Abstract: Persons in the elderly population, those with low bone mineral density and those at risk for or who suffer from osteoporosis are in need of resistance training with weight-bearing and can receive the benefits of resistance training with weight-bearing by wearing a jacket with weight inserted into the weight-bearing pockets while walking or performing routine daily activities. The novelty of the pockets is in their 45 degree angle and placement. The jacket provides the benefits of weight-bearing with resistance training which can help with the ailments associated with aging, decrease or stop the loss of bone volume density associated with osteoporosis, increase muscle coordination, increase muscle mass and improve balance.

Abstract: A seat bound exercise system provides resistive rotational motion of the ankle to combat potentially fatal problems such as lower leg thrombosis. The system comprises an attachment member with upper and lower ends. The lower end is provided with a bore and extends to a ground surface. A support cylinder with a top end, a bottom end, an inner edge and an outer edge is provided. The bottom end has a coaxial bore allowing rotatable coupling with a bore of the attachment members with a pin. A handle bar, including a cylindrical receiving bar and a cylindrical intermediate portion, is provided next. The receiving bar has a lower portion telescoping over and coupled to the top ends of the support cylinders and upper portion. The intermediate bar telescopes over and is coupled to the receiving bar. Also included is a source of resistance force with piston rods. A foot pedal with a foot receiving portion is provided.

Abstract: A handle for use with an elastomeric tube in a resistance exercise device is generally U-shaped with a grip removably secured between opposite ends of the handle. A frusto-conical throat is defined through the nadir of the U-shape and receives one end of the tube. A retainer ball of greater diameter than the tube is inserted into one diametrically stretched end of the tube. The diameter of the retainer ball is smaller than the large diameter proximal end of the throat but greater than the small diameter distal end of the throat. With the end of the tube stretched about the retainer ball, the ball compresses the tube wall against the frusto-conical throat wall with a force that increases as the tension in the tube increases (i.e., as the tube is pulled distally). As a result, the tube is prevented from becoming loose and becoming disengaged from the handle during use.

Abstract: A pair of handles are provided for attachment to an exercising apparatus having at least one that cable that provides resistance to a force exerted on the cable. Each handle is formed of a handgrip of a size suitable for grasping in the hand of a user. Each handle also includes a single, solid, rigid rod bent to define a straight, cylindrical grip attachment portion that fits within the hand grip, a straight proximal portion that is inclined relative to the grip attachment portion at two angles, considered in two orthogonal planes of reference, both of which contain the axis of the grip attachment portion, an arcuately curved intermediate portion, and a straight, distal portion. An omnidirectional cable coupling is provided at the distal portion of the rod. The rods are formed in mirror image to each other, considered in the second reference plane.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that includes a cross brace having a first end and an opposing second end, first and second side frames pivotally attached to the opposite ends of the cross brace, a bungee cord with handle having opposite ends received in openings in the bottom horizontal braces of the side frames, and at least four rollers secured to the front vertical supports of the side frames and. The cross brace has a pair of spaced apart rigid mid bars joined to and extending perpendicularly downward from the cross brace. Each side frame has a top horizontal brace support acting as a handle bar, a bottom horizontal brace support too acting as handle having an opening defined therethrough, a front vertical support linking the top horizontal brace support to the bottom horizontal brace support, and a rear vertical support linking the front vertical support to the bottom horizontal brace support.

Abstract: A back strengthening apparatus having first and second horizontal base members attached perpendicularly to one another, a support member for supporting a user's lower trunk area and means for securing the support member in vertical position above the horizontal base members, and a planar support plate adjoining the securing means. The support member includes at least one indentation for positioning and supporting a user's lower trunk area during exercise.

Abstract: An exerciser has a base and a rocking plate. The rocking plate is rotatably attached to the base with a ball joint. Consequently, a user can swing or twist body, rotate ankles and develop feet muscles when the user steps on the rocking plate to keep balance. The exerciser can exercise the lower part of the body of a user. This exerciser is more versatile than the prior art.

Abstract: A precision tether adjuster for use with a rebound board, an exercising device including the tether adjuster, and a method for achieving high levels of aerobic exercise in an enjoyable fashion using the device. The device includes a rebound board, and a precision tether adjuster having first strip of hook-and-loop fastening material attached to the rebound board, and a tether having a first end attached to a ball and a second end attached to a second, mating strip of hook-and-loop fastening material. The excess length of the tether is wrapped around the second strip, which is mated horizontally across the first strip at the appropriate vertical level for the user. The length and vertical position of the tether are now optimized to suit the user's requirements, and the tether is secured firmly between the mating strips of hook-and-loop fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end packing (20, 40, 60, 70, 80) for a deflection compensated roll. The roll including a stationary shaft (1) and a roll shell (2), bearing-mounted rotatably therearound and having each end thereof provided with a shaft-enclosing annular end cap (3). The end cap (3) has its surface internal in the axial direction of the roll or its surface external in the axial direction formed with a sealing surface (10, 50, 61, 71, 81). The end packing elements (20, 40, 60, 70, 80) are provided with an annular packing member (12; 42; 62; 72; 82) extending around the shaft (2) and including a front face, which is directed towards said sealing surface (10, 50, 61, 71, 81) and which is in contact with the sealing surface (10, 50) or separated from the sealing surface (61, 71, 81) by a gap constituting an axially directed narrow slot.

Abstract: A roll has a base material layer, a front surface layer, and stress relaxation layer. The base material layer is made of low hardness rubber material and provided on an outer circumference of a metal core. The stress relaxation layer is provided on the base material layer and made of material which is at least higher in hardness than the base material layer and larger in stretch than the front surface layer. The front surface layer is made of resin material and provided on the stress relaxation layer. The stress relaxation layer is made of rubber material containing self-crosslinking resin. The stress relaxation layer has a thickness in a range of from 5 to 50 &mgr;m, and stress not lower than 5 MPa at 10% stretch.

Abstract: A method for making a cigarette container wherein a hollow container body is constructed having an open end which includes a step portion defining a surrounding rim and interior abutments. A plug is prepared which is sized to be received between the rim of the body and to abut the abutments. The plug includes a main plate, a metal layer attached to the main plate, and a heat activated adhesive located adjacent the metal layer and positioned to be immediately adjacent the step portion. An induction heating device is then located adjacent the open end of the body, and activated to heat the metal layer and hence to heat the adjacent adhesive so that after cooling the plug is bonded to the body by the adhesive and the plug thus permanently closes the open end of the body.

Abstract: A rotary trimmer apparatus and signature trimming method are provided that enable operators to set a gap spacing between a rotating knife and an anvil at different predetermined sizes in an easy and accurate manner. The operator chooses the optimum knife/anvil spacing that produces a scissors-like cutting action on the particular type of signatures being trim cut and which does not cause premature knife dulling. The selected knife/anvil spacing is readily reproducable for future runs with the same operating conditions. This is true regardless of changes in the knife thickness as can be created by sharpening thereof, or knife replacement. For this purpose, a user operated control assembly including a control knob and calibrated indexer are provided. To keep the knife/anvil spacing at the set size during trim cutting operations, a temperature control system is employed that keeps axial expansion of the knife spindle shaft from reducing the gap size.

Abstract: A presser assembly for supporting blanking scrap during a blanking operation is provided. The presser assembly includes a support rail; a presser rail connected to the support rail; and at least one connecting rail connecting the presser rail to the support rail. The connecting rail is adapted to pivot with respect to at least one of the support rail and the presser rail through a predetermined pivot angle range for changing a distance between the support rail and the presser rail. By pivoting, a folding and an unfolding of the presser assembly can be affected during a blanking operation.

Abstract: Radioactive seeds, particularly 1-125 radioiodine seeds are sterilized by being subjected to dry heat at a temperature of at least 140° C., preferably 150-200° C. A container having loose sterile radioactive seeds therein is disclosed. The container is preferably of glass with a label and a removable heat-resistant silicone closure.

Abstract: Flexible and elastic magnetic joint wraps incorporate superstrong magnets with alternating polarities to provide enhanced magnetotherapeutic effects. Magnetotherapeutic joint wraps that are flexible and elastic incorporate superstrong magnets in an attachably detachable manner so as to provide magnetotherapy to joints and surrounding tissues. NEOPRENE® or the like may incorporate superstrong magnets such as those based on iron (magnetic ferrite) or neodymium (particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB)) in order to provide superstrong static magnetism by which magnetotherapy may be effected. Elements that are generally oppositely opposed serve to detachably attach portions of the magnetic wrap to one another so that the magnetic joint wrap may conform to the local shape and form of the area adjacent the joint. Such attachment elements may include VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners as well as buttons, snaps, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for relieving motion sickness. The apparatus includes a sensor which detects a motion of an object and a sensory converter coupled to the sensor and configured to convert the detected motion to corresponding sensory signals for presentation to a user. In addition, the sensory signals have a variation in spectral emphasis in proportion to the detected motion. The sensory signals include video, audio and white noise signals and resolve a conflict between vestibular, ocular, and proprioceptive inputs of the user, thus relieving motion sickness.

Abstract: Excitation light for normal light observation with wavelengths in the visible spectrum, which is output from a lamp, and excitation light with wavelengths in the infrared spectrum for exciting a fluorescent substance characteristic of being accumulated readily in a lesion are irradiated simultaneously to a living tissue, to which the fluorescent substance has been administered, through an endoscope. Fluorescence components are separated from light stemming from the living tissue by means of a separator such as a dichroic mirror, introduced to a first imaging device, and then imaged. Light components with wavelengths in the visible spectrum are introduced to a second imaging device and then imaged. Signals representing the images are subjected to signal processing, whereby a video signal is produced. For better diagnosis, two images are displayed while, for example, one of the images is superimposed on the other.

Abstract: An invasive imaging apparatus comprising: a flexible catheter with a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being shaped for insertion into a blood vessel along a guide wire thereby to reach remote places in the vasculature or other organs, an optical assembly positioned at the distal end of the catheter comprising an image sensor positioned non-perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the catheter and an illumination sensor, at least one illumination source for illuminating an immediate region beyond the distal end of the catheter, and at least one working channel running from the proximal to the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for internal inspection of an object includes an endoscope extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end to be inserted into the object and a proximal end and an illumination assembly attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. The illumination assembly includes a solid-state light source. The endoscopic system also includes an optical system positioned distally from the solid-state light source to receive and convey light to the distal end.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a low wattage light source means. The camera is self-contained. A kit is also provided, the kit having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A light source device comprises a pair of aperture blades, which opens and closes an optical path through which illumination light radiated from a light source passes so that the amount of the illumination light entering a light guide fiber bundle of the endoscope is adjusted. A guide slot is formed in each of the aperture blades, and an engaging pin is engaged with each of the guide slots. A tension coil spring connects the aperture blades to urge the aperture blades always in a direction in which the aperture blades opens or closes, so that the engaging pin is always engaged with an edge of the guide slot.

Abstract: An instrument useful in performing lumbar arthrodesis with a minimal approach which spares the lumbar muscles from surgical disruption and includes one of two retractor designs having blades angled approximately 90° with respect to each respective retractor handle. One blade is bent at an end portion thereof in a direction away from the handle portion. The other blade has first and second blade faces, with the second face having at least two toothed structures located thereon.

Abstract: A method of using devices or compounds which reduce onset of symptoms of median nerve entrapment or carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress syndrome, reduce tactile deficit of fingers, and increase identification of cancer mass in subcutaneous palpation by self examinations, disability accommodation, medical and physical therapy, cancer discovery and prevention, as well as many other applications. This includes improving the efficiency of the movement of the fingers, reducing the inflammation in the carpal canal, reducing the tendon excursion in the carpal canal, reducing finger flexion, reducing loss of nerve sensation, reducing loss of tactile sensation, increasing tactile sensitivity of the fingers, increasing movement of the dorsal interossei muscles of the hand, increasing movement of the volar interossei palmar muscles of the hand, and increasing movement of the lumbrical muscles of fingers.

Abstract: A health kiosk provides blood pressure testing, a health and fitness evaluation, and a medication encyclopedia. The health kiosk typically interfaces to a computer or server, such as a pharmacy computer or a remote server which compares pharmaceuticals selected by a user to information in the medication encyclopedia to determine compatibility for prescription medications and over-the-counter medications. In some systems, the kiosk also supplies one item or more of an extended health information, a weight scale constructed into the seat of the kiosk, a directory of health care service and product providers, an a directory of community health, support, and service groups.

Abstract: A method for obtaining the viscosity of the circulating blood of a living being using an adulterated blood sample and a correlation factor obtained from a circulating blood viscometer.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying a parametric image showing tissue perfusion includes an ultrasonic imaging system coupled to an ECG device. The ECG device triggers the imaging system to obtain contrast image data showing tissue perfusion at a respective predetermined time during each of a plurality of heartbeats. Parametric image data for discrete locations in the area of interest such as the myocardium is determined from the temporal contrast data acquired during reperfusion of the tissue in the area of interest. The parameters are mapped to a display value such as color to produce a parametric perfusion ultrasound image. Sequences of images may be produced which depict both perfusion characteristics and dynamic wall motion of the myocardium in a common image sequence.

Abstract: The angular imaging system, and related method utilizes translating apertures to acquire data at a number of angles of interrogation. For omnidirectional scatterers, that is scatterers which emit a uniform sound field in all directions when insonified, the translating apertures should theoretically yield identical speckle patterns at all angles of interrogation. The result is in strong contrast to previously applied convention angular scatter measurement methods which produced rapidly varying speckle patterns with interrogation angle. Thus by using the translating apertures, using the transmit aperture translator (62), and the receive aperture translator (72), it is possible to acquire data for which the only variation in received signal with angle is due to the intrinsic scattering of the target.

Abstract: For the purpose of eliminating a problem that a good harmonic image cannot be obtained due to the tail of a fundamental component of previous received data intruding into a fundamental component of current received data; in the operation in a harmonic mode according to a phase inversion technique, a first ultrasonic pulse is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of foci on the same acoustic line, and a second ultrasonic pulse of a phase opposite to that of the first ultrasonic pulse is sequentially transmitted to the plurality of foci on the same acoustic line.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and selecting a volume of interest within a volume rendered image is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention collects acoustic data, develops a three dimensional (3D) ultrasound image from the collected acoustic data, renders the ultrasound image on a display, modifies selected portions of the acoustic data, and displays the modified acoustic data in the form of a highlighted region on the rendered ultrasound image, wherein the highlighted region defines an included volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a] A device for producing an image of a body part into which a contrasting agent has been introduced, the device including an image detecting device modifying the contrasting agent to provide a modified image, and a processor acquiring and processing the modified image so as to create an image which represents a rate of flow of blood or other fluid in the body part. The device may be an ultrasound imaging device or may be a magnetic resonance imaging device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for assessing blood flow in blood vessels, for assessing vascular health, for conducting clinical trials, for screening therapeutic interventions for adverse effects, and for assessing the effects of risk factors, therapies and substances, including therapeutic substances, on blood vessels, especially cerebral blood vessels, all achieved by measuring various parameters of blood flow in one or more vessels and analyzing the results in a defined matter. The relevant parameters of blood flow include mean flow velocity, systolic acceleration, and pulsatility index. By measuring and analyzing these parameters, one can ascertain the vascular health of a particular vessel, multiple vessels and an individual. Such measurements can also determine whether a substance has an effect, either deleterious or advantageous, on vascular health. In one of many embodiments, the present invention further provides an expert system for achieving the above.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the assessment of neuromuscular function by F-wave latency. Stimuli are applied to a nerve that traverses a wrist or an ankle joint of an individual. Stimulation of the nerve causes a muscle innervated by that nerve to respond, thereby generating a myoelectric potential. One component of the myoelectric potential is the F-wave component. The F-wave latency between application of the stimulus and the detection of the myoelectric potential is used to provide an assessment of a neuromuscular function of the nerve and/or muscle.

Abstract: The invention features an assembly for taking a biopsy sample from a site within the body of a patient. The assembly includes a resecting device having a cutter near its distal end for resecting and containing a tissue sample and a sheath exterior to the resecting device and sized to be present within the body with the resecting device. The sheath includes an electrode element electrically isolated from the resecting device and disposed on the sheath's outer surface for cauterizing tissue. The electrode element may reside on the outer sheath, the distal end or both the outer sheath and the distal end of the assembly. The resecting device and the sheath cooperate to permit sequential resecting of a tissue sample from a resecting site and cauterizing of the site with the cutter sufficiently spaced from the electrode element to avoid heat damage to the tissue sample.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring a physiological variable in a living body, whereby a transmitter (1) is disposed outside of the body to transmit radio frequent energy, and a receiver (3) of radio frequent energy is disposed outside of the body. A transponder unit (2), having a sensor (11) sensitive to the physical variable, and a modulator unit (12) for controlling the radio frequent energy absorption of the transponder unit according to a time-sequence representing said physical variable, is introduced into the body. The transmitter sends radio frequent energy of substantially constant frequency and amplitude onto the transponder, and the receiver monitors the radio energy absorption of the transponder unit to determine the time-sequence representing said physical variable. The time-sequence is decoded to interpret it as a measure of the physical variable.

Abstract: A system for determining pivot centers for proximal and intermediary articulations of an appendicular skeleton. The system includes a single marker affixed to a bone, the marker having a signal transmitter; a sequence involving at least one movement for moving a portion of the appendicular skeleton; a signal receiver for collecting data points correlating to the position and orientation of the marker; at least one processing device for selecting a number of skeletal positions during the sequence using the collected data points; and for assigning a value to each posture representing the position and orientation of the marker in a predetermined point of reference, and an algorithm for determining the coordinates of the rotational centers of the proximal and intermediary articulations using the assigned values.

Abstract: An artificial bone template selection system includes a template data storage system in which template data representing a plurality of templates representing a plurality of artificial bones of different shapes is stored. A bone shape measuring system measures the shape of bone to be replaced by artificial bone on the basis of bone image data representing an image including the bone to be replaced by artificial bone. A prospective template selection system selects at least one template the shape of which substantially conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced by artificial bone as measured by the bone shape measuring system out of the plurality of templates represented by the template data.

Abstract: This invention includes methods and/or apparatus for limb position sensing and, more particularly, measurement of limb position acuity during an ongoing movement rather than after movement has stopped.

Abstract: A focused ultrasound ablation device includes an ultrasound emitting member having a plurality of individual ultrasound emitting elements arranged in an array. The ultrasound emitting elements are selectively, independently actuatable to emit ultrasound energy and focus the emitted ultrasound energy a predetermined distance from the ultrasound emitting member such that the ultrasound energy is focused within anatomical tissue adjacent which the ultrasound emitting member is positioned. The anatomical tissue is heated by the focused ultrasound energy to form a lesion in the tissue of desired size and/or surface configuration.

Abstract: A passive motion exercise and/or treatment apparatus is provided which includes a main support assembly for supporting at least part of the body of a user of the apparatus. The assembly includes a first support member and a second support member disposed in a common plane. The second support member is pivotably connected to the main support member and is movable relative thereto so as to provide passive movement of a part of the body of a user supported by the second support member relative to a part of the body supported by the first support member. A separable leg support assembly is adapted to be connected, in use, to the main support assembly at either end so as to support the calves of the legs of the user in a plane parallel to, and elevated with respect to, the common plane while the apparatus provides the passive body movement referred to above. A motorized drive arrangement is used to provide the aforementioned relative movement of the second support member.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by sufferers of mallet finger. The splint comprises a sleeve (12) sized to readily fit over the end of a finger (F) having a damaged tendon causing the mallet finger. The sleeve extends at least as far as the DIP joint of the finger. A pocket (14) is formed in the sleeve and a curved rigid plate (16) having an elbow (18) formed intermediate its ends is positioned along the underside of the finger. A padding material (20) fits between the plate and the finger to cushion the finger. The curvature of the plate holds the outer end of the finger in a hyperextended position with the DIP joint immobilized so to promote healing of the finger.

Abstract: A two-piece wrist-hand-finger orthosis of the present invention includes a rigid forearm section secured to the patient's arm, and a rigid hand section with a proximally projecting extension lever. The hand section is donned on the patient with the patient's hand in flexion. The hand section is then leveraged into a position of predetermined flexion or extension by pivoting the extension lever downwardly into contact with the forearm section. The extension lever is then secured to the forearm section.

Abstract: A method for protecting the ankle against injury, limit subtalar joint motion of the ankle by controlling the motions of segments of the subtalar joint fore and aft of the subtalar joint while permitting motion of the foot about the ankle joint with an improved athletic shoe, ankle orthosis. A supporting structure a part of or connected to the shoe or orthosis is preferably in the form of a heel-sole counter provided about the heel and at least a portion of the foot forward of the subtalar joint which includes a split toe sole extension. The supporting structure has a semi-rigid shape retaining character which is not collapsible vertically and which together with the shoe or orthosis limits torsional movement of the foot about the longitudinal axis of the subtalar joint as seen in a top plan view thereof by an upwardly extending portion thereof which acts as a torsion bar that is, in turn, secured to the lower leg.

Abstract: A medical ventilation tube for placement in an opening formed in an anatomical structure, such as the tympanic membrane of the ear, includes a hollow tubular shaft made of a first material having a hardness or durometer to maintain a passage through the shaft when the medical ventilation tube is placed in the opening, and a flange made of a second material having a hardness or durometer less than that of the first material to permit the flange to deform in response to contact with the anatomical structure during removal of the medical ventilation tube from the opening.

Abstract: The invention provides for improved devices and methods for forming openings in a biological membrane for delivering substances into an animal through the biological membrane for treatment applications, or extracting substances from the animal through the biological membrane for monitoring or other diagnosis applications and for increased transmembrane flux.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a flow path extending from the exit port assembly, and a flow condition sensor assembly including a resilient diaphragm having opposing first and second surfaces. The first surface of the diaphragm is positioned against the flow path, and a chamber wall is positioned adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm and defines a sensor chamber against the second surface of the diaphragm. At least one sensor is arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber in response to at least one predetermined fluid flow condition occurring in the flow path.

Abstract: A catheter and a method for using the catheter for site specific delivery of agents to or collecting agents from biological spaces. The catheter includes an inner shaft longitudinally movable within an outer shaft, each shaft having at least one balloon and at least one lumen formed therein. The catheter prevents leaking through a biological membrane by sealing the catheter tip passageway through the biological membrane with inflatable balloons on either side of the biological membrane. Further, the inflated balloons secure the position of the catheter relative to the biological membrane and the biological space targeted for therapy or diagnosis.

Abstract: A catheter for the administration of fluid or pharmaceutical agents, or for hemodialysis comprising a proximal control end comprising a housing with a proximal end and a distal end, a distal delivery end, an elongated intermediate portion between the proximal control end and a distal delivery end, one or more than one delivery lumen within the intermediate portion extending from the proximal control end to the distal delivery end; one or more than one inflation balloon in each delivery lumen, and one or more than one inflation lumen in the intermediate portion extending from the proximal control end to the one or more than one inflation balloon in the one or more than one delivery lumen, and connected to the one or more than one inflation balloon through one or more than one fenestration, where the proximal control end further comprises a mechanism for aspiration and injection of fluids through the distal delivery end, and where the proximal control end further comprises a mechanism for controlling inflation

Abstract: The present invention preferably includes a balloon catheter for use with a guidewire. The catheter has a body with a balloon located thereon, preferably at the distal end. A lumen within the catheter body communicates with the interior of the balloon which can be inflated by known methods with saline solution. A series of sleeve members of predetermined lengths and sizes are coupled to and positioned along the length of the catheter body. One or more of the sleeve members can span the length of the balloon. Each sleeve member has a passageway and both an exit and entry port so that the guidewire can pass therethrough. Instead of a balloon, the catheter can include a device member that forms a chamber which can store medicine until discharged at the desired site within the blood vessel. Apertures or pores on the catheter body allow for the perfusion of blood or the delivery of medicine to the site of the blood vessel. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having an improved maneuverability. The catheter includes an elongated catheter shaft with proximal and distal ends, proximal and distal shaft sections, a balloon on the distal catheter shaft section having proximal and distal shaft sections, a guidewire receiving lumen extending along at least a portion of the catheter shaft to the catheter shaft distal end, and a tip member on a distal end of the catheter. A proximal end of the tip member is spaced distally apart from the distal end of the catheter shaft and is in fluid communication therewith. The distal balloon shaft is sealingly secured to the catheter shaft and the tip member.

Abstract: Systems, kits, and methods for establishing vascular access are described. A system may include a needle, a radially expandable sleeve and a dilator. The methods include creating an initial tissue tract to a target blood vessel with a radially expandable sleeve mounted on a needle. Upon removal of the needle, the dilator is then passed through the radially expandable sleeve to effect radial expansion of the sleeve. Use of the sleeve reduces the risk of injuring tissue surrounding the tissue tract by lessening the axial forces imparted to the tissue. Kits comprise at least the radially expandable sleeve together with instructions for use.