Abstract: A method and device for perfusing an organ system is provided. The device may be further described as a catheter or cannula with an expandable flow control member positioned of the distal portion of the catheter shaft. The flow control member has a porous portion, and at least one impermeable portion, which prevent fluid from flowing out the ends of the flow control member. The flow control member is further characterized as having an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with a perfusion lumen that extends along the length of the catheter shaft and is in fluid communication with an external perfusion pump. The perfusion lumen is configured for providing flow to the interior of the flow control member, to create radial expansion thereof and to provide adequate flow to the arch vessels through said porous portion to sustain the metabolic demands of the brain.

Abstract: A balloon catheter system generally having an elongated catheter shaft with enhanced flexibility to facilitate more distal advancement within a patient's body lumen. The catheter shaft has a relatively stiff proximal shaft section, a relatively flexible distal shaft section and an intermediate shaft section which provides a smooth, flexible transition between the proximal and distal shaft sections. The intermediate shaft section has an improved construction with a tubular reinforcing member secured by its proximal end to the distal extremity of the proximal shaft section and a distal end secured within the proximal end of the distal shaft section. The tubular reinforcing member preferably has an inner tubular support member which has a proximal end secured to the distal end of the proximal shaft section. Preferably, the proximal shaft section has an outer jacket which extends over the tubular reinforcing member of the intermediate shaft section.

Abstract: An embolic protection device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element. The filtering assembly can be attached to a guidewire and deployed within the patient's vasculature into an area of treatment. A restraining sheath maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Interventional devices can be delivered over the guidewire and any embolic debris created and released into the blood stream will enter the filtering assembly. The filtering assembly can be rotatably mounted on the guide wire and may include a dampening element which helps to prevent some shock force that may be transmitted along the guide to the deployed filtering assembly.

Abstract: A safety intravenous catheter assembly and method for use with a needle in one embodiment includes a catheter hub and a needle cover attachable to and releasably lockable with the catheter hub when the needle extends through the needle cover. A stop assembly is attached to the needle and to the needle cover for maintaining a tip of the needle within the needle cover. The stop assembly includes a first irrereversible locking position whereby the catheter hub cannot disengage from the needle cover, and a second locking position whereby the catheter hub can disengage from the needle cover.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for dispensing a biologically active compound. The medical apparatus includes a sleeve, wherein (1) the sleeve has a working channel defined therein through which medical instruments may be advanced, (2) the sleeve includes a fluid delivery channel which is distinct from the working channel, (3) the fluid delivery channel has an exit, and (4) the sleeve includes a housing having an interior cavity defined therein. The medical apparatus also includes an insufflation valve in fluid communication with the working channel. The insufflation valve is positionable between an open position and a closed position such that (i) when the insufflation valve is located in the open position an insufflation gas can be advanced into the working channel and (ii) when the insufflation valve is located in the closed position the insufflation gas is prevented from being advanced into the working channel.

Abstract: A cannula includes a coupling interface adapted to receive and engage a wide variety of medical instruments having engaging portions which are different. In general, the cannula includes an elongated insertion member having a passage for receiving the medical instrument and a clamping assembly disposed at the proximal end of the elongated insertion member to engage the medical instrument. The clamping assembly includes a second surface axially spaced from the first surface of the elongated insertion member, and a biasing member positioned to bias at least one of the first surface and the second surface axially toward each other and to clamp an engaging portion of the medical instrument between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling a catheter. The inventive device is provided with a valve body (1). A lever arm (31) for actuating a pressure piston (9) and a flexible locking component (44) are mounted on said valve body. The lever arm (31) is interlocked with one of several detent noses (49) using the locking component. The lever arm (31) can thus be held in an interlocking position respectively. The locking component (44) is also provided with an actuating wing (50) which can be actuated with a little finger and is oriented in the direction of extension of the lever arm when the lever arm is in the interlocking position. Clamping forces which are exerted on a sealing plug (7) and serve for clamping the catheter can thus be variably adjusted with one hand by means of the pressure piston (9).

Abstract: A safety needle assembly includes a cannula connected to a hub, and a protector positioned over and covering the cannula. The protector is provided with an opening and is axially movable between a covering position and an uncovering position. A sheath provided with a channel is pivotally mounted with respect to the hub and is positioned in an initial position in which the through opening in the protector is closed by the sheath. The sheath is adapted to be pivoted away from the cannula towards an intermediate position and is adapted to be pivoted back towards the cannula to a cannula covering position in which the cannula is located within the channel. An engaging part of the protector engages the sheath during movement of the protector from the covering position to the uncovering position to cause the sheath to automatically pivot away from the initial position.

Abstract: A bleed back control assembly for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body having a proximal end engaging and retaining a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a single elastomeric bleed back seal. The bleed back seal has an aperture and is normally closed. The bleed back seal self-sizes to devices introduced through the aperture. The cap assembly includes a funnel cap having a dilator. Depressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open the aperture in the bleed back seal. A spring, wound around the dilator, biases the funnel cap to its original position. The side arm body includes a secondary branch having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of the secondary branch.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical tool for infusing fluid into an eye of a patient. The tool is provided with a housing having a longitudinal bore opening into an aperture. A flow diffuser is positioned over the aperture to diffuse and slow the flow of fluid through the aperture. The flow diffuser may be a cone positioned over the aperture or a permeable cap fitted over the aperture. By diffusing and slowing the flow of fluid, the risk of damage to the interior of the eye is decreased and more fluid is maintained near the tip of the bore after being expelled from the aperture.

Abstract: A method and related device for performing sterile medical procedures are disclosed. The method and related device are capable of accessing a sterile environment from a non-sterile environment to perform a medical procedure within the sterile environment. The method and related device can achieve a sterile technique during endoluminal procedures and in uncontrolled and unsterile environments. The device includes an inner hollow member moveably disposed within an outer hollow member. The outer hollow member is adapted to penetrate a boundary separating non-sterile and sterile environments and the inner hollow member is adapted to extend past the outer hollow member and into the sterile environment. A fluid compartment is adapted to be in selective fluid communication with the outer tube such that when the inner member extends past the outer member and into the sterile environment, fluid enters the outer member and the boundary.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus having a housing that contains a vacuum pump and a chamber for holding a disposable wound fluid collection canister. The canister resides within the chamber and connects at an outlet with the vacuum pump at an inlet with a porous wound pad. The pad is placed over or within a wound and adhesively secured thereto. When the vacuum pump activates, it evacuates air from the canister resulting in wound fluids flowing from the wound into the canister. Due to the negative effect that a vacuum can impose on tissue when granulation tissue is pulled into the pad, the pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.

Abstract: The invention preferably is a wound dressing system having a dressing and an irrigation system in communication with the dressing. The dressing preferably includes a first layer for contacting the wound/injury site of a patient and a second layer that has a backing layer. The backing layer preferably prevents seepage from the wound and/or moisture within the dressing from soiling the surrounding environment.

Abstract: The “Portable Ostomy Management Device” is a portable, self-contained, powered unit designed to wash and clean the stoma, and interior of drainable ostomy pouches. These pouches are designed to accept the human body waste via the stoma, located on the body of an ostomy patient. This portable system allows an ostomate to position the pouch so it drains into a toilet bowl, permitting the person to wash the pouch interior without removing it from the body or from the barrier section . This portable device allows the ostomate to completely service the ostomy in just a few minutes. The invention includes a carrying case (briefcase, travel bag, soft case, or other containing device), water reservoir, power unit, pump, hoses, control valve, and various other components necessary in controlling power, water pressure and other attributes of this device.

Abstract: A bag for receiving waste discharge from a human body, and the venting/filter assembly for such a bag, are disclosed. The combination includes a filter for deodorizing gas vented through an aperture in one wall of the bag and a gas-permeable barrier membrane disposed between the filter and the interior of the bag so that all gas exiting the bag flows through the membrane. The barrier membrane comprises an unlaminated microporous film of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene impermeable to waste liquids and solids and having a porosity capable of blocking the passage of bacteria and, preferably, at least some viruses. A method of so venting flatus gasses while preventing the escape of microorganisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article with improved body fit wherein a combination of downward-deflecting crease lines and an upward-deflecting shaping line are used in outer and central absorbent members, respectively, to achieve a form-fitting geometry in the crotch region while also enhancing control over fluid flow in the article. Embodiments with wicking barriers between the outer and central absorbent members are especially useful in achieving leakage reduction.

Abstract: In an absorbent article having a multi-layer material having a front section, a back section and an intermediate section connecting the front section and the back section, wherein the multi-layer material includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, a method for increasing the conformability and enhancing the fluid intake and distribution of the article in which at least one resilient fluid-filled chamber having at least one peristaltic element is inserted into the absorbent article into the absorbent layer or between at least a portion of the absorbent layer and the backsheet.

Abstract: A container closure system for delivering a fluid. The system includes a stopper constructed to seal fluidly a container. A closure member is mounted on an upper surface of the stopper. The closure member includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The closure member further includes an outer wall and an inner wall extending from the upper surface of the base with the inner wall spaced from the outer wall. The base defines therethrough a needle access port between the inner and outer walls. The inner wall defines a chamber therein. The base further defines therethrough an aperture adjacent the chamber defined by the inner wall. A piercing member is movably disposed within the chamber defined by the inner wall. The piercing member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being positioned proximally to the stopper. A piercing tip is mounted on the first end portion and is constructed to pierce the stopper.

Abstract: A method for preventing a restenosis within a vessel wall requires a medicament be delivered at predetermined locations into the vessel wall and allowed to subsequently disperse in a predetermined pattern. To deliver the medicament, a catheter with an expanding member is advanced into the vasculature of a patient until the expanding member is located as desired. The expanding member is then expanded to force dispensers into the vessel wall to the proper depth. A medicament is then pumped through the dispensers to create a plurality of equally spaced, localized medicinal deliveries which subsequently disperse to medicate an annulus shaped volume within the vessel wall.

Abstract: A catheter for intermittent self-conduction of urine which is relatively hard to deflect easy to insert into a body, and eliminate any pain and danger while in the body. A catheter for intermittent self-conduction of urine comprises an urine conduction tube (1) having an urine conduction aperture (13) in a distal end (11) thereof, a holder (3) coupled to a proximal end (12) of the urine conduction tube (1) and adapted to be detachably engaged with an inlet port (22) of a sterilizing solution case (2) which is adapted to contain a sterilizing solution (21), and a cap (4) for closing an outlet (311) of the holder (3). The urine conduction tube (1) is a dual layer tube including an inner tube member (101) made of a hard synthetic resin material which is medicine-proof and an outer tube member (102) made of a soft synthetic resin material which is medicine-proof.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter assembly is provided, which includes a unitary portion and at least two distal end tubes extending distally from the unitary portion. The unitary portion includes an exterior having a generally round or oval shape in cross section and includes at least two distal end tubes of generally circular (or other) cross sectional shape extending longitudinally therethrough. The catheter assembly may be made by extruding a unitary tube having internal longitudinally extending lumens (of circular or other shape), then splitting the tube on its distal end portion to form distal end tubes. The tubes are then ground and polished, the finished tubes retaining in combination the generally oval cross sectional shape of the unitary extrusion, or the finished tubes can each be finished to a circular, or other, cross sectional shape, or the finished tubes could include a combination of cross sectional shapes over its longitudinal length.

Abstract: A stent-graft is provided which includes a smooth continuous inside surface for efficient fluid flow therethrough. The stent-graft can be implanted intraluminally by radially expanding the stent-graft adjacent an area within the body lumen to be treated, or can be implanted utilizing direct surgical techniques. A cylindrical support structure is preferably provided which is at least partially embedded along with portions of the film. The cylindrical support structure can facilitate radial expansion and provide additional structural strength to the stent-graft. A woven fabric support structure can also be embedded within the film of solid material forming the stent-graft to provide additional support to the stent-graft and allow suturing of the stent-graft to walls of the body lumen. Various different geometric configurations can be provided for the stent-graft. To form the stent-graft a mandrel is placed within a vacuum and a film of material, such as parylene, is deposited upon the mandrel.

Abstract: A device for treating material in a body of a patient includes an expandable basket having a projection for securing material within the basket. The projection has a distal end joined to a distal tip of the basket and a proximal end extending within a lumen of the basket.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for performing treatment on a treatment part of a skin by irradiating the part with a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser output device which outputs the treatment beam; a hand-piece provided with at least a part of an irradiation optical system for irradiating the treatment beam of a predetermined spot size, the hand-piece being held in contact with the skin; a detector which detects a moved position of the hand-piece on the skin; and a controller which controls an ON/OFF state of laser irradiation based on the moved position detected by the detector and information on the spot size.

Abstract: A device and method for treating tissue at a treatment site. The device and method include supplying controlled energy to a heating portion of the device positioned within a tissue wall at the treatment site. The size of the heating portion and energy supplied provides for ablation of the tissue to form a cavity within the tissue wall without ablating the surfaces of the tissue wall. Treatment fluid can then be supplied through the device to the cavity to supplement growth of blood vessels or retard such growth at the treatment site. The device can also be used to create an injury zone at a treatment site without ablating tissue, wherein the injury zone can be injected with treatment fluid. The device and method has use anywhere within the body, especially in the regions of the heart.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: A method of forming a lesion at a predetermined heart location is provided. An energy-delivering electrode is positioned proximal to the predetermined heart location; a return electrode is positioned in contact with cardiac tissue. An electrosurgical current, capable of delivering energy through the energy-delivering electrode to the predetermined heart location at a magnitude and for a duration effective to form a lesion is established. A system for treating atrial fibrillation by forming transmural lesions and a heart-positioning device including a return electrode are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating disrupted articular cartilage comprising an elongate probe member having proximal and distal extremities and a handle coupled to the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member. The distal extremity has a peripheral wall defining a cavity and a distal opening communicating with the cavity. A controllable environment is created within the cavity when the distal extremity is placed substantially flush against the disrupted articular cartilage. An electrode is positioned within the cavity at a distance spaced inwardly of the distal opening. The disrupted articular cartilage is sealed to form a substantially continuous surface when energy is supplied to the electrode. A method of using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument useful in harvesting blood vessels such as veins and arteries. The instrument has a pair of jaws and a central cutting element displaceable distally and proximally to dissect tissue contained between the jaws. The central cutting element has an electrode surface.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for percutaneous internal fixing of a fractured limb bone comprising, placing the limb in a stabilizing clamp that is transparent to x-ray radiation, demonstrating the fractured bone to be fixed, resolving the course through the fractured bone of an intended fixation device, inserting a guide wire along the resolved course and across the fracture faces of the bone through an alignment conduit in the stabilizing clamp, drilling a pilot hole in the bone through the fracture faces by directing a cannular drill over the guide wire, and introducing a cannular fastening screw within the drilled pilot hole and across the bone fracture site to achieve apposition of the fracture fragments of the bone.

Abstract: An implant that is implanted between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The device has a spacer to distract apart the adjacent spinous processes. To minimize trauma to the patient, the device has a tapered tissue expander to distract a previously created opening between the adjacent spinous processes. The device also has two wings. The position of one wing is adjustable to allow for ease of assembly in a patent.

Abstract: A bone screw, known per se, with a thread section (2) and a receiving part (5) for receiving a rod (29) to be connected to the bone screw is created. The connection and locking of the connection between bone screw and rod takes place via an outer nut (13). So that the connection has the necessary strength and durability, the outer nut (13) has on the inside a sleeve-shaped element (17), having a predetermined inner measurement, the outer diameter of which is almost identical to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the bore (8), and a pressure element (23) arranged therein. The pressure element (22) (sic) has at its end facing the floor of the bore (8) a first section (26), the outer measurement of which is larger than the predetermined inner measurement and which effects a widening of the element (17) when pressure is exerted on the rod (29) to be received.

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical fastener assembly includes an anchor that has a first externally threaded portion disposed in the first bone portion and a second portion which is at least partially disposed in the second bone portion. At least one pin is operably associated with the first portion of the anchor such that when the pin is in a retracted position the pin is disposed within the anchor and when the pin is in an extended position at least a portion of the pin extends outward from the anchor. An actuator is disposed within the anchor and is operably coupled with the at least one pin. A guide is adapted to be fixedly secured to the second bone portion and includes a sleeve. The second portion of the anchor is received within the sleeve. A fastener is provided that has a head portion and an externally threaded shank portion.

Abstract: A device and a method for stabilizing cervical vertebrae in a human spine for the purpose of fixing one vertebra with respect to other vertebrae and with respect to other parts of the spinal column. This device comprises a plate and bone screws fabricated from non-metals. The bone screws maintain the plate in contact with the vertebrae. An interference fit screw head is pulled into a hole in the plate and into a machined hole in the vertebral bone, locking the screw to the plate and locking the screw to the bone. This locking reduces the screw bending within the plate and within the bone. The screw thread runout is threaded below the screw/bone interference fit area, protecting the runout stress raisers from bending and shear stresses. The interference fit is configured to create sufficient friction to eliminate the screw from backing out.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly is disclosed utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate. A device is disclosed for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on a plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to an aperture for preventing a bone screw from backing out from the base plate. A snap ring for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing a screw from backing out is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device (1) for bone surgery comprising a body (2) able to be gripped by the user and a tip (3) mounted at the head of the body and set in vibration at a modulated ultrasonic frequency to operate on bone tissue, the surgical device (1) being particularly suitable for oral surgical procedures such as bone sampling, excision of cysts, third molar extraction, preparation of alveolar sites, creation of an opening into the maxillary sinus (Caldwell Luc), elevation of the maxillary sinus by the crestal route and orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures such as osteoplasty, ostectomy and osteotomy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for femoral and tibial resection are provided. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a number of components including a positioning and drill guide, a cutting guide and a cutting apparatus. The drill guide is used to create holes in the medial and lateral sides of the femur that correspond to the fixation features of the cutting guide. The cutting guide is oriented and located by inserting fixation nubs connected to the cutting guide into the medial and lateral holes in the femur. The cutting guide can then be further affixed to the femur. The cutting apparatus can then be used with the cutting guide to resect the femur. A modified cutting guide can be used to position a conventional cutting block against a femur to be resected.

Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical kit for minimally invasive total hip replacement includes a guide for inserting a guide wire into the body at the appropriate angle for reaming an Acetabulum. A shaft is inserted along the path of the guide wire. Working heads are sequentially attached to the shaft. The working heads of the reamers, impactors, trials and screw drivers are changed in the primary surgical incision thereby reducing the size of the incision and the trauma.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: A tensioning tool which holds the free ends of a tension band secured to a clip and clip screw and rotation of an adjusting knob causes tension to be applied to pull the band through the clip until the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion device, microdermabrasion system employing the device and method of performing microdermabrasion. A device for exfoliating skin cells from an external surface of skin includes a vacuum head base defining a chamber therein and having a substantially smooth treatment tip attached and extending from an end thereof or integral therewith. The tip has at least one central opening which is open to the chamber, and is adapted to contact the skin and traverse the skin in a substantially non-abrasive manner. A vacuum access opening is provided through a side wall of the vacuum head base and adapted to connect with a source of vacuum.

Abstract: A blood vessel clip applicator preferably includes two twist pins at one end, between which a blood vessel is placed before occlusion. A magazine in the blood vessel clip applicator preferably holds a plurality of blood vessel clips and can be rotated independently from a grip assembly, whereby the twist pins can be rotated to compress a blood vessel held between them. A blood vessel clip is preferably placed on the blood vessel after it has been flattened. A blood vessel clip preferably comprises spring quality material, and preferably has a head connected to a first leg and a second leg. The magazine preferably has a constricted region adjacent to an exit aperture. As the head enters the constricted region, the compressive force exerted on the head by the constricted region opens the blood vessel clip to an open position. In an alternate embodiment, a plunger applies a blood vessel clip with a direct stroke.

Abstract: The inventive device consist of a unit (1) formed by an elongated part (5) made from a flexible pierced material, a suture (6) linked to a longitudinal extremity of said part (5) and a suture needle (7) joined to said suture (6). The part (5) is long enough to enable posterior suspension of the vagina (2) at the promontory (3), i.e. the front upper part of the sacrum. At the extremity which is joined to the suture, the part (5) comprises the following: (i) a distal portion (5c) being of a sufficient width that it can cover at least a large part of the posterior part of the wall of the vagina (2) and (ii) a cut-out (5d) which is rounded and fitted to the side edge of the distal extremity (5e), whereby said cut-out (5d) has dimensions that are such to enable the part (5) to engaged around the base of the wall of the vagina (2) on at least a large part of the lower half of said wall. The suture (6) is connected to the base in such a way that it is offset sidewise in relation to the cut (5d).

Abstract: Laparoscopic apparatus and method for insertion into a space or potential space in a body including an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is provided and is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A tunneling member is mounted on the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided which is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a balloon wrapped about said tunneling shaft. A sheath is provided which encloses the balloon on the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a slit extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed whereby the balloon can be released and inflated. A tubular member is provided which has a balloon inflation lumen thereon and is coupled to the balloon for inflating said balloon. A hernia graft is attached to the balloon for repairing a hernia.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: Medical devices that have a novel mechanical trap(s) on the distal end of a shaft that is used for the removal of material from the body. Further an expandable channel is included to entrap the material that aid with removal or obliteration of tissue or foreign bodies is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: An insertion device that includes an insertable portion adapted to be inserted into and retained in an animal body and an ex vivo portion that is adapted to be worn while the insertable portion remains inserted. The device further includes a trocar that is adapted to insert the insertable portion into the animal body. In addition, a cavity in the ex vivo portion is adapted to accept and retain the trocar after the insertable portion is inserted and a force application device is adapted to withdraw the trocar from the animal body and place it in the cavity.