Abstract: A drug delivery device comprising a housing (1) with a drug container (2) being provided with delivering means comprising a piston (5) for expelling a drug (4) from the drug container (2). The housing (1) further comprising a displaceable piston rod (6) abutting the piston (5) of the drug container (2) and rotating means being in engagement with the piston rod (6), said rotating means being provided with a one-way mechanism. The one-way mechanism comprises a helical spring (12) wound tightly around an axle (11), one end of said helical spring (12) being fixed in relation to the housing (1), the other end of the helical spring (12) being in a free state.

Abstract: A mounting member for attaching a front-loading syringe to a powered injector is disclosed. The present invention may also include a plunger that has a two-piece molded core portion that is readily attachable to a plunger drive member of a powered injector. The plunger core may also be equipped with an anti-cocking flange to prevent the plunger from being axially misaligned within the syringe body which could result in fluid leakage between the plunger and the syringe body. An alignment flange may also be provided on the plunger to assist with the proper insertion of the plunger into the syringe during the assembly process. A method of manufacturing a syringe plunger is also disclosed. The present invention further includes a sleeve for clampingly engaging a heating blanket to the outer surface of a syringe.

Abstract: A retractable needle cannula module for connecting to a conventional syringe has a biased spring needle cannula. The spring needle cannula is biased and locked to prevent the spring needle cannula from pulling the needle into the hub chamber. After medicament has been injected into a body, the spring needle cannula is released and trapped inside the hub chamber.

Abstract: A single-use device for injection includes a pre-filled syringe with a front nose which supports an injection needle which is protected by a protective cap, and a syringe body which accommodates the syringe. The device further includes a joining piece with claws which can be extended radially to cover and grasp the protective cap by penetrating the cap. The syringe body includes a front section, which can be separated, that is delimited by a breakable area. The front section includes a neck that clamps the tabs of the joining piece onto the protective cap.

Abstract: An introducer catheter and needle guard assembly combination used with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is disclosed. The needle guard assembly includes a sliding needle hub for positively locking a needle in the needle guard assembly. The introducer catheter includes a tube portion and connector that can be divided into two halves. The needle guard assembly is secured to the introducer catheter and the extended needle and introducer catheter are inserted into the body of a patient. The needle and needle guard assembly can then be removed from the introducer catheter. A PICC line or other similar line can then be inserted through the catheter tube and into the patient. The tube portion and connector of the catheter are then divided into two halves so that the entire introducer catheter can be removed from the PICC line, or other similar line, that is inserted into the body of a patient.

Abstract: A system for retaining a tip protector on a needle having a curved portion or bend adjacent the tip. A Braun clip tip protector is used in combination with a small sleeve which fits around the needle such that it is free to slide towards the needle tip until stopped by the bend. In that stopped position, the tip protector covers the tip but cannot slide off the end of the needle.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a working catheter having a distal working orifice. The catheter systems further includes a guide catheter having a guide lumen and a distal guide orifice. In addition, the catheter system includes a locking mechanism which locks the working catheter relative to the guide catheter in (i) an operative position, and (ii) a stowed position. The catheter system also includes a tissue ingrowth member secured to an outer surface of the guide catheter and configured to facilitate fibrous tissue growth therein, whereby subcutaneous tissue of a body becomes affixed to the tissue ingrowth member when the tissue ingrowth member remains in contact with the subcutaneous tissue over a period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and kits for simultaneous delivery of a fluid or other substance to two or more breast milk ducts are provided. The fluid can be delivered for a variety of purposes including lavage of the ducts and administering an agent for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A system adapted to be disposed between a rigid or semi-rigid device and human skin for reliably attaching the device to the skin for an extended period of time. The system includes a skin-contacting surface for adhering to human skin, and an opposed surface for attachment to a rigid or semi-rigid device. The system is attached along its opposed surface to a portion of the total area of the adjacent surface of the device. When the device is subjected to external stress, the stress is transmitted through the area of attachment and distributed to the unattached area. This minimises stress on the skin and reduces the chance of detachment from the skin.

Abstract: In a system which utilizes an endoscope and irrigation fluid during surgery within a body orifice, and in which irrigation fluid is withdrawn via a principal path into a suction canister, there is a substantially constant suction and withdrawal rate from the operative site to limit absorption of irrigation fluid within the patient, because a bifurcated flow path that leads to the suction canister not only from the endoscope but also from a drain bag receiving overflow from the body orifice via a tailored drape includes a substantially greater flow impedance in the drain bag path. The common suction line joined to the endoscope line and the drain bag line draws a flow through the endoscope that predominates, to maintain substantially constant withdrawal of irrigation fluid via that path, and substantially eliminates the possibility of loss of suction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for patient care and cleaning. Included are semi-disposable pants, a mattress, a care materials inflow preparation unit, a waste fluid container, a control unit, and a remote control device. The body area to be washed is covered with pants, providing a soft container having fittings connecting it to a wash liquid supply and effluent disposal hoses. The waist and femoral regions of the pants are provided with sealing rings for sealing of the space inside the pants during waste handling cycles of the patient care, and unsealing when this cycle is completed. Sensors are located in the pants for remote control of all materials handling functions in the patient care process. The mattress is provided with inflatable chambers that facilitate positioning of the patient's body and creation of a hollow space for bath water, thereby facilitating in-bed bathing of the entire body.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a main body including at least three superposed functional layers, namely a fluid permeable body facing layer, an absorbent layer and a liquid impermeable undergarment facing layer. The sanitary napkin has flaps adapted to be folded around the edges of an undergarment of a wearer. The flaps are physically associated with respective longitudinal sides of the main body and are characterized by a rigidity sufficient to cause the longitudinal sides to fold upwardly when the flaps are parted to receive between them the crotch portion of the undergarment of the user. The upwardly folded longitudinal sides form upstanding barriers to limit the likelihood of failure as a result of side leakage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nursing dribble pad which is applied by adhesive to either the mother's breast or the top of a nursing bottle so as to absorb any dribbled liquid on the region around the mouth of the infant when nursing. The dribble pad is soft and rapidly absorbs substantially all liquid which dribbles from the infant's mouth. The dribble pad has a facing layer, an absorbent layer and a liquid impermeable layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a support body for confronting an external wear; a liquid absorbing member positioned on the liquid-receiving side of the support body; and two side wall sheets disposed on two sides of the support body lying opposite one another in the widthwise direction. The side wall sheets extend longitudinally of the support body and are attached at their root ends to the support body. The liquid absorbing member is attached between and supported by the opposite side wall sheets but is not attached directly to the support body so that the liquid absorbing member is movable over the support body.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment having opposite waist regions separated by a crotch region. At least one of the waist regions includes an expansion panel adapted to elongate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the garment. The absorbent article also includes a pair of elastomeric strap members that are adapted to attach to the waist regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foolproofing device (12) equipped with pins (14-1 and 14-2) placed around the neck of a container (10), the container containing a product for pharmaceutical, medical or other use intended to be used by an extraction system (30) screwed onto a threaded support which may be the neck of the container itself or a sleeve (16) placed on the neck of the container, the screwing operation and thus the use of the product by the extraction system being possible only if the notches (34-1 and 34-2) of the extraction system coincide with the pins of the foolproofing device. According to a main characteristic of the invention, the foolproofing device (12) is characterized in that it is integral with the threaded support (16) of the container by means of connecting parts (18) between the foolproofing device and the threaded support, the connecting parts being broken when the extraction system coinciding with the foolproofing device is screwed onto the threaded support of the container.

Abstract: A catheter for use with a radioactive source within the catheter to irradiate a selected area of a blood vessel in combination with angioplasty procedures, to prevent restenosis of that area of the blood vessel. The catheter has a guidewire channel formed near its distal end to facilitate use of the catheter as a rapid exchange catheter, allowing insertion of the catheter over a guidewire also used in performance of an angioplasty procedure. The catheter also has a radiation lumen with a sealed end to retain the radioactive source within the catheter. The radiation lumen is sufficiently longer than the guidewire channel to extend into a non-sterile field, keeping the radiation source segregated from the blood, allowing the use of a non-sterile radiation source. The catheter can also be provided with a centering balloon or a set of centering wire loops to center the radioactive source radially within the blood vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods described for delivery of therapeutic substances to a depth within the heart muscle via the venous side of the heart, with a primary focus on delivery through the coronary sinus. The devices and methods may be combined with percutaneous access catheters in order to provide for right heart delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Deflection mechanisms are disclosed that are positionable to deflecting portions of a flexible body, such as a catheter, in more than one direction in a single plane, as well as in more than one plane. The invention allows a distal portion of a catheter to be deflected more than 360 degrees to provide a loop.

Abstract: A catheter includes a steering mechanism for manipulating the distal end of the catheter to obtain a plurality of deflection profiles, a torque transfer system to enhance torque transfer from the handle to the distal tip, and a support system to reduce undesirable deformation of the distal-end region during steering. The torque transfer system includes a flat ribbon within the relatively flexible distal-end region to enhance torque transfer through the distal-end region of the catheter. The support system includes a compression cage and longitudinal struts that are located within the distal-end region of the catheter. The support system can support axial loads and deflect laterally in the direction of the steering, thereby reducing the amount of stretching and compression of the catheter sheath within the deflecting region.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to elongate support members, preferably for use with a catheter for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. An elongate support member comprising a proximal end and a distal end is disclosed. The proximal end of the elongate support member is formed to define a plurality of flanges. A linkage connects the flanges, and a lumen within the shaft is defined by connecting the flanges. The elongate support member comprises an improved catheter shaft design that maintains pushability, flexibility, and torquability while limiting kinking.

Abstract: A waste evacuator to vacate waste products from a stoma having an inlet adapted to seal over the stoma and when operated to vacate waste products from the shortened bowel. The waste evacuator could be battery or manually operated.

Abstract: A flexible, membranous envelope, in a shroud-conduit-collector configuration for sheathing a catheter. In basic mode, the shroud, which essentially envelops the catheter, is partially disposable in an end of the catheter and is extractable therefrom by manipulation of the user. The shroud joins the conduit, that terminates in an integral, yet separable collector. To cure the basic mode's sole limitation, possible infusion of urethra secretions into the opening of the incipiently inserted catheter, a plurality of leaves are attached by their base margins to the shroud exterior, near enough to the inserted opening that their unattached, leading margins can be folded by interleaving them over, and covering, the opening. By this device, an alternate embodiment avoids the catheter-disposed shroud. Other devices are integrated to facilitate manipulation, as well as to aid in after-use separation, sealing and handling of the collector.

Abstract: A photocoagulation apparatus for coagulating an affected part of a patient by irradiating the part with a treatment laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator (10) is disclosed. The apparatus includes an input section (3) for setting an irradiation condition of the treatment laser beam, a detecting section (27, 40-43, 46, 47, 51) for optically detecting a coagulating state of a coagulation part produced by irradiation of the treatment beam, an analysis section (51) for analyzing the coagulating state detected by the detection section as compared with a desired coagulating state to be produced by irradiation of the treatment laser beam under the irradiation condition set with the input section, and a control section (50) for instructing a change in the irradiation condition as needed based on a result of analysis by the analysis section.

Abstract: In a corneal surgery apparatus, a corneal shape measurement unit for measuring a three-dimensional shape of a cornea includes a measurement light projecting optical system for projecting measurement light onto the cornea and its convergent point is shifted by moving a focusing lens along an optical axis, a measurement light receiving optical system including a photo-detector for receiving reflected light from the cornea and its convergent point is shifted by moving a focusing lens along an optical axis, a scanning unit for shifting a projection spot of the measurement light on the cornea in XY directions and an arithmetic unit for performing arithmetic to obtain the three-dimensional shape of the cornea from a position of the projection spot, a result detected by the photo-detector and a position to which the focusing lens is moved.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery apparatus by which treatment laser beam is irradiated onto a desired portion of a patient's eye and for treatment of the portion, the apparatus includes: a laser irradiating unit having a laser beam source which emits the treatment laser beam, and an irradiating optical system which optically guides the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser beam source onto the portion; an ocular movement detecting unit which detects a potential difference between a cornea and a retina, and detects an ocular movement of the patient's eye based on the detected potential difference; and an irradiation controlling unit which controls the irradiating unit based on a result of detection by the detecting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a laser irradiation method for laser treatment performed by irradiating a treatment part of a patient with a treatment laser beam and a laser treatment apparatus for practicing the method. The method includes the steps of: setting a shape and size of an irradiation area to be irradiated with the laser beam; determining a scanning sequence of beam spots based on the shape and size of the irradiation area set in the setting step, a spot diameter of the laser beam, and a predetermined rule; and performing laser irradiation to the beam spots within the irradiation area in accordance with the scanning sequence determined in the determining step, wherein the predetermined rule is a rule that the beam spots continuously irradiated with the laser beam become nonadjacent and scanning lines continuously irradiated become nonadjacent.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system includes a laser beam delivery system and an eye tracker responsive to movement of the eye operable with a laser beam delivery system for ablating corneal material of the eye through placement of laser beam shot on a selected area of the cornea of the eye. The shots are fired in a sequence and pattern such that no laser shots are fired at consecutive locations and no consecutive shots overlap. The pattern is moved in response to the movement of the eye.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable to be used with surgical instruments is provided wherein the cable is temporarily attached to the surgical instrument with which it is used, and mounted in an open design to allow illumination to a wider portion of the targeted area such that an entire surgical pocket may be illuminated, and the cables provided can be disposable without requiring permanent attachment to an instrument or development of surgical instruments permanently incorporating a light source by providing a plurality of guide members on the surgical instrument so the cable may be threaded through the guides and preferably engaged by at least one of the guides.

Abstract: A cryoablation catheter having a high efficiency gas expansion chamber comprised of a generally cylindrical or hemispherical cooling chamber having a wall thickness equal to approximately one half the wall thickness of the walls of the catheter in order to provide a cooling chamber increased with large gas expansion volume and having thin walls for rapid cooling of the outside surface of the cooling chamber.

Abstract: The cryosurgical system comprises a Joule-Thomson cryoprobe including a Joule-Thomson nozzle and a cryoprobe outlet. The Joule-Thomson nozzle is in fluid communication with the cryoprobe outlet. A high pressure gas supply line is aligned to supply gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. An operating cut-off valve is operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, the valve being operable to supply and cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. A vent valve assembly is operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, the vent valve assembly being operable to vent gas from the high pressure supply line immediately upon operation of the operating cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. An interlock controls the vent valve assembly, the interlock being operable to open the vent valve assembly immediately upon operation of the cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe.

Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing connective tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that ties entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. Advantageously, the suturing material between the connective tissue and the bone anchor is secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suturing material around a self-locking wedge block in the anchor, thereby avoiding an eyelet connection which requires a knot and which concentrates stress on a very small portion of the suturing material. Thus, failure rates are greatly decreased over conventional techniques, and the innovative procedures are significantly easier to perform than conventional techniques.

Abstract: A medical-technical system workstation for open or minimally invasive surgery has a patient support mechanism and at least one medical device with at least one applicator connected to the medical device. The medical device is attached to the ceiling of a room containing the workstation, or in or at the patient support mechanism or in or at a unit that can be placed at the patient support mechanism.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.

Abstract: Ablation systems and methods for treating atrial fibrillation utilizing RF energy are provided. The system generally includes a first conductive member having a shape which defines a desired lesion pattern or a portion of a desired lesion pattern, and a second conductive member effective to transmit ablative radiation to the first conductive member. The first conductive member is adapted to be positioned on a first tissue surface, and the second conductive member is adapted to be positioned on a second, opposed tissue surface. In use, ablative radiation is transmitted from the second conductive member through the tissue to the first conductive member to form a lesion having the desired lesion pattern.

Abstract: A device for cutting and retrieving tissue, including a handle having a tube, a first set of wires positioned within the tube and extending from the handle to distal ends, and a control tip secured to the distal ends. A second set of wires are positioned within the tube and extend from the handle, through a slot in the control tip, to coupled distal ends. A retaining pin is secured to the control tip, extends between at least two of the second set of wires, allows the second set of wires to be extended from the tube and through the control tip, and prevents the second set of wires from being withdrawn from the control tip and into the tube. The retaining pin also extends the second set of wires from the tube upon the first set of wires being extended from the tube.

Abstract: A endoscopic bipolar forceps for clamping and sealing tissue includes first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another which are movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A drive rod assembly connects each of the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween. A handle attached to the drive rod assembly imparts movement of the first and second jaw members from the first and second positions. At least one stop member is attached to the jaw members for controlling the distance between the jaw members. The forceps may also include a yoke member for insulating the jaw members from one another to prevent short circuiting of the forceps.

Abstract: A fixture is configured to provide external fixation of a fractured distal radius by including a first number of holes for pins extending downward from the fixture into one or more bone fragments and a second number of holes for pins extending downward from the fixture into the shank of the radius. The fixture also includes a sliding block through which rods extend to hold pins directed laterally into the fragment(s). A sliding plate including a number of holes aligned with the first number of holes is moved by a pair of setscrews to clamp the pins extending through the first number of holes. The second number of holes includes a hole within a sliding structure allowing a single pin to be moved with a fixture to provide extension between the fragments and the shank of the radius.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spinal osteosynthesis system comprising a rod, a vertebral member including two branches capable of receiving the rod between them, a collar for preventing the branches from being spaced, and a lock for clamping the rod, the lock being freely rotatable on the collar. Either one of the collar or the lock is capable of receiving the other of the flange or the lock for mounting the lock on the collar.

Abstract: A backbone osteosynthesis system for anterior fixing comprising first and second arms, each capable of receiving bone screws and a longitudinal plate for rigidly linking the arms, the plate being in one single piece with the first arm. The system comprises a way to adjust the second arm in a longitudinal position on the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a cranial flap (20) to a skull (10) includes an attachment device (40) having relatively movable first and second members (42 and 44). The first member (40) has first and second surfaces (56 and 58) for engaging first and second kerf edges (24 and 26), respectively, of a kerf (22). The second member (44) has third and fourth surfaces (120 and 122) for engaging the first and second kerf edges (24 and 26), respectively. A shaft (46) connects the first and second members (42 and 44). The shaft (46) is attached to the second member (44) and extends through an opening (114) in the first member (42).

Abstract: The central portion of the screw according to the invention has a series of segments varying in diameter, typically having a segment located near the screw head with a large diameter, a segment located near the front portion with a small diameter, and intermediate segments tapering in the direction of the segment with the small diameter. A continuous thread extends along the central portion from the screw head to the screw tip where the thread has a substantially uniform outside diameter along the entire length of the central portion. The screw, which is particularly well-suited as a pedicle screw, has improved resistance to tearing, cutting and bending, and, largely independent of bone quality, good hold in bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machining method for obtaining a teeth following a helical curve on the surface of any shape whatsoever, this method being able to be applied to the manufacture of a broach, intended to prepare the intramedullary canal of a bone. The machining method on the surface of any shape whatsoever by a tool provided with a head, following at least one geometrical curve with the shape of a helix is characterised in that it comprises the following stages: tracing the surface normal at a plurality of points taken along the helix, making the helix follow the head of the tool, by orienting the head in such a way that it follows the orientation of the defined normals.

Abstract: A wart removal device includes a handle and a pad. The pad has a base and tines with each tine preferably having a height not less than approximately twice its width. The tine height is preferably less than approximately 0.1 inch. The pad has a width that is preferably not greater than approximately ¼ inch and a length that is preferably not less than approximately twice its width. Each tine is sharpened so that opposing sides form a point at an upper edge with the opposing sides forming an angle of from approximately 20° to approximately 40°. In operation, the device is raked against wart tissue to create incisions in the wart tissue. The sharpness and cutting depth of the device are designed to create incisions without causing noticeable bleeding. The device may be provided in a kit with a medicament, such as pyruvic acid, to improve the effectiveness of the medicament.

Abstract: A motor-powered depilatory device employing a hair-plucking assembly containing a right hand actuator element and a left hand actuator element, identical in construction, each carrying opposing tweezer elements, which fit together in interleaved fashion, arranged to define hair-traps, with the hair-plucking assembly being rotatable about a central shaft and operable to close and open the hair-traps by a system of cams and springs. The device is designed to allow for self-alignment of the tweezer elements, ensuring that all tweezer elements close simultaneously during a revolution of the hair-plucking assembly, with no excessive applied force being required, thus enabling uniform distribution of gripping force among all hair-traps, despite inaccuracies in manufacture. Quality of hair plucking is thereby improved, where quality of plucking is defined as the percentage of hairs plucked versus percentage of hairs cut.

Abstract: A sewing device comprising an elongate rigid support body having sewing means mounted at one end adapted to create a continuous chain stitch and drive means located at the opposite end operable for driving the sewing means.

Abstract: An ultrasonic frequency surgical dissecting device including a handpiece with a surgical blade that vibrates in a direction transverse to a long axis passing through the handpiece and blade for improved cutting and coagulation.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a stereotactic robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle introducer associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A stent deployment assembly with a novel endcap is disclosed. The endcap includes a tapered member having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end each have an aperture therethrough. The tapered member has a pre-expanded condition and an expanded condition. The first end of the tapered member is positioned to interdigitate with an end of a stent mounted on a catheter when the tapered member is in the pre-expanded condition, and the first end is not positioned overlying the stent. The endcap prevents the stent from catching on calcium deposits or foreign objects during navigation through the vasculature. Furthermore, the endcap prevents unwanted migration of the stent with respect to the catheter.

Abstract: A device (30) for treating aneurysms comprises a bag (31) removably attached to the distal end of a catheter (14), the bag being arranged to be inserted in an aneurysm (20) and being of flexible and stretchable material and being permeable to blood components. Once the bag is inserted, individual GD coils (18) are introduced therein. The bag is inserted by a shoulder (42) or a widened portion (50) of a guide wire (40) engaging a marker ring (46). The bag material may encourage clotting. In another embodiment the bag (131) is located around the end of the catheter (114) during insertion. When insertion is completed, electrolysable struts (32, 172) are removed to separate the bag from the catheter.