Abstract: An implantable osmotic pump system includes a pre-hydrated semipermeable membrane to reduce the time interval between implantation of the system into the patient and full operation of the pump system. The semipermeable membrane is maintained in a hydrated state prior to implantation by fluid contact with a saline solution maintained in a saturated state by a salt tablet. As the differential osmotic pressure across the hydrated semipermeable membrane is negligible as the saline concentration on both sides of the membrane is the same, the pump system does not operate and does not infuse the pharmaceutical agent as long as this osmotic equipotential state is maintained. When the saturated saline solution is removed from fluid contact with the semipermeable membrane and the system is implanted in a patient, the osmotic pressure differential across the semipermeable membrane increases, thereby causing the pump to immediately begin operation at or near its intended and designed steady state infusion rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat and/or diagnose urological disorders. The non-implantable device includes a light source housed within a light source segment. The light source segment is of a sufficiently small size and configuration so that it can be inserted through the urethra and positioned adjacent the target site in the patient. Different types of light sources can be used to achieve a variety of energy levels and distributions useful in treating incontinence disorders. Both incoherent and coherent light sources may be used with the present invention. In addition, the light from the light source can be designed to be pulsed or continuous wave and may be in any suitable spectrum, including visible (such as white light) and infrared. The particular characteristics of the light emitted from the light source, such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, etc., depend upon the particular treatment and procedure.

Abstract: A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.

Abstract: A novel device and method for performing cardiac ablations includes a therapeutic instrument, for example, an ablation catheter, to which is mounted a flexible, braided electrode. The electrode configuration is selected so that it has a desired surface area for proper heat convection properties. RF energy is delivered to the electrode to heat and thereby ablate local heart tissue, with the electrode having good convection abilities to protect against coagulation, embolisms, and other undesirable effects of ablation procedures.

Abstract: An endoscopic implement including two electrodes connected to the terminals of a high frequency generator and mounted to a distal end of an elongated insertion element. An insulator is disposed between and secured to the two electrodes. One of the electrodes is mounted to a lateral surface of the insulator at a location that is laterally spaced from an axis of the insertion element. The other electrode is mounted at a distal end of the insulator.

Abstract: A tip electrode for an ablation catheter mounted at the distal tip of an elongated catheter body member has a distal-end region and a proximal-end region. A tip thermal sensor is located at or near the apex of the distal-end region and one or more side thermal sensors are located near the surface of the proximal-end region. The electrode is preferably an assembly formed from a hollow dome-shaped shell with a core disposed within the shell. The side thermal sensor wires are electrically connected inside the shell and the core has a longitudinal channel for the side thermal sensor wires welded to the shell. The shell also preferably has a pocket in the apex of the shell, and the end thermal sensor wires pass through the core to the apex of the shell. Spaces between the shell and the core can be filled with epoxy resin. Alternatively, the electrode is formed of a solid metal having a plurality of bores for positioning thermal sensors at the tip and near the surface of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil comprises a main body portion forming a handle. A wire retaining passage is defined by the main body portion and has a wire-receiving opening and an electrode-receiving opening. A metal electrode tip is mounted at the electrode-receiving opening for engaging tissue in a surgical site to thereby coagulate the tissue. A wire enters the wire retaining passage is selectively connectable in electrically conductive relation through an electrical switch to the metal electrode tip. A substantially unobstructed airflow vent is defined substantially solely by the main body portion so as to extend from the electrode end to the exhaust end of the main body portion, and has an inlet disposed adjacent the electrode end of the main body portion and that is connected in fluid communication via the airflow vent to an outlet disposed adjacent the exhaust end of the main body portion.

Abstract: A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.

Abstract: A surgical device for severing tissue, the surgical device comprising; a first shaft having a first internal lumen and a first slot disposed at a distal end; a clamp slidingly disposed in the first slot between open and closed positions to capture tissue in the first slot, the clamp having a clamping surface disposed at a distal end; at least one electrode for applying RF energy to the tissue captured in the first slot; a cutting blade slidingly disposed in the first slot between open and closed positions, the cutting blade having a cutting edge to sever the tissue; first actuation means for actuating the clamp between the open and closed positions; and second actuation means for actuating the cutting blade between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A bipolar endoscopic instrument including a tubular stem having a distal end and a proximal end. The stem distal end supports two jaws that are pivotable relative to one another. The proximal end of the tubular stem has a bipolar hf plug inserted therein at an acute angle to a push/pull wire. The plug applies a bipolar output of a high-frequency (hf) voltage source into the inside of the instrument. The inserted end of the hf plug is shaped such that the plug contacts are axially insulated from each other and each plug contact touches an electrically conducting contact element inside the instrument which, in turn, is connected in electrically conducting manner to one of the two jaws. A unit is present inside the instrument and includes the two contact elements and an insulator electrically separating the contact elements. The hf plug engages the insulator while a particular plug contact touches a particular contact element.

Abstract: A device and method of loading a bone anchor into a bone-anchor inserter does not apply force on the leading point, the distal cutting edges or threads of the bone anchor. The bone-anchor loading device may, for example, include a main body including a gripping portion and, projecting therefrom, an elongated bone-anchor receiving member having a receiver fitting at a distal end thereof; an elongated sleeve coaxially disposed over the anchor-receiving member and configured for slidable translation thereover; and an interference fitting causing engagement between the sleeve and the anchor-receiving member when the sleeve is translated to an interference position with respect to the main body, the engagement further causing the receiver fitting to deform to releasably secure a bone anchor.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for an external fixation system includes a first clamp member receiving a first elongated and a second clamp member receiving a second elongated member. The first clamp member includes a first fastener rotatably in a first direction to lock the first elongated member relative to the first clamp member. A second fastener connects the first and second clamp members. The second fastener is rotatable in the first direction to independently lock the second elongated member relative to the second clamp member. The first fastener is hollow and the second fastener passes through the first fastener.

Abstract: A headed bioabsorbable tissue anchor has a continuous thread spiraling around a tapering central core. At the distal end, the headed bioabsorbable tissue anchor terminates in a flat point. At the proximal end, the bioabsorbable tissue anchor has a flat, disk-shaped head for engaging tissue, and slots formed in the head for engaging a driver. The headed bioabsorbable tissue anchor has a large thread surface per turn of thread. As the anchor is turned into bone for engaging cancellous bone, the disk-shaped head engages and anchors the tissue to the bone.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: The surgical instrument for tensioning a cable-like, a band-like or a cord-like tensioning element (5) comprises a manually actuatable lever system. Two levers (1, 2)—the first and the second actuation lever—are jointedly connected by a third lever (3). In a basic position of the system the tensioning element can be laid into a laying-in opening (15) of the first lever and into a clamping gap (32) at the second and at the third lever. One of the actuation levers (2) is formed in one section as a beam (20′, 21′) which is elastic in bending. The extent of a shape change of the beam can be measured. A relationship between this shape change and a tension in the tensioning element is known. The tension can be set as a result of this knowledge and of a measurement (209, 211; 8) of the shape change, or a means a tension monitor or sensor, serving for the same purpose is provided for determining a torque which acts at the corresponding actuation lever (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transverse connector having an assembly, which joins two spinal rods to form a spinal implant construct. The transverse connector has two members each having terminal clamping members such as opposing rod recesses each having a biasing setscrew, which locks the rod into position in the recess. The first of the two members has a bore, which receives the cylindrical extension of the other part so that it can move inward and outward and rotate in the bore. Further, the connector has a limiting mechanism, which comprises a vertical keyway which receives and captures the flanged end of the extension in a slot having opposed undercut areas so that the flanged end can be inserted into the keyway and slid downward toward the bore. The extension further has a second flanged area in order to avoid over-insertion of the second member into the first member.

Abstract: A fusionless method of treating spinal deformities in the spine of a child or young adult involves attaching a tether to vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Deformities are treated by using the tether to selectively constrain growth in a portion of the convex side of the spine. One device for tethering the spine is a combination of a strand threaded through channels defined in a set of blocks attached to the vertebral bodies on the convex side of the spine. Another device useful in the method is to attach spinal staples, preferably made of a shape memory alloy, to vertebral bodies, the staples spanning the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: A bone nail including a hollow shank which has at least one cross-bore to receive a bone screw. A retaining sleeve is inserted into the shank to receive one or more signal generators. The signal generators received in the sleeve are adapted to emit signals at a predetermined spacing from and in a predetermined alignment relative to the cross-bore wherein the retaining sleeve has recesses or through openings in its wall to accommodate the signal generators.

Abstract: A holder is provided which couples to the spine. In an embodiment, the holder has two conduits into which sleeves may be inserted during a spinal fusion procedure. The holder may have a distractor extending from the bottom of the holder. The distractor secures the holder to the spine and maintains a proper separation distance between adjacent vertebrae. The sides of the distractor may be serrated to better secure the holder to the spine. The sleeves and conduits serve as alignment guides for instruments and implants used during the procedure. In an embodiment, the holder may include holes for fasteners that fixably secure the holder to vertebrae adjacent to a disk space. A flange may be placed around the holder to shield surrounding tissue and to provide a placement location for adjacent blood vessels during the spinal fusion procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having at least one displacement element is provided for displacing bone parts. The apparatus includes an implantable, flat housing in which an adjusting device for the displacement element(s), embodied as bolts, is arranged. The adjusting device can be operated from outside the housing.

Abstract: A joint distraction device for facilitating joint arthroscopy disclosed. In the first embodiment of the invention, the distractor disclosed is a series of fluidly fillable spheroid members to form a toroid. The joint distractor is placed between articular cartilage surfaces and filled to hold the joint surfaces apart. In a second embodiment of the invention, a string of spheroidal members is disclosed. The spheroidal members have varying diameters and are used to separate the articular surfaces of a joint.

Abstract: A suture hook for use in arthroscopic repairs of the shoulder has a tapered shaft and a handle disposed on the proximal end of the shaft. An O-ring post for holding suture is disposed on the handle. A curved hook on the distal end of the shaft terminates in a sharp point for piercing tissue. A slot is formed distally on the convex side of the hook for receiving a loop of the suture. A length of suture loaded as a loop onto the suture anchor is held in the slot and secured by wrapping the suture tails around the O-ring post. The loaded suture hook is advanced through tissue by piercing the tissue with the sharp tip. The suture is then released from the post and the hook is retrograded leaving the loop of suture available for further surgical manipulation.

Abstract: Anastomotic connectors and apparatus for forming and/or maintaining connections between openings formed in anatomical structures, such as blood vessels. The apparatus is initially deployed in a first configuration which is sufficiently compact to be delivered through the lumen of a catheter or cannula. Thereafter, the device is expanded to a second configuration whereby it engages the anatomical structures and forms or maintains the desired connection between openings in the anatomical structures.

Abstract: Occlusion-removing devices that include an inflatable balloon for arresting blood flow and a occlusion-shearing element are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using these devices.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a high repetition pulsed microjet for use in medical applications. The device includes a stagnation chamber and a hydraulic pump for pumping a sterile fluid into the stagnation chamber. A flexible walled volume disposed in the stagnation chamber and filled with a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic piston is cyclically displaced towards/away from the stagnation chamber thereby increasing/decreasing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid on the flexible walled volume. In turn, the flexible walled volume is compressed and the sterile fluid is expelled through an orifice in the flexible walled volume under pressure producing the pulsed microjet. This process may be repeated to produce repetitive pulsed microjets. In addition, the flow conduction of the hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump and stagnation chamber may be controlled by inserting a blocking device therebetween.

Abstract: Devices and methods permit dilation of a track of a body to any of a plurality of diameters using a single integrated device that can reach any of a plurality of expanded diameters upon actuation by a user of an actuating mechanism which directs and controls the dilation of a dilating element to which it is connected by a dial and transmission mechanism. A variety of dials, transmission mechanisms and dilating elements are disclosed which may be combined in a variety of ways.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop, and a delivery sheath that permits the vascular device to be deployed in a “rapid exchange” mode. The articulation region comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop when the apparatus is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal.

Abstract: A distal protection and delivery system is used to collect and remove embolic debris in the blood vessel. The system includes a guidewire, a filter assembly, and a distal introducer. The distal introducer can be positioned on a distal end of an introducer catheter or an angioplasty catheter or other interventional catheter. The guidewire has a small ferrule or locking mechanism fixed to it that does not affect the flexibility, torqueability, or trackability in comparison to standard guidewires. The introducer containing the filter assembly is advanced over the guidewire to a site distal to the lesion. Upon retraction of the guidewire proximally, the ferrule latches with an ejector latch of the filter assembly. Either advancement of the guidewire distally or retraction of the distal introducer proximally allows the filter assembly to be ejected from the distal introducer and into the blood vessel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary placement of a filter in a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter delivery system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter having an elongate shaft and a tubular member disposed within a shaft lumen defined by the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft also includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall defining the shaft lumen. The tubular member has a first end fixed to the wall of the elongate shaft, and a second end disposed within the shaft lumen. The tubular member defines a guidewire lumen that is in fluid communication with a distal guidewire port defined by the second end of the tubular member. The catheter also includes a proximal guidewire port extending through the wall of the elongate shaft. A filter may be disposed within a distal portion of the shaft lumen. A distal end of a guidewire is fixed to the filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing distal protection during a medical procedure comprising a vascular filter having a self-expanding, porous foam body that conformably seals against a vessel wall and captures emboli within one or more recesses. The filter is coupled to a distal region of an elongated member, such as a guide wire. Delivery systems for use with filters of the present invention and methods of using the apparatus of the present invention also are provided.

Abstract: Miniature surgical forceps are formed from a one-piece tubular member by opposed longitudinal channels machined in a distal end thereof so as to establish a radially opposed pair of unitary forceps jaws. Most preferably, the opposed channels are formed in the distal end of the rigid tubular member by means of electron discharge machining (EDM) techniques. The resulting opposed cross-sectionally arcuate jaw sections may be bent and/or further shaped to achieve the desired final jaw configuration. The inner surfaces of the forceps jaws thereby established may have a filler material deposited in such a manner so as to change the overall shape and/or geometric configuration of the jaws and thereby engineer them to a specific surgical purpose.

Abstract: A method for placing a splint assembly transverse a heart chamber includes providing an elongate member having a first end and a second end and a deployable heart-engaging assembly connected to at least the first end. The method includes advancing the elongate member through vasculature structure and into the heart chamber such that the first end of the elongate member extends through a first location of a wall surrounding the heart chamber and the second end extends through a second location of the heart chamber wall substantially opposite the first location. A deployable heart-engaging assembly is deployed such that it engages with a first exterior surface portion of the heart chamber wall adjacent the first location. The elongate member is secured with respect to the heart with a second heart-engaging assembly connected to the second end. The second heart-engaging assembly engages with a second exterior surface portion of the heart chamber wall adjacent the second location.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a tissue or muscle wall defect includes a plurality of petals connected to one another at a common center. The petals are arranged in circular fashion and cooperate to form a substantially flat disc. The petals are also arranged in an overlapping manner such that each of the petals is movable relative to an adjacent pair of the petals. The petals are sized and shaped such that at least some of the petals come in direct contact with a surrounding structure of a tissue defect when the prosthesis is inserted therein.

Abstract: A surgical staple is provided having a base portion and a respective leg extending from each end of the base portion and terminating at a free end. The base portion is deformable to bring the free ends of the legs together to penetrate a liquid-carrying vessel at the site of a puncture and hold the opposite edges of the puncture together. The base portion and legs lie in substantially a common plane except for a center portion (40C) of the base portion which is deformed in a loop in a direction perpendicular to the common plane. The center portion of the staple allows the staple to straddle a blood locator tube projecting from the end of a stapler, so that the staple can be closed at the center of a puncture wound in which the tube is located. A method for stapling is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating material for surgical sutures which comprises as essential ingredients a copolymer having repeating units of lactic acid and &egr;-caprolacton and calcium stearate; and a surgical suture comprising a lactic acid/&egr;-caprolacton copoymer in which a lactide/&egr;-caprolacton ratio is (70-85 mol %)/(30-15 mol %) and the number of &egr;-caprolacton repeating unit is 2.5 or greater on the average.

Abstract: A stent is a device that is adapted to be implanted into narrowed portions of hollow vessels of a body. The stent (1) comprises a stent body (2) that has at least two different wall thicknesses (WE, WH). The different wall thicknesses result in different flexibility characteristics of the stent in the longitudinal direction. Thus the stent according to the invention prevents irritations of the wall of the vessel in the area of the implanted stent, whereby the risk of restenosis in said area can be reduced considerably.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantating in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen.

Abstract: An angioplasty stent comprises a body comprising a plurality of successive segments connected in pairs by bridge means so that the successive segments can be oriented relative to one another for the purposes of bending of the body in any direction defined by a linear combination of respective orientation axes defined by the bridge connection means. During the radial expansion of the stent, the axial contraction of the segments resulting from the opening-out of the respective loops is compensated by axial projection of the bridge elements from the respective concave portions. The wall of the body comprises arms for supporting a lumen as well as regions which are selectively deformable during the expansion of the stent, the arms and the selectively deformable regions having different cross-sections and/or cross-sectional areas. At least one portion of the body may have a substantially reticular structure, the branches of which define geometrical figures identifiable as fractals.

Abstract: A two-optic accommodative lens system. The first lens has a negative power and is located posteriorly within the capsular bag and laying against the posterior capsule. The periphery of the first optic contains a pair of generally T-shaped haptics having a generally rectangular slot within the top portion of the “T”. The second optic is located anteriorly to the first optic outside of the capsular bag and is of a positive power. The peripheral edge of the second optic contains a pair of encircling haptics having a notched tab sized and shape to fit within the slots in the haptics on the first optic to lock the second optic onto the first optic. Hinge structures on the encircling haptics allow the second optic to move relative to the first optic along the optical axis of the lens system in reaction to movement of the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: Intraocular lens combinations are provided which include a first optic having a negative optical power and being adapted to be placed in a substantially fixed position in a mammalian eye. A second optic having a higher optical power than the first optic is provided. In addition, a movement assembly is provided which is coupled to the second optic and is adapted to cooperate with the eye to effect accommodating movement of the second optic in the eye. Very effective accommodation is provided with the present intraocular lens combination. The present combinations can be effectively positioned to effectively inhibit or reduce the risk of posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

Abstract: An intraocular lens having an optic and a plurality of fixation members coupled to the optic. The fixation members are adapted to flex about points located closer to the outer edge of the IOL than to the optic. The fixation members may have a converging width intermediate region projecting outward from the optic and a pair of leg portions extending generally perpendicularly thereto. The leg portions include foot members and flex radially inward with respect to the intermediate region. Because the optic and intermediate regions are relatively stable, the leg portions flex inward but the optic does not vault or bow upon a compressive fit within the surrounding eye.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for autologous or artificial tendon grafts comprises an insertion element and a stabilizing element. The insertion element has a stem and a head containing an aperture large enough to receive a graft. The stabilizing element is adapted to be embedded in bone, and comprises a sleeve with a cavity arranged to receive and hold the insertion element stem. In use, the stabilizing element is affixed in the bone, and the stem of the insertion element is placed therein. A tendon graft may be secured to the insertion element either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element. Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implant (2) for replacing a vertebra at least-partially, consisting of two parts (4, 6) adapted to be mutually connected while enabling the adjustment of the implant total dimension (L), each part having an invariable dimension (m, f) homologous with the implant total dimension (L). The parts (4, 6) form a screw-nut connection with each other.

Abstract: A trochlear implant for a prosthetic knee, a prosthetic knee system and a method for using the prosthetic knee system are disclosed. The trochlear implant mounts to the knee end of a femur and cooperates with a patellar implant mounted to the back side of a patella. The patellar implant is a component of a prosthesis including a femoral implant for replacing the knee end of the femur. The trochlear implant has an articulation surface shaped to slidably receive a portion of the patellar implant. The articulation surface is substantially similar in shape to a portion of a surface of the femoral implant such that the patellar implant is capable of being used with the femoral implant and the trochlear implant.

Abstract: An implant and method for replacement of the proximal portion of a femur, and specifically for replacement of the natural femoral head is provided. The implant includes a body member for insertion, in use, through the natural femoral neck and in substantial alignment therewith; a head member with a spherical portion for engagement with a natural or a prosthetic hip socket; a joining portion for joining the head member to the body member; and a rod for insertion, in use, through the transverse passage of the body member. The rod is designed such that it has a cross-sectional configuration that contacts the cortical surfaces in the bone and inhibits micro-motion within the bone. In addition, the transverse passage of the body member is configured to complement the configuration of the rod such that the need for stabilizing screws toward the distal end of the rod is eliminated when the implant is assembled within the patient.

Abstract: An implantable, biocompatible, osteogenic bone graft comprises at least one zone of impermeability to soft tissue ingrowth which is integral with the bone graft. Application of the bone graft to a bone repair site leads to selective rapid new bone ingrowth and inhibits or prevents soft tissue, e.g., gingival, epithelial, connective and/or muscle tissue, ingrowth in those areas adjacent to the zone(s) of impermeability to soft tissue ingrowth. The bone graft can be employed in a wide variety of bone repair procedures.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a well-defined pore structure to allow uninterrupted ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a vacuum impregnation technique, a paste molding technique, a paste extrusion technique, a dip coating technique, and a melt extrusion technique. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.

Abstract: A system is described for converting full motion video (102) into multiple markup language (HTML, WML, BHTML) presentations (140) targeted to different devices (144-152) and users. The markup language presentations (140) consist of different combinations of important visuals, audio and transcript of the full motion video (102), depending on the audio and visual/text display capability of the devices (144-152) and the user's requirements (112, 116). The important visuals are keyframes selected (118) from the video (102) based on significance measure (114, 112) associated to different segments in the video (102). The combinations of audio, visuals and transcript can be played in a synchronous/asynchronous manner. The user can control the rate of visuals and transcript displayed.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for identifying features of multidimensional image data in hypermedia systems a multidimensional image, secondary image map and object index associate a program action with each object defined in an image.