Abstract: A diabetes management system and method used to manage the blood glucose level of a diabetes patient. The system includes at least one portable electronic device and a database system. The portable electronic device allows the patient to input different types of data into the processor to calculate insulin and carbohydrate intake recommendations for the patient. A time/date stamp is individually generated and stored for each type of data inputted by the patient. The diabetes management system also includes a database system which stores (i) activity data associated with the physical activity of the patient, (ii) blood glucose data associated with the blood glucose level of the patient, (iii) meal intake data associated with the food intake of the patient, and (iv) insulin intake data associated with the insulin intake of the patient.

Abstract: A skin condition observation apparatus having a sebum amount measuring device adapted for bringing a sebum sampling surface into contact with skins and optically measuring the amount of deposited sebum, wherein the sebum amount measuring device comprises an orthogonal prism having two reflection surfaces orthogonal with each other in which one reflection surface is exposed as the sebum sampling surface, and a light emitting element for illuminating a light to one of the reflection surfaces and a photoreceiving element for detecting the intensity of a reflection light reflected on the two reflection surfaces and returned therefrom are located being opposed to the hypotenuse surface at the back of the orthogonal prism, with their optical axes being in parallel with each other, whereby the sebum amount measuring device of the skin condition observation apparatus can be manufactured with no requirement for glass fabrication at high accuracy, troublesome and delicate alignment for optical axes with respect to the

Abstract: The invention provides a device that measures a patient's blood pressure without using an inflatable cuff. The device includes an optical module featuring an optical source and a first optical sensor that generates a first set of information; a flexible, thin-film pressure sensor that generates a second set of information; and a processing module, configured to receive and process the first and second sets of information to calculate a time-dependent blood pressure value.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting non-obstructive forms of apnea within a patient using an implantable medical system based on changes in blood pressure. The implantable system monitors for any substantially uniform decease in diastolic blood pressure over a series of heartbeats. If the uniform decease is sustained from beat to beat over a sufficient period of time, typically only ten seconds, non-obstructive apnea is deemed to have commenced and appropriate therapy may then be delivered. Preferably, however, therapy is only delivered if the episode of apnea is corroborated based on thoracic impedance signals, accelerometer signals or the like. In this manner, an episode of non-obstructive apnea can be promptly and reliably detected, thus allowing for prompt delivery of therapy.

Abstract: A measuring system includes a measuring apparatus (2) for obtaining pulse data and identification data related to the pulse data, and a central controlling apparatus (1, 3) for receiving the pulse data and the identification data from the measuring apparatus. The central controlling apparatus includes a data processing unit (1) for performing data processing based on the pulse data and the identification data.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of conducting a nerve conduction study is provided. In response to predetermined stimulation from an excitation device, a signal is generated that travels through a human body. The apparatus includes a sensing electrode operatively engagable with the human body downstream of the excitation device for sensing the signal. The apparatus further includes a pressure mounting structure operatively connected to the sensing electrode for controlling the pressure at which the sensing electrode engages the body. The pressure mounting structure includes a pressure source and a pressure sensor. A controller receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor and the signal from the sensor electrode. The controller includes software to normalize the amplitude of the signal based on the pressure at which the sensing electrode engages the body.

Abstract: A bone marrow sampling device is provided, including an outer cannula having a sidewall with a plurality of openings and a distal tissue penetrating tip. An inner cannula is positioned within the outer cannula, and includes a sidewall with at least one opening. Selective relative movement of the inner cannula and the outer cannula enables the device to be configured in multiple bone marrow sampling modes in which the at least one opening in the sidewall of the inner cannula is aligned with different openings in the sidewall of the outer cannula such that bone marrow can be drawn into the inner lumen of the inner cannula from different radial and longitudinal positions external to the sidewall of the outer cannula without the need to reposition the outer cannula.

Abstract: The invention discloses a biosensor monitor with a housing to accommodate a printed circuit board for data analysis from the electrochemical reaction on the test strip, a lancing device for blood inoculation which requires only one finger to activate the release of a lancet. This new monitor includes a biosensor monitor and the lancing device to make it more compact in size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing contributions of forces associated with a body part of a subject when the body part is involved in movement is provided. The method includes causing movement of the body part in a prescribed manner and monitoring quantities related to at least one of displacement of the body part and external force on the body part. At least one quantity related to a force contribution associated with the body part is determined from the quantities measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for massaging the human body, for use in particular in performing an assess/press/pull type massage, includes a working head (1) open in its lower part and containing elements for forming a skin fold. The elements forming a skin fold comprise two pinching skin-pinching jaws (11, 12) pivoting about an axis (13) parallel to the plane of the skin and at the ends of which are fixed massaging fingers (11b, 12b), the apparatus comprising elements for pivoting the two jaws (11, 12) towards each other and inversely. Additionally, the elements forming a skin fold advantageously comprise a suction cup (19) mounted mobile between the two jaws (11, 12), connected to a vacuum source by a flexible conduit (27) and elements (22, 24, 25) for moving the suction cup (19) vertically.

Abstract: A system is provided for persons who must remain seated for extended periods of time, such as persons working in offices and the like. The system includes one or two support surfaces for the feet of the user, which are moved by a motor driven base. The support surfaces perform an alternating longitudinal movement, a lifting and lowering movement or a movement combining the two movements. The support surfaces are moved by, in one example, support rods hingedly connected to a central point of the support surfaces and at the other end to eccentric pivots allocated to respective toothed wheels which are mounted so at to rotate about their respective axis. An intermediate motor-driven pinion conveys rotational movement in the opposite direction to the wheels and are placed between the wheels. The support surfaces may be a bar that is transverse relative to the motor-driven base, which is preferably used in mass transit vehicles such as motor coaches, airplanes, etc.

Abstract: A device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back of a human subject includes a body-engaging element configured for engaging a region of the subject's body inferior to the lumbar vertebrae while the subject lies in a supine position. A drive mechanism is configured to move the body-engaging element through a repetitive cyclic motion which includes an operative motion along a first path including a primarily vertical lifting motion followed by a primarily horizontal tensioning motion, and a return motion along a second path, the second path lying generally below the first path. The body-engaging element preferably includes at least one surface configured for engaging a rear surface of both of the subject's legs from the knees downwards.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing a partition between a middle ear and an inner ear to treat the symptoms of Meniere's disease or endolymphatic hydrops comprises a treatment member for being disposed in the middle ear adjacent the partition and a driver for driving the treatment member to move against the partition to thereby displace the partition at an infrasonic frequency to influence fluid distribution in the inner ear. A method for treating an ear comprises the steps of disposing a treatment device within the middle ear and moving at least a portion of the treatment device against the partition at an infrasonic frequency to displace the partition to influence fluid in the inner ear.

Abstract: A lower leg massage device includes a rotatable shaft having two actuating pins, two actuating devices solidly secured on the shaft, and two rotatable actuating devices rotatably attached onto the shaft and each having two opposite seats for selectively engaging with the actuator pins of the shaft. Four massage members are attached onto and to be vibrated by the actuating devices. The actuator pins may selectively engage with the one of the seats to rotate the rotatable actuating devices in one direction, and may engage with the other seat to rotate the rotatable actuating devices in the other direction, and to allow the massage members to be arranged either opposite to or parallel to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a push kneading device of massager which is composed of main base and driving motor, worm rod, worm gear wheel and massage body fixed inside this main base, wherein, one set of driving motor with worm rod at one terminal and two worm gear wheels geared up with worm rod are fixed inside the main base; and the limiting transmission shafts are respectively installed on the protruding positions of offset of worm gear wheel, two pivot rods are also fixed respectively corresponding to the center of worm gear wheel in the proper position of main base; massage surfaces are fixed on the top side of massage body with one locating hole and long runner at its bottom; thereby, to connect locating hole and long runner of massage body respectively with limiting transmission shaft and pivot rod, the worm gear wheel may generate rotation by use of running position of long runner and locating hole that may make massage body move up-and-down repeatedly and vibrate to left and right so as to provide pus

Abstract: A protective sling adapted to support a cast or brace extending adjacent a forearm and wrist, and to selectively simultaneously support a hand of a patient. The sling being made of a flexible material having a first portion extending a predetermined length, and a second portion partially overlying the length of the first portion and forming an opening into a sleeve, the sleeve disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The sleeve having a closed end opposite to and spaced from the opening between the first and second portions forming the sleeve. A strap assembly is attached to the closed end and to an opposite end of the protective sling, the strap assembly adapted to extend adjacent the neck and shoulder of the patient, suspending the protective sling adjacent the body of the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating deep vein thrombosis in a limb of user includes applying a deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve onto the limb of the user so that portions of the user's limb extend from opposite open ends of the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve; allowing the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve to conform to the limb and adhere to the limb over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides through negligible compression suction adhesion; heating up the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve with a user's body heat so that the user barely notices the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the user's limb; and treating the deep vein thrombosis with the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the limb of the user over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides. The treatment sleeve may also be used for treating a ligament or muscle injury in a joint of a user.

Abstract: A syringe with a snapping device for backward pulling the needle into the syringe after syringing includes a hollow barrel having an annular shoulder laterally extending from an inner periphery near a front end and two sector apertures defined in and extending through the annular shoulder. The snapping device is detachably secured in the front end of the hollow barrel and includes an annular flange laterally extending therefrom. Two snappers downward extend from the snapping device and are engaged to the annular shoulder to longitudinally position the snapping device. A first connector is formed on the snapping device opposite the hollow stub. A plunger is slidably and partially received in the hollow barrel. A second connector extends from a bulb and is selectively connected to the first connector for turning and backward pulling the snapping device into the hollow barrel.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub having an outer needle cannula extending therefrom. An inner needle is disposed for slidable movement with the outer needle cannula. At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the inner needle. The shield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle. The binding member includes a binding member reset surface aligned with a hub reset surface for engagement therewith to allow reuse of a shielded needle apparatus.

Abstract: A biodegradable and toilet-flushable body waste collection pouch, and an appliance in which such pouch constitutes the inner pouch of a peelably separable pouch-in- pouch system, are disclosed. The walls of the inner pouch are composed of an ultra-thin, heat-sealable film impermeable to body wastes comprising a plasticized biodegradable polyester or copolyester externally covered by a soft, porous, water-disintegratable cover layer of biodegradable and water-dispersible fibers.

Abstract: A stack of absorbent articles includes at least a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article adjacent in the stack, each article being individually wrapped in a wrapping cover with a container part and a lid part releasably attached to the outside of the container part. The lid part on the second absorbent article is attached to the wrapping cover of the first absorbent article by a releasable attachment which is stronger than the attachment between the lid part and the container part on the wrapping cover of the second absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article (14) used by being fitted to the female pubic region, which comprises: an absorbent sheet body made of a water permeable sheet (11), a water impermeable sheet (12), and an absorbent body (13) being formed into one body; and a body fluid inflow hole (14b) in a cylindrical shape with the garment side being the bottom, having an opening in a size capable of being fitted to cover a pair of labia majoras from outside.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The topsheet and backsheet define a periphery and longitudinal edges, portions of the longitudinal edges define leg openings when the diaper is worn. The diaper has a discrete edge seal folded about and joined to the longitudinal edges at least at the portions defining leg openings when the diaper is worn. An apparatus for affixing a discrete edge seal onto a portion of a longitudinal edge of a continuous web and methods for affixing a discrete edge seal onto a predetermined portion of a longitudinal edge of a continuous web are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for imaging and mapping various structures located at a target area within a patient's lumen using conventional IVUS technology. The mapped images are used to accurately determine and control the location of the device within the lumen relative to the target area and/or target site. Once the drug delivery device is properly positioned within the lumen, additional ultrasonic images are generated and used to control the position and depth of penetration of a retractable needle of the device. Needle position can be precisely determined, both in relationship to the device as well as the target site for drug delivery. This allows accurate delivery of drug to the target site and, thus, enhanced treatment capabilities.

Abstract: According to a method of occluding a bodily fluid vessel, a catheter is provided that has a first passage. The first passage has an occlusion element housed therein. The catheter is positioned in the vessel, and the occlusion element is moved out of the passage and into the vessel to thereby occlude the vessel. A catheter is also disclosed that may be used with the above method.

Abstract: The present invention regards a therapeutic delivery balloon and includes a system for delivering therapeutic to an irregular interior vessel surface. This system includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal lumen; a source of fluid in communication with the internal lumen of the catheter; and, a first inflatable balloon having an exterior surface, wherein the balloon is hyper-deformable, is in communication with the internal lumen of the catheter, and has an exterior surface in communication with a therapeutic when the balloon is in expanded state.

Abstract: Catheter for use in biliary procedures, including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guidewire lumen is carried by the shaft extending from a location proximal the distal end of the shaft to a location proximate the distal end of the shaft. An opening is included for accessing the guidewire lumen from a location exterior the catheter shaft located distal the proximal end of the shaft. The guidewire lumen may be formed integral the catheter shaft. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures. The catheter may further include a port and channel design including a first opening into the guidewire lumen located proximal the distal end of the shaft, a second opening located proximal the first opening, and a channel extending longitudinally between the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: A method for removing tattoos is disclosed. Generally, the method includes administering an IRM compound to the tattooed region. In some cases, the method also includes treating a tattooed area with a cell disrupter such as a laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for ablating tissue, the apparatus having first and second opposing jaws operative to compress tissue to be allayed therebetween, the first jaw having a first ablation surface directing ablative energy into the tissue and the second jaw having a second ablation surface reflecting incident ablative energy into the tissue. The ablative energy may be ultrasonic, microwave, cryoablation, radio-frequency, photodynamic, laser, and cautery energy. The instrument may also have a pointed tip for piercing tissue, allowing the instrument to clamp the tissue wall of a hollow organ before ablation. Alternately, the instrument may clamp two or more tissue layers of a hollow organ without piercing prior to clamping an ablation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a catheter that creates enhanced lesions using a needle electrode and can simultaneously map electrical activity at a plurality of points using an enhanced mapping assembly. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. A needle electrode assembly extends through the catheter body and needle control handle and has a proximal end attached to the needle control handle and a distal end within the distal end of the catheter body. A mapping assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and comprises at least two flexible spines. Each spine has a proximal end attached at the distal end of the catheter body and a free distal end. Each spine carries at least one electrode. The distal end of the needle electrode assembly is extendable past the proximal end of the mapping assembly upon manipulation of the needle control handle.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.

Abstract: An instrument assembly for inserting a lateral fastener into a lateral bore of a stem body implanted into a bone. The instrument assembly includes an outrigger having an alignment tube extending laterally from the stem body, wherein the outrigger can be coupled with the stem body such that the alignment tube extends coaxially with the lateral bore.

Abstract: Bone plates with an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and at least one hole extending through the upper and bone contact surfaces are disclosed. A hole interchangeably accepts a compression screw for compression of a fracture and a locking screw that threads into the bone plate.

Abstract: A percutaneous access device includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The outer tube may be sized to span from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate the spine of the patient. The distal end of the outer tube may be adapted to releasably engage a bone anchor. The inner tube may be adjustable relative to the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a distal bone engaging portion and a receiving member having a recess for receiving a spinal fixation element. The proximal end of the receiving member may have an arcuate groove formed on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate connection of an instrument to the receiving member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for precisely locating a line containing a predetermined point within the surgical site using a series of levels and plumb lines and internal anatomical features of the surgical site, using this location to precisely position and temporarily affix a site preparation scaffold relative to the patient's anatomy so that site preparation instruments can be introduced into the site at precise locations governed by the scaffold geometry and patient anatomy. This precise positioning of the scaffold also provides a way for the surgeon to use patient anatomical features to reliably and precisely prepare the surgical site. Scaffolds having angling features further increase the precise preparation of the surgical site. This increased precision in site preparation increases the probability of a successful procedure, and decreases the likelihood that additional surgery may be needed.

Abstract: Surgical techniques and instruments are provided for performing surgical procedures in a disc space. The instrument includes a sleeve having a distal end and an opposite proximal end and a working channel extending therebetween. The working channel includes a first portion and an adjacent second portion configured to receive surgical instruments therethrough. A cap member is secured to the sleeve at the proximal end. The cap member has a sealable access port substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the first or second portions. The cap member is movable with respect to the sleeve to substantially align the access port with the other of the first and second portions while the working channel remains sealed. Various techniques using various surgical instruments in laparoscopic procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit (10) for use in implanting a stem (12) into a long bone (36) for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The kit (10) includes a stem (12) for implantation into the long bone (36), a cement restrictor (16), and a quantity of bone cement (20).

Abstract: A clip applying device for the insertion and pinching of a medical clip within a mammalian body portion. The device comprises a housing supporting a proximal end of a delivery tube of the device. A pair of pinchable jaws are movably arranged at a distal end of the delivery tube. The device contains a plurality of preformed clips of a first width, the clips having leg portions, the clips also being movably disposed within the delivery tube between the housing and the jaws. A tool adjacent the jaws is arranged to enlarge the clips from a first width to a wider second width, as the clips emerge from the delivery tube.

Abstract: A device for automatically providing needles to a sealing apparatus for sealing a puncture in an anatomical structure, the sealing apparatus including a needle insertion lumen and a needle pusher channel having a needle pusher disposed therein. The device may include a housing coupled to the sealing apparatus and a cartridge disposed in the housing. The cartridge has a first and a second needle slot extending from a distal end of the cartridge to a proximal end of the cartridge. The first and second needle slots have first and second needles disposed, e.g., pre-loaded, therein, respectively. The cartridge is moveable, such as by a biasing element, relative to the housing between a first position in which the first needle slot is aligned with the needle insertion lumen and the needle pushing channel, and a second position in which the second needle slot is aligned with the needle insertion lumen and the needle pushing channel.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for preparing a hollow organ for anastomosis to another hollow organ. The said device comprises an anastomosis prosthesis, deployment apparatus to deliver the said prosthesis to a desired site in the body and a coupling device to secure the said prosthesis to said deployment apparatus during delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for removing an obstruction from a body lumen simultaneously mechanically dislodges the obstruction, macerates the obstruction, and aspirates the effluent caused thereby. The maceration is effected by directing pressurized fluid to the obstruction, while the obstruction is dislodged by a tip portion formed on the end of a guidewire. The apparatus includes a flexible catheter having at least two channels individually accommodating fluid flow paths towards and away from the obstruction. The guidewire may be disposed in either of the channels or a third channel formed in the flexible catheter. The apparatus also includes a drive unit for rotating the guidewire. The drive unit may be an external drive unit, such as an electrical motor, or may include drive elements formed on the guidewire within a drive chamber, across which the fluid flows and imparts energy against the drive elements to cause rotation of the guidewire.

Abstract: Methods for bypassing total or near-total obstructions in arteries or other anatomical conduits. A guidewire is advanced through the lumen of the artery or anatomical conduit upstream of the obstruction and past the obstruction. In navigating past the obstruction, this guidewire may advance through tissue that is located within the wall of the artery or anatomical conduit and/or through tissue that is located outside of the wall of the artery or anatomical conduit. After this guidewire has been advanced past the obstruction, a penetrating catheter that is equipped with an orientation element is advanced over that guidewire. The orientation element is then used to aim a penetrator back into the lumen of the obstructed artery or conduit, downstream of the obstruction. The penetrator is then advanced into the lumen of the obstructed artery or conduit, downstream of the obstruction, and a final guidewire is advanced through the penetrator and into the lumen of the artery or conduit downstream of the obstruction.

Abstract: The ability of an ultrasonic system to sweep and lock onto a resonance frequency of a blade subjected to a heavy load at startup is improved by applying a high drive voltage or a high drive current while systematically increasing the level of the applied signal. Increasing the drive signal to the hand piece results in an improved and more pronounced “impedance spectrum.” That is, under load, the increased drive signal causes the maximum phase margin to become higher and the minimum/maximum impedance magnitude to become more pronounced. Increasing the excitation drive signal to the hand piece/blade at startup significantly alleviates the limiting factors associated with ultrasonic generators, which results in an increase of the maximum load capability at startup.

Abstract: An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation.

Abstract: An extraction device for the removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature. The extractor device is connected to an elongate mandrel and is located within a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a catheter. A clot or foreign material extracted from a vessel by moving the extraction device and catheter proximally until the clot or foreign material does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: An intravascular filter includes at least one elongated support member configured to assume a retention configuration, such as a generally helical form about a central axis, and at least one flexible elongated filter member supported by the support member. The filter member is configured to assume a predefined filter form in such a manner as to form an obstacle to passage through the vessel, in a direction parallel to central axis, of particles having dimensions greater than the predefined value. The support member and the filter member are preferably prepared in a generally straight configuration to facilitate minimally invasive deployment.

Abstract: A vein filter movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region of the filter has a mounting portion for mounting the vessel filter within the vessel and a first filter portion converging to form a first converging region at a first end portion, positioned radially and axially inwardly of an end of the mounting portion. The second region of the filter has a transverse dimension decreasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion to form a second filter portion at the second end portion on the opposing side of the filter from the first filter portion.