Abstract: An adjustable dressing wrap made from an elastic, porous, breathable mesh material, mounted on a framework including two substantially vertically-oriented fasteners along its left and right ends, and two substantially horizontally-extending elastic members, wherein the framework is substantially more rigid than the elastic mesh material when it is placed on the patient. The horizontally-extending elastic members may be adjusted by tightening around the body part such that the elastic mesh material may support and maintain the wound dressings in place.

Abstract: An adjustable abduction apparatus, including a cushion for being received against the torso, a sling pouch attached to the cushion for maintaining a limb and shoulder of the wearer in an abducted position, and a support connected to the pouch for immobilizing the limb and shoulder in the abducted position and distributing the weight of the abducted limb evenly across the torso of the wearer. A waist strap is carried by the cushion and releasaby secures the apparatus against the torso. A back strap interconnects the waist strap and the sling pouch and extends therebetween generally parallel to the spinal column of the wearer for supporting the sling pouch and maintaining the limb and shoulder in the abducted position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-vivo plasmapheresis utilizing a plurality of elongated hollow microporous filter fibers periodically interrupt diffusion of blood plasma from a patient, and, for a selected time, backflush fluid into the fibers at a pressure and interval sufficient to cleanse the fiber pores, after which plasma diffusion is resumed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single lumen gastro-intestinal tube for use in both delivering nutrition into the gastro-intestinal tract and aspirating excess materials from the gastro-intestinal tract. The single lumen tube may be delivered into the gastro-intestinal tract transnasally or surgically. The single lumen tube in accordance with the present invention includes a one-way valve which permits nutrition or other fluids to flow out of the tube and into the gastro-intestinal tract but which closes to prevent materials from being aspirated from the gastro-intestinal tract through the one-way valve. The single lumen tube also includes aspiration pores located proximately from the one-way valve. The aspiration pores perform the aspiration of air and excessive materials from the gastro-intestinal tract. Preferably, the aspiration pores are sized so as to filter any solids present in the gastro-intestinal tract from the aspirated material.

Abstract: A plasma-collecting devise comprises a blood-filtering element having a blood-drawing needle and a communicating needle, a vacuum blood-drawing tube, and a contracting and expanding element connecting the blood-filtering unit and the vacuum blood-drawing tube. The device enables blood drawing from blood vessel and blood filtering continuously to obtain plasma.

Abstract: A feeding set adaptor and related system for delivering solutions utilize a feeding set adaptor which engages a pump engaging portion of an infusion set and the feeding set adaptor structure to provide monitoring portions for detecting pressures within the infusion set, a sample cell for determining the presence of air within an infusion set, and an anti-freeflow device for selectively preventing freeflow through the infusion set. The feeding set adaptor is configured for mounting on an infusion pump which moves solution through the infusion set for delivery to a patient.

Abstract: The catheter comprises a catheter tube formed of two superposed tubular layers of materials which differ from one another. A tubular mediator layer is arranged between the layers to provide an adhesive anchorage for the layers.

Abstract: A low cost portable dosing apparatus enables the dispensing rate to be changed while enabling solution to be continuously dispensed to the body. The solution to be dispensed into the body is stored in a tank unit. A pump unit pumps the solution from the tank unit into the body of the patient. A controller controls pump unit operation. The tank unit, pump unit, and controller are attached to a wrist strap so that they can be easily connected and disconnected from each other. A compact, thin ultrasonic motor with high output per unit size drives the pump unit. A smaller pump unit is thus available, improving the portability of the apparatus. The ultrasonic motor is also substantially free of misoperation resulting from exposure to magnetic fields because the ultrasonic motor is not magnetically driven. Reliability is therefore improved.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with jaws of the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: An occlusion detection system detects an occlusion in a fluid path of an infusion pump. The infusion pump is for delivering fluid to a user. The infusion pump includes a housing, a motor, a reservoir, one or more drive train components, a sensor, and an electronics system. The motor is contained within the housing. The reservoir contains the fluid to be delivered. The one or more drive train components react to stimulus from the motor to force the fluid from the reservoir into the user. The sensor is positioned to measure a parameter associated with the motor or a drive train component, and the sensor produces three or more output levels across a range of measurements. The electronics system processes the sensor output levels to declare when an occlusion exists.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for delivering an intra-bodily medical device to an internal bodily site. The delivery catheter includes an elongated shaft defining a proximal section and a distal section. A delivery lumen is formed by the shaft, extending from the proximal section and terminating at an opening formed proximal the distal section. Finally, a locator is formed by the distal section, and is configured to locate a target site. In one preferred embodiment, the locator is elongated, having a diameter less than that of a remainder of the shaft. In another preferred embodiment, the delivery catheter includes a steering device capable of effectuating a bend both proximal and distal the opening for steering the locator to a target site.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes a plurality of projections configured so that they enter the subcutaneous region of the patients skin and provides a painless means of creating a breach in the stratum corneum which is sealed against leakage by the skin surrounding each projection and provides a flow path for either a basal and bolus injection of medication. The pump includes a drug reservoir containing a drug. The pump includes a microactuator and includes a housing having a foundation or lid which opens and closes so that the medication container can be inserted and supported in a delivery mode position. A micro actuator is used to advance either a roller or a piston in communication with the medication container. Attached to the micro-actuator is a device that is mounted for movement along the access of the medication container. The device indexes along the medication container that is used to dispense the medication.

Abstract: An automatically shieldable blood collection set is provided. The blood collection set includes a needle assembly having a hub to which a needle cannula is fixedly attached. The needle hub includes a fin formed with a latch. A safety shield is telescoped relative to the hub and the needle cannula and can be moved from a proximal position where the needle cannula is exposed to a distal position where the needle cannula is safely shielded. The latch on the fin releasably engages the shield when the shield is in the proximal position. A spring is provided between the shield and the hub to propel the shield distally relative to the hub and into surrounding relationship with the needle cannula in response to movement of the latch.

Abstract: An automatically shieldable blood collection set is provided. The blood collection set includes a needle assembly having a hub to which a needle cannula is fixedly attached. A safety shield is telescoped relative to the hub and the needle cannula and can be moved from a first position where the needle cannula is exposed to a second position where the needle cannula is safely shielded. A spring is provided between the shield and the hub to propel at least one of the shield and the hub into the second position. A retainer is provided for releasably holding the shield and the hub in the first position. A resiliently deflectable dorsal fin projects from the hub and through a slot in the shield. The dorsal fin can be deflected to release the retainer and permit the spring to drive the shield end up to the second position. The slot in the shield is configured to lockingly engage the dorsal fin when the shield and the hub are in the second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating dry eye or increasing contact lens wear time through the transdermal delivery of androgenic hormones to the adnexa of the eye. More specifically, an androgenic hormone such as testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone is solubilized in pharmaceutically effective carrier such as a facial cream or gel. The androgenic hormone in a pharmaceutically effective carrier is applied to the adnexa of the eye, which is the tissue adjacent to and surrounding the eyeball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container device (1) for collecting urine. The container device comprises a holding member (5), a flexible container (1), connected to the holding member (5), which is arranged to receive the urine and a superabsorbent powder (4) enclosed is said flexible container, (1) and arranged to make the urine congeal. Said superabsorbent powder (4) is enclosed in the flexible container (1), in a package (3) which is manufactured in a urine soluble material.

Abstract: A fill spout for a drainage device is disclosed which permits the user to supply water directly to a water seal chamber of the drainage device for establishing a water seal therein. The fill spout comprises a funnel having lateral sides for facilitating the entry of the water into the drainage device, a depending lip extending from the fill spout for preventing any run off or spillage, and a tab having an arcuate-shaped rest which permits the user to open and close the fill spout. In use, the user pulls the tab which opens the fill spout and places a water-filled bottle against the rest. The user then pours a predetermined amount of water through the funnel and directly into the water seal chamber.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch (10) is described having an automatic pressure relief valve (82) which opens and closes automatically in response to the differential gas pressure across the valve to vent flatus. In one form, the valve comprises a diaphragm which seals against a seat by the use of a tacky gel or oil. The diaphragm is pinched towards one side and flexes as a flap. In one preferred form, the valve (84) is used in combination with a deodorizing filter (82). The filter may be mounted co-axially with the valve, or it may be mounted separately and offset from the valve. A sub-envelope assembly (80) is described carrying the valve (84) and the filter (82) and defining a buffer volume between the valve and filter to compensate for the different flow characteristics of the valve and filter.

Abstract: A method for making a customized ostomy appliance including an adhesive wafer having the steps of measuring the outer periphery of the stoma of the patient, recording the information relating to the measurements of the stoma area, transforming the recorded information into electronic form, and utilizing the electronic information to select physical attributes of the ostomy device and have physical attributes selected in accordance with the measurement information transferred to the ostomy appliance. According to the method, the measurement information is utilized for printing a customized cutting guide pattern on a material for adhering to the adhesive wafer, offering a simple and efficient method of customizing ostomy appliances.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a garment facing surface which includes a first zone of vapor permeability which defines a water vapor transmission rate of from about 100 to about 2500 g/sq.m/24 hr and a second zone of vapor permeability which defines a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 3000 g/sq.m/24 hr. The article may include a substantially liquid impermeable, vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent body located between the backsheet and topsheet, and a vapor permeable barrier layer located between the absorbent body and the backsheet. The barrier layer is smaller in size than the backsheet. In such a configuration, the first zone of vapor permeability comprises the portion of the backsheet which overlays the barrier layer and the second zone of vapor permeability comprises the portion of the backsheet which extends beyond the barrier layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorptive article including: a body including a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent layer sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet; and wing members disposed on two side portions of the body and extending outwards in the widthwise direction from the body. The wing members are jointed to the two side portions of the body while being sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, a training pant, an adult incontinence article, a bed mate, or the like is capable of rapidly transporting urine away from its acquisition zone. In particular the absorbent article stores a fraction of the acquired liquid outside of its acquisition region which fraction remains relatively unchanged between 20 percent and 100 percent load of the article. A process for handling urine in the absorbent article comprises a step of transporting a relatively constant fraction of the acquired liquid away from the acquisition zone of the article.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid-impermeable topsheet, a liquid-permeable backsheet and an absorbent core therebetween. A pair of barrier cuffs which are elastically extendable in a longitudinal direction of the diaper are provided along transversely opposite side flaps of the diaper. Front and rear ends of the barrier cuffs are bonded to the diaper at longitudinally opposite ends thereof. Outer side edges of the barrier cuffs are bonded to outer edges of the flaps and inner side edges of the barrier cuffs are bonded to the flaps along lines defined between the outer side edges and transversely opposite side edges of the core. Each of the barrier cuffs has a dimension between the outer and inner side edges thereof selected to be larger than a dimension of the flap between the outer and inner side edges thereof.

Abstract: A bag arrangement for intermixing two, separately stored substances. The bag arrangement includes a bag having a jacket defining an inner chamber for accommodating a first substance and a piercing device having a chamber in which the jacket is received. A single piercing member is provided on one side of the jacket and a hollow abutment is located opposite the piercing member on an opposite side of the jacket and forms a receptacle for accommodating a second substance. Upon actuation of the piercing device, the piercing member pierces the opposite sides of the jacket providing for intermixing of the first and second substances.

Abstract: In a method for autologous myocardial implantation treatment, a donor area of a patient containing healthy skeletal muscle is located. Myocyte micro granules are retrieved from the donor area using a retrieval device and either directly implanted into an implantation area of the patient's myocardium, or they are transferred to an implantation device and then implanted. No intervening cell culturing is performed between myocyte micro granule retrieval and implantation. A retrieval device that may be used to retrieve the myocyte micro granules from the donor area includes one or more extraction probes each having a distal tip adapted to be inserted into the skeletal muscle of the donor area. The retrieval device further includes a retrieval system that causes each distal tip to withdraw a myocyte micro granule upon removal thereof from the donor area.

Abstract: A biological agent delivery device for delivering biological agents includes a sheath having a longitudinally extending wall surrounding an interior region, and a closed tip at a distal end. A flexible pouch formed in the sheath wall for containing a biological agent is capable of being displaced radially outwardly for radially displacing the biological agent.

Abstract: An operating tool (1, 1a) for use in the operating room comprises a grip part (2, 2a) and a tool part (3, 3a) which is firmly connected to this grip part (2, 2a), with the connection of the grip part (2, 2a) and the tool part (3, 3a) being formed as a releasable connection.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a method of mapping the surgical functions of the microsurgical system to a foot controller operatively coupled with the system, are disclosed. The microsurgical system includes a computer, a foot controller operatively coupled to the computer, and a touch screen display operatively coupled to the computer. The foot controller has a plurality of switches. Each of the switches is for controlling a surgical function of the microsurgical system and for actuation by a user's foot. The touch screen display has the ability to display a graphic representation of the foot controller including the plurality of switches, and to display a list of surgical functions so that the list is associated with the graphical representation of one of the plurality of switches. By touching one of the surgical functions in the list, a user can exchange the surgical functions associated with any two of the plurality of switches on the foot controller.

Abstract: A method for treating wrinkles in skin involves the use of a beam of pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation, directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between 100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region. The beam of radiation has a wavelength of between 1.3 and 1.8 microns. The method may include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region while partially denaturing the collagen in the targeted dermal region. The method may also include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region prior to thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.

Abstract: A photonic scanning and delivery system capable of controllable transmission of light energy to an irregularly shaped treatment area are disclosed. The desired uniformity (controllability) of light energy application is ensured by a tracking device, which monitors the position of the radiation applicator and thereby prevents over- or under-radiation. The system employs a light energy delivery hand-piece. By these means, structures in the lower dermis are irradiated. Because of the large size of the treatment area, damage to surface tissue is avoided. The hand-piece can operate while in contact with the treatment surface. Treatment surfaces include non-medical work sites. Alternatively, the hand-piece can operate in a non-contact mode. The system can also be used in non-medical applications such as UV curing.

Abstract: A myocardial revascularization device has a catheter suitable for use in a myocardial revascularization procedure, the catheter including an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and tissue-ablating means housed at least partially within the catheter and capable of effectuating tissue ablation adjacent the distal end of the catheter. The device further has an optical reflectance fiber housed within the catheter and coupled to an optical reflectance system. The device is operative to transmit a reflectance signal in the optical reflectance fiber, the reflectance signal including either short optical pulses or low-coherence light. The optical reflectance system is operative to gauge tissue ablation, measure a thickness of tissue adjacent the catheter, and/or determine a position of the distal end relative to adjacent tissue using either of optical time-domain reflectance or optical coherence interferometry.

Abstract: An RF treatment apparatus includes a catheter with a catheter lumen. A removable needle electrode is positioned in the catheter lumen in a fixed relationship to the catheter. The needle electrode includes a needle lumen and a needle electrode distal end. A removable introducer is slidably positioned in the needle lumen. The introducer includes an introducer distal end. A first sensor is positioned on a surface of the needle electrode or the insulator. An RF power source is coupled to the needle electrode and a return electrode. An insulator sleeve is slidably positioned around the electrode and includes a second sensor. Resources are associated with the electrodes, sensors as well as the RF power source for maintaining a selected power at the electrode independent of changes in current or voltage.

Abstract: An intravascular device and methods for forming multiple percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) holes in a heart chamber wall simultaneously. One device includes a basket formed of flexible arms carrying cutting probes over their length. The basket arms are outwardly arcuately biased so as to assume an outwardly bowed, arcuate shape when unconstrained. The device includes an inner shaft distally secured to a proximal portion of the basket and slidably disposed within an outer shaft. The inner shaft and collapsed basket can be retracted within the outer shaft, delivered intravascularly to the left ventricle, and distally advanced, forcing the basket to assume the bowed shape. Radio frequency current supplied to the electrical cutting probes burn holes into the ventricle wall and myocardium. One embodiment has high pressure fluid jet cutting means. Another embodiment uses a basket as an anchor to position a steerable cutting probe.

Abstract: A bottom-loading multi-axial bone anchor apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver member, a crown member, a bone anchor and a retaining member. The receiver member defines an upper opening and a lower opening, which may form part of the same opening, a channel, and a groove. The crown member and bone anchor are loaded into the lower opening of the receiver member, and the retaining member fits around the bone anchor and into the groove in the receiver member. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial positioning with respect to the receiver member. An elongated member is placed in the channel of the receiver member, contacting the crown member, and a compression member is applied via the upper opening. The compression member presses down on the elongated member, which presses down on the crown member and locks the bone anchor between the crown member and the retaining member.

Abstract: A vertebra correcting and fixing device including: a vertebra fixing screw to be threadedly connected to a vertebra; A movable spherical body which can be combined with this vertebra fixing screw; and a clamping screw threadedly connected to the movable spherical body. The movable spherical body is substantially spherical, has a split through-hole formed in the diametrical direction thereof, and also has a screw hole extending at right angles to tho split through hole and communicating therewith. Provision is made such that the clamping screw is threadedly connected to this screw hole. The vertebra fixing screw is provided at one end thereof with a threaded portion and at the other end thereof with a groove-shape scat portion for receiving and holding the movable spherical body. The seat portion is capable of rotatably holding the spherical body.

Abstract: An apparatus for persuading an orthopedic rod into position in an orthopedic device such as an implant or coupling element is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body, a pusher member and a trigger slidingly coupling the pusher member to the body. The pusher member includes a slide and sleeve attached to the slide. The sleeve includes at least one pusher bar. A ratchet controls the translation of the pusher member along the body to urge the rod into position in the orthopedic device. The pusher member and body define a cannula so that a fastener may be inserted once the rod is in position. The apparatus is operable via a single hand. In addition, a method of urging an orthopedic rod into a recess of an orthopedic device using the rod persuader is provided.

Abstract: Fixation devices for stabilization and fusion of the lamina after laminoplasty are described. The device comprises of a plate with several holes that receive bone fasteners. The plate is curved at the ends to contour to the vertebral structure and has a spacer in the middle to engage the displaced lamina in a fixed position. Several fixation devices for dynamically stabilizing the lamina after either the open door, double door or expansive laminoplasty technique are provided.

Abstract: A bone anchor and methods for using same to secure connective tissue, such as tendons, to bone are disclosed which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. The bone anchor of the invention incorporates a deformable body that creates an increased anchor body diameter after it is inserted into the cancellous bone and deployed beneath the cortical surface of the bone. The increased body diameter, by virtue of its intrinsic geometry, creates both axial and rotational fixation of the bone anchor or suture fixation point.

Abstract: A nail fixation system and method for the fixation of fractures of the distal radius. The system has a nail inserter and a plurality of arcuate nails, each nail having a head end and a pointed end. Each nail is secured by its head end in the nail inserter and fed through one of several holes cut into the distal radius proximal to the fracture. The curvature of each nail and the angulation of each hole allows each nail to travel through the medullary canal of the radius and then have its point be positioned in a specific site internally on the distal epiphysis. Once the distal radius is fixed the entire wrist is placed in a cast for several weeks until the radius is healed sufficiently for the removal of the nails.

Abstract: A bone anchor placement device includes a handle and a shaft extending in a distal direction from the handle. A head is disposed at a distal end of the shaft and a retractable anchor driver is disposed within the head. The recessed anchor mount is operable to advance from the head during placement of an anchor in to a supporting structure. The recessed anchor mount is operable to retract into the head during insertion of the placement device within a human body. The recessed anchor mount may include a push wire for advancing and retracting the retractable anchor mount.

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

Abstract: A circumcision instrument has two cylindrical hollow members telescopically engageable with each other. The first cylindrical member carries a sharp blade on its proximate end; the second cylindrical member has a stapling mechanism mounted inside for stapling the circumcised foreskin and reducing bleeding. The foreskin is pushed back from the head of the penis to lie against the outer wall of the first cylindrical member; then the second cylindrical member is moved to extend in part over the cut area where tissue-absorbable staples are applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing plaque, fatty deposits, and other occlusions from blood vessels using ultrasonic energy. The method and apparatus has particular application in removing plaque from the carotid artery in a non-thermal manner. The apparatus is designed to have as small a cross-sectional profile as possible, therefore allowing the apparatus to be used in a minimally-invasive manner. As a result, the apparatus can be used in both surgical and outpatient treatment with minimal post-operative complications and minimal damage to areas other than the area of treatment. An ultrasonic probe may include aspiration channels on its outer surface. An aspiration sheath may surround the ultrasonic probe, such that the location of an aspiration port may be varied axially relative to the ultrasonic tip.

Abstract: Thrombectomy and other treatments are achieved using a catheter having a positioning cage and a macerator within the positioning cage. The catheter is introduced to a target body lumen, typically a blood vessel, and a positioning cage deployed at a treatment site. The macerator is then operated to disrupt thrombus, clot, or other occlusive materials at the treatment site, and the catheter is used to collect and remove the disruptive materials from the body lumen. In particular examples, the macerator may be radially expansible and optionally rotated and/or axially translated within the positioning cage to effect disruption of the occlusive material.

Abstract: A medical graft connector or plug is made, for example, by cutting end portions of a tube of highly elastic material axially at numerous locations spaced circumferentially around the tube to produce a plurality of fingers which extend axially from each end of an uncut medial portion of the tube. The fingers are deflected radially outwardly from the medial portion and set in that condition. For a graft connector, the medial portion is coaxially connected to an end portion of a tubular graft. The connector is then installed through an aperture in the side wall of a patient's tubular body conduit, for example, by using a delivery tube in which the fingers are elastically deflected back to approximately their initial positions. When the delivery conduit is withdrawn from the connector, the fingers spring out to engage the inner and outer surfaces of the body conduit wall.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting blood vessels includes a endoscopic barrel including a plurality of lumens, one of the lumens being dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one integrated member for dissecting and cauterizing a blood vessel. The at least one integrated member includes two fingers having distally curved ends. Movement of each of the fingers is independently controlled by a control mechanism disposed within the handle. More specifically, a control rod extends between the handle and each of the fingers such that movement of the control mechanism between a first position and a second position produces a predetermined movement of the respective finger.

Abstract: A balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument is described wherein the balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transmission rod and an ultrasonically actuated blade attached to the distal end of the ultrasonic transmission rod. According to the present invention, the ultrasonically actuated blade includes a treatment portion and a balance portion. The treatment portion has a functional feature such as, for example, a triangular blade which makes the treatment portion asymmetric. The balance portion includes a singular asymmetric balance feature designed and positioned to balance out any undesirable torque generated by the treatment portion. The balance portion further extends generally from a node point on the ultrasonic transmission rod to the proximal end of the treatment portion.

Abstract: A device for puncturing the skin of a patient. The device includes first and second protrusions, each protrusion puncturing the skin when pressed against the skin. The first and second protrusions are arranged such that the first protrusion punctures the skin at a location less than a predetermined distance from the second protrusion. The distance is chosen to be less than the discriminatable distance between distinct pain perception points in the patient, such that the patient perceives a single puncture when the first and second protrusions puncture the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a base lip that applies a lateral force to the skin when the base lip is pressed against the skin. In this embodiment, the protrusions are pressed into the skin as the base lip is pressed against the skin.

Abstract: A stent and a method for fabricating the stent are disclosed. The stent has an originally flat pattern and connection points where the sides of the flat pattern are joined. The method includes the steps of a) cutting a stent pattern into a flat piece of metal thereby to produce a metal pattern, b) deforming the metal pattern so as to cause two opposing sides to meet, and c) joining the two opposing sides at least at one point. Substantially no portion of the stent projects into the lumen of the stent when the stent is expanded against the internal wall of a blood vessel.