Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid carrying connector comprising a luer lock connector is provided. At least one projection is defined on, or extending from, a surface of the luer lock connector. A shroud is moveably positioned with respect to the luer lock connector. The shroud comprises at least one projection that is rotatably positionable with the projection of the luer lock connector. In one rotational direction of the shroud, the projection of the shroud rotates the projection of the luer lock connector in the rotational direction. In an opposite rotational direction of the shroud, the projection of the shroud does not rotate the projection of the luer lock connector in the opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: An indwelling endourethral drainage catheter includes a tubular distal portion and a spiral proximal portion. A central lumen extends along substantially the entire length of the catheter. The spiral proximal portion defines an outer spiral channel in fluid communication with the central lumen. The distal end of the catheter is anchored externally so that the catheter is held against advancement into or out of the urethra. In certain methods, the diameter of the spiral proximal portion may be changed to address obstructions within the urethra or facilitate navigation of the catheter along the urethra.

Abstract: A urological medical system for performing a controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder for treating a bladder dysfunction problem comprised of a programmed CPU with associated computer equipment for facilitating an automatic control of a treatment procedure to be performed on a patient, a saline solution warmer, a saline solution pump, a four-way catheter wherein a channel is provided for monitoring the pressure within the bladder during the procedure, a syringe for infusing a medicine through the catheter and a strapping device to secure the syringe and to slidingly engage the catheter to a leg of the patient. Desired parameters are monitored during the procedure and a desired pressure is maintained in the bladder for a predetermined time to perform the controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder.

Abstract: A urinary catheter assembly is disclosed having a catheter, a sheath enclosing an insertable portion of the catheter, and a free end partially open to allow fluid communication between the lumen of the sheath and an environment outside the sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with implanted medical devices used for the controlled exposure and release of reservoir contents, such as drugs or sensors. The device may include a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs containing reservoir contents for release or exposure; and a rechargeable or on-demand power source comprising a local component which can wirelessly receive power from a remote transmitter wherein the received power can be used, directly or following transduction, to activate the release or exposure of the reservoir contents.

Abstract: A drug delivery device which includes a fluid drug reservoir, a catheter, a controllable fluid transfer device, e.g., a pump mechanism or valve, and a drug delivery control means. The drug delivery control means comprises a controller, e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller which is operable to automatically reduce the rate of drug delivery over a certain reduction interval (e.g., multiple days) from an initial dosage value to a final dosage value.

Abstract: A handheld probe treats acne and other skin conditions using a combination of optical and thermal therapy. The device contains light emitting devices capable of impinging a treatment area with laser light. In the preferred embodiment, the light emitting devices emit a combination of red and blue light to treat acne causing bacteria and prevent inflammation. The emitted light can be formed into therapeutically effective shapes by one or more optical arrangements. The device also contains a thermally conductive plate heated by a heater. The thermally conductive plate contacts the skin and warms it, enlarging the pores in the treatment area. One or more contact switches activate the device when brought into or near contact with the treatment area. In the preferred embodiment, the device is powered by a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method for treating and clearing dermatological conditions with a low energy emitting laser. One embodiment includes the treatment of psoriasis with a nitrogen based laser. When aimed through a hand piece by a physician, a pulsed UV laser having a wavelength of about 337 nM and pulse duration of between about 10 nS to 400 mS range, selectively targets the plaque of psoriasis. The beam is approximately 5 mm in diameter. This laser shot administers a therapeutic dose of UV light to the targeted area for the reduction and clearing of plaque associated with psoriasis without exposure of the surrounding skin. The method may be employed to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo or other dermatological conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for ablating portions of a tissue volume with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated ablation islets in the tissue are disclosed, including lattices of micro-holes, micro-grooves, and other structures. Also, methods and devices for using the ablated islets are disclosed, including to deliver chromophores, filler, drugs and other substances to the tissue volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ablating tissue are disclosed that comprise positioning two or more bidirectional ablation energy sources in spaced-apart relation in sufficient proximity to the tissue to be ablated so that, upon activation each energy source creates an energy field in the tissue to be ablated. The energy sources are spaced such that the energy fields created by at least one of the activated sources partially overlaps with the energy field created by one or more of the other energy sources. The energy sources are alternately activated and deactivated, so that a substantially constant energy field results where the energy fields created by at least two of the energy sources overlap. While the energy sources are preferably RF energy sources, other energy sources, such as microwave, may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ablating tissue in a heart (24) of a subject (25) during an ablation procedure is disclosed. The method includes contacting an ablation catheter tip (48) to tissue of the heart (24) at a plurality of sites designated for ablation; sensing at each respective site a feedback signal from the ablation catheter indicative of success of the intended local ablation; storing any available data defining a current position of the ablation catheter tip (48) relative to the heart (24) at a moment of sensing the feedback signal indicative of a failed intended ablation for later re-visit; displaying a map (60) of a region of interest of the heart (24); and designating, on the map display (60), indications of the sites corresponding to when the required electrical current is above the threshold current value indicative of a gap in an ablation line or ring.

Abstract: A radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter system which is accurate in the detection temperature, capable of miniaturization compared to conventional systems, reliably detecting pinholes and adhesion of thrombi. A thermocouple is composed of a radiofrequency transmission line and a single metal wire joined to the distal end thereof. A coiled electrode is formed in a coil shape by extending the distal end of the radiofrequency transmission line. The distal end of the metal wire is brought into pin-point connection with the proximal end of the coiled electrode. A radiofrequency generator monitors the radiofrequency output, total impedance, and reflection waves, while supplying the coiled electrode and a counter electrode plate with a radiofrequency of 1 to 5 MHz, and automatically controls the radiofrequency output, so that the temperature of the coiled electrode can be kept at a target value.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a probe portion, the proximal end being coupled to the ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic transducer being transmitted to the probe portion, a storage portion which stores the ultrasonic transducer, a cylindrical casing portion which has a distal end and a proximal end and which is installed outside the storage portion, an electric path provided to extend between an electric contact disposed at the distal end of the casing portion and an electric cable connecting portion provided at the proximal end of the casing portion, and an electric cable which has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being connected to a power supply unit, the distal end being coupled to the electric cable connecting portion, the electric path being disposed between the storage portion and the casing.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with cauterizing and resecting tissue. A pair of electrodes are placed on opposed tissue surfaces, and radio frequency power is applied through the electrodes to cauterizing a tissue mass therebetween. After cauterization has been effected, the tissue may be resected along a plane within the cauterized region with minimum or no bleeding. The tissue mass may then be removed.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for repairing injured connective tissue. These systems may include, among others, a surgical stapler and staples for repairing partially or completely severed tendons and/or ligaments.

Abstract: An orthopedic device including a base and an adhesive pad attached to the base. The adhesive pad receives an adhesive capable of securing the orthopedic device to tissue. The orthopedic device may also include an attachment mechanism for receiving and attaching additional orthopedic components and/or surgical instruments thereto. For example, a cut guide, a pin placer, or another orthopedic component or surgical instrument may be secured to the attachment mechanism of the orthopedic device of the present invention.

Abstract: In a method for indicating the position and orientation of a tool for preparation of a femur for a femur implant which with a joint ball fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis or into a joint socket inserted in the pelvis or for preparation of such a femur implant for insertion into a femur relative to the femur and to the center point of the joint ball, in order to provide the operating surgeon with an easily understandable representation for targeted positioning of the tool or the femur implant, it is proposed that the center point of the joint ball and a line of intersection of a transversal plane of the femur and an instrument plane, which line of intersection passes through the center point of the joint ball, be represented in this transversal plane of the femur at the level of the center point of the joint ball.

Abstract: An assembly and method for performing a bone shortening osteotomy are provided. The present invention provides an assembly for performing a shortening osteotomy on a bone comprising a main guide configured to be coupled to the bone and to guide at least one cut into the bone. The assembly also includes at least a first interchangeable bone resection guide configured to engage the main guide and guide at least one cut into the bone wherein the cuts formed using the main guide and the first interchangeable bone resection guide cooperate to define two bone segments. The two bone segments are compressed together and affixed to promote healing of the bone.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a bone filling material and mixing the bone filling material in a vessel to form a bone augmentation material. The method further comprises pressurizing the vessel with a pressurization source to retain a plurality of voids within the bone augmentation material. The method further includes inserting a material delivery device into the vertebral bone and injecting the bone augmentation material with the retained plurality of voids from the material delivery device and into the vertebral bone.

Abstract: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a gaseous substance and providing a flowable and settable bone filling material. The method further comprises introducing the gaseous substance into the bone filling material to form a porous bone augmentation material and inserting a material delivery device into the vertebral bone. The method further comprises injecting the porous bone augmentation material from the material delivery device and into the vertebral bone.

Abstract: An assembly for sealably injecting a fluent material into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the annulus of a spinal disc comprises a cannula having a passageway for injecting the fluent material therethrough into the intradiscal space, a seal having a sealing surface for sealing engagement with the outer surface of the disc annulus and defining a central opening for, and an articulating joint defined between the central opening of the seal and the cannula configured to permit relative articulation between the components. The assembly may further comprise an anchor element extending through the central opening of the seal, the anchor element including an elongated threaded body sized for threaded engagement within the opening in the disc annulus and having a head configured to engage a distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of an insertion/extraction device and a preparatory instrument or a prosthetic part used in orthopeadic surgery operations. The free end of the said preparatory instrument or that prosthetic part has, formed therein, a first recess able to be engaged in a complementary manner with the end of a modular neck, and a second recess having an axis substantially intersecting the axis of the first recess. The device is provided with a handle having its axis parallel to that of the second recess and having a first terminal portion shaped so as to engage in a complementary manner with the recess, and a second terminal portion adjacent to the first recess and connected to means which are fixed onto the handle and which, when they are operated, perform the coaxial insertion of the portion into the second recess.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a bone anchor and, in turn, a vertebral body to which the bone anchor is attached. The exemplary instrument includes an inner shaft, an anchor engagement mechanism, and an outer sleeve disposed about the inner shaft. The exemplary instrument may be employed to manipulate a bone anchor for implantation or adjustment. The exemplary instrument may also be use engage a bone anchor implanted in a vertebra and maneuver the bone anchor and the vertebra by manipulating the instrument. For example, the exemplary instrument may be employed to rotate the bone anchor and the vertebra relative to other vertebrae and thereby by correct the angular orientation of the vertebra. The instrument, when employed in the exemplary manner, thus may be used to effect segmental correction of the angular orientation of the vertebrae of the spine.

Abstract: An auto-extensible device has an electrorestrictive device. Upon applying a voltage to the electrorestrictive device, a linear bearing guide together with a second body member is caused to move distally with respect to a first body member. This movement produces a first gap between the second body member and the first body member as well as a second gap. A first motor drives a first spur gear until it abuts the first body member and thereby closes the second gap. The voltage is allowed to drop to zero causing the electrorestrictive device to contract again, thereby causing the first gap to close and a third gap to open up between a second gear ring and a distal surface of the second body member. A second motor moves the second gear ring proximally of an elongate tubular member and to cause it to close the third gap.

Abstract: An introducer system for introducing a plurality of wire guides into a vessel of a patient includes first and second wire guides, and a catheter. The first wire guide has a curved proximal end, and a distal end sufficiently flexible for passage through the vessel to a target site for the procedure. The catheter has proximal and distal open ends, and a lumen extending therebetween. At least the distal end of the catheter has sufficient flexibility for passage over the first wire guide to the target site, and has an inwardly curved portion between the proximal and distal open ends. The catheter further has a side port proximally positioned along the inwardly curved portion. The side port is sized and arranged such that the curve of the first wire guide proximal end is passable therethrough when the catheter is passed over the first wire guide. The second wire guide is sized for passage through the lumen when the first wire guide is positioned in the lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate body configured to be at least partially inserted into a gastrointestinal lumen. The elongate body is configured to perform a medical procedure within the gastrointestinal lumen. A beacon element is coupled to the elongate body. The beacon element is configured to be identified within the gastrointestinal lumen using a sensing device. A method includes imaging a gastrointestinal lumen with an imaging device. An apparatus is inserted at least partially into a gastrointestinal lumen. The apparatus has an elongate portion, a tool portion and a beacon element. The location of the beacon element is identified within the gastrointestinal lumen using a sensing device. The tool portion is moved to an area of interest within the gastrointestinal lumen based on the location of the beacon element.

Abstract: Embolectomy procedures can be performed under conditions to effectively remove thrombus/emboli with little risk of injuring the vessel wall and while effectively capturing and removing emboli. Desired embolectomy devices present a polymer matrix against the vessel wall. Suction can be used to facilitate the embolectomy process and to remove emboli loosened in the procedure. Some devices combine features to present a polymer matrix against the vessel wall while corresponding providing sufficient support to effectively loosen thrombus. Combinations of embolectomy and/or filter elements can be used.

Abstract: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Ultrasound catheter devices generally include an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. Improved features of ultrasound catheters include catheter bodies and ultrasound transmission members with increasing distal flexibility, guidewire tubes allowing contact between a guidewire and an ultrasound transmission member, distal heads with improved guidewire lumens, and torquable proximal housings for enhancing disruption of blood vessel occlusions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include anchor assemblies and methods for using the same to immobilize a device within a body portal. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly is utilized to immobilize a catheter relative to a covered (e.g., skin-covered) burr hole formed in a skull. Anchor assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may include anchors located subdermally that may be unlocked from outside the body to release the device without a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely guided by positioning sensors near moveable portions of the instruments. Electrical sources may be electrically isolated from the patient.

Abstract: An epilator with an improved structure is provided.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for the repair of muscle wall defects such as hernias and more particularly for the repair of umbilical and paraumbilical herniae and possibly ventral or Spigelean herniae, comprises an upper sheet (1) of a surgically compatible mesh or PTFE material and a lower button (2) of a surgically compatible mesh or PTFE material (3), such as a composite polypropylene mesh/PTFE, connected with, but spaced from, the upper sheet by a bridge portion (5). The innermost surface of the button (2) includes a visceral adhesion inhibiting material (4) of a PTFE, or comparable material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of monitoring gastric restriction devices are described. Internally mounted sensors detect at least one of a quantity of a test substance, a flow through the stomal opening produced by a restriction device, slippage of the device, and erosion of the gastric wall. In some embodiments flow versus no flow can be determined, or a flow rate can be calculated. Monitoring of internally mounted sensors permits optimization of the performance of a gastric restriction device, using noninvasive techniques.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that include accepting one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions based on blood vessel data from an individual; and making a rapid-prototyped blood vessel sleeve at least partly based on the one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions.

Abstract: A system and method forms a gastric reduction pouch within a stomach associated with an esophagus. The method includes the steps of delivering, down the esophagus, a substantially planar annular member into the stomach, drawing stomach wall tissue to a juxtaposed relation with the annular member; and securing, to the annular member, the stomach wall tissue juxtaposed to the annular member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid jet device for producing a liquid used to remove, in particular, biological tissue. The fluid jet device comprises housing in which a pump set is arranged for producing high liquid pressure within a range of up to 800 bars. A pressure supplying source and the nozzle which produces the liquid jet can be connected to the pump set, the nozzle being connected by a flexible connecting line. The hole diameter of the nozzle outlet measures between 20 to 120 micrometres. The weight of the housing with the pump set and the separate pressure supplying source for the pump set respectively is such that they are especially suitable for mobile use and can therefore respectively be carried by hand.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive ultrasonic handpiece capable of providing both longitudinal and torsional or twisting motion.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.

Abstract: A vitrectomy probe that minimizes retinal traction by balancing infusion inflow and aspiration outflow near its cutting port.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon and method of adding and/or removing fluid therefrom are disclosed. The intragastric balloon includes a shell, a grasping tab, and a self-sealing portion. A gastroscopic instrument which includes a grasping tool is inserted into the stomach of a patient and used to grasp the grasping tab located on the surface of the shell. Using the grasping tool, the intragastric balloon is securely fastened to the gastroscopic instrument. A filling instrument, such as a needle, is advanced through the self-sealing portion of the shell for the filling or deflating of the intragastric balloon. After inflation or deflation is complete, the filling instrument is then withdrawn from the balloon and the gastroscopic instrument withdrawn from the stomach.

Abstract: A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough, a balloon affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon, and a sleeve slidably affixed over the shaft. This sleeve is movable between a first position overlying the balloon and a second position away from the balloon. The sleeve has an aperture at an end thereof such that the balloon extends outwardly of this aperture.

Abstract: Devices and methods compress cancellous bone. In one arrangement, the devices and methods make use of an expandable body that includes an internal restraint coupled to the body. The internal restraint directs expansion of the body. In one arrangement, a method for treating bone inserts the device having the internal restraint inside bone and causes directed expansion of the body in cancellous bone. Cancellous bone is compacted by the directed expansion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for filtering debris flowing in an in vivo fluid stream, the assembly comprising at least one balloon configured to volumetrically expand and, during at least a portion of the expansion, operatively connect with a filter, and to contract following the expansion. The assembly further comprising a filter configured to operatively connect with the at least one balloon during at least a portion of the volumetric expansion of the at least one balloon, such that the filter expands during the operative connection in order to filter debris from a fluid flowing in a fluid stream within which the expanded filter is disposed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing distal protection during a medical procedure that include a vascular filter having a self-expanding, porous foam body that conformably seals against a vessel wall and captures emboli within one or more recesses. The filter is coupled to a distal region of an elongated member, such as a guide wire. Delivery systems for use with filters of the present invention and methods of using the apparatus of the present invention also are provided.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for removing emboli from a blood vessel in a patient's body. The device comprises a mesh element being expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and an elongate tubular element having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a lumen between the proximal and distal openings. The lumen has a diameter large enough to slideably accommodate a standard guidewire. The mesh element is disposed on the elongate tubular element.

Abstract: An elliptical excision clamp helps in the removal of superficial lesions and abnormalities as well as the subsequent suturing of said removal of lesions. An elliptical excision clamp utilizes a pair of half-elliptical shaped clamp jaws curved at an appropriate ratio for the target surgical area, a number of suture hole and slot pairs on the clamp jaws used to facilitate suturing, a crossed members array with finger loops, and a pivot point pin used to connect said crossed members. This device helps minimize bleeding and operation time, and maximizes surgical efficiency and wound management.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-slip protection device for a housing head (21) for medical instruments (20), especially intraluminal instruments (20) for resection or anastomosis operations, comprising a terminal device (2) which can be fixed to the housing head (21) in such a way as to project out and which can be remote-controllably removed from the housing head in at least two sections (3, 4).

Abstract: A compression-self-adjusting staple includes a substantially U-shaped staple body and a compression device. The staple body has a bridge and two legs extending from the bridge at an angle thereto. Each of the legs has a base end integral with the bridge and a deformable distal end defining a stapling point shaped to pierce material to be stapled. The compression device is at least partly disposed between the legs and has a bias portion with a compression surface movably disposed between the legs and a compression resistor connected to the bridge and to the compression surface and formed to resist movement of the compression surface towards the bridge with a force.