Abstract: An exercise device that includes an upper frame with a user support that cantilevers over a lower frame provides for reduced storage and the potential for shipping in a pre-assembled state. The upper frame is supported by the lower frame with a rolling element there between. The rolling element can be in the form of rollers that are rotatably mounted to the foot portion of the upper frame and the head portion of the lower frame. The rolling element can also take the form of one of more rollers, which constantly articulate with each of the upper and lower frames. A spring bias is included to provide a resistance to movement of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame. The lower frame, and therefore the supported upper frame, can also be pivotally mounted to a base frame, thereby enabling the upper frame to be positioned in an inclined state.

Abstract: Device for working specifically the abdominal muscles in a staged, global, symmetrical and asymmetrical manner, while protecting the back and encouraging diaphragmatic breathing. The invention concerns a device permitting the toning up of the abdominal muscles and the gradual prolonging of effort. It is made up of a lumbar band fixed to two rings divided into three levels by two teeth, braces fixed at together with a strap. When the user pulls the strap inserted in the ring at a chosen level and holds his stomach in while taking a breath, the device supports, in a staged manner, the work of the abdominal muscles, protects the back and aids diaphragmatic breathing. This device according to the invention is particularly intended for beginners and for people suffering from lumbar pain and obesity.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a generally rectangular frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the track members between said head and foot ends against one or more springs connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame and an elastic member anchor bar and carriage stop assembly to adjustably position the carriage and elastic members on the tracks to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The anchor bar and carriage stop assembly includes an anchor bar having each end disposed in an elongated slot formed in each track member. The elongated slot has spaced gear teeth defining spaced anchor bar stop or lock portions. The anchor bar can be moved between lock portions only when rotated to an unlocked position wherein the bar can operably slide along the slot.

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a shelf for inclining said device on the upper and lower footings thereof, and a facility for maintaining a trained person on the tilted shelf in a lying position. The keeping maintenance facilities is mounted on the shelf and embodied in such a way that the projection of the midbackbone of a trained person matches the middle of the spacing of the shelf. Said shelf is embodied in such a way that the shelf sags in the middle of the spacing thereof within a range of 0.5–5% of the spacing length, the trained person being placed in a required region and position. The inventive method for preventing and treating deformations and degenerative diseases of the backbone provides a backbone extension performed on a special device and a training of base muscles supporting the backbone. In accordance with the invention, while the backbone is extended short muscles thereof are also trained.

Abstract: Rotary transfer mechanism is mounted on a frame for removing a flat folded carton from a storage hopper to move the carton to a flight conveyor assembly and in cooperation therewith erect the carton to be in an open rectangular condition. The transfer mechanism includes end plates rotated in one angular direction and vacuum cup assemblies rotated therewith and relative thereto in the opposite angular direction. The cup assemblies include transversely opposite cups having adjacent sides less flexible than their remote sides and intermediate cups having buttons therein to form dimples in a carton panel when grippingly engaged. The flight assembly includes guideways to have lugs of flight devices extend into their channels as devices move along the upper run of an endless conveyor. The flight devices include flight bars extending vertically above the lugs as the lugs move in said channels.

Abstract: A system for creating and dispensing cushioning dunnage is small and permits flexible installation configuration options for a single or multiple packing stations. A compact apparatus of the system is capable of being pivotally mounted as a unit on a stand and includes a motor and a material feeding arrangement driven by the motor for pulling material from a supply roll of the material supported on a stand of the system, and feeding it through the apparatus. A plurality of material shaping members upstream of the feeding arrangement shape the material in the apparatus to convert it into a continuous strip of cushioning product.

Abstract: A multi-lumen balloon for use in a fluted balloon centering catheter and method for providing the same. The multi-lumen balloon maintains a radiation source at the center of a cardiovascular artery, has improved blood perfusion capability, and has improved balloon refolding characteristics. The method of fabricating a multi-lumen balloon designed for a radiation centering catheter uses an improved extrusion process that allows the manufacture of the multi-lumen balloon sub-assembly to be done separately from the catheter shaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutically beneficial assembly utilizing one or more moveable magnetic fields passing through a treatment area, which is dimensioned and configured to accommodate a user in a standing, walking and/or running orientation therein. A generating assembly comprises at least one but preferably at least two magnetic arrays each mounted in moveable relation to the treatment area and comprising a MOVABLE base having a plurality of magnets connected thereto and moveable therewith. The magnetic arrays are disposed an structured to generate different magnetic fields moveable through said treatment area in a common direction such that the user therein is disposed for maximum or predetermined exposure to the moveable magnetic fields.

Abstract: Constitution of a suburethral sling connected to two balloons located on each side of the urethra. The device preferably consists of two subassemblies (12a and 12b) each comprising an inflatable balloon (13) and a strip (16) one end of which is attached to the surface of the balloon. The two strips (16) are connected together to form a suburethral sling.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cardiac reinforcement device (CRD) and method for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The CRD provides for reinforcement of the walls of the heart by constraining cardiac expansion, beyond a predetermined limit, during diastolic expansion of the heart. A CRD of the invention can be applied to the epicardium of the heart to locally constrain expansion of the cardiac wall or to circumferentially constrain the cardiac wall during cardiac expansion.

Abstract: A lubricating insertable sexual aid comprising a shaft having a throughbore extending therethrough for retaining a lubricant therein. A head having an egress aperture extending through a tip thereof is removeably connected to a first end of the shaft. The aid further includes means received within the throughbore at an end opposite of the head for dispensing the lubricant. Upon insertion into an orifice and activation of the dispensing means, the dispensing means exerts a pressure on the lubricant thereby causing the lubricant to be output via the egress aperture and to be evenly distributed over an exterior surface of each of the head and shaft.

Abstract: A component of an endoscope is a flexible tube which is composed of a helical coil, a reticular tube formed of a braided thin wires and provided over the helical coil, and an outer cover provided over the reticular tube. The outer cover is formed of a resin material containing TiNxOy (where, 0.1?x?1.0, 0?y?1.9) which is a color developing agent to be colored when irradiated with laser light. The flexible tube is provided with scale formed by the colored portion. The outer surface the outer cover is black or dark color before the irradiation with laser light, but thus formed scale is white or blight color having a whiteness of 60% or more.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with a body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal for an instrument having a diameter up to about 37 mm. The valve can include a gel material and the access channel can include a protective sleeve to provide for wound protection during insertion and withdrawal of a sharp surgical instrument. The valve further comprises a cap ring which may be inserted or molded with the gel material. The protective sleeve may be bonded or molded around an inner diameter of the cap ring. The protective sleeve may be a single tubular member, or may comprise a plurality of axially extending sleeve members having a plurality of axial slits. The protective sleeve and the cap ring may comprise of the same or different materials.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for frequently measuring the concentration of an analyte present in a biological system. A monitoring system having at least two components is employed in order to allow separation of data collection from data processing and display. Such separation allows greater flexibility and convenience for the user.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the state of entrainment between biological systems which exhibit oscillatory behavior such as heart rhythms, respiration, blood pressure waves and low frequency brain waves based on a determination of heart rate variability (HRV) and an evaluation of the power spectrum thereof. Entrainment reflects a harmonious balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system within the body. This internal state of heightened physiological efficiency enhances health and promotes optimal performance. According to one embodiment a method is used to determine the entrainment level based on an entrainment parameter related to HRV. The method first determines the power distribution spectrum (PSD) and then calculates an entrainment parameter (EP), which is a measure of the power distribution in the HRV spectrum.

Abstract: A method for psychological testing of a subject is performed by (A) presenting a test by means of a testing means having output means (e.g. a computer monitor) and input means (e.g. a keyboard); and, (B) instructing the subject by displaying a simulation (as shown in the figure) of the test by means of the output means so that the subject can learn how to perform the test from the simulation. The test is therefore independent of the subject's language skills, or of verbal instructions provided by a supervisor.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one end by a plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick having indentations capable of retaining some of the biological matter. The stick intimately engages the aperture so that the amount of matter introduced into the chamber is limited to what is carried in the indentations. The shank of the stick seals the aperture once the stopper has been screwed into place. The plug mounts a breakable hollow nib and is installed after introduction into the chamber of a metered volume of preserving solution. A cover caps the plug and nib to provide additional sealing of that end of the vessel.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a device for obtaining a blood sample from an intruder at a crime scene to be later analyzed for DNA. A projectile containing a blood-extracting needle for penetrating the skin of said intruder is mounted through a protective chamber and connected to a blood reservoir in the chamber interior. A vacuum is held in both the reservoir and the chamber. The chamber vacuum is released by forward movement of the chamber as it slides within a casing following further penetration of the needle. The vacuum release acts to reduce the ambient pressure within the forward portion of the casing, thus assisting in propelling the needle into the intruder. As the needle reaches maximum extension, a loaded spring within the casing is released, propelling the needle and reservoir away from the intruder.

Abstract: A system for collecting patient screening data is disclosed. The system includes force measuring apparatus for measuring weight and for measuring balance forces, and stimuli delivery apparatus for delivering first stimuli designed to evaluate visual acuity, for delivering second stimuli designed to evaluate hearing acuity, and for accepting patient responses to the first stimuli and the second stimuli. A processing unit is associated with and manages the operation of the force measuring apparatus and the stimuli delivery apparatus for collecting weight and balance force measurements from the force measuring apparatus and patient responses from the stimuli delivery apparatus.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation feet acupuncture channel physiotherapy shoe comprised of a pair of physiotherapy shoes and an accompanying physical treatment appliance. Conductive metal wires are directly embedded along the interior extent of the shoe body, a small hole is formed in the rear surface of each shoe body, a surrounding edge is disposed along the periphery of the sole, and three-dimensional acupressure point protrusions and massage protrusions with built-in wire wound coils that provide for electrical conductance are reliefed along the instep. The physical treatment appliance enables the physiotherapy shoe to become positively and negatively conductive, causing the generation of low and medium frequency electric waves that have physical therapy and health care effectiveness at the reflex areas along the soles of the feet.

Abstract: Apparatus attaches to the leg at or below the knee to take the shock of walking off the foot and ankle. The foot is encased in a boot. Two spaced-apart tubes extend upward from a subfloor mounted below the boot. The boot is mounted for sliding up and down on the tubes. A pair of parallel elongate rods are attached at their upper ends to the upper portion of the leg at or below the knee, such that the lower ends of the rods are in the tubes. A spring, preferably a gas compression spring, is inserted into each tube so that the lower end of each rod compresses the spring as body weight is put on the subfloor in walking. The subfloor moves toward the boot as the springs are compressed, reducing some of the shock of walking and transferring forces to the leg. The rods may be attached to the leg by a cast, brace or orthosis.

Abstract: A foot orthosis includes a generally “L”-shaped splint having a generally upright leg-engaging section and a forwardly-extending foot support section with at least a portion of the splint being substantially transparent. A generally flexible foot receiving and retaining boot is removably mounted on the splint for releasably securing a foot on the splint, and a tongue-receiving pocket is mounted on one of the splint and the boot, the tongue-receiving pocket having at least one opening and a tongue retaining section therein. A generally planar skid pad includes an attached tongue section projecting from the skid pad, and the tongue section of the skid pad is insertable into the tongue-receiving pocket such that the tongue is releasably secured in the tongue-receiving pocket and the skid pad is thus releasably secured on one of the splint and the boot.

Abstract: An extracorpeal blood circuit for removal of contrast from human blood using a filter and withdrawal filter pump and a by-pass pump. The withdrawal filter blood pump operates when a contrast bolus has been detected. Otherwise the bypass blood pump maintains physiological blood flow from the coronary sinus preventing the need for deflation and re-inflation of the balloon catheter. When contrast is detected blood the bypass blood pump is stopped to prevent contrast from leaking back into the patients circulatory system via the bypass pump and CS blood flow is maintained at its physiological blood flow resulting in the heart being oblivious to the transition by the prefilter blood pump.

Abstract: An integrated infusion and aspiration system includes a flow control system and a catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes an infusion catheter and an aspiration catheter, each having ports located at the distal end of thereof. The distal ends of the catheters are separated so that the aspiration catheter ports can be positioned on an opposing side of a surgical wound site from the infusion catheter ports. Methods of operation of the integrated infusion and aspiration system provide for uninterrupted aspiration with concurrent controlled delivery of an infusion solution such that the infusion solution is substantially evenly dispersed of over the wound site.

Abstract: Balloons for medical devices, particularly balloon agioplasty catheters, which have hybrid compliance curves in which growth rate slows at higher pressures are made from block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: A catheter, for example, a balloon catheter has a first and second section and a transition between the sections. The sections and the transition are arranged to enhance catheter deliverability.

Abstract: The catheter 1 of the present invention has a tubular catheter body 2 made from a metal material. A groove 21 is formed in the outer periphery of the catheter body 2 in the longitudinal direction. This groove 21 is formed by plastically transforming the tubular wall of the catheter body 2 by plastic treatment. Thus, there is provided a catheter which has excellent followability and high ease of operation while maintaining torque transmissibility and pushability.

Abstract: A seal for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body adapted for selectively opening and closing the seal, and a protector adjacent the seal body for protecting the seal body from instruments passing through the seal body. The protector includes at least one flap mounted for pivotal movement, the flap including an inner edge located generally toward a center of the seal and an outer edge mounted to a support member which maintains the flap in a position above the seal body. The flap is shaped and dimensioned such that the majority of the seal body is covered by the outline of the flap.

Abstract: The needle assembly is provided with the housing, an IV cannula for accessing a blood vessel and a non-patient cannula for communication with an evacuated tube. A flashback chamber is provided in the housing at or near the distal end of the housing. A shield is hinged to a portion of the housing proximally of the entrance to the flashback chamber. As a result, good visibility of the flashback chamber is achieved. After use, the shield can be rotated into a closed position for surrounding the IV cannula and avoiding accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: An easily carried eye rinsing device in the form of a flask containing an eye rinsing liquid. The flask is sealed by a closure element that projects up from a future opening of the flask. An eye cup surrounds the closure element and a sleeve surrounds the eye cup. The sleeve is non-rotatably connected with the closure element.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20) has a longitudinal-direction (22), a lateral cross-direction (24), an overall longitudinal article-length, an overall lateral article-width, and an intermediate portion (76) interposed between a pair of longitudinally opposed end portions (72). The article comprises a backsheet (28), a liquid-permeable topsheet (26), an absorbent body (30) sandwiched between the backsheet (28) and the topsheet (26) and at least one wing-panel (42) which is operatively connected to the intermediate portion (76) of the article (20). The wing-panel extends laterally beyond at least one lateral side edge of the backsheet (28) in the intermediate portion (76) of the article, and the wing-panel (42) is configured to wrap about an undergarment. The wing-panel includes an operative quantity of odor-control material, and at least one, laterally-outboard wing-section of the wing-panel (42) can be sufficiently sized and shaped to operatively enclose the article (20) for disposal.

Abstract: An absorbent article which is provided with a liquid permeable surface sheet (2), a liquid impermeable leakage-prevention sheet (3) and a liquid-retaining absorbent (4) interposed between the sheets, is formed substantially oblong, and is provided on the longitudinal opposite sides thereof with a pair of right and left, elastic member-carrying three-dimensional guards (5), (5), wherein the guards (5) each has a skin-contacting surface portion (5A) formed by folding back a side on the free end (53) toward the outer side of the diaper, and elastic members in a stretched condition are respectively disposed and fixed to the skin-contacting surface portion (5A) and to the approximately widthwise central portion of a raised portion (5B) between the skin-contacting surface portion (5A) and the base end (52) of a three-dimensional guard body.

Abstract: A catheter connection adapter is provided which allows for a user-friendly and mistake-proof connection of a multiple lumen catheter from a dialysis patient to a source of dialysis fluid. The connection adapter contains at least two ports, e.g., one for inflow and one for outflow, and may have a tapered gap between the ports so that an interference fit is made when the ports are inserted into the catheter. In addition, the ports may have a unique key and lock configuration with the catheter such that a fit can only be made when the catheter lumens and the ports are in proper alignment, and the ports may be unconnected to one another so as to provide separate fluid paths for inflow or outflow. The connection adapters are advantageous in that they will allow a multiple lumen catheter to be manually connected to other dialysis equipment following implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with near-axial geometry includes a linearly elongated handle portion having a handle axis defined along its length. The handle portion is joined to a linearly elongated working portion by an offset portion. The working portion includes a working axis defined along its length, and the working axis and handle axis intersect at an angle which is no greater than 5 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the base of the working tip of the working portion falls within 4 millimeters of the vertex of the angle.

Abstract: A catheter device for treating a vascular disease is provided. The catheter device includes an energy delivery device such as an optical fiber for delivering laser energy and a catheter. The catheter lumen receives the optical fiber and a fluid such as an anesthetic agent or vasoconstricting agent. According to the invention, a plurality of exits are formed in the sidewall of the catheter. The exits are in communication with the catheter lumen and administer the fluid into the blood vessel. By administering the fluid from within the catheter lumen, the present catheter device eliminates the need to make numerous external punctures to deliver fluid injections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating atrial tissue include positioning a lesion formation tool against the atrial surface. An optical fiber of the tool is energized at a wavelength is selected to have a low absorption in water.

Abstract: A system for detecting leaks and occlusions in a cryoablation catheter requires monitoring pressure in the catheter at the end of two predetermined time intervals. The catheter includes a catheter tube, a cryo-chamber at the distal end of the catheter, and a supply line for introducing fluid refrigerant into the cryo-chamber. Also included is a pressure sensor mounted in the cryo-chamber for measuring a tip pressure. During the first time interval, fluid refrigerant is prevented from flowing through the catheter while the catheter is evacuated by a vacuum pump. The tip pressure is then measured to detect leaks. During the second time interval, fluid refrigerant is introduced into the cryo-chamber while evacuation continues, and the tip pressure is measured to detect occlusions.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for the mapping of energy delivery devices to energy sources. Energy capable of affecting a measurable property of the system is delivered through the energy delivery devices from the energy sources. A change in a property when the energy is delivered is measured using measuring devices that are associated in a known way with the energy delivery devices. A profile of the change is compared to a profile of the energy output in order to determine which energy sources produce an output capable of affecting the property measurable by each measuring device and, because of the association between measuring devices and energy delivery devices, each energy delivery device.

Abstract: A catheter for measuring electrical activity and ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body. A non-retractable electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly comprises a generally tubular ablation electrode formed of a material having shape-memory having a generally straight exposed region and at least one irrigation port in the exposed region through which fluid can pass from the inside to the outside of the ablation electrode. The exposed region is generally transverse to the catheter body. The electrode assembly further comprises a tip at the distal end of the electrode assembly comprising a generally ball-shaped exposed region. First and second distal mapping electrodes are mounted distal to the exposed region of the ablation electrode. At least the first distal mapping electrode, and optionally the second distal mapping electrode, is incorporated into the generally ball-shaped exposed region of the tip.

Abstract: The invention provides a rod assembly for implantation into the spine which includes a bone anchor assembly providing two points of angulation for the connection between the point of fixation and the rod. Further, the distance of offset between the point of fixation and the rod can be varied. The invention uses a bone screw having a pronged cage with a recess that accommodates the head of a post member. The cage can be tightened around the head by the camming surfaces of a locking cap that is drawn down around the compressible cage as the head is screwed upward in the recess by the engagement of the threads of the post by a locking nut. Further, the locking cap has a slotted bushing that is positionable in the elongated slot of a rod connector member. The locking nut includes an external taper that expands the bushing outward to lock it into position in the slot.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly and method of assembly comprises a longitudinal member; a screw head comprising a bulbous end, wherein the screw head has a slot adapted to receive the longitudinal member; a bone fixator component comprising a concave socket having a biased angled top and a rounded bottom adapted to receive the screw head; a locking pin adapted to engage the screw head, the bone fixator component, and the longitudinal member; and a blocker adapted to engage the screw head and to secure the longitudinal member. Additionally, the bone fixator component may be configured as any of a bone screw and a hook.

Abstract: A surgical anchor is provided with one or more anchor holes distributed around the head of the anchor. Each anchor hole is inclined to allow attachment of one or more sutures to the anchor either before, during or after the anchor is seated in a bone. The upper and lower apertures of each anchor hole are chamfered, and the chamfered areas from the anchor hole to the outside edge shall be polished or somehow smoothed to remove sharp edges and rough areas which may cause friction and abrasion to soft tissue or suture material. The lower surface of the anchor head may be angled to further simplify the task of feeding a surgical needle through the anchor hole after the anchor is seated into the bone.

Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring and a bore section for creating an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes a bone-cutting end, having a transverse angle creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end defining a load-bearing surface, and a second end. The first end is formed at an angle that creates an elliptical face of the first end.

Abstract: A drill guide with integral drill bit is provided for drilling a hole into bone. The drill guide may have a housing for engaging a screw hole of a bone plate to fix the trajectory of the drill guide and drill with respect to the bone plate. An adjustable stop assembly is also provided and is axially slidable along the drill bit. The adjustable stop has a drill bit engaging mechanism to selectively lock the adjustable stop to the drill bit at a desired location to limit the depth that the drill may penetrate into the bone.

Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.

Abstract: The invention consists of an axis-traction handle with a pull-sensing grip (4) for the obstetrical forceps, whose object is to reduce the risk of injury to the fetus, caused by excessive traction force during a forceps delivery. The grip contains electronic hardware which include a strain gauge to measure the pull exerted on the axis-traction handle, and thus on the fetal head, during a forceps delivery, a sounder to alert the doctor when the pull exceeds preset safety limits, and a transceiver for the wireless transmission of the pull data to a receiver connected to a lap-top computer with specific software, which generates a graphic representation of such data.

Abstract: An implant for bridging a gap in a severed spinal cord or nerve and for promoting nerve regeneration has a matrix comprising a biocompatible, biodegradable, polymeric material. The matrix has a proximal end for connection to a first end of severed spinal cord and a distal end for connection to a second end of severed spinal cord. The matrix includes internal guidance channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end to facilitate rejoining of the first end and the second end of the severed spinal cord. A bioactive agent may be dispersed in the matrix, or disposed in the channels, or included within microspheres in the channels. The channels may be arranged such that guidance channels correspond to spinal cord tracts. Alternatively, guidance channels may be spaced apart at the proximal end of the matrix and converge inward toward the axis of the matrix at the distal end.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing veins, usually varicose veins, rely on endoluminal capture of a distal end of the vein segment to be removed. In the illustrated embodiments, a shaft having reciprocatable penetrating elements is used to engage and capture the distal end of the vein. After rotating the shaft to pull the distal segment of the vein away from the connecting tissue, the shaft is withdrawn proximally, invaginating the segment back to the point of insertion.

Abstract: A device is disclosed to remove veins from the body. These can be unwanted varicose veins or healthy veins of the arms and legs used for bypasses or fistula formation. This device has a handle for the purpose of rotation and advancement of the instrument. This handle is attached to an elongated semi rigid shaft of various lengths. At the remote end of this shaft is the tip of the instrument comprised of a cylindrical shape device with an outward angle of various degrees. This tip is advanced with rotational move around the vein to separate the vein from surrounding tissue and also to cut the tributaries without damaging the wall of the vein. The shaft can be hollow to allow insertion of a long needle for the purpose of injection and local anesthesia.