Abstract: We disclose an elasticity-measuring device which can be inserted into a canal part of living body and which is capable of quantitatively measuring the elasticity of the biological tissue of inner side of canal part. The device consists of a probe base (5) and probes (7). The probes (7) are secured to probe base (5) and driven to press onto and return from biological tissue. According to the stress or hardness of the biological tissue measured by sensors on probes (7) and to the deviation between the probes (7) and the probe base (5), we can decide the elasticity of the biological tissue of inner side of canal part quantitatively.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a vibratory transducer has an armature suspended in a magnetic field. The armature has a plurality of electrical conductive paths to provide electrical current flow in said armature to react with said magnetic field and cause movement in the armature controlled by variation in the electrical current flow. A contact surface is secured to the armature, with a surface area for frictionally coupling to a corresponding surface area of a patient for example. Movement of the vibratory transducer induces movement in the patient, and the transducer can produce movement in the contact surface in at least two dimensions simultaneously. In one embodiment the contact surface is flat, while in alternative embodiments the contact surface is incorporated in a toroidal structure so as to surround part of the patient. Medical application can include treatment of bone fractures, oedema, and in elastography, amongst other applications.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A traction extension table used to aid the user in performing assisted lower back and abdominal extensions for the treatment of bulging/herniated lumbar discs. The table has a frame constructed utilizing a plurality of cushioned sections forming the table's top with one movable along a roller assembly mating with the table frame for section relocation and releasable securement upon relocation. Another is contoured to have table frame supported hand-placement supports at the head. The contoured cushion is hingedly attached to the table frame and also connected to at least one shock absorber. To better accommodate the user, the pads have lumbar and chest harnesses to keep the user in position while performing an exercise while the chest pad has a face hole to accommodate the user's nose while lying face down on the table.

Abstract: A method of detecting the detachment of the venous needle from a patient during an extracorporeal blood treatment in a dialysis machine having an extracorporeal blood circuit provided with an arterial branch and a venous branch. The arterial pressure (Pa) is measured in the arterial branch and the venous pressure (Pv) is measured in the venous branch, and the determination is made of whether or not decreases of the arterial pressures (Pa) and venous pressures (Pv) are occurring during the dialysis treatment in normal conditions.

Abstract: A non-invasive device for measuring blood temperature in a circuit for the extracorporeal circulation of blood includes a line in which blood taken from a patient flows. The device also includes a temperature sensor connected to the line and provided with a device for measuring the intensity of an electromagnetic radiation. The measuring device faces a connecting portion or window of the line that is permeable by electromagnetic radiation in a first wave band, and generates a first signal, correlated with the electromagnetic radiation in the first band and therefore with the temperature of the blood flowing in the line.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus includes a controller and a supervisor, which together monitor various sensors. The controller is equipped with a first alarm system and the supervisor is equipped with a second alarm system. To avoid competition between both alarm systems, the alarm system of the supervisor normally remains mute. A function monitoring device monitors the function of the first alarm system and signals a missing alarm to the supervisor. Only in this case will the second alarm system of the supervisor be activated.

Abstract: Equipment for controlling blood flow in an extra-corporeal blood circuit, comprising at least a first sensor (11), de-signed to measure an arterial pressure (Part) upstream of a peristaltic pump (9); at least a second sensor (12), designed to measure an angular velocity (?) of the peristaltic pump; a memory (14) de-signed to store at least one set value (Qset) of the desired blood flow through the access branch, and a calibration function (F) in at least the variables (vI), related to the angular velocity (?) of the pump, (v2), related to the arterial pressure (Part) in the portion of the said access branch upstream of the peristaltic pump, (v3), related to an actual flow of blood (Qactual) through the said access branch; and at least one control unit (13), capable of calculating an actual flow value (Qactual) by applying the function F to the values of angular velocity and arterial pressure (Part, ?) measured by the sensors; comparing the actual flow (Qactual) with the desired flow (Qset); and varying the an

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating a vascular occlusion located at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises positioning an ultrasound catheter at the treatment site. The method further comprises delivering a microbubble therapeutic compound from the ultrasound catheter to the vascular occlusion during a first treatment phase. The method further comprises pausing the delivery of the microbubble therapeutic compound and delivering ultrasonic energy from the ultrasound catheter to the vascular occlusion during a second treatment phase while the delivery of microbubble therapeutic compound remains paused.

Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly comprises a cannula holding member, a cannula fixed to the cannula holding member, and a safety device mounted on the cannula holding member. The cannula holding member includes one or more outwardly directed fins extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the cannula holding member. The safety device includes a collar adapted to be mounted on the cannula holding member and a sheath. The sheath possesses an interior bounded by a back wall and a pair of oppositely positioned side walls, and also includes an opening positioned opposite the back wall. The sheath is also provided with at least one fin engaging member connected to the back wall and extending from the back wall in a direction toward the opening. The fin engaging member is spaced from the side walls of the sheath.

Abstract: A syringe tip cap sealingly closes a distal opening of a syringe body. The syringe tip cap has a fastening ring which can be placed and fastened on the syringe body about the distal opening, and a closure cap which closes the distal opening in a sealed manner and is connected releasably to the fastening ring. The fastening ring has a locking means device that locks together with a locking device of the closure cap. The locking device of the fastening ring and the locking device of the closure cap are configured in such a way that they cannot be unlocked without sustaining damage. The syringe tip cap may be produced in a two-component injection molding process.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container and an actuator. The actuator includes a release member and an energy storage member having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the energy storage member has a first potential energy. In the second position the energy storage member has a second potential energy. The energy storage member is configured to convert a portion of the first potential energy into kinetic energy when moved from the first position to the second position to move the medicament container within the housing. The energy storage member has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The release member is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: Apparatuses for automatic medicament injection and methods for manufacturing automatic medicament injectors are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle, an energy storage member, an actuator, a locking member, and a needle guard. The needle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The energy storage member has a first configuration and a second configuration and is configured to produce a force when moving between its first configuration and its second configuration to move the needle from its first position to its second position. The actuator is configured to move the energy storage member from its first configuration to its second configuration.

Abstract: A method for processing a wafer to form a plurality of hollow microneedles projecting from a substrate includes forming, by use of a dry etching process, a number of groups of recessed features, each including at least one slot deployed to form an open shape having an included area and at least one hole located within the included area. The internal surfaces of the holes and the slots are then coated with a protective layer. An anisotropic wet etching process is then performed in such a manner as to remove material from outside the included areas while leaving a projecting feature within each of the included areas. The protective layer is then removed to reveal the microneedles.

Abstract: A plaster device serves for fixating a length of a medical tube in relation to a skin surface of an individual having said tube inserted into a body part via an opening. The plaster device is of the kind including an adhesive part having an upper side, an adherent lower side for attaching the plaster device to the skin, and a through-opening for receiving the tube, a support part at least partly attached to the upper side of the adhesive part and arranged for supporting a bent length of said inserted tube, and fastenings means for securing the tube on the support part. The support part is an integral unit having a branched-off portion defining at least one recess for accommodating at least a part of a fastening means, preferably elastic means. A frictional force between the tube and the fastening means guarantees that the tube is prevented from moving or displacing to cause patient discomfort.

Abstract: A cannula cover for use with an injector or injection device, wherein the injector or injection device includes a dosing section and a cannula support, and wherein the cover is attached to the cannula support and can be retracted against a bias in order to expose a cannula, said cannula cover including, in one embodiment, a substantially closed front facing side having an openable cannula passage opening.

Abstract: A syringe coated with a lubricant containing a silicone oil and a fine silica powder on the inner surface of the barrel of the syringe can be used for injection of a surface-active drug solution without oil droplet formation on the inner surface while preventing an increase of the gasket sliding friction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the treatment of a wound on a patient. The apparatus is capable of administering localized negative pressure therapy to the wound using a negative pressure source and a drain line for removing exudate from the wound. The apparatus is also capable of administering localized hyperbaric fluid therapy to the wound using a fluid source and a supply line for supplying fluid to the wound.

Abstract: A diaper changing mat comprising an attached, flexible and infant-drapeable, fold-over urine shield structured and arranged to prevent urine exposure from infant-generated urine while still providing easy access to the infant's diaper area. The diaper changing mat is preferably disposable. A preferred heart-shaped urine shield blocks urine streams without hindering access to the infant's diaper area. Alternately preferably, the diaper changing mat may be reusable and washable or preferably comprise a removable waterproof insert. The diaper changing mat may also attach to a changing-table element, such as, for example, a foam pad.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes: a napkin body having a liquid-absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining liquid; and first and second projections each exerting an elastic contractive force between longitudinally opposing front and rear ends to concavely curve the body surface of the napkin body and raise itself from the body surface of the napkin body. The napkin body has an overlap region where the second projections lie on laterally opposite sides of the first projection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid transfer system for transferring a substance from one vessel to another vessel while avoiding leakage of liquid and gas contaminants. The transfer system includes a needle safe design that is facilitated by a housing that shrouds a tip of a fluid transfer cannula such that the cannula tip is not exposed for inadvertent puncture. This feature may also be enhanced by use of a blunt tipped cannula. The fluid transfer system permits multiple access by enabling the easy swabbing of a septum prior to use.

Abstract: A medical article securement device holds a medical article in position upon the body of a patient and can be used to inhibit lateral and longitudinal motion of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer with a base and at least one post, and at least one cap. The cap is attached to the base of the retainer by a flexible connection, and can be placed into either a covered or uncovered configuration with respect to the post. The cap includes a recess which can receive a protrusion at the end of the post of the retainer. By placing the post through an appropriate opening in the medical article to be retained and then securing the medical article to the retainer by placing the cap into the covered position over the post, longitudinal and lateral motion of the medical article is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vascular insertion sheath with collapsible penetration locators. The collapsible penetration locators provide the insertion sheath with a small outer diameter and the added functionality of precise location indicator. The collapsible penetration locators comprise thin membranes that collapse upon insertion of a sealing device or vascular instrument into the insertion sheath. The insertion sheath includes a reinforced wall according to some embodiments, with a coiled or braided filament for reinforcement.

Abstract: An infusion set having an infusion part for insertion into a patient and a connector for connecting the infusion part with a medical device through a tube is provided. The connector is axially displaceable relative to the infusion part. The infusion part includes an adhesive support, a base part with a first set of guiding means and at least two retention devices for locking the connector to the infusion part, a cannula extending from the base part and being in fluid communication with a cavity. The cavity is further adapted to receive a second cannula extending from the connector where the second cannula is in fluid communication with the tube. The infusion set further includes a second set of guiding means that are adapted to fit with the first set of guiding means and at least two arms. The retention devices extend from an upper surface of a main surface of the base part and the arms include means corresponding to the retention members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering drugs or gene therapy within a patient's vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a material eluting a bioactive substance held in place within the patient's vessel by an anchor. The anchor and eluting material are sized and/or collapsible from a delivery configuration, in which the anchor and material may be delivered into the patient's vasculature within a delivery sheath, to a deployed configuration, wherein the anchor engages an interior wall of the patient's vessel. The eluting material may elute recombinant genes, drugs, or any other bioactive substance.

Abstract: Implantable delivery devices (1) for accurately controlling release of an agent therefrom and for preventing release of the agent during storage, prior to use. The devices include a reservoir (3) for storing the agent, a driving means for driving the agent from the reservoir (3) and a valving and control mechanism (10) which is positively actuatable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

Abstract: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. In the first case, the coolant also inflates the balloon, and spent coolant is returned to the handle via a return passage extending through the body of the catheter. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. Various configurations, such as surface modification of the balloon interface, or placement of particles, coatings, or expandable meshes or coils in the balloon interface, may be employed to achieve this function.

Abstract: An irradiation device for irradiating a living organism with electromagnetic radiation in order to influence biological structures inside the organism has a frequency generator that has a frequency synthesizer for the production of electromagnetic radiation having a defined frequency pattern, and a transmission antenna that is fashioned such that during operation the electromagnetic radiation is emitted essentially into a particular radiation volume.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The electrosurgical generator includes a power supply for generating a DC voltage. The electrosurgical generator also includes a first parallel inductor-capacitor circuit being driven by a first signal at a first predetermined frequency and a second parallel inductor-capacitor inductor-capacitor circuit driven by a second signal at the first predetermined frequency phase shifted 180°. The electrosurgical generator further includes a series inductor-capacitor resonant circuit operably connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer. The first and second parallel inductor-capacitor circuits are operably connected to the transformer, such that the first inductor-capacitor circuit generates a positive half sine wave and the second inductor-capacitor circuit generates a 180° phase-shifted positive half sine wave to generate a full sine wave in a secondary winding of the transformer.

Abstract: A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter or an adjoining structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the introduction member. A retainer member is coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the introduction member in an orifice of the sphincter.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse endoscopic in situ therapies. The assembly includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal electrode tip portion that acts as a hemostat, and a cutting wire for making incisions in or ablating tissue. A cutting wire hub provides a sealing entrance for a cutting wire. An operator enables the physician to displace the cutting wire between extended and retracted positions. The cutting wire and electrode are electrically isolated. In addition, the catheter assembly may include a planar tip which, when extended outside the distal end of the assembly, assumes a substantially flat unbiased configuration for use. The apparatus of the present invention allows the physician to make incisions in or ablate tissue using electrosurgery, irrigate tissue, and cauterize or coagulate tissue without having to remove the apparatus from the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: A low profile, short, tapered distal tip catheter and methods for its manufacture are provided. The catheter tip is configured to have a taper over a relatively short length resulting in a low profile that is useful when navigating the catheter tip into tight passages such as the Papilla of Vater. The configuration of the tip and process for making it can be employed in any medical catheter but are found to be most useful in a multilumen papillotome catheter used in biliary procedures.

Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable band system is provided. The system comprises a bioabsorbable elongated band and two locking member systems. This band system may be used to heal bone fractures or osteotomies.

Abstract: A guide and a blade for contouring vertebral bodies. The guide is sized to be mounted between two vertebral members and includes a pair of edges for receiving the blade. The pair of edges are spaced a distance apart for the first edge to align with a first vertebral member, and the second edge to align with a second vertebral member. The blade includes a pair of arms with at least one cutting edge. The arms are sized to fit within the pair of edges respectively. Using the blade and guide comprises inserting the guide adjacent to two vertebral members, and inserting the arms through the pair of edges to contour the ends of the members. In an embodiment with cutting edges at the distal ends of each of the arms, the two vertebral members can be contoured simultaneously.

Abstract: A medical inserter tool is provided for introducing medical implants into a surgical site, preferably using minimally invasive techniques. The inserter tool can have a variety of configurations, but in general, the inserter tool should be effective to engage and manipulate the implant into two or more positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and a pivoting element that is coupled to the distal end of the shaft and that is adapted to engage a spinal implant. In use, the pivoting element is movable between first and second positions to allow an implant to be introduced through a percutaneous access device in a lengthwise orientation, and to be manipulated subcutaneously to be positioned in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A medical inserter tool is provided for introducing medical implants into a surgical site, preferably using minimally invasive techniques. The inserter tool can have a variety of configurations, but in general, the inserter tool should be effective to engage and manipulate the implant into two or more positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and a pivoting element that is coupled to the distal end of the shaft and that is adapted to engage a spinal implant. In use, the pivoting element is movable between first and second positions to allow an implant to be introduced through a percutaneous access device in a lengthwise orientation, and to be manipulated subcutaneously to be positioned in a desired orientation.

Abstract: Bone plating implants, instruments, systems and methods for fracture fixation are provided. The systems includes the instruments and implants comprising a trial component, handle, aiming block, bone plate, tissue spreader, drill guide, K-wire guide, monoaxial screw-locking inserts, polyaxial screw-locking inserts, cable plugs, K-wires, monoaxial screws and polyaxial screws. The methods include the use of the instruments and implants for either open or minimally invasive fracture fixation surgery.

Abstract: Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment apparatus for the selection of suitable implant sizes in knee operations having a lower work unit supportable at the tibia and an upper work unit supportable at the femur, which are vertically adjustable relative to one another and with which the spacing between the tibia and the femur can be set by spreading apart the knee, wherein the upper work unit includes a carrier vertically adjustable to the lower work unit and at least two different functional units which are releasably conducted to the carrier and of which the one is designed as an extension unit serving for the spreading apart of the knee with the femur in extension and the other is designed as a flexion unit serving for the spreading apart of the knee and for the selection of a suitable implant size with the femur in flexion, wherein the flexion unit includes a base unit couplable to the carrier and a central guide piece which can be suspended at the femur and which can alternatively be brought into a conditi

Abstract: Instrumentation for implanting an intervertebral disc replacement device includes a drill guide comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a guide member disposed at the distal end of the shaft and operable to engage an insertion plate that maintains first and second members of an intervertebral disc replacement device in registration with one another for insertion into an intervertebral disc space of a spinal column, wherein the guide member includes at least one guide bore operable to align with an area of a vertebral bone of the intervertebral disc space to which one of the first and second members of the intervertebral disc replacement device is to be attached.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for surgical procedures relating to preparation of vertebral bodies and a disc space for insertion of spinal implants is disclosed. One instrument is a shim having a blade and a shaft having a first end connected with the blade. The blade is inserted into a distracted disc space to maintain distraction during subsequent procedures. Another instrument is a driver for driving the blade of the shim into the distracted disc space. Various methods contemplate the use of these instruments to maintain disc space distraction during disc space preparation for receiving an implant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to manipulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) fixable by passive or power driven positioning devices to a surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on the base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is separable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly further includes a force sensing element (52) mounted distal to the holder and the drive assembly for detecting forces exerted on the surgical instrument and providing feedback to the surgeon.

Abstract: A medical device includes an actuator handle, an elongate flexible inner tubular member operatively connected at one end to the handle, two jaws pivotably mounted to a distal end of the inner tubular member and biased to an open configuration, and an elongate flexible outer tubular member operatively connected at one end to the handle and slidably surrounding the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is provided at a distal end with two cutouts or open slots opposed to one another to define a pair of longitudinally extending opposed fingers. The fingers are engageable with respective ones of the jaws to pivot the jaws towards one another during a distally directed stroke of the outer tubular member so that the jaws assume a closed configuration. The cutouts or open slots are disposed alongside the jaws in the closed configuration thereof to provide clearance for tissue material grasped in and protruding laterally from the jaws.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices for approximating body vessels and method for performing the same. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes an inner member, an outer member having a lumen dimensioned to receive the inner member, an expandable anchor for engaging the a first body vessel, and a joining member for engagement between the first body vessel and the second body vessel.

Abstract: A medical knife has a cutting edge formed along the outer edge of a blade portion, and the thickness of the lower portion located under a boundary acting as a surface including the cutting edge is made thinner than that of an upper portion located on the boundary, or a lower surface is composed of the surface including the cutting edge. The surface of the upper portion on the above surface including the cutting edge is composed of a first slanting surface constituting the cutting edge, a second reflecting surface, and a flat surface composed of a non-reflecting surface as well as the lower portion has a lower slanting surface 10 and a lower flat surface 11 each composed of a reflecting surface. With the above arrangement, the medical knife can reduce the amount of reflected light when an operation such as an ophthalmic operation is executed under a microscope.

Abstract: The inventions described in this patent application include i) a torqueable introducer sheath which is useable in conjunction with a transvascular passageway forming catheter to effect precise rotational control of the catheter; ii) an anchorable guide catheter which is useable in conjunction with an intravascular imaging catheter and a transvascular passageway-forming catheter to effect precise positioning and aiming of the passageway-forming catheter; iii) a passageway forming catheter having a torqueable proximal portion to facilitate precise rotational positioning of the distal portion of the catheter; iv) a deflectable-tipped passageway forming catheter, v) various markers and other apparatus useable in conjunction with any of the passageway-forming catheters to facilitate precise positioning and aiming of the catheter, and vi) an apparatus which may be formed within a catheter to prevent a member, apparatus of flow of material from being inadvertently advanced through a lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: Vascular embolic filtering devices and systems, as well as methods for using the same, are provided. The embolic filtering device includes a guide wire and an associated embolic filter for capturing emboli created during interventional procedures within a target vessel. Features of the subject devices and system provide for delivering of the guide wire independently of the filter, rotating of the guide wire with respect to the filter and limiting or preventing the proximal translation of the filter with respect to the guide wire. The embolic filter is attached to a sheath having either a shorter-length configuration or an extended-length configuration. The guide wire comprises a proximal stop mechanism engageable with the sheath to limit at least the proximal translation of the embolic filter. The subject embolic filter systems provide such guide wires and embolic filters, as well as and an embolic filter delivery, deployment and removal assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an instrument shaft having proximal and distal ends, a tool disposed from the distal end of the instrument shaft, a control handle disposed from the proximal end of the instrument shaft, a distal motion member for coupling the distal end of the instrument shaft to the tool, a proximal motion member for coupling the proximal end of the instrument shaft to the handle, actuation means extending between the distal and proximal motion members for coupling motion of the proximal motion member to the distal motion member for controlling the positioning of the tool and a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the tool at a selected position and having locked and unlocked states.