Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method for use in the presence of contrast agents is disclosed in which acoustic waves are transmitted at a first fundamental transmission frequency and are focused on at least one scan line. Acoustic beams reflected from the body under examination and the contrast agents are separated into at least one harmonic or subharmonic components along with the fundamental frequency component. The amplitudes of these components compared to determine whether the reflecting material is either body tissue or the contrast agent.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic probe including an insert section which is to be inserted into a body cavity organ of a subject and a handle section which is coupled with the insert section, a plurality of vibrator elements (104) are disposed at a tip end of the insert section over the entire 360 degree circumference thereof and in the handle section, a connection change over switch (105) is disposed which successively changes over the electrical connection of a predetermined number of the vibrator elements among the plurality of the vibrator elements to be connected with a predetermined number of ultrasonic wave transmission and reception channels (701,702) in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave signals.

Abstract: A paracentesis needle holder attachable to an ultrasonic probe is provided. The holder includes a needle guide, an adjustment mechanism, and an open/close mechanism. The needle guide includes a first base and a second base and is configured to guide a needle in a plurality of directions between the first and second bases. The adjustment mechanism is provided at the needle guide and configured to adjust spacing between the first base and the second base in accordance with a diameter of the needle. The open/close mechanism is coupled with the needle guide and configured to close the first and second bases so that the needle is guided in one of the directions and to open the first and second bases so that the needle becomes releasable from the holder.

Abstract: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is obtained using one red (e.g., 660 nm) and one infrared (e.g., 880 to 940 nm) light emitting diode with a single photo diode in combination with a pressure transducer thereby allowing both CVP and SpO2 to be measured simultaneously. The system also includes sensors capable of measuring position, angle and/or movement of the sensor or patient. Once the PPG signal is acquired, high pass adaptive and/or notch filtering can be used with one element of the filter from the red and infrared signals used to measure the arterial changes needed to compute SpO2 and the other element of the signal can be used to measure CVP changes.

Abstract: System and method that can monitor pulse rate and passively produce a blood pressure measurement and automatically log the data for the user. Additionally, coupling to the Internet or Information Systems expands the options for the early detection of diseases, based on sudden detected changes and trend analyses, and the successful treatment of these patients while reducing the high costs associated with invasive procedures and in-hospital care.

Abstract: A method for predicting athletic performance for a subject, the method comprising: obtaining first heart rate data for varying speed, constant incline running; obtaining second heart rate data for varying incline, constant speed running; determining a first power per change in speed at the constant incline; determining a second power per change in incline at the constant speed incline; predicting athletic performance in response to the first power and the second power.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the presence of secretions in an artificial respiratory system comprises at least one sensing element (20) to detect waves generated by said secretions and output a main signal (50), representative of at least one main parameter characteristic of the waves; a first processing block (30) connected downstream of said first sensing element (20), is set to input the main signal (50) and to generate a corresponding main output alarm signal (51), in the case in which the main parameter has a greater value than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerosol injection and spout for massages and a container including the same. In more detail, the present invention relates to a container including an aerosol injection and spout for massages that are applied to head skin by directly injecting the aerosol including effective elements and has massage effects by tapping head skin with the spout. The container of the present invention comprises a number of soft projecting parts, a medicine passage connecting to a valve of the container including aerosol with effective elements, and at least one orifice connecting to the medicine passage.

Abstract: A base section supports a revolution section. The revolution section supports a tilting section. The tilting section supports a seat section. The seat section includes a seat, a seat back and a step. The seat back has a restraining section. The restraining section includes an occipital region retainer and a temple retainer. Subject is seated with its occipital region and temples restrained by the restraining section. The head of subject is tilted on one side down from a head's horizontal plane in the Reid stereotaxic coordinate system to place one of left and right othlith organs within the head's horizontal plane. In this tilted position, different liner acceleration stimuli are applied to left and right otolith organs, respectively, for independent function tests of the left and right otolith organs.

Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in the surface; and two strut members each attached to the framework such that each the strut member spans the hinge joint when the framework is disposed in abutment with the area of the body, the strut members providing a measure of rigidity to the framework in the direction of their respective lengths, each respective the strut member including an intermediate portion thereof spanning the hinge joint that is expandable and recoverable between a first initial state and extended states wherein, when expanded to a the extended state during flexing of the hinge joint, the respective strut member stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state.

Abstract: The arm support bridge 11 is then uniformly bent outward away from the common lateral plane of the main panel 10 by applying a thermal press to the arm support bridge 11. The arm support bridge 11 is bent outward at acute angle of 20 to 40 degrees relative to the common lateral plane of the main panel 5 such that the underarm support 13 is disposed anterior of a longitudinal centerline of the main panel 5 and cantilevered from the main panel 10 with the arm support bridge 11.

Abstract: A custom articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system is disclosed that is formed on a cast of the wearer's foot. It has an adjustably tightenable calf section hingedly connected to an adjustably tightenable foot section. It is made of thermally formable plastic sheet, is lined inside and outside, and is padded inside. The brace permits dorsal/plantar flexion while supporting the ankle against supination and pronation. The apparatus and methods of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable system for the treatment of hydrocephalus includes a plurality of microneedles in a fixed array relative to each other adapted to extend from the subarachnoid space containing CSF surrounding the brain, through dura mater forming the wall of the superior sagital sinus. A microvalve is associated with a proximal end of each of the microneedles and is adapted to permit the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space through the wall of the superior sagital sinus and deposited in the venous return of the brain. The method of treating hydrocephalus with the system of this invention also constitutes a part of the invention.

Abstract: A stent for assisting urinary release in a male patient includes a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments. The first segment includes a multi-winged malecot. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter with the multi-winged malecot located within the bladder to inhibit migration of the stent, and the second segment is located on the other side of the external sphincter and also tends to inhibit migration of the stent. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: A device for tamponade of body cavities and for mechanical anchoring of a catheter, the device including a flexible tube segment (2) having an inner wall (4) and an outer wall (6) that surround an interior space (8), wherein the tube segment (2) is inflatable, and is configured without through-passing support bodies so that a displacement of tube wall material between the inner wall (4) and the outer wall (6) of the tube segment (2) is possible by inflation of the tube segment, wherein the tube segment is provided with two ends (7,9), which are fastened to a same closing element (10), configured so that a torus geometry is striven for as the inflatable tube segment (2) is inflated and the closing element (10) is a pipe nipple and the two ends (7,9) of the tube segment (2) are joined together fluid-tightly.

Abstract: A device for interventional surgical or medical procedures is presented. The device is generally in the form of a balloon and is used to position itself or other working elements up against or through lumen walls in the body. The balloon is comprised of at least two materials of different elastic modulus, which allows for a flexible but relatively non-distensible, unfolding component of the balloon as well as an elastomeric, inflatable component of the balloon. The elastomeric component is fixedly attached to the flexible but relatively non-distensible component and together they form a pressure vessel that can be inflated within the lumens of the body.

Abstract: A catheter device and related method for diagnostic vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment of a subject's vasculature having a lesion. The device including: a guide catheter comprising a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a guide wire disposed in the guide catheter shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the guide wire transfers beyond the lesion during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment; and one or more expandable component disposed at the distal portion of the guide wire. The expandable component(s) may be positioned distally beyond the lesion during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment.

Abstract: Medical devices, for example, those that have balloons, and methods of making the devices are described. For example, in some embodiments, a medical device includes an elongated shaft, and an inflatable balloon carried by the shaft. The balloon includes a first recessed channel, a second recessed channel, a third recessed channel, and a fourth recessed channel, wherein the first recessed channel is spaced from the second recessed channel by a first distance, the third recessed channel is spaced from the fourth recessed channel by the first distance, and the second recessed channel is spaced from the third recessed channel by a second distance different than the first distance.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a tube holder, a fluid container, a double ended needle with forward sharpened tip, and rearward sharpened tip. Fluid is withdrawn or injected into a patient from the tip, and into fluid contained.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices that provide support or pressure to tissue. Devices contain a material that is capable of being contracted from its relaxed state to an evacuated state. The material applies pressure to the tissue of a patient when the material is in its relaxed state. Reduction of pressure by application of a vacuum results in a contracted state of the device, so that the device can be applied or delivered to a patient. Release of vacuum results in a return to the relaxed state, thus providing a maximum desirable pressure to tissue and avoiding the possibility of over-pressure which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.

Abstract: A syringe interface includes a top opening into which a syringe can be loaded, a first retaining member positioned on one side of the opening and a second retaining member positioned on a second side of the opening. The first retaining member and the second retaining member abut a forward facing abutment surface of a syringe flange on the syringe generally symmetrically. The syringe interface further includes a cradle, at least one engagement member to abut a forward facing abutment surface of a syringe flange, and a carriage slidably disposed within the cradle. The carriage includes a connector to form a releasable connection with a plunger or plunger extension of the syringe and a drive member of the injector. The connector includes a plurality of flexing capture members that flex radially outward to connect to a flange on the rear of the plunger or plunger extension of the syringe when the carriage is moved forward within the syringe interface.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a positionable, direct-injection catheters that can access a specific region of the heart or other organ. The catheter is provided with one or two needle shafts, which may be located within respective sheaths that extend axially along the interior of the lumen of a main catheter shaft. Each needle shaft carries, at a distal end thereof a penetrable element or “needle” that is normally retracted within the distal tip of the main shaft during travel to the target organ, but is subsequently deployed by action of a handle-mounted trigger mechanism to extend the needles into the organ's wall. Each extended needle is curved to relative to the shaft's axis to enter the organ wall in a flattened trajectory that both reduces the chance of puncture through the wall and anchors the needles into the wall during injection (for reduced chance of pullout under pressure).

Abstract: An injection device for use with tissue of a mammalian body comprising a first tubular member and a second tubular member slidably disposed in the first tubular member. The first and second tubular members have respective proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the second tubular member is provided with a needle that is extendable from the distal extremity of the first tubular member. The proximal extremity of the second tubular member is lockable relative to the proximal extremity of the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a column strength when locked within the first tubular member for limiting retraction of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member during puncture of the tissue by the needle.

Abstract: A vascular access device having a spring-biased septum is provided for preventing the leakage of blood during the placement and use of vascular catheters and similar devices. The structure of the device includes a housing with an internal channel. A spring-biased septum is placed securely within the channel such that it substantially blocks blood flow through the channel. The spring-biased septum includes an elastic plug having a pre-slit or pre-molded hole and a biasing element disposed about the elastic plug. A needle or other object may be withdrawn through the slit or hole, after which the biasing element forces the hole closed, preventing blood leakage.

Abstract: An adjustable trocar washer is provided to facilitate sealing an incision in skin. The adjustable trocar washer is configured for use with a trocar or cannula assembly. The adjustable trocar washer generally includes a compressible collar and a skirt formed at the distal end of the compressible collar for sealing an incision in skin. The compressible collar is longitudinally movable along an elongate tubular member associated with the trocar or cannula assembly. A latch mechanism is provided on the compressible collar to secure the collar in a compressed condition about the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.

Abstract: A urine drainage bag cover covers and hides the contents of a urine drainage bag, but is easily manipulated, so that the fluid level in the urine drainage bag may be easily ascertained by attendants.

Abstract: An ambulatory device for measuring urine flow comprises a portable hand-held container and a handgrip mounted thereto. A flow-measuring device is located in the container, and a means for collecting the data measured by the flow-measuring device is also provided. The parameters of the urine flow in the container are measured by the flow-measuring device and are processed by the aforementioned means for collecting data. The handgrip is pivotally mounted to the container by a double-pivot mechanism for maintaining the container substantially vertical in a number of positions of the handgrip. The flow-measuring device includes a sensor that measures a displacement of an air column related to a variation of pressure due to a variation of a urine level in the container.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the fluid flow rate in an extension tube of an introducer needle assembly for use as confirmation flashback. The introducer needle assembly has a catheter attached to a catheter hub with a side port, an extension tube attached to the side port on the catheter hub, and an introducer needle with a notch adapted to be inserted into a bore in the catheter. A lumber extends through the needle and is in fluid communication with the notch. The needle has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the bore such that an annular space is defined between the catheter and the needle. The fluid, typically blood, is at a pressure and has a viscosity when the needle accesses it. A preferred minimum fluid velocity of the fluid through the extension tube is selected (preferably at least 1 inch per minute though the extension tube in certain applications).

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The present invention is a handle for controlling the deflection of a distal end of a catheter body. The catheter body includes first and second deflection wires that extend through the catheter body from the distal end of the catheter body. The handle comprises a slide base, an adjustment knob, a first slide and a second slide. The slide base includes a first end, a second end, and a slide compartment longitudinally extending through at least a portion of the slide base. The adjustment knob is rotateably connected to the first end of the slide base and includes a hole extending through the knob, wherein at least a portion of an inner diameter of the hole includes an internal right thread and an internal left thread. The first slide is located in the slide compartment, is adapted to be coupled to the first deflection wire, and includes an external right thread. The second slide is located in the slide compartment, is adapted to be coupled to the second deflection wire, and includes an external left thread.

Abstract: A medical connector for connecting medical tubing to a catheter includes a connector body and a height compensating foot. The connector body has a catheter leg adapted to connect to the catheter, a medical tubing leg adapted to connect to the medical tubing, and an angular bend intermediate the legs. The height compensating foot is attached to the catheter leg and extends outwardly therefrom at an angle to prevent the connector from rocking and tubing from overhanging a patient's knuckles when connected to the catheter inserted in a patient.

Abstract: The foot switch includes a pedal, an output command signal generating section generating, when the pedal is operated, an output command signal commanding an apparatus main body having a function of producing active output to produce active output, a communication section performing communication with the apparatus main body, a transmit power adjusting section adjusting transmit power of the output command signal in the communication section, and a storage battery supplying electric power to the output command signal generating section, the communication section and the transmit power adjusting section. The transmit power adjusting section adjusts the transmit power on the basis of a signal indicative of receiving-condition of the output command signal in the apparatus main body, the signal transmitted from the apparatus main body and received by the communication section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use in a robotic surgical system to perform a surgical operation. The robotic surgical tool includes a wrist mechanism disposed near the distal end of a shaft which connects with an end effector. The wrist mechanism includes a distal member configured to support the end effector, and a plurality of rods extending generally along an axial direction within the shaft and movable generally along this axial direction to adjust the orientation of the distal member with respect to the shaft. Advancement or retraction of a first rod generally along the axial direction tips the base through a first angle. The addition of a second angle allows the distal member to direct the end effector in essentially a compound angle. The robotic surgical tool may also include provisions for roll movement.

Abstract: A deuterated ocular solution is applied to an eye. The deuterated ocular solution includes deuterated water and one or more ocular drugs (such as proparacaine). A protective corneal device is applied to a cornea of the eye. The device includes a window configured to contact at least a portion of the cornea. At least part of the cornea is irradiated using light energy that passes through the window during a cornea reshaping procedure, where the window is substantially transparent to the light energy. The window of the protective corneal device and the deuterated ocular solution may prevent clinically significant damage to a corneal epithelium of the cornea during the cornea reshaping procedure, such as by preventing a temperature of the corneal epithelium from exceeding approximately 70° C. during the cornea reshaping procedure. This may help to avoid a wound healing response in the eye and an associated regression of refractive correction.

Abstract: An MRI guided surgical apparatus includes a heat source formed by a laser and an optical fiber carrying the heat energy into a part to be coagulated by hyperthermia with an end reflector to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted in a shielded, Piezo-electric motor which causes movement of the fiber longitudinally and angularly within a rigid elongate cannula. A magnetic resonance imaging system is arranged to generate a series of output signals over a period of time representative of temperature in the part as the temperature of the part changes during that time. The heat source is controlled in heat energy applied and location and orientation of the beam to stop heating when the temperature at the boundary of a tumor reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid in gaseous form through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply manifold for use with various surgical instruments, such as, electrosurgical instruments. The fluid supply manifold includes two or more connection ports for receipt of sources of fluid supply by either bulk sources or sources contained within canisters. The manifold may include a mixing chamber for mixing the various sources of fluids within the manifold or may include flow tubes for providing the sources of fluid directly to the surgical instrument to be mixed within the surgical instrument. Control valves are associated with each of the connection ports to control the flow of fluids through the manifold. The manifold may also include a gas inlet to facilitate drawing the fluids out of the various sources as well as mixing the fluids within the manifold.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method of using a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES surgical tools at a confined or inaccessible space, e.g., an intra-abdominal surgical and NOTES tool inserted through a single incision through the skin or hollow viscus. Generally, the laparoscopic or NOTES surgical devices include a device body having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a positioning mechanism and the second side includes one or more of a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES tools.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool is provided which includes: a grasping portion that has a first shoulder portion and second shoulder portion; a current-carrying portion that protrudes out from a distal end of each of the first and second shoulder portions; a pivot portion that is disposed in the distal end of the first shoulder portion so as to protrude in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the first shoulder portion, the distal end of the pivot portion being provided with an insulating portion; a wire that is connected to the grasping portion; a sheath which has a tubular shape, and into which the wire and grasping portion are inserted; a main body to which the sheath is fixed; and a sliding portion which is disposed to move in the longitudinal direction of the main body in a sliding manner, and to which the wire is connected.

Abstract: A method of treating a fractured vertebral body by using a) a plurality of reinforcement rods combined with the b) a bone growth agent, wherein the reinforcement rods act to mechanically join disparate bone fragments across the fracture planes, thereby stabilizing the fracture site, and the bone growth agent promotes the growth of new bone across the fracture planes, thereby permanently replacing the fracture site with new bone.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide surgical cutting devices and systems for orthopedic and other procedures. Specific embodiments provide saw devices for accessing and cutting subjacent bone and other tissue while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue. One embodiment provides a transverse acting saw blade for performing surgical cuts to bone tissue with minimal injury to surrounding tissue. The blade comprises an elongated member having a first portion and a second portion and a longitudinal and lateral axis. The first portion is configured to engage a drive source to produce longitudinal movement of the first portion that is atraumatic to surrounding tissue. The second portion includes a cutting surface. The longitudinal movement of the first portion is converted to a lateral movement of the second portion that is sufficient to cut engaged bone tissue with the cutting surface. The movement of the second portion is substantially transverse to the movement of the first portion.

Abstract: A rongeur having a fixed shank and a moveable crossbar is disclosed. The crossbar is connected to and axially aligned with the fixed shank. The crossbar has a distal end with a cutting portion located therein. A port is connected to one of the fixed shank and the moveable crossbar. An access channel is connected to the port for improved flushing, cleaning, sterilization, drying and lubricating capabilities in a rongeur.

Abstract: A position locating instrument for accurately determining the location of a cutting plane includes a base connected to means capable of determining the position of the instrument. The base includes bent blades 28 A to 28 D that are flexible enough not to prevent the insertion of plate 24 into opening 36 of a bone cuffing guide. Bent blades 28 A to 28 D are however rigid enough to maintain lower surface 25 of plate 24 pressed against lower surface 38 of opening 36, with the free ends of bent blades 28 A to 28 D bearing against upper surface 39 of opening 36. Bent blades 28 A to 28 D have a sufficient stiffness to provide a sufficient force to oppose displacement of plate 24 that is inserted in opening 36 by pushing lower surface 25 of plate 24 onto lower surface 38 of opening 36. Play between plate 24 and opening 36 are suppressed. By determining the position of plate 24, the position of the cuffing plane is thus directly and accurately obtained.

Abstract: Large diameter self-expanding endoprosthetic devices, such as stents and stent grafts for delivery to large diameter vessels, such as the aorta, are disclosed having very small compacted delivery dimensions. Devices with deployed dimensions of 26 to 40 mm or more are disclosed that are compacted to extremely small dimensions of 5 mm or less, enabling percutaneous delivery of said devices without the need for surgical intervention. Compaction efficiencies are achieved by combining unique material combinations with new forms of restraining devices, compaction techniques, and delivery techniques. These inventive devices permit consistent percutaneous delivery of large vessel treatment devices. Additionally, small endoprosthetic devices are disclosed that can be compacted to extremely small dimensions for delivery through catheter tubes of less than 1 mm diameter.

Abstract: A snare injection device for performing endoscopic transection procedures is disclosed. The device includes a snare system and a needle system, each containing actuator components separately routed in one of two channels of an elongated dual lumen. Deployment of the snare and needle are independently operated by two separate handle controls. The device includes needle travel stop and anti-puncture features for safety and ease of use.

Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneously suturing biological material, such as a patient's tissues. In one embodiment, a suturing device includes first and second tissue engaging members connected to one another by a first interconnecting member. In another embodiment, systems and methods are provided for forming holes through two overlapping layers of tissue. Subsequent to forming holes through the two layers of tissue, the suturing device is positioned through the holes to join or bring into contact the two layers of overlapping tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying an anastomotic ring device comprises a handle connected to an anastomotic ring deployment mechanism by a shaft. The shaft has at least one torsion member that is capable of communicating a torsional actuating force from the handle to the ring deployment mechanism. The ring deployment mechanism is configured to actuate in response to torsional actuating force communicated from the torsion member. A threaded shaft or rod may be positioned in the ring deployment mechanism to effect actuation of the ring deployment mechanism in response to torsion.