Abstract: A conveyor for a centrifuge and a centrifuge with such a conveyor, the conveyor having a plurality of spaced-apart flight members spaced apart along its length, a plurality of support members extending between, and connected to the flight members, the support members spaced-apart around the flight members, the members and support members defining a plurality of open areas through which fluid to be treated by the centrifuge is flowable from within the conveyor out into the bowl. In one aspect, a fluid velocity decreasing chamber is provided between an exit tube end and impeller apparatus for radially accelerating the fluid with the conveyor. In certain aspects the open “caged” conveyor structures diffuses fluid flow from the conveyor so that a dispersed unfocused flow of fluid exits the conveyor into the bowl, and, in one particular aspect with feed from within the conveyor to space adjacent a beach area of the bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a disease process in a luminal structure comprises a balloon catheter having a central balloon and two edge balloons. The central balloon may be separately inflated temporally and with different radioactive fluid than the edge balloons. Other arrangements include a wire, stent and concentric balloons, which provide spatial and temporal control enabling differential radioactivity at different spatial locations along the structure.

Abstract: A stepped centering catheter for delivery of intravascular radiation therapy including a central segment of a first effective diameter and smaller, offset segments of second effective diameters to each side of the central segment. The first effective diameter of the central segment substantially centers a portion of a radiation source within the lumen of a vessel along a therapeutic treatment length. The second effective diameters of the offset segments constrain portions of the radioactive source that extend beyond the therapeutic treatment length within a region having a minimum offset distance from the vessel wall. The first effective diameter of the central segment is gradually tapered to the second effective diameter of the offset segments across first steps. The second effective diameters of the offset segments are gradually tapered to the diameter of the catheter shaft across second steps.

Abstract: A controller module for an implantable pump system which has a pump motor includes a processor, a motor controller electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to power the pump motor such that the pump motor operates at a desired speed. The motor controller outputs digital representations of the pump motor operating parameters to the processor. A first memory device is coupled to the processor for storing the digital signals representing the pump motor operating parameters. The controller module further includes a user interface. The controller module may be coupled to a data acquisition system, which provides power and exchanges data with the controller module. The controller module may alternately be coupled to a home support system which provides power for the controller module and storage for system components.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with an operation unit provided with at least one operation member, an insertion section to be inserted in a human cavity, the operation unit being connected with a proximal end of the insertion section, a direction setting table provided at a distal end portion of the insertion section, the direction setting table adjusting a direction in which a distal end of a treatment instrument inserted through an instrument-inserting channel protrudes from a distal end portion of the insertion section of the endoscope, and an operation wire that moves along the axis thereof upon operation of the operation member, the operation wire being connected to the direction setting table so that the direction setting table is moved in accordance with operation of the operation member. With this structure, the distal end portion of the insertion section and the operation unit is electrically insulated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a cover. According to the invention, said cover is flexible and tubular in shape being closed at one end and open at its other end, and said cover is disposed at least in part inside a hollow tubular protective element referred to as a protective tube, which element is open at both ends. The device of the invention is particularly suited for use in the medical field, in particular for covering, preferably in sterile manner, a tool that is to be inserted in an animal or a human being, in particular in a natural passage such as the esophagus, the urethra, the rectum, or a blood vessel.

Abstract: The insertion part of the endoscope has a cap fixed to the distal end face of a distal end body. A projecting part of the cap is inserted in a receiving hole formed on the distal end face. The inserted projecting part is fixed to the distal end body with a screw inserted in an attachment hole, which is formed on the periphery of the distal end body and connects with the receiving hole. Bending rubber covers the attachment hole as well as the outer periphery of the distal end body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly includes a surgical instrument having a proximal handle (16) for control by the surgeon, the handle being ergonomically configured and having surface depressions (17, 18, 19, 20) to accommodate thumb and finger tips. The handle extends no more than about 5 cm beyond the point of grip so that the surgeon can rotate his/her hand over the end of the handle in unrestricted movement while maintaining the grip between thumb and middle finger. Improvements in the support means for the endoscope telescope and instrument shaft, as well as in the lighting system of the assembly are also disclosed, together with improvements in the mechanisms for moving a distal end of the instrument in the operating zone within a patient.

Abstract: An inflatable retraction apparatus is provided for retracing an organ inside a body to gain access to an adjacent tissue. The apparatus includes an able chamber formed from a single thin envelope, and capable of being collapsed for insertion through an incision and being expanded to a predetermined shape for retracing the organ. An inflation mechanism is adapted to selectively inflate the chamber to the predetermined shape. The inflation mechanism includes at least one inflation tube attached to the inflatable chamber in fluid communication theretween, and an inflatable maintaining lattice operatively enveloping the inflatable chamber and in operative association with the inflation mechanism.

Abstract: A system for detecting, monitoring and reporting physiological information includes a sensor device adapted to be worn on the upper arm that includes at least one of an accelerometer, a GSR sensor and a heat flux sensor and generates data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow. The sensor device may also generate derived data from at least a portion of the data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow. The system includes a central monitoring unit that generates analytical status data from at least one of the data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow, the derived data, and previously generated analytical status data, a means for establishing electronic communication between the sensor device and the central monitoring unit, and a means for transmitting data to a recipient.

Abstract: A sensing methodology is used based on measuring a physical response from a living structure as a result of a chemical compound stimulating this structure on the cellular level. Measurement of the heat response (calorimetry) from a group of pancreatic islets of Langerhans stimulated by glucose is proposed as a glucose biosensor. A novel biosensor concept is proposed acquiring physical response from living cells or cell clusters. In this particular case, membrane impedance of pancreatic B-cells, as a result of glucose stimulated cellular metabolism is used as physical readout. This method of physical assessment is made possible by growing genetically engineered pancreatic beta cells onto a substrate equipped with a set of interdigitated electrodes (IDEs).

Abstract: For the purpose of providing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for improving ease of operation by effectively utilizing two display devices, at least two display modes are defined. In the first display mode, arithmetic control/signal processing means 11 controls video signal processing means 18 to display an ultrasonic diagnostic image based on ultrasonic reflection signals stored in an image memory 16 on a CRT device 30 as a monitor display device, and controls video signal processing means 17 to display operation-indicating items for the operation relating to ultrasonic diagnosis on an LCD device 40, and conducts task processing for ultrasonic diagnosis in response to an operation detected by position detecting means in a touch panel 42.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for recording three-dimensional ultrasound images. The device includes an ultrasound head which can be freely moved by hand, an ultrasound recording apparatus, an image processing system, and a position detection system. The position detection system has an analyzing unit and at least two sensors for detecting electromagnetic waves so that the position and orientation of the ultrasound head and, thus, the position and orientation of the ultrasound section images in space can be determined.

Abstract: 1 method is provided for obtaining an extended field of view diagnostic ultrasound image. A first image frame and a second image frame of an object of interest are acquired. The image frames are rotated relative to one another. Pixel points, representing spatial points in the object of interest, are identified in the first image frame. Pixel points corresponding to the pixel points in the first image frame are then computed in the second image frame. A rotation angle between the first and the second image frames is calculated based on a least-squares relation between the pixel points. The first and second image frames are combined to form a part of an extended field of view image.

Abstract: The use of any micro-mechanical component in an ultrasound system is disclosed. In particular, the use of micro-relays, micro-switches and inductors in the transducer probe head, in the transducer connector, coupled with the system transducer connector(s) or anywhere else in the system. In an ultrasound system, micro-mechanical components such as micro-fabricated switches, relays and inductors permit impressive size reduction, cost reduction, signal-integrity enhancement and improved operational flexibility.

Abstract: A caloric exercise monitor and method for monitoring a person's caloric expenditure during exercising. The caloric exercise monitor generally includes a means for measuring the person's heart rate during exercise, an input device for enabling the person to enter an exercise goal, a calculating unit including a mathematical algorithm for calculating a caloric expenditure rate of the person during exercise based on the measured heart rate and a display for displaying an exercise parameter necessary to reach the entered exercise goal based on the calculated caloric expenditure rate. The displayed exercise parameter can be either or both the calories remaining to be expended to reach the entered goal or the remaining exercise time required to reach the entered goal.

Abstract: A pulse wave sensor includes a detecting element and a sensor body. The pulse wave sensor is worn on the back side of a user's wrist corresponding to the back of the user's hand. The detecting element includes a translucent member on its top, and the translucent member has a convex surface. The detecting element is attached on the back side of the user's wrist by a dedicated belt so that the convex surface of the translucent member is in intimate contact with the surface of the user's skin. The sensor body is attached on the back side of the user's wrist by another dedicated belt so that it is arranged on the detecting element. A cushion is arranged between the sensor body and the detecting element. The pulse wave sensor can stably detect the pulse wave without being affected by the movement of the user's wrist.

Abstract: A water and moisture sealed, self contained, compact, long term, ambulatory physio-kinetic monitor is designed for mounting directly to the skin of an athlete or fitness performer, preferably immediately adjacent to the organ or system that is to be monitored, and is adhesively held there in place, covertly and comfortably, under clothing by disposable electrode, adhesive skin pads. At least three positive electrodes and a common negative electrode extend from the monitor and attach by similar disposable adhesive electrode pads to detect physiological, e.g. ECG data. Accelerometer means disposed within the monitor detects body movement and likewise stores that data on a third ECG data channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering subcutaneous cavity marking devices. More particularly, the delivery devices may be used with biopsy systems permitting efficient placement of a biopsy marker within a cavity. The device may include an intermediate member which assists in deployment of the marking device. The devices may also include a deployment lock to prevent premature deployment of a biopsy marker. The invention may further include the capability to match an orientation of a biopsy probe which has been rotated upon procurement of a biopsy sample.

Abstract: A vacuum device is provided which assists in the drawing of blood samples from alternative puncture sites such as the forearm, abdomen or inner thigh and which may advantageously be used by diabetics. The device includes a hollow body which slidably receives a hollow plunger. A transparent cylindrical tip is attached to the lower end of the hollow body. A spring is carried inside the hollow body and hollow plunger, the lower end of the spring seating against a webbing formed in the transparent tip and the upper end seating against the upper end of the plunger. The device is actuatable by the thumb and two fingers of one hand. The plunger is depressed, the device is placed over a preexisting puncture site, and the plunger is released wherein the internal spring drives the plunger upwardly and creates a vacuum at the puncture site, allowing the user to easily see the formation of a droplet of adequate size for obtaining the necessary blood reading.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method of encoded markings on the body of medical devices such as guide-wires having limited surface for markings. The markings include indicators of characteristics, such as the design family, the size, and other pertinent specifications. The marking system of the invention comprise an spatially ordered series of marks on the surface of the device, with each mark corresponding to an information or data category. Each mark is coded with a value of the code property which is correlated with and expresses a particular data element within the data category and pertinent to the marked device specimen. The code property value may then be inspected or “read” by the device user to evaluate the data element and obtain information regarding the marked device specimen.

Abstract: A jacket for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the jacket to air pressure pulses which applies and releases pressure to the human body. The jacket has a cover having a pocket accommodating the air core. The pulsator has diaphragms connected to a d.c. electric motor with a rotary to reciprocating motion transmitting mechanism operable to generate air pressure pulses which are transmitted to the air core which applies repetitive pressure pulses to the human body.

Abstract: An apparatus applies heat to tissue from a level that does not contact the tissue, in order to elevate the temperature of the tissue being treated toward normothermia. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person to form a treatment volume about the tissue to be treated. A heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The heater is for operating in a near-hyperthermic temperature range in order to treat the tissue. An example of a near-hyperthermic temperature range is 38° C. to 46° C. A controller may include means that cause the heater to operate over a therapeutic sequence, that cycle the heater on and off, that provide selectable average temperature values, that cause the heater to operate over an average temperature range, that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapy cycle, or that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapeutic sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corset for the treatment of a patient suffering from a back complaint, such as scoliosis, comprising a lower part to be supported by the hip, and an upper part to be fitted around the patient's chest. There is a flexible coupling provided to connect the lower part and the upper part. Both the lower part and the upper part are provided with an adjustable springy element to enable the lower part and the upper part to apply a pressure force on the patient's body.

Abstract: A bypass conduit and related methods include implanting a bypass in the heart between a heart chamber and an at least partially occluded artery to directly flow blood from the chamber to the artery. The bypass conduit is configured to have a higher resistance to blood flow in a first direction than in a second direction without any active flow control mechanism. The bypass conduit may have a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening and a wall extending between the two ends that defines a lumen extending between the two openings. The ends and the wall of the conduit are configured to have a higher resistance to blood flow in a first direction than in a second direction.

Abstract: Phaco tip apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having a drive assembly including a needle having a tip for emulsifying a cataractic lens and a lumen communication with primary and a secondary aspiration ports for aspirating emulsified lens. A sleeve establishes an annular passage around the needle and enables irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. A bypass port, disposed in said needle and under said compressible sleeve, establishes fluid communication between the lumen and the annular passage in order to enable irrigation fluid to pass into said lumen upon clogging of the primary and secondary aspiration ports, thus providing fluid surge protection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a balloon catheter having an irrigation sheath. The balloon catheter has a first expandable membrane forming an occluding balloon. A second membrane forms a sheath about the occluding balloon for providing irrigation to a body lumen. Fluid is provided to the occluding balloon to position the catheter and/or occlude the flow of blood. Fluid is then passed through the sheath to irrigate the target site. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sheath has a plurality of fluid releasing pores.

Abstract: A medical device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. A balloon extends from the distal end of the outer tube. Within the balloon is a first expandable diaphragm, one end of which is attached to the inner tube. The first expandable diaphragm is covered by a retractable sheath disposed about the inner tube. Upon retraction of the retractable sheath, the diaphragm expands to sealingly contact the interior of the balloon in a first contact region and form at least a first compartment and a second compartment in the balloon.

Abstract: The invention is a dilation catheter which comprises an elongated catheter shaft, a guide wire tube, and an angioplasty balloon. The distal end of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the guide wire tube, and the proximal portion of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the catheter shaft. A stiffening wire is attached to the inner wall of the catheter shaft at a plurality of points along its length. The distal extremity of the guide wire tube is decreased in size relative to the proximal portion of the guide wire tube. A fluid is contained within the guide wire lumen.

Abstract: A device for introducing a needle for injecting a liquid substance, wherein the device includes a housing, a rear longitudinal part forming a portion of the housing and including a piercing needle, the rear longitudinal part being connectable to an injection device separate from the housing, a front longitudinal part forming another portion of the housing and including an injection needle for delivering said liquid, and a flexible connection between the piercing needle and the injection needle.

Abstract: A plunger located in the barrel, which is in sealing engagement with, and movable along the barrel, towards or away from the needle, and an aperture extending from the barrel rearward of the plunger in its loaded position communicating between the tubular member and an area in the barrel rearward of the plunger, and sealing means mounted on the syringe rearward of the aperture for sealingly engaging the tubular member.

Abstract: A delivery device for patient-controlled infusion of a medicament (6), the delivery device comprising a reservoir (2) for the medicament (6) and a pump (4) having a predetermined delivery dose which is capable of displacing the medicament from the reservoir (2) and delivering it to a patient, wherein the pump (4) comprises a pumping means (14), a first conduit (10), capable of restricting flow rate, chosen in conjunction with the delivery dose of the pumping means (14) to define a predetermined maximum dosage rate, said conduit (10) connecting the reservoir (2) to a pumping means (14), a one-way valve (18) in fluid communication with the first conduit (10) and the pumping means (14) which permits medicament flow into the pumping means (14) but prevents reverse flow, a controlling means (32), and a second conduit (28) extending from the pumping means and having a distal end (30) through which, the medicament may be released, wherein the controlling means (32), (a) is in fluid communication with the pumping mea

Abstract: A catheter for injecting medicants into the endocardium, myocardium or other portions of the cardiovascular system is presented where the catheter has apertures therein for ejection and retraction of a needle. The catheter is designed for the apertures in the catheter to press against the tissue to be injected in the heart while the heart is beating. A needle for inserting a prescribed dose of a medicant is ejected through the aperture and a plunger, pump, or diaphragm is moved to deliver a dose of the medicant to tissue adjacent the aperture. By use of the catheter gene therapy, wherein a small does of a gene are injected into the endocardium of the right or left ventricle, can be used to grow new blood vessels in the injected area of a damaged heart. The apertures in the catheter can be spaced at a prescribed distance for the dosage of medicant to form a precise pattern of injections in the area to be treated.

Abstract: A catheter and method of using same for support or exchange of a guidewire during a percutaneous procedure which has at least one lumen in an elongate shaft with a proximal port and a distal port in fluid communication via an inner lumen. The catheter has a longitudinal slit in the inner lumen beginning at the proximal end of the elongate shaft and extends distally. An elongate support member is secured to the elongate shaft to provide axial rigidity to the catheter. Optionally, a second inner lumen is disposed within the elongate shaft adjacent the aforementioned inner lumen which has an intermediate port disposed distally of the proximal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A transcutaneous access device comprises a sleeve having a flexible extensible main body with opposite ends defining collars. A catheter is loosely received in the main body and extends through the collar. Connecting means permanently connect each collar to the catheter and an annular flexible skirt snugly surrounds the main body. In some device embodiments, the skirt is adjustable along the sleeve and/or the sleeve is bifurcated to accommodate two catheters for optimum fluid flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single-use syringe comprising a needle housing, a bore-containing fluid-delivery needle and a volume-containing element. The needle housing has a top surface to which the volume-containing element is attached, a needle attachment side to which the bore-containing needle is attached, and a fluid delivery channel in communication between the top surface and the needle attachment side. The volume-containing element is fluid-tight but for communication with the fluid-delivery and a filling port. Embodiments are disclosed which include vapor-permeable portions which facilitate lyophilization of materials in situ.

Abstract: A self-injection syringe includes an injection button, a syringe body, a needle, and a non-slip surface attached to the syringe body. The non-slip surface may be either formed into the surface of the syringe body, or may be a hook-and-eye fastener material of the Velcro type. In one version of this invention, non-slip surface is confined to a narrow strip disposed lengthwise along the syringe body, so that it falls under the fingers of the user when wrapped around the body. This invention is especially useful when the syringe is of the type in the form of a pen, which contains a cartridge of medication within a cartridge holder, with the cartridge containing enough medication for a number of injections. In this configuration, the syringe has a removable cap and pocket clip, for ease of carrying.

Abstract: A device for the formation and delivery of a mixture, notably a surgical adhesive, consisting of a receptacle adapted for easy handling by the surgeon, and including the means of receiving two syringe barrels containing the constituents of the mixture, the means of simultaneously expelling the contents, the means of maintaining the contents of syringe containing the first constituent, at a predetermined temperature setting which is higher than body temperature, and a mixer simultaneously receiving the contents of the two syringes, and the mixer also being used for cooling.

Abstract: An injection needle unit for use on a syringe by patient administrated injections, comprising a hub fitting on the syringe which hub carries a needle having a cross section diameter less than 0,320, the needle being made from a super elastic material defined as a material which can obtain recovered elongation of more than 2% without having permanent deformation in the material. The injection needle can be forced away from its original linear shape and the force by which it seeks to return to this linear shape is used for automatic insertion of the needle.

Abstract: A gravity drainage cord formed by braiding a plurality of strands of silk of the type used for surgical sutures, and fitted loosely, in the median region, in a tubular sheath made of a material such as silicone which is adapted to facilitate sliding with respect to tissue, increases biocompatibility and allows optional coupling to mechanical aspiration units.

Abstract: The invention relates to aromatic copolyesters comprising antimicrobially active substances in homogeneous distribution, processes for their preparation and their use in medical articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid impervious backsheet joined to a liquid permeable topsheet with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The joined topsheet and backsheet includes an extensible portion that is non-elastically, laterally extensible having a percent elongation of at least about 125%. A pair of elastomeric side panels is joined to a portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet near the extensible portion. Each of the side panels is elastically laterally extensible such that the force required to elongate the side panels a select percent elongation is less than the force required to elongate the extensible portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet an equivalent select percent elongation.

Abstract: A toddler's disposable or reusable garment (10) includes “brief looking” undergarments (12) with a releasable panel (18) that extends down from the back of the waistband (16), through the crotch, and upward for connection to the top front of the waist structure of the undergarment. An absorbent disposable liner/diaper (14) of hourglass configuration is placed in overlying relationship with respect to the releasable panel (18), and the upper end portion (36) of the releasable panel and is connected in underlying relationship with respect to the top front panel 28, allowing the parent to have expedient access to the absorbent disposable liner/diaper for the convenience of changing the liner/diaper without requiring the removal of the garment from about the waist of the toddler.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the administration of medication to a patient utilizes adaptive feedback to achieve and maintain a target effect in said patient. A sensor package having one or more sensors is used to sense an attribute of the patient and to provide a parameter indicating the attribute being sensed. A medication delivery controller accepts one or more parameters from the sensor package and uses these parameters to determine the effect of a medication on a patient and the concentration level of medication that will achieve a desired effect. The medication delivery controller controls the medication delivery unit to deliver the medication at a rate determined to achieve said target concentration level of said medication in said patient. If the patient's response to a given medication changes as a result of external stimuli, the medication delivery controller can detect this change and determine a new concentration level of medication which will achieve the desired effect.

Abstract: A syringe apparatus and process is provided for retracting a needle from a hypodermic syringe following the completion of an injection. The hypodermic syringe has a plunger which, upon completion of the injection, is forced downwardly against a needle support deformable base, severing sacrificial supports. An end portion of the needle tears a base portion of the plunger and propels the needle into a hollow region of the plunger such that the needle is contained entirely within the plunger.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed in which a main catheter is first delivered to a site proximal to the occlusion. The main catheter may include an occlusive device at its distal end. An inner catheter or elongate member (e.g., a guidewire) having an occlusive device at its distal end is delivered to the site of the occlusion, and the occlusive device is activated at a site distal to the occlusion. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion. Next, a catheter is delivered just proximal to the occlusive device, and this catheter is used to aspirate and/or irrigate the area removing particles and debris. The aspiration and irrigation steps are preferably repeated until the particles and debris are removed. Perfusion may be performed by using a perfusion-filter distal of the lesion to be treated or a hypotube which extends beyond the occlusive device attached to the guidewire.

Abstract: A catheter unit comprising a catheter having a hub, a connector and catheter, the connector comprising a first port, a second port, and third port. The first port, located at the proximal end of the connector and protruding from the connector, is coupled to a lock member. The second port, located within a cylindrical portion of the connector, is adapted to receive a guidewire. The third port is located at the distal end of the connector.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site includes a housing with a flow path therethrough. A first end of the housing carries a pre-slit septum. One form of a blunt cannula, usable with the injection site, carries a locking member. When the pre-slit injection site slidably receives the blunt cannula, the locking member latches to the injection site and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula includes a tube having a tapered distal end region and having elongate discharge slots for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post, an annular barb, and axially oriented grooves.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having an end effector assembly at a distal end, a flexible member connected to and extending from the end effector assembly and a handle assembly connected to the flexible member. The handle assembly includes a handle member, a nose member and a biasing element. The handle member has an inner bore. The hollow nose member has a shank configured for insertion into the inner bore. The biasing element is located within the inner bore and biases the flexible member relative to the handle member. The handle member may have a keyway or a projection configured for insertion into a keyway, and the nose member may have the other of the keyway or the projection. The flexible member has a retaining element affixed to its proximal end. The flexible member is inserted through the nose member with the retaining element located proximate the proximal end of the nose member and thereby retained between the handle member and the nose member.

Abstract: An operating head for a full thickness resection system includes a first optical device disposed on a distal portion thereof and having a viewing area extending distally of the distal portion and a working chamber extending within an exterior wall of the operating head, a first portion of the exterior wall being moveable with respect to a second portion thereof to selectively open the working chamber to an exterior of the operating head. Furthermore, the operating head includes a second optical device mounted within the working chamber with a viewing area of the second optical device extending distally therefrom.