Abstract: An endoscope with a sealed housing having inner magnetic structures coupled to a displacement element and outer magnetic structures coupled to an adjustment element. The inner and outer magnetic structures are magnetically coupled to each other through the wall of the housing and are displaceable parallel to the wall. The inner magnetic structure is displaceable toward and away from stop and the outer magnetic structure magnetically drives the inner structure. The outer magnetic structure can be affixed beyond the stop position of the inner structure in a secured adjustment position.

Abstract: An anoscope for surgery and/or inspection comprising: a tubular body (2) having a distal blind end and a proximal open end; an inner light reflecting surface (7) located at said distal blind end; at least one slot (3) formed in said tubular body; a light source (6) placed in light reflection relationship with said inner reflecting surface (7), and a maneuvering handle (5) arranged to act on said proximal end of said tubular body (2).

Abstract: A surgical retractor securing apparatus includes an adjustable securing device which attaches the apparatus to the surgical accessory bar of a halo style head fixation device and a capture assembly that releasably engages the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor. The adjustable securing device compressively grips along a portion the length of a surgical accessory bar or otherwise attaches to an external support, providing a plurality of attachment points. The capture assembly may include a pivotable cam that releasably grips the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor by compressing the band between the gripping cam and the surgical accessory bar or other external support.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a frame and hinges associated with the frame for making the frame conformable to the chest or other anatomical structure of a patient. Retractor blades are operatively associated with the frame for retracting soft tissue or bone structure. Where the surgical retractor includes opposing pairs of retractor blades for retracting soft tissue or bone structure in two relatively generally perpendicular directions, a method of using the device includes making an incision in the skin of a patient, placing the device over the incision, using one opposing pair of retractor blades to retract skin and soft tissue in a first direction and using the second opposing pair of retractor blades to retract bone in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A wireless medical telemetry system includes at least one wireless patient monitor configured to monitor a patient by collecting vital signs data from the patient, and a first central station associated with one or more wireless transceivers, and adapted to establish communications with the at least one patient monitor and receive the vital signs data via the one or more wireless transceivers. A second central station is associated with the one or more wireless transceivers, and adapted to receive vital signs data via the one or more wireless transceivers. The second central station is configured to automatically attempt to establish communications with the at least one patient monitor and receive the vital signs data in place of the first central station in the event the communications between the first central station and the at least one patient monitor are lost. There is also a method for monitoring a patient.

Abstract: A state information acquisition system has a terminal which has physiological state detecting means of detecting the physiological state of a person or animal, posture/action detecting means of detecting the posture and/or action state of the person or animal, and detection signal transmitting means of transmitting detection signals based on the detection of (1) the physiological state and (2) the posture and/or action state, and is attachable to the person or animal; and signal receiving and processing means which receives and processes a signal transmitted from the terminal and is located in a predetermined region; and thereby obtaining state information indicating the state of the person or animal on the basis of the detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a periodic physical information of a living subject, including a measuring device which iteratively measures, from the subject, a value of the periodic physical information including a periodically changing component, a waveform determining device for determining a changing-component waveform representing the periodically changing component of the periodic physical information, a difference determining device for determining at least one difference between at least one first value of the periodic physical information measured by the measuring device at at least one time and at least one second value of the changing-component waveform at the at least one time, and a removing device for judging, based on the at least one difference determined by the difference determining device, whether the at least one first value is abnormal, and removing the at least one first value judged as being abnormal.

Abstract: A fluid pump system of a non-contact tonometer is numerically simulated through its compression stroke by a simulation software program. System dynamic behavior is modeled for a variety of piston diameters, whereby an optimal piston diameter or range of piston diameters is selected in view of stoke length limitations and target applanation pressure requirements.

Abstract: With a method for determination of the direction of introduction (4) and for controlling the introduction path of biopsy needles, probes and similar in organisms (2) by using an ultrasound imaging machine, a scanning unit (1) of the ultrasound is placed onto the introduction range of the organism (2) in order to display an image (3a) according to a sectional plane (3) in which or along which the directional axis (4) of the introduction path runs and the biopsy needle or similar is controlled during its actual introduction in the corresponding image display (3a, 6). For improvement of the accuracy of introduction and for an easier procedure a larger volume range (3) of the organism (2) is scanned by using a 3D-imaging and with a contingent interim storage of the derived signals by a volume storage the sectional plane (3a) to be displayed is selected according to predeterminable criteria from the volume (3), after which selection the intended introduction path (4) is virtually displayed in this image and an e.

Abstract: A pulse Doppler ultrasound system and associated methods are described for monitoring blood flow. A graphical information display includes simultaneously displayed depth-mode and spectrogram displays. The depth-mode display indicates the various positions along the ultrasound beam axis at which blood flow is detected. These positions are indicated as one or more colored regions, with the color indicating direction of blood flow and varying in intensity as a function of detected Doppler ultrasound signal amplitude or detected blood flow velocity. The depth-mode display also includes a pointer whose position may be selected by a user. The spectrogram displayed corresponds to the location identified by the pointer. Embolus detection and characterization are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring arrangement for measuring a pressure signal from a living body. The measuring arrangement comprises a sensor structure comprising a converter for converting the effect of the pressure signal measured from the body into an electrical signal. The measuring arrangement of the invention comprises a pressure transmission structure prior to the converter in the sensor structure, the pressure transmission structure comprising one or more pressure transmission elements. The pressure transmission structure is, through one or more pressure transmission elements, meant to be in direct or indirect contact with the body for detecting the pressure signal measurable from the body.

Abstract: A health monitoring and biofeedback system comprising a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a processing device, and a Web site server for determining, displaying and analyzing various cardiovascular parameters. The PPG sensor is installed within a manually operated user input device such as a mouse or keyboard, measures a user's blood volume contour and transmits it to a processing device such as a personal computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The system determines a plurality of cardiovascular indices including mean blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and arterial compliance on the basis of signal characteristics of the systolic wave pulse and the systolic reflected wave pulse present within the digital volume pulse derived from the PPG pulse contour.

Abstract: Apparatus for ascertaining cardiac output of the heart of a patient comprising a control and display module. A venous probe is inserted into a vein in the forearm of the patient and is coupled into the control and display module and provides an electrical signal representing the dissolved oxygen in the venous blood. An arterial probe is inserted into an artery in the forearm of the patient and is coupled into the control and display module and provides an electrical output signal representing the dissolved oxygen in the arterial blood. The control and display module has a visible display that provides a continuous in vivo cardiac output that utilizes an arterial venous oxygen differential equation which includes an adjustment factor for adjusting for venous blood being sampled rather than mixed venous blood in the pulmonary artery of the patient.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter for measuring the subject's oxygen consumption per unit time employs a mouthpiece through which the subject breathes for a period of time. Conduits connect the mouthpiece to a flow meter and a capnometer so that the subject's inhalations and exhalations pass through the flow meter and the exhalations also pass through the capnometer. Electrical signals from the flow meter and capnometer are provided to a computer which calculates the CO2 exhaled by the subject during the test by integrating the instantaneous CO2 content of an exhalation as measured by the capnometer over the volume as measured by the flow meter and subtracts that quantity from the exhaled volume and subtracts their difference from the inhaled volume. In alternative embodiments the system can also measure the subject's Cardiac Output and Delivered Oxygen.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lancet system comprising a plurality of essentially needle-shaped lancets, a drive unit which has a drive element which is moved from a resting position into a lancing position in order to carry out a lancing process, a storage area to store the lancets, a withdrawal area to guide at least the tip of the lancet out of the system during the lancing process and a transport unit which can transport lancets from the storage area into the withdrawal area, wherein the drive element is arranged in such a manner that in the withdrawal area it can act on the lancet located there to carry out a lancing process and thus move the lancet from a resting position into a lancing position and wherein the system has a retraction device in the withdrawal area which can interact with the lancet located in the withdrawal area in order to move the lancet after completion of the lancing process from the lancing position into the resting position and it concerns a lancet magazine adapted to the system, a cor

Abstract: The three dimensional device is adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature for occluding the portion of the vasculature for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery. The device is formed from a multi-stranded microcable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material and at least one radiopaque strand. The device can be bundled by an outer cover to constrain the strands of the micro-cable about a longitudinal axis to produce a composite banded cable. The radiopaque strand can have a core strand with a plurality of intermittently spaced apart enlarged radiopaque portions that may be a plurality of beads of radiopaque material spaced apart and mounted on the core strand, or a plurality of coils intermittently wound about and spaced apart on the core strand.

Abstract: What is described here is a method of and a device for visualizing the orientation of therapeutic sound waves onto a region to be treated or processed, respectively, using a display unit including a screen on which the orientation of said therapeutic sound waves is symbolically displayed with respect to the region to be treated. The invention excels itself by the provision that the sound wave source and the region in space, through which the sound waves are propagating, as well as the region to be treated or processed (hereinafter referred to as treatment site) are perspectively displayed on said screen by allocation of physical figures, and that the perspective view varies with the correct movement when the site or the orientation of the sound wave source and/or the treatment site and/or the site or the orientation of the screen is varied.

Abstract: A method for etiologic diagnosis of ascending postural disturbances and a therapeutic method for correction of such ascending postural disturbances, comprising the steps of: identifying the type of a patient's postural disturbance to ascertain whether it is of an ascending, descending or multiple type, by means of mechanical maneuvers each apt to inhibit a respective foot or cranial nervous input to the Central Nervous System; in case an ascending postural disturbance is identified, identifying the specific intrinsic muscle(s) of the foot sole responsible for such disturbance; and performing an exteroceptive, pressoceptive, proprioceptive and/or reflexogen stimulation of an insertion point of the intrinsic muscle(s) identified as responsible for the ascending postural disturbance.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of a victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly that repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression.

Abstract: A massaging device includes a motor integrated with a housing, a shaft for transmitting the motor motion, a treatment head attachable to the shaft. The rotational speed of the motor can be measured as part of a control circuit. The rotational speed provides an actual value to the control circuit. A setpoint of the rotation speed of the motor can be manually adjusted. The control circuit is designed so that the current supplied to the motor is controlled depending on the difference between the instantaneous actual value and the selected setpoint.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device comprises an elongate strip of porous fabric material and a number of relatively short, elongate plastic tubing members distributed over and attached to the elongate strip on one side thereof. The tubing members each extend substantially parallel to this one side and are open ended. The elongate strip can be wound around part of a human's body or an animal's body prior to application of a surgical cast. Preferably the tubing members each have ventilation holes distributed along their respective lengths. The fabric material can be gauze and the tubes can be attached thereto by adhesive. A multiple hook array fastener arrangement can extend along and be secured to a first longitudinal edge section and is adapted to detachably secure its edge section to a second, opposite longitudinal edge section when the fabric strip is wound around the body part. A number of different types of aerating devices that can be used instead of plastic tubing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is presented for correction of a patient's biological fluid, such as his blood, lymph or spinal fluid, containing various low-, medium- and high-molecular toxins. The system comprises an extracorporeal flow line in the form of a flexible tube interconnected between outlet and inlet means attached to appropriate location(s) on a patient's body. A small amount of the biological fluid, i.e., substantially not exceeding 100 ml, substantially continuously flows through the tube, and is mixed with magneto-conductive particles capable of adsorbing the various toxins. An obtained mixture of the biological fluid with the particles passes through a magnetic field region, and substantially all of the magneto-conductive particles are retained therein. Particle-free biological fluid is then returned into the patient's body through the inlet means.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods by which the real or apparent renovascular perfusion and intrarenal pressure may be selectively and controllably increased. By selectively and controllably increasing renovascular perfusion and interstitial hydrostatic pressure when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood or when renal perfusion is suboptimal, the present invention reduces or reverses neurohormonal activation and fluid retention, and thereby minimizes their deleterious effects on the heart, vasculature, kidneys and other body systems.

Abstract: A catheter used to measure chemical parameters, in particular to be inserted into biological tissue, fluids or the like, comprising a feed duct running longitudinally through the catheter to its outer end for the purpose of feeding a liquid, further a return duct running through the catheter to return the liquid and a partly permeable tubular membrane at the end of the catheter and enclosing the flow path between the end of the feed duct and the return duct.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing improved percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) procedures. One device includes a preassembled PMR drug delivery catheter and a drug neutralizing vial. The vial assembly allows prepping the PMR catheter by flushing drug through distal needle, and into a vial cavity where the drug is neutralized by a neutralizing agent. One set of devices includes needles having protrusions secured to the distal regions of drug delivery tubes. One needle has outward protruding barbs engaging the inner tube wall while another needle has outward threads which can screw into the tube inner wall. Radiopaque marker bands are also included in the present invention which are asymmetrically distributed on the catheter shaft, allowing a treating physician to determine under fluoroscopy whether the catheter distal region is pointed away or toward the treating physician, as well as determining whether the catheter distal region is rotated toward or away from the treating physician.

Abstract: An injection device includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing defining a distal opening, and a first opening in a side of the housing and between the proximal and distal ends; a propellant disposed inside the housing and spaced from the distal end; and a movable member disposed inside the housing and between the distal end and the propellant, wherein the propellant is in fluid communication with the movable member and the first opening.

Abstract: A catheter includes a steering tendon and a longitudinally adjustable core having a curved shape in the distal portion thereof. The steering tendon is attached to the distal-end region of the catheter sheath. The proximal end of the core is coupled to a positioning mechanism within the catheter handle and the distal end of the core floats within the catheter sheath. The position of the distal end of the core can be adjusted by advancing or retracting the positioning mechanism within the handle. Axial movement of the steering tendon in the proximal direction causes the distal-end region of the catheter sheath to deflect, while longitudinal adjustment of the curved core changes the deflection profile of the distal-end region of the catheter sheath.

Abstract: The balloon catheter comprises a catheter tube surrounded distally by an elongated inflatable balloon. Throughout the catheter tube is a longitudinal lumen for positioning a radioactive radiation emitter within the balloon. The catheter comprises a second lumen for directing inflation fluid into the balloon. Belt means creating a waist are mounted on the balloon to squeeze it down to nearly the diameter of the catheter thereby leaving a small passage for the inflation fluid. The belt means divide the balloon into sections to assure a close center fit of the catheter within the balloon.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub.

Abstract: A holder sleeve (1) incorporates an urging means (8) for urging an inner needle (12) to the proximal end side and an actuator (6) which engages the inner needle (12) at the near distal end portion of the holder sleeve (1) so that the inner needle (12) can be released and the tip of the inner needle is projected from the holder sleeve (1). This actuator (6) has an inner needle hub (12a) fixed at the front end thereof and is formed with an actuating member (6a) projected outside the holder sleeve (1). The holder sleeve (1) has a slit (2) which extends to the proximal end side so as to allow the actuating member (6a) of the actuator (6) to slide and assures the path of movement of the actuator (6) released from the near distal end portion of the holder sleeve (1). The inner needle (12) is adapted to be released from the holder sleeve (1) when the actuating member (6a) is moved away from the holder sleeve (1) within the same plane that includes the axis of the holder sleeve (1).

Abstract: A blunt needle plastic cannula for a syringe has a central axial passage terminating in a tip opening axially through one end thereof. Different axial sections along the cannula have respective differential resistances to movement relative to a membrane upon insertion of the cannula into the membrane. The opposite end of the cannula may have a Luer fit or Luer lock or may have integrally formed therewith an adapter for releasably connecting the adapter and cannula to the distal end of the barrel of the syringe. A syringe plunger and the adapter have connective structure whereby the adapter and cannula can be withdrawn into the interior of the barrel. The opposite ends of the barrel are sealed by portions of the plunger.

Abstract: The concentration of air or other agents in a fluid delivery line is determined by monitoring agent signals and processing those agent signals along with information regarding the age of each agent signal. The processor determines a primary agent concentration value based on the received agent signal values, with the primary agent concentration value determined by giving greater weight to more recent agent signal values. Where the primary agent concentration value exceeds a primary threshold value, an alarm signal may be activated. The processor also may determine a secondary agent concentration value, which may be determined from the actual agent signal values instead of the weighted agent signal values. Where the secondary agent concentration value exceeds a secondary threshold value, an alarm signal may be activated.

Abstract: The ergonomic syringe is used by an operator to inject fluid under pressure into a patient during a medical procedure, which can include angiographic procedures where catheters are used. Although said ergonomic syringe may be connected to and used with a catheter of any size, it is particularly suited for use by an operator to inject radiopaque dye through catheters having small diameters. The large handgrip and locations of the fingergrips, together with other features on these elements of the ergonomic syringe, increase comfort and reduce the fatigue, strain, and risk of disability which may be associated with achieving the force required for each injection to achieve high pressures necessary for proper dye density in the blood flow in the target blood vessels, where such force is greater in smaller catheters than in larger catheters.

Abstract: A medical needle protector sheath comprises a tubular body for surrounding and shielding a needle, with the sheath defining an anchor member integrally attached to the front of the body for manual holding, plus a closure cap for the front end which is integrally attached to the body. Also, a manually removable wing member may be carried about the hub of the needle. A tunnel member typically of the inverted U cross section provides longitudinal securance to the needle and hub while penetrating the skin of the patient while at the same time permitting axial rotation of the needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable safety syringe constructed such that the attached needle may be disposed of safely after use, and additionally configured so that all fluid is forced from the barrel of the syringe, and further constructed so that the plunger may not be fully removed from the barrel, preventing the inadvertent loss of fluid that has been drawn into the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A safety syringe for a vacuum specimen tube having a stopper. The syringe includes a shroud with a double ended needle and a sheath slidably positioned over the needle's external end. The sheath's tip can be hypodermically inserted with the needle. The sheath moves between an exposed position where the sharp point of the needle's external end is exposed and a covered position where the sharp point of the needle's external end is inside the sheath. After the needle and sheath are inserted into the patient, the vacuum tube is seated in the shroud, piercing the stopper with needle's internal end and allowing blood to flow into the tube. As the tube is seated, it will also preferably engage an arm extending from the sheath to advance the sheath into the covered position. Thus, the sheath is in the covered position before the syringe is removed from the patient.

Abstract: A removal system and method to facilitate removal of a sheath from a medical device such as a hypodermic needle. The removal system comprises a sheath having an exterior housing defining an internal cavity for accommodating a hypodermic needle therein. The sheath is open at one end thereof to facilitate receiving the hypodermic needle therein. An exterior surface of the sheath supports at least one appendage comprising at least one tension leg which interconnects a pushing surface with the sheath. The at least one tension leg partially bows, once a sufficient removal force is applied thereto, facilitating removal of the sheath from a hypodermic needle via a clinician via a one handed technique.

Abstract: A medical injection device including a shield system and a syringe coupled to the shield system. The shield system includes a syringe holder, a shield telescopically received in the holder and slidably coupled to the holder and an end fitting which isolates the syringe flange from the holder, preventing damage to the flange. A spring resiliently urges the shield from a retracted position to an extended position. Stop members are provided adjacent the distal end of the holder and the proximal end of the shield for maintaining the shield in the retracted position. The syringe is slidably coupled to the holder, and extends within the shield. Axial movement of the syringe with respect to the holder causes disengagement of the stop members, allowing the spring to move the shield to the extended position. Detents are provided on the holder for maintaining the shield in the extended position.

Abstract: A plunger anti-detachment mechanism incorporates with a syringe which includes a hollow barrel, a hollow needle held at one end of the hollow barrel, and a plunger adapted to coaxially travel through the barrel. The plunger anti-detachment mechanism includes at least a locking stopper radially extended on the barrel and at least a resilient arm, having a locking latch outwardly extended therefrom, radially extended from the plunger wherein the resilient arm is adapted to move from an unlocked position to a locked position. At the unlocked position, the locking latch is moved away from the locking stopper such that the plunger is capable of freely traveling through the barrel, and that at the locked position, the locking latch is extended to the locking stopper so as to block up an axial movement of the plunger with respect to the barrel and interlock the plunger with the barrel.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, dry matrix, which contains not more than about 3% moisture at room temperature, is impregnated with a water free treatment mixture containing a lipid and a surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the mixture includes a glycol, a surfactant and a lipid emollient, lubricant, medicament or skin protectant. Methods of manufacturing and using the impregnated matrices are also taught.

Abstract: A dressing for use with ostomy devices. The dressing has a dressing layer covered by protective cover layer and a release sheet. The dressing has an adhesive composition on a skin-contacting surface. The dressing layer has a thick center portion surrounded by a flange portion with a hole to accommodate the ostomy device. The thick portion has a thickness of less than 2.0 mm. and preferably a thickness of 0.91 mm. The flange portion has a thickness of 0.15 to 1.80 mm. and extends no more than 5.0 mm. from the edge of the thick portion. The configuration of the dressing layer, particularly when used with a hydrocolloid adhesive provides a dressing having wrinkle resistant edges allowing the dressing to be used in areas of the body having high mobility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an individually folded and wrapped product, comprising and absorbent article and an enveloping sheet. The absorbent article is provided with side flaps and adhesive regions that aid in fixing it to a wearer's panties, keeping it in the correct position and avoiding the occurrence of leakage. The enveloping sheet totally encloses the absorbent article when the absorbent article is transversely folded over itself with the flaps in an open position.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin provided on its upper surface along transversely opposite side portions with a pair of barrier flaps, respectively. Each of the barrier straps are stretchable outward transversely of the napkin and so that a wearer's thighs and peripheral edges of an undergarment adjacent leg-openings are protected from being soiled with body liquids.

Abstract: Absorbent diaper pants having a front part (2), a back part (3) with an elastic member (20) in the waist hole (12) region, and a crotch part (4) with elastic hems (19) in the diaper pants (1) leg holes (13), wherein the front part (2) and the back part (3) are provided with fastening means (21), and on the diaper pants (1) inner surface side a changeable absorbent pad (14) is arranged, and the diaper pants (1) are further provided with a therapeutic orthopaedic pad (29); characterized in that the orthopaedic pad (29) is located in a rectangular housing (27) arranged on the diaper pants (1) facing side, while this housing (27) is by its front and back transverse ends, in a takeable apart manner, secured to the end edges (9, 10) of the front part (2) and of the back part (3), and the absorbent pad (14) is inserted inside retaining means.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a surface structure having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on a liquid-receiving side; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the surface structure and the back sheet. In an area including at least a centerline extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the surface sheet is corrugated to form recesses and ridges extending in the longitudinal direction and alternating with each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ridges are given an elastically shrinking function in the longitudinal direction at least at their crests or vicinities thereof so that the surface structure is formed into a curved shape. The surface structure thus curved can fit the shape of a crotch. Therefore, the liquid is hard to flow in the transverse direction to prevent the leakage.

Abstract: An undergarment is conveniently made with two elasticized top panels bonded and cut at a 45 degree angle on a bottom panel. The top panels have curved leg cutouts matched to the curved leg cutouts of the bottom panel. The curved leg cutouts are preferentially cut for the front and back sections of the garment to produce a comfortable fit.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, said article having a front portion (5), a rear portion (6) and a crotch portion (7), therebetween, whereby the front and rear portion exhibits side flaps (8, 9), which are intended to attach the article to a pantlike shape around the waist of the user. The article has at least one pre-stressed elastic means (11a) and at least attached to the back sheet, that said first elastic means (11a) is brought in an essentially V-shaped pattern having the peak of the pattern located to a first point (13) being essentially located on a imagined longitudinal center line (12) in said crotch portion (7) and that the V-shaped elastic means (11a) diverge in the direction from said longitudinal center line (12) toward the front portion (5).

Abstract: In combination an item of underwear (10) including a front part (11), a back part (12), a waist part (13) and a crotch part (14) which in use extends front to back between the legs of a wearer and a sanitary pad (30) of the kind having side wings (34) which carry an adhesive, characterised in that the item of underwear includes an inside lining part (20) which extends over at least a substantial portion of the crotch part (14) and has sides (25,26) which are unattached to the crotch part (14) over at least part of the front to back extent of the crotch part (14), and the side wings (34) of the pad are foldable into a position between the crotch part (14) of the item (10) and the inside lining part (20) with the adhesive adhered to the inside lining part (20).

Abstract: A therapeutic agent is applied to an internal tissue site of a patient by advancing typically a catheter into the patient to cause a portion of the catheter, typically a catheter balloon, to occupy the internal site. The balloon portion of the catheter carries the therapeutic agent, usually mixed with a controlled release carrier for the agent, typically on an outer surface of the section, to permit release thereof from the catheter balloon at the internal tissue site so that the therapeutic agent is locally applied to the internal tissue site.

Abstract: A unitary intravascular microcatheter with a continuous embedded helical coil reinforcement member and a method for making same are provided. Multiple catheters are manufactured from a continuous feedstock to reduce manufacturing time and labor cost. A selected length of a cylindrical tube is held stationary between a pair of spaced apart chuck members while a reinforcement wire is wrapped onto the stationary portion. The wire wrap portion of the cylindrical tube is advanced relative to the chuck members to hold a second selected length of no-wrap cylindrical tube stationary for wire wrapping of the second portion. The steps of advancing the cylindrical tube through the chuck members and then wrapping the reinforcement wire onto the tube is repeated for substantially the entire length of the elongate cylindrical tube to form a wire wrapped cylindrical tube with multiple wire wrapped sections spaced from one another by unwrapped sections.