Abstract: Electrically pulsed infrared radiation source made from a thin foil-shaped material, which may be operated as required with temperature amplitudes of 100 K or more at millisecond pulse lengths. The source may be manufactured from known materials, and may be mounted in a preferred design as a curve-shaped bridge between two fixtures. The radiation source is particularly well adapted to be used in connection with pulse based methods and sensors for identification, measurement and warning of gas occurrences by means of infrared radiation. Examples of such methods and sensors are included in the invention.

Abstract: The alkane profile (FIGS. 12-14) comprising the alveolar gradients of n-alkane in breath having 4 carbons to 20 carbons, and the methyl alkane profile (FIGS. 30-34) are determined for the diagnosis of disease in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the precision measurement of the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea of the eye. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical characteristic measuring apparatus capable measuring the optical characteristics of an irregular astigmatism component. An illuminating optical system illuminates a minute region on the retina of the eye with light rays emitted by an illuminating light source, a reflected light guiding optical system guides reflected light rays reflected from the retina of the eye to a light receiving device, a converting device converts the reflected light rays into at least seventeen light beams, a light receiving device receives the plurality of light beams from the converting device, and an arithmetic unit determines the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea on the basis of the inclination of the light rays determined by the light receiving device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for securely affixing a medical instrument to desired tissue in a patient's body, using a fixation agent. Such medical instruments may comprise localization wires or tissue acquisition instruments, such as biopsy instruments, for example. In the case of tissue acquisition instruments, the inventors have discovered significant advantages for securely affixing the distal end of the tissue acquisition instrument to a particular tissue target area. For example, such an approach permits the imaging environment to be uncoupled from the procedural environment so that expensive and often unavailable imaging equipment, such as stereotactic imaging equipment, need not be used. In a preferred embodiment, a bonding agent, such as adhesive, surgical glue, or a solvent, is used as the fixation agent.

Abstract: A device and method of use for securing and coring of tumors within the body during a biopsy of the tumor, specifically breast tumors. An adhesion probe for securing the tumor is described. The probe secures the tumor by piercing the tumor and providing a coolant to the distal tip to cool the tip. The cooled tip adheres to the tumor. A coring instrument adapted for cutting a core sample of the tumor is described. The instrument is provided with a cannula that can cut a core sample of the tumor. The instrument is adapted for use with the probe with the probe fitting within the cannula. The instrument can be used in conjunction with the probe to secure and core a sample of the tumor for biopsy.

Abstract: A device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for guarding both the IV needle and the sampling port needle in IV procedures, whereby the opening end of a needle guard containing an IV needle is inserted into the open end of a tubular sampling port so that the sampling port needle enters the guard. The guard may be provided with a catch that engages a corresponding aperture in the port when the guard is fully inserted into the port so that the guard is retained within the port against inadvertent removal.

Abstract: An ergonomic safety vacuum syringe for sampling blood comprises a vacuum, a hollow barrel, a first needle, a second needle, and a press plate. The hollow barrel includes an end surface and a cylindrical side surface, with a trench formed through the end surface. A needle seat is coupled to the trench, and a sliding slit is formed through the end surface and cylindrical side surface. The syringe also comprises a first needle coupled to a reduced inlet disposed on the hollow barrel and the second needle having Z-shaped portion formed between opposing first and second end portions. The first end is received within the reduced inlet, while the second end portion is positioned along a central axis of the hollow barrel. Further, the press plate is positioned within the sliding slit of the hollow barrel.

Abstract: A highly safe medical device which exhibits long-lasting low surface friction in a body fluid or in an aqueous medium is provided. Also provided is a method for producing such medical device wherein substantially no limitation is imposed on the type of the substrate used, and the hydrophilic high molecular weight compound or the water-soluble or water-swellable high molecular weight compound responsible for the surface lubricity can be readily coated on the surface. In the present invention, a hydrophilic high molecular weight compound having at least one carbonyl group or hydrazine residue in the molecule and a cross-linking agent having at least two hydrazine residues or carbonyl groups in the molecule are reacted to thereby form a surface lubrication layer comprising the reaction product.

Abstract: A biomedical apparatus is disclosed including an implantable biomedical device for providing biomedical assistance to the body structure and a device controller for regulating the operation of the biomedical device. A sonomicrometer arrangement is provided, in contact with the body structure and in communication with the device controller. The sonomicrometer arrangement ultrasonically measures at least one physical parameter of the body structure and provides feedback information to the device controller. The device controller then regulates the operation of the biomedical device in response to the feedback information.

Abstract: An ultrasound treatment apparatus includes an ultrasound source for generating treatment ultrasound which is focused, a driving circuit for driving the ultrasound source to generate treatment ultrasound from the ultrasound source, and a controller for controlling to make the driving circuit drive the ultrasound source under an irradiation condition in which an optimization index obtained by the product of the focus intensity (W/cm2), the irradiation period (sec), and the frequency (MHZ) all of the treatment ultrasound falls within an appropriate range from 6,000 (inclusive) to 40,000 (inclusive).

Abstract: A massaging apparatus enabled to provide sufficient treatment effects by stimulating the Keiketsu (or the effective spots) in the Eastern Medical Science effectively. The massaging apparatus comprises: memory devices recorded with treatment contents indicating effective point positions to be massaged according to a treatment course and massage actions to be applied to the effective spot positions; and control devices for causing the massage member to massage the effective spot positions of the body of the using person in accordance with the treatment contents recorded in the memory devices. The massaging apparatus further comprises: treatment course select devices for selecting the treatment course.

Abstract: A device for compressing a breast. The device includes a harness able to be releasably secured to a body of a user and a compression member adjustably connected to the harness for receiving the breast of the user. A control module is releasably secured to the harness for providing a pressure to the compression member for applying an equal compression force to the breast. The compression member includes a first compressing element positioned on a first side of the breast; a second compression element positioned on a second side of the breast opposite the first compressing element; and a structural member extending between the first and second compressing elements for retaining the first and second compressing elements on respective sides of the breast whereby an aperture defined by the structural member and first and second compressing elements for receiving the breast therein.

Abstract: A post-operative hip abduction orthosis for preventing hip dislocation during recovery of a patient includes a pelvic support, a thigh cuff that fits around the upper thigh of the patient, and an upright adjustable hip support brace secured to the outside of the pelvic support and thigh cuff. The hip support brace extends alongside the hip joint and carries an adjustable hinge aligned with the hip joint of the patient. Hip brace adjustments control hip abduction and limit range of motion in hip rotation. Brace adjustments include laterally rotational and longitudinal alignment connections between upper and lower brace arms and the pelvic support and thigh cuff, respectively. The lower brace arm is angled outwardly relative to the upper brace arm to hold the patient's upper leg at a pre-set abduction angle. A silicone skin adhesion system on the inside of the pelvic support and thigh cuff prevents rotation and proximal/distal migration of the orthosis on the body of the patient.

Abstract: Orthopedic bandage comprising a flexible backing material and an adhesive composition, characterized in that the adhesive composition has a thermoplastic behavior, is at least tacky above an activation temperature, forms at least partially crystalline structures below the activation temperature, and at a temperature below 40° C. has a shear modulus of more than 100,000 Pa.

Abstract: An ankle brace having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an interior having a first circumference. The lower portion defines an interior having a second circumference. The ankle brace further comprises a means for adjusting the sizes of the first and second circumferences independently from each other.

Abstract: A splint product for forming a hard structure about a body portion is provided. The splint product includes a unitary assembly of moisture-impervious outer and inner layers with an outer substrate layer, a resin impregnated substrate that hardens when exposed to moisture, and an inner substrate layer disposed between these moisture-impervious layers. Padding is adhered to the moisture-impervious inner layer opposite said resin impregnated substrate so that the padding is in contact with a patient's skin. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for activating the splint product by exposing the outer substrate layer and/or the resin impregnated substrate to moisture. This may be done by removing the moisture-impervious outer layer and spraying water on the outer substrate layer or by holding the moisture-impervious inner and outer layers together to form a pouch and pouring water into this pouch.

Abstract: Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal or external knee brace having a polycentric joint that enables control of a predetermined helicoidal motion and which permits compression and distraction of the knee joint. The knee brace includes a femoral component having a femoral joint member having at least one mating surface with a predetermined contour, and a stem projecting from the femoral joint member for attachment to the femur. The knee brace further includes a tibial component having a tibial joint member having at least one bearing surface for contact with the mating surface of the femoral component, and a stem projecting from the tibial joint member for attachment to the tibia. The joint members are arranged in a mounting member which has a spring or other resilient member located at one end which biases the tibial component toward the femoral component. The femoral component is fixed in the mounting member and the tibial component is rotatable relative to the fixed femoral component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee brace with sagittal adjustment, that is a brace or an orthotic device capable of correcting the knee joint into varus or valgus for osteoarthritis treatment. The knee brace comprises a thigh cuff (1) and a shin cuff (2) interconnected by a hinge portion (3) on the lateral side of the knee brace only. According to the invention, the hinge portion is capable of providing a sagittal correction force to correct the position of a knee joint into varus or valgus. Preferably, the hinge portion comprises a structure which may be locked in a curved or angled position to provide the sagittal correction force.

Abstract: The novel wrist brace is designed to fixedly link a users hand to a users forearm in a rigid fashion whereby the wrist is held in a relatively neutral position. It is a further intent of this invention to do so without applying pressure to the volar surface of the forearm or to the carpal tunnel area of the wrist.

Abstract: A brace for the knee area of the user, which includes a front component and a back component further including one or more protrusions, which may be hemispherical in shape, that protrude from the inner surface of the back component such that the one or more protrusions acts upon the back of the leg when the back component is releasably attached to and firmly on the leg and a fastener for connecting the front component and the back component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return catheter with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. A blood filter and/or flow control valve may be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient and to control the degree of flow reversal.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument for the removal of previously fragmented tissues and fluids from a patient through a small incision including a multi-lumen cannula, one lumen of which is used to supply an irrigating fluid to suspend and dilute the fragmented tissue and the other lumen for the application of suction to remove the tissue and fluids. The second lumen has a resistive ratio that is between 0.5 and 1.5 times the resistive ratio of the first lumen.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter including a catheter tube and a bolus tip, the bolus having a radially extending main side port. The catheter also has second and third side ports axially spaced from said main side port. The second and third side ports are each axially elongated, with an edge which is semi-circular in cross-section. The second side port is displaced 180° from the main side port. The third side port is axially aligned with the main port. The catheter is thickened in an arch opposite each of the second and third side ports.

Abstract: Method for the in situ formulation of a medicinal substance solution for parenteral administration, in which at least two metered part-streams are continuously combined with the aid of a mixer to an active ingredient-containing total volumetric flow, characterized in that the resulting medicinal substance solution is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, and in that the resulting total volumetric flow after mixing is 0.2 ml/h to 500 ml/h, preferably 5 ml/h to 500 ml/h, an apparatus for carrying out the method, and an active ingredient administration kit which contains the apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a directional application system for applying one or more components to a desired internal site in a human or animal within a range of angular directions is disclosed. The present system comprises a source of the components; means for fluid communication integral at a first end with the source of components and at a second end with a directional nozzle; and a directional nozzle comprising an inner tube of resilient material integral at a first end with the second end of the fluid communication means and having a nozzle at a second end, the second end being bent to the maximum angle within the desired range of directions; and an outer tube of a material more rigid than the inner tube and having an opening at one end to allow the inner tube to slidably project through the opening, whereby the amount of projection of the bent end of the inner tubing through the opening determines the angular direction of the nozzle.

Abstract: An implantable vascular access device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, an interior chamber defined therein and a valve positioned between the inlet and the interior chamber. The valve is subcutaneously manipulated between an open position, in which fluid can flow between the inlet and the interior chamber, and a closed position in which the valve occludes the inlet. The device may include any combination of multiple inlets, outlets and/or interior chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the housing includes two separate interior chambers suitable for the inflow and outflow of a typical hemodialysis procedure. A method for accessing a vascular structure is provided which includes the steps of subcutaneously implanting the device connecting one end of a cannula to the outlet of the device and another end of the cannula to a selected vascular structure. The valve of the device is manipulated to permit fluid communication between the inlet of the device and the selected vascular structure.

Abstract: The invention presented here refers to an appliance (1) for the rinsing of nasal cavities and of paranasal sinuses, with a rinsing mixture (3) and with a vessel (2) for containing and letting flow out the rinsing mixture (3) without overpressure, whereby the appliance (1) has an applicator (4) with an applicator aperture (42) for introducing the rinsing mixture (3) into a nostril, applicator (4) and vessel (2) are connected to one another, applicator (4) and vessel (2) are arranged at an angle of inclination (&agr;) to one another, a rinsing sure level (30) in the vessel (2) is on the height contour of the applicator aperture (42) and the rinsing mixture (3) through the applicator aperture (42) can flow into a nostril and through paranasal sinuses, as soon as the level of the rinsing mixture (30) is on the height contour of the paranasal sinuses.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter having a catheter shaft and distal member rotatable relative to at least a section of the catheter shaft. In one embodiment, the catheter has a catheter shaft, a distal member, which in a presently preferred embodiment is a balloon mounted on a distal portion of the shaft, and a tubular sealing member having an expandable portion disposed at least in part within a section of the distal member. The tubular sealing member has an expanded configuration, and an unexpanded configuration expandable into contact with the section of the distal member, so that the distal member is rotatable relative to at least a section of the catheter shaft and to the tubular sealing member when the tubular sealing member is in the unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: An x-ray catheter being a tapered bead can penetrate tumors and deliver x-rays direct from an x-ray source therein to the target tissue, reducing or eliminating irradiation of healthy tissue.

Abstract: An elongated intracorporeal device, more specifically, a balloon catheter having an elongate shaft with a distal section. The distal section of the shaft has a distal inner tubular member with an inflatable balloon disposed about the distal inner tubular member. A radiopaque marker formed at least in part of a polymer is disposed on the distal inner tubular member. The flexible radiopaque marker can be formed either by doping a desired portion of the distal inner tubular member with an appropriate radiopaque material, or preforming the radiopaque marker from a polymer doped with a radiopaque material and subsequently securing the radiopaque marker to the distal inner tubular member.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. In one embodiment, the filtering assembly is attached to the distal end of a guide wire and is deployed within the patient's vasculature as the guide wire is manipulated into the area of treatment. A restraining sheath placed over the filtering assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Thereafter, the sheath can be retracted to expose the filtering assembly which will then self-expand within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A self-supporting catheter cover for holding and covering the external tubes of an intravenous therapy device. The cover includes first and second panels defining a pocket in communication with an open top edge. Releasable securing means are fixed to the first and second panels proximate the top edge for frictionally engaging and retaining an external tube of the catheter such that the cover is supported by the catheter. As such the cover does not require independent securing devices for attachment to the body of the patient.

Abstract: An injection catheter is provided. The injection catheter comprises a catheter body comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. A tip section comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends is mounted on the distal end of the catheter body. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. The needle control handle comprises an outer body having a piston chamber therein, a piston having two ends, wherein one end of the piston is slidably mounted within the piston chamber, and a compression spring in the piston chamber between the outer body and the piston. An injection needle extends through the tip section, catheter body, and needle control handle. The injection needle has a proximal end attached to one of the outer body and the piston and a distal end within the distal end of the tip section.

Abstract: The invention provides a leakproof sealing system for an eyewash delivery apparatus that extends shelf life of sterile or preserved irrigant solution and is tamper evident. The sealing system has a cap that is positioned over an eye-cup. The boss extends from the cap and surrounds a plurality of spray nozzles. The seal is located adjacent the spray nozzles and is compressively held against the nozzles by a plurality of arms situated within the boss.

Abstract: A process for treating a patient with hydrocephalus is disclosed which utilizes an external medical drainage system having a slide interface between a mounting assembly and a disposable drip assembly. The mounting assembly is generally reusable and the drip assembly disposable. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, and tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: An intravaginal inflatable member impermeable to fluids adapted to collect upon inflation, menstrual blood and also capable of [provide] providing sealable closure of the vaginal canal for the prevention of vaginal exit of menstrual blood. By being inflatable, the device is easily inserted and removed when deflated and is also capable of sealing off the blood collected avoiding the spillage of blood upon extraction and disposal. The inflation of the device can be conveniently initiated prior to insertion into vagina and completed with the device fully inserted or can be initiated and completed with the device already inserted into the vagina. Inflation of the device can be achieved without the use of an external pneumatic source, but with a self-inflating apparatus within the device. The cup shaped member can be used as a standing alone device or in combination with a vaginal tampon for the prevention of blood leakage.

Abstract: A men's disposable urine holding bag that includes a base sheet which is intermittently bonded to define a bond zone along transversely opposite side edges thereof which edges are placed flat together so as to define an opening for receiving a penis. A body fluid absorbent panel is attached to an inner side of the base sheet. The bond zone has a water pressure resistance of about 50 to 1500 mm.

Abstract: A brief assembly with a full front panel opening and an inner elasticized support panel includes two half width segments superposed in overlapping relationship, with a portion of the overlapped central area between rear portions of the segments bonded to form a unitary rear panel. The other half of the overlap is left unbonded to provide the full opening in the front panel. The outer margin of the opening can be reinforced by enclosure within a V-folded strip. Portions of outer side margins on each segment are removed to form an hourglass-shape. Overlapped segments are held together by a releasable fastener means that joins the two front panel half width segments. Tensioned elastic strands are attached to a support panel at spaced intervals. The support panel is secured to the inner surface of the overlapped segments. Tapes or other fasteners protrude from the side margins and are used to complete the waist and leg apertures after the front half is folded upward around a user's body.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard having a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, the article having a front portion (5), a rear portion (6) and a crotch portion (7) therebetween, and further is provided with a belt (9) attached to or intended to be attached to the rear portion (6) of the article and to the front portion (5) of the article, in such a way that the article will assume a pantlike shape, where the belt (9) forms a part of the waist portion of the pant. In order to avoid skin injuries and irritations the belt (9) includes a flexible laminate of a carrier material (11) intended to form the outside of the belt and a nonwoven material (12) forming the inside of the belt which will be in direct contact with the user, the laminate has a Shinyakasa value according to Kawabata of 5 or more.

Abstract: A retractable needle fluid transfer device is provided. The device includes a manually operable actuator for affecting retraction. Upon depressing the actuator, a spring displaces the needle rearwardly so that the contaminated needle is enclosed, thereby preventing inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes forward and rearward stops for impeding displacement of the needle after the needle is retracted. A seal prevents contaminants from entering the device after the needle is retracted. A safety sampling access port adapter for obtaining fluid samples from a fluid line is also provided. The sampling adapter includes a first end configured to cooperate with an access port attached to the fluid line. The sampling adapter further includes a collapsible socket configured to cooperate with a fluid container such as a vacuum tube. A needle assembly disposed within the housing of the sampling adapter is operable to pierce the seal on the fluid container.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods are provided for enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified lesion. The catheter devices of the subject invention at least include, at their distal end, a proton generating means, and in many embodiments also include a flushing means. In using the subject devices, the distal end of the catheter is placed proximal to the vascular occlusion and protons are generated, e.g., via proton generation from water, in a manner sufficient to reduce the pH of the vascular site in the region proximal to the occlusion. The subphysiologic pH is maintained for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced. Also provided are kits comprising the subject catheter devices for use in the subject methods.

Abstract: A multi-lumen balloon for use in a fluted balloon centering catheter and method for providing the same. The multi-lumen balloon maintains a radiation source at the center of a cardiovascular artery, has improved blood perfusion capability, and has improved balloon refolding characteristics. The method of fabricating a multi-lumen balloon designed for a radiation centering catheter uses an improved extrusion process that allows the manufacture of the multi-lumen balloon sub-assembly to be done separately from the catheter shaft assembly.

Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel delivers an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a staging chamber, a delivery cannula, and a pusher. The staging chamber is used for hydrating a pledget of absorbable sponge, compressing the pledget, and delivering the pledget to the delivery cannula. The staging chamber may include a valve for facilitating hydration and staging of the pledget. The delivery cannula and pusher are used to accurately place the sponge pledget outside the blood vessel. An easy loader connector may be used to facilitate loading the dry pledget into the staging chamber.

Abstract: An external medical drainage system is provided which has a slide interface between a mounting assembly to a pole, and a disposable drip assembly and a stopcock which snap-fits to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag, and a stopcock associated with the tubing and fixed to a clip. The stopcock clip snap-fits into clip-accepting notches of the clamp. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: A handle is provided for a medical instrument having a tubular shaft. The handle comprises at least one movable grip element as well as a coupling portion through which the tubular shaft is connected or can be connected to the handle. The movable grip element is or can be connected to a force transmission element axially movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Motion of the at least one movable is translated into an axial motion of the force transmission element. The coupling portion is pivotal and lockable relative to a handle axis about a pivot axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. A control element formed as a dual-arm lever is provided whose one lever arm is connected to the movable grip element and whose other lever arm is connected to the force transmission element, such that motion of the movable grip element causes rotation of the control element, which is translated into an axial movement of the force transmission element.

Abstract: An apparatus provided for allowing transcutaneous access to an internal hollow organ, in particular the stomach. The apparatus comprises a tubular flexible probe, which can be placed transcutaneously in the hollow organ. The apparatus further comprises a rigid sleeve attachable to a section of the probe extending from the body. The sleeve engages around and guides the section. A clamping device is also provided for releasibly, but rigidly connecting the probe to the sleeve.

Abstract: Instrument holder comprising a shank (1) equipped with a head (2) designed to receive an instrument and a locking component (4) pushed against the head by a spring (9) bearing on a ring (11) sliding on the shank, and having means of connection (8, 12) on the shank which is engaged by rotation of the ring, in such a way that the release of the ring allows the locking component, the spring and the ring to slide freely in order to permit cleaning of the instrument holder.

Abstract: A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.