp which engages an inserted needle. For a typical template arrangement, six lock slides are used to lock twelve columns of needles inserted into through-holes in the template assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for actively supporting the flow of body fluids, comprising an artificial flow guide system (10) with an operational area into which a pump (1) is embedded in such a way that it can transport blood from at least one inlet opening (3) situated in the guide system to at least one outlet opening (4) situated in the guide system; a flexible feed hose (5) connected to the flow guide system; an energy or force transmission line (6) which is guided through the interior of the flexible feed hose and which, when the device is in the operational state, transmits energy or force substantially continuously to the pump from a drive unit for the extracorporeal generation of this energy or force.

Abstract: A medication delivery device comprising a container containing a fluid medicament. The medicament is expelled from the container by moving forward an elastomeric piston inside the cartridge. The piston is moved forward by a telescopic piston rod, which can either be centrally located in the container or eccentric located. One end of the telescopic piston rod abuts the elastomeric piston either by itself or through an additional plate. The abutment having a friction large enough to prevent a lower part of the telescopic rod from rotating. In order to prevent the elastomeric piston from rotating inside the container a second telescopic piston rod is provided parallel with the first telescopic piston rod.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a catheter, such as a drainage catheter, to a patient's body and decoupling the catheter from the body are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the flexibility of a catheter cannula and allow for a self-contained system that secures the catheter cannula within the body while bodily fluid is draining. In one embodiment, the catheter is coupled to the body by compressing a proximal hub member to a distal hub member, causing the cannula to curl and form an anchoring configuration (i.e. a loop, pigtail, j-curve, malecot, etc.). In compressing the portions, one or more fingers within the proximal hub member force a cord into one or more corresponding channels within the distal hub member, thereby shortening the amount of cord in the cannula. The proximal and distal hub members can be locked together in the compressed position for as long as the catheter is to be coupled to the body.

Abstract: A permanent or semipermanent hemodialysis access sheath that is placed in a central vein, secured and left in place for easy access by a removable hemodialysis catheter. The hemodialysis catheter has an adapter which secures the catheter to the sheath temporarily permitting the easy removal and replacement of the catheter as needed. The sheath has a side tube with a rotating flush valve. The sheath has a threaded opening which may be engaged by a threaded hub on the hemodialysis catheter for temporaraily securing the catheter to the sheath.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus comprises a plurality of ports, a plurality of one-way directional valves, and a joint. Each port is adapted to receive and secure a syringe to allow for a flow of a liquid through the syringe into the port. Each one-way directional valve is in fluid communication with a respective port of the plurality of ports to enable the liquid to flow away from the port. The joint has a plurality of inputs to receive the flow from the plurality of one-way directional valves. The inputs are in fluid communication with each individual port of the plurality of ports. The joint has an output.

Abstract: A discoid and elastic valve is designed to block up the neck of the syringe from inside, in order to close the communication between the syringe's internal main body, where the liquid is, and the needle which is connected in the syringe neck through its plugging cone.

Abstract: The present invention is an invertible eye drop dispenser device, alone, and in conjunction with an eye drop dispenser container having a threaded neck. The device includes a hollow, circular base portion with a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end has a first set of internal threads and the top end has a second set of internal threads, both being of the same thread gauge, to thread onto a neck of an eye drop dispenser container. The first set of internal threads and the second set of internal threads are inverted relative to one another, so that the device may be threaded with the bottom end threaded to a container or, so that, upon inversion, the device may be threaded with the top end threaded to a container. There is also an eye cup portion attached to the bottom end of the base portion.

Abstract: A method for collecting and disposing of urine and fecal excrement from an individual. The method is the simultaneous and independent use of a disposable urine management device and a disposable fecal management device. The disposable urine management device is independently applied in a releasable manner to the uro-genital area of the individual while the disposable fecal management device is independently applied in a releasable manner to the perineal area of the individual.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence pad, panty liner or the like, which article is intended to be substantially accommodated within a user's panties and comprising an absorbent upper part (2) and an absorbent lower part (3), which two parts are mutually joined in such a manner that the article, at least in its mid portion (26), presents an elongate cavity between the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) which is maintained during use.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a main body; and leakage preventing side walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body and lying opposite one another in the widthwise direction of the main body. Each leakage preventing side wall has a raised portion which is joined at a root end onto a liquid-receiving side surface of the main body and raised therefrom to have a free end positioned apart from the liquid-receiving side surface. Each leakage preventing side wall is provided with a first elastically shrinking member for applying an elastic shrinking force along a shrinking action line approaching the free end from the root end as it extends from the two longitudinal end positions of the raised portion of the leakage preventing side wall toward the longitudinally midway position of the leakage preventing side wall.

Abstract: A pant-like, disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis, a pair of opposed side panels, at least one line of weakness and at least one fastener. The absorbent chassis defines a pair of laterally opposed side edges and a pair of longitudinally opposed waist edges. The side panels extend between the side edges of the absorbent chassis to define a waist opening and a pair of leg openings in the pant-like disposable absorbent article. Each of the opposed side panels defines a first side margin which is permanently attached to the side edge of the absorbent chassis in one waist region of the absorbent article to provide a front permanent joint. The opposed side panels further define a second side margin opposite the first side margin which is permanently attached to the side edge of the absorbent chassis in the other waist region of the absorbent article to provide a back permanent joint.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a front part (13; 13′), a rear part (14; 14′) and a crotch part (15; 15′) which lies therebetween. The article includes an absorbent body (1; 1′; 25) which is enclosed between an outer, liquid-impermeable casing sheet (7; 7′; 26) and an inner, liquid-permeable casing sheet (8; 8′; 27), this latter sheet lying proximal to a wearer's body in use. The article further includes on opposite sides of a longitudinal symmetry axis of the article flexible, longitudinally extending flaps (9, 10′ 9′, 10′; 28, 29), each of which is connected to the inner casing sheet along a longitudinal edge and which extends from the connected longitudinal edge in toward a longitudinal symmetry axis of the article. The flaps (9, 10; 9′, 10′; 28, 29) are joined together in the crotch part (15; 15′) of the article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion joins the front portion to the back portion. The back portion has a first end and a second end. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is extendable in a transverse direction and has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge, a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A, represents an area bounded by the first and second side edges, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end. The second area A2 represents an area bounded by first and second lines, the second end, and the line drawn parallel to the first end.

Abstract: A dual-filled twin bag, a packaging including the twin bag, and a method for forming the packaged twin bags are provided. Each of two bags, a solution bag (10)and a drain bag (12) for a system used for a peritoneal dialysis procedure, are filled, at least partially, with a solution (14). A tubing set (16) connects the two filled bags (10,12) and may also be filled with solution (14) which is added to the bags (10,12) and the tubing set (16) during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the tubing set (16) may be filled with air. The tubing set (16) is sandwiched between the solution bag (10) and the drain bag (12) and subsequently packaged in an overpouch (24). The method for forming the package including the bags filled with solution is simplified and the overall package size is reduced due to the sandwiched tubing set (16) between the solution bags (10,12) and the provision of solution in both bags (10,12).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and apparati for rapid pediatric resuscitation and/or emergency management. A standardized formulation of each commonly used resuscitation medication is provided so that calculating dosage amounts is simplified. The formulations are standardized to a pre-determined dosage concentration and packaged in containers which may be coded to provide a simple means of separating and recognizing each medication. The standardized medications may be provided in a self-contained set-up along with commonly used medical equipment for use in resuscitation procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a steerable device for the delivery of a therapeutic solution, in particular, an angiogenesis-promoting substance into a heart, and a method of delivering such a substance into the heart. The device includes an elongated needle which the physician may steer by asserting a tensioning force on a steering cable coupled to the needle toward its distal end. A axially-slidable steering sleeve is disposed about the needle and the steering cable, and the position of the steering sleeve may be adjusted to control the radius of flexure of the needle. The needle body is flexible enough to maneuver around thoracic and cardiac geometry, yet sufficiently rigid to facilitate such maneuvering. The needle may also have a stop, or platform, spaced from the distal needle tip to stabilize the needle in the cardiac tissue. According to a method of the invention, the needle may be inserted into the heart tissue through lung tissue adhering to the heart, as is common in re-operative patients.

Abstract: A medical guidewire comprised of an NiTi-based alloy having a high elasticity over a wide range of strain, excellent straightness, and preferable shape and characteristics of a stress-strain curve in a tensile test. The wire is obtained by applying a predetermined tension to a cold drawn NiTi-based alloy wire and mechanical straightening it under conditions of a predetermined torsional shear strain and temperature and shows superior pushability, torque transmission, and reinsertability as a medical guidewire, so is preferable for a catheter guidewire, endoscope guidewire, etc.

Abstract: A reinforced intravascular catheter adapted for use in performing minimally invasive medical procedures. A catheter, in accordance with the present invention, comprising an inner tubular member having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough. The catheter further including a support member overlaying the inner tubular member and conforming to the outer surface thereof, the support member including at least one filament forming a plurality of turns. The support member further including at least one multi-layered portion having a first layer and a plurality of additional layers, each layer comprising a plurality of turns formed by at least one filament, the plurality of additional layers each overlaying at least the first layer. The catheter also including an outer layer overlaying both the support member and the inner tubular member. A method of fabricating a catheter in accordance with the present invention is also disclosed.

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: Guiding or angiography catheters, having a catheter shaft formed of a multi-layer wire reinforced wall construction consisting of one layer of wire wrapped in a substantially circumferential manner and another layer of wire laid at an angle of about ±20° to about ±75° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A medical coupling for a cannulae includes a female member (1) with a body providing a hub (4) defining a socket (11), a valve section (5) with a valve actuator (15) slidable on the body, an internally splined sleeve (44) movable with the valve actuator, and a finger gripping section (5), and a male member (2) including a spiget (20) for engagement in the socket (11), a cap (21) with a screw thread for engagement with a thread (10) on the hub (4), and external splines (45) on the cap. When the spigot is inserted into the socket (11), the cap (21) is rotated onto the screw thread (10to hold them against being pulled apart, and the valve actuator is displaced to open the valve and to bring the splined sleeve (44) into locking engagement with the cap (31).

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent includes an implant capsule having a beneficial agent reservoir, an osmotic agent which expands on contact with fluid imbibed through a permeable membrane retained by the implant capsule, a delivery port, and a valve for opening and closing the delivery port. When the osmotic agent expands, a pressure is exerted against a separating member positioned between the beneficial agent reservoir and the osmotic agent. The separating member moves within the capsule, thereby forcing the valve to move a distance such that the beneficial agent can exit the reservoir through the delivery port.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for connecting a plurality of apparatuses and instruments of a medico-technical system with various functions and circuits, a system encompassing several areas and diverse types of components, using connection and linking cables and tubes, and in which various colors are coordinated with individual sectors of the system while geometric symbols correspond to certain types of system components and markers are used for certain connectors. Thus, the connectors of apparatuses and instruments are designated with the color of the respective area, with the geometric symbol of the respective type of component, and with the assigned marker. The links in the connection and linking cables and tubes are designated with the color, symbol, and marker of the assigned area, component type, and marking. As a result, the related apparatus and instrument connectors and cable and tube connectors are identified by the combination of color, symbol, and marker.

Abstract: A connecting structure of a flexible tube with a mouthpiece, serving as elements of a treatment tool for an endoscope, includes at least one claw projection provided on an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical connecting portion of the mouthpiece; and at least one claw-projection gap provided at a discontinuous portion of each claw projection. A connecting end of the flexible tube is inserted onto the cylindrical connecting portion so that at least one claw projection digs into an inner peripheral surface of the connecting end of the flexible tube. Each claw projection is provided perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical connecting portion. A surface of each claw projection is inclined inward, toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion, in a direction so as to allow the cylindrical connecting portion to be inserted into the connecting end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A fastening element is provided for securing a rod-shaped element to a shaft of a medical instrument. The fastening element comprises a bracket for engaging at least partially the circumference of the rod-shaped element, where the bracket can be inserted into a side opening of the shaft portion. The fastening element further comprises a tensioning mechanism, which when actuated draws the bracket in the direction out of the opening, thereby clamping the rod-shaped element to the shaft portion. The clamping force of the tensioning mechanism for clamping the rod-shaped element is continuously adjustable when actuating the tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system includes a laser for producing a laser beam capable of making refractive corrections, an optical system for shaping and conditioning the laser beam, a digital micromirror device (DMD) for reflecting the shaped and conditioned beam toward the eye, a computer system for controlling the mirrors of the DMD, and an eye tracking system which tracks the position of the eye and provides feedback to the computer system. The computer system includes software which permits the DMD to emulate the patterns and laser beam control provided in all prior art broadbeam systems and scanning spot systems. All that is required is a selection in the software to operate thereunder. Moreover, the laser surgery system can be coupled to or adapted to receive data from corneal topographers or wavefront sensor systems and utilize such data to increase the quality of correction above and beyond prior approaches. Furthermore, the laser surgery system can provide much greater resolution than prior art systems.

Abstract: A system for treating a selected dermatologic problem and a head for use with such system are provided. The head may include an optical waveguide having a first end to which EM radiation appropriate for treating the condition is applied. The waveguide also has a skin-contacting second end opposite the first end, a temperature sensor being located within a few millimeters, and preferably within 1 to 2 millimeters, of the second end of the waveguide. A temperature sensor may be similarly located in other skin contacting portions of the head. A mechanism is preferably also provided for removing heat from the waveguide and, for preferred embodiments, the second end of the head which is in contact with the skin has a reflection aperture which is substantially as great as the radiation back-scatter aperture from the patient's skin.

Abstract: A probe contacts targeted tissue, sometimes while positioned adjacent to nontargeted live tissues. In preferred forms, the probe includes a support that only minimally conducts heat from nontargeted tissues. A very conductive targeted-tissue-contacting element, at an end of the support, is immersed in a liquid cryogen (preferably nitrogen) and then removed for contacting with (e. g., insertion into) the targeted tissue. An ultrathin highly thermoconductive polymeric tubing holds both a very conductive, cold material, forming the targeted-tissue-contacting element, and fine insulating material (e. g. highly insulating elastomer) forming part of the support. The targeted-tissue-contacting element is fashioned to fit the targeted tissue in at least one dimension, and the support to fit nontargeted live tissues (if any) adjacent to which the probe is positioned while contacting the targeted tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.

Abstract: A micro-catheter system utilizing a microjoule pulsed electrical discharge between first and second electrodes in a recessed lumen at the catheter working end for creating a cavitating volume of electrolytic fluid composition including a pharmacologic agent. The expansion and collapse of media at a high repetition rate creates acoustic waves that propagate distally from the working end of the micro-catheter to disrupt thrombus. The expansion and collapse of such cavitation bubbles “jet” the pharmacologic agent at a controlled velocity into the acoustically-disrupted thrombus to further depolymerize the thrombus. The catheter system includes a computer-controller for independent modulation of (i) all aspects of pharmacologic agent delivery, and (ii) all parameters of electrical discharge to “tailor” the combined acoustic wave effects and pharmacologic agent effects to dissolve thrombus rapidly and efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching the skin between the fingers of a syndactyly includes first and second upper members, and first and second lower members. Means are provided for adjustably spreading the first and second upper members relative to each other and for adjustably spreading the first and second lower members relative to each other. A first plurality of wires, configured to pierce the skin of the syndactyly and to translate force to bones of the first finger, are connected to the first upper member and to the first lower member. Likewise a similar second plurality of wires are connected to the second upper member and to the second lower member. A method for stretching the skin of the syndactyly includes inserting the first plurality of wires through the skin of the syndactyly between the first and second fingers adjacent the bones of the first finger. The second plurality of wires are inserted similarly adjacent the bones of the second finger.

Abstract: A bone anchoring assembly includes at least one fixation plate and at least one bone anchoring element. Each bone anchoring element includes a circular-cylindrical hollow body with upper and lower ends, a hemi-spherical connector that is pivotably mounted to and supported by fixation elements, an external thread that extends partially along the outer surface of the body for anchoring the bone anchoring element into the cortical portion of the bone, and a series of teeth located on the lower end of the body for cutting into the bone.

Abstract: A dorsal fracture is treated from the volar side by using a T-shaped plate opposite the fracture. The plate is positioned against the volar side of the radial bone, a plurality of bone screws secure the plate along a non-fractured portion of the radial bone, and a plurality of bone pegs extend from the plate and into the bone fragments of the fracture. A support portion of the plate is provided distal of the bone pegs and supports comminuted bone fragments. One or more channels are optionally provided in the plate to receive wires which are adapted to anchor distal bone fragments to the plate. The plate is adapted in strength and materials to withstand the large bending forces thereon.

Abstract: An intramedullary interlock screw includes an elongate shank having a preferably cylindrical shank outer surface, and an external thread disposed helically about the shank and having a thread outer surface coaxial with and substantially parallel to the shank outer surface. The shank diameter as determined by the shank outer surface is at least 0.75 times the thread diameter as determined by the thread outer surface, and most preferably is 0.85 - 0.9 times the thread diameter, resulting in a considerable reduction in thread height as compared to similarly sized conventional bone screws. Further, the thread outer surface has a width at least twenty percent of the thread pitch, a substantial increase over the corresponding percentage in conventional bone screws. Both features contribute to an increase in the strength of the screw, in terms of resistance to bending forces applied laterally, i.e. perpendicular to the screw length.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in affixing material to a location under repair includes a material retention member and an anchor. The anchor is configured to be inserted into a cavity in bone tissue, the anchor having a first end and a second end. The anchor also includes one or more raised ribs. The material retention member extends radially from the first end of the anchor in a plurality of directions, the material retention member including at least one contact surface adapted to exert a retention force on material that is interposed between the material retention device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: A medical graft assembly for connecting an end of a tubular graft conduit to a side wall of a patient's existing tubular body conduit via an aperture in the side wall thereof with a connector. The connector has a first plurality of fingers configured to engage an interior surface of the side wall of the existing conduit. A second plurality of fingers is configured to engage an exterior surface of the side wall of the existing conduit. A third plurality of fingers is received in an interior lumen of the graft conduit, and a fourth plurality of fingers is configured to pierce the graft conduit. The connector is radially deformable between a first size and a second size.

Abstract: The handpiece for use in a surgical or medical operation, includes means for generating instructions to control operation of at least one apparatus connected to the handpiece or associated with the surgical or medical operation through a pneumatic variation or a series of pneumatic variations in a fluid transported by at least one control conduit connecting the handpiece to a pressure or depression generator, the variation or series of variations being generated by a direct or indirect digital action by the operator on the control conduit or an opening of the conduit, the variation or series of variations being detected, then processed and exploited to remotely control the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems wherein a penetrating catheter or other penetrating device is used to penetrate into a target blood vessel, and wherein the target vessel is dilated prior to the penetration so as to improve the imaging, aiming at and/or penetration into the target vessel. In one embodiment, a tissue penetrating catheter device that is useable to penetrate from a blood vessel in which it is positioned to a target vessel comprises a flexible catheter advanceable into the first blood vessel and a tissue penetrator lumen adapted to receive an operative tissue penetrator which is usable to penetrate from the blood vessel to the target vessel when properly aimed. An imaging transducer may be fixedly mounted on or within the penetrating catheter to provide an imaging signal from which an image of the target vessel can be obtained.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system for the treatment of occluded blood vessels that includes tissue displacement or hinged expansion members that are movable from a closed to an open position. An actuating assembly may be, provided for moving the tissue expansion members between an open and closed position to exert a substantially lateral distal end force upon the region surrounding an occluded blood vessel. The tissue expansion members may stretch apart, tear or otherwise disrupt a vascular occlusion sufficiently to create a pathway that may support the passage or placement of a guidewire or an interventional vascular device across the occlusion or obstruction. Methods of crossing or displacing a vascular occlusion are further provided that include the positioning of a vascular catheter having at least one hinged spreading member positioned at the distal region of the catheter that is responsive to directed force along the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A cannula is described that includes a diverter mechanism in the form of a blast plate deployable from within the lumen of the cannula and retractable from the lumen of the cannula. The blast plate may take the form of a planar surface, a curved surface, a membrane mounted on a wire ring, or a conical sleeve, or any other suitable shape. In use, the cannula is inserted in a vessel, the blast plate is deployed in the lumen of the cannula beyond the distal end of the cannula, and blood flow is passed through the cannula and against the blast plate. Alternative devices and methods are also described.

Abstract: What is described here is an instrument for application in endoscopic surgery, comprising a shaft (10) including two forceps elements at its distal end which are operable independently of each other by operating elements (17), whereof one is pivotable about an axis at least approximately orthogonal on the longitudinal axis of the instrument and including at least one continuous passage (12) between the jaws of said two forceps elements. The inventive instrument is characterised by the provisions that the other forceps element is not pivotable, and that the pivotable jaw element or elements (16) of each forceps element are pivotable about axes (16a) which are each arranged approximately in parallel with the connecting line between the seizing regions of said forceps elements.

Abstract: A sealing device and a wound closure device includes a sealing device for closing a wound in a wall of a vessel. The objective of the invention is to provide a sealing device and a wound closure device which has enhanced tightening properties. This problem is solved by the sealing device comprising an elongated member, which constitutes or is coated by a suture wire, having a constant thickness along its lock portion, the thickness being greater than the opening of the second sealing member. The sealing device is infinitely variable lockable along the distal lock portion.

Abstract: The suture clip includes a pair of plates joined together at one end to form a vertex having an acute angle. Each plate, at its remote terminal end, defines an inwardly facing hook. The hook end members establish a clip mouth slightly larger than the diameter of the suture thread such that when the thread is passed through the clip mouth, the thread cannot easily escape entrapment from the central region of the clip. The suture clip may be C-shape, V-shape, broken leg V-shape, heart shape or pentagonal shape. In another embodiment, the clip is a closed loop or elliptical in shape. To enhance operability, the hooks on the C, U or V shaped sutures are disposed on tabs which are laterally displaced with respect to each other such that, upon collapse and closure of the clip plates, the tabs interleave each other and interlock over the opposite clip plate. This feature enhances attachment to suture thread.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprising a cylindrical body portion with in inwardly tapered distal end portion has a screw thread extending along the cylindrical body portion and a plurality of parallel longitudinal grooves cut into the cylindrical body interrupting opposed portions of the screw thread. A suture cavity is transversely cut through the distal end portion and engages the plurality of longitudinal grooves, the suture cavity being dimensioned to hold at least one suture. The distal end portion defines a suture pathway comprising two separated leg members, each of which has an inner angled end surface leading into the suture cavity providing an entry passageway for a suture into the suture cavity and a driver for the suture anchor.