Abstract: A free-standing exercise device is disclosed for exercising the abdominal muscles of a user being in a substantially upright position. The exercise device includes a base structure, an upper structure, two handles and a beam element. The beam element is suspended by tensioning means and is configured, positioned and sized to directly engage the abdomen when the user grasps the handles and pulls himself or herself forward and backward relative to the handles. The exercise device may further include a skateboard or roller device to facilitate the forward and backward movement by the user.

Abstract: A grip element for an exercise machine, comprising at least a substantially tubular handgrip (2), forming at least one outer surface (3) to be gripped by the user's hand while performing exercises to develop muscles or the like, and having at least one substantially longitudinal through-channel (4) in which there will engage at least one flexible cable (5) connected to at least one resistant load of at least one exercise machine, the grip element being characterized in that said handgrip (2) comprises means (6) for selective locking of the grip element in any position along the cable (5), the locking means being designed to prevent the handgrip (2) from sliding relative to the cable (5) when the grip element is manually translated and/or rotated in any direction in space.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed for a push-up handle of the type having a cylindrical base rotatably fixed to a grip. The improvement comprises a shell having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, and a connector for selectively fixing the grip of the push-up handle to the shell. The shell is adapted to receive the push-up handle therein so that a peripheral portion of the base contacts the inner surface of the shell. As such, with the push-up handle resting in the shell, and with the outer surface of the shell resting on a floor surface, a user may perform push-ups such that the grip imparts rotation to the shell through the contact of the base with the shell. The outer surface contacts the floor surface at essentially a single point, resulting in little effective rotational friction between the grip and the floor surface. The shell tends to maintain a stable position on the floor, resisting tipping.

Abstract: A training apparatus for use by flyers in a cheerleading squad includes a stable base assembly, a balancing assembly, and a fixed or adjustable column located between the stable base assembly and the balancing assembly. The balancing assembly includes a deflectably resilient member and a standing surface that promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader. The deflectably resilient member provides two degrees of freedom of movement to the standing surface when the standing surface is under an external load. The standing surface preferably provides about the same standing area that typically provided by a base cheerleader. The column may be a fluid-activated cylinder that moves between a first and second vertical position and simulates a flyer being raised by the base.

Abstract: Toy device (1) for coordination and motion skill development having a hollow spherical-segment or spherical-cap shape, it comprises an alternate-geometry portion (3) arranged in an annular fashion in the region of the edge of the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof. Preferably the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof is a hemisphere surface, that is, the spherical cap is produced by intersecting the sphere with a plane passing through the centre of the sphere, and a cylindrical portion (4) is connected to the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof along the circumference of the spherical cap, with the toy device comprising an annular side flange (6) extending outward from the axis of symmetry (5) of the sphere, with the side flange (6) being arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (5) of the sphere, and the side flange (6) having an endless wavy shape (7) configuration.

Abstract: An exercise device for the mid to lower body muscles comprising an inclined base, a base frame to support the base a first support bar and a second support bar, the first and the second support bar each having a mounting end and a support end, wherein the first support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a first pivot point and the second support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a second pivot point and the first and the second support bar support end are movably mounted on the perimeter of the base such that the first and the second support ends are movable through an arcuate path along the perimeter of the base a first knee pad pivotably attached to the first support bar at the first support bar support end; a second knee pad pivotably attached to the second support bar at the second support bar support end; and a handle attached to the front portion of the base frame.

Abstract: A roller device for a toner cartridge includes a spindle and a roller body. The roller body has a foam layer disposed around the spindle, and an outer tube disposed around the foam layer. Both of the outer tube and the foam layer are made of a thermoplastic material. The roller body has a bulk resistance ranging from 102 ohms to 1010 ohms.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a pack tray includes a body with a strip of side walls, the body including an outer envelope lined on the inside with an added sealed plastic film. The apparatus includes at least one station provided with elements for applying glue on a portion at least of the inner surface of the side wall strip of the outer envelope, also called gluing area, before placing a plastic film. The gluing pads include at least one block of a porous material that can, one the one hand, be filled with glue by loading members through a diffusion phenomenon, and that can deposit glue by contact optionally combined with a compression force on the gluing area. The pad is mounted on a bearing structure via members for handling it between expanded positions in which the pad contacts the gluing area for applying glue thereon and a folded position in which the gluing pad is remote from the outer envelope of the pack tray.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reclosable bags (30) by forming a film (50) includes moving the film (50) and attaching to the film (50) sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film (50), a fastener (1) including a first strip (2) supporting at least one reclosable profile (10) engaged with another reclosable profile (12) that is complementary thereto and supported by a second strip (4) or a part of the first strip (2), which will subsequently be attached to the film (50). Each strip (2, 4) includes at least one web (6, 8) extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles (12). The above arrangements make possible special fasteners (1) that include sliders (9), gasket membranes (26), fasteners inverted within the bag (30), peel seals (18, 20, 21) and hinged fasteners (1).

Abstract: A spout mounting method and a spout that enable smooth and high-speed mounting of the spout onto a pouch. The method includes an insertion step of inserting the spout (S) into the pouch (P) so that a mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) is held between not-yet-sealed opening edges, a temporary fixation step of temporarily fixing the spout (S), inserted in the pouch (P), to the pouch (P), and a sealing step of fixing the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S), temporarily fixed to the pouch (P), to the opening edges of the pouch (P) by heat-sealing. In the temporary fixation step, the opening edges of the pouch (P) are fixed together by spot-sealing near edges on both sides of the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) so that the spout (S) is held by the opening edges of the pouch (P).

Abstract: A device for folding sheets of a medium is provided. The device has a frame; a cam mechanism attached to the frame; a lever attached to the frame, the lever being actuated by the cam mechanism; a first scissor arm attached to the frame, the first scissor arm being actuated by the lever; a pair of first rolls, one of the first rolls being movable by the first scissor arm; a second scissor arm attached to the frame, the second scissor arm being actuated by the lever; a pair of second rolls, one of the second rolls being movable by the second scissor arm; and a crease blade for contacting the sheets to create a crease in the sheets. Rotation of the cam mechanism through a first period of rotation causes the crease blade to move in a contact direction to create the crease in the sheets by pushing the sheets between the first rolls.

Abstract: A method and morphologically adaptable apparatus for altering the charge distribution upon living membranes with functional stabilization of the membrane physical electrical integrity further comprising a method for using quadripolar, circular, center charged, energy balanced magnetic device in a four (4) magnet array of alternating polarity in which the magnetic poles are in multiple planes and are separated by a predetermined distance which provide an effective magnetic sphere of influence on all adjacent poles to suppress the firing of action potentials of mammalian sensory neurons. The method and apparatus further provides a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of various disorders that can be focused at the site of pain or edema to deliver a gradient in the magnetic field to prevent or reduce charge flow.

Abstract: An at least partially implantable hearing system comprising at least one electromechanical output transducer; a micromanipulator for positioning the transducer and for fixing the transducer in a position set by the micromanipulator, the micromanipulator being adapted to be fixedly attached by fixing means to a skull cap; and a releasable coupling unit disposed between the transducer and the micromanipulator, said coupling unit, in an assembled state, fixing the transducer with respect to the micromanipulator, and, in a released state, permitting removal of the transducer from the micromanipulator.

Abstract: A medical system according to the present invention includes: a medical instrument provided with a treatment portion for performing treatment operations on living body tissue; a treatment portion displacement mechanism for displacing the position of the treatment portion of the medical instrument; a treatment detection portion that detects whether the treatment portion is in a treatment state or a non-treatment state; and a control portion that controls displacement of the treatment portion by controlling the treatment portion displacement mechanism according to detection results from the treatment detection portion.

Abstract: A living-body tissue removing apparatus includes a grip portion, an inserting portion which is connected to the grip portion and is inserted in the body, and an air feed channel which feeds predetermined air in the inserting portion so as to discharge the predetermined air from an opening arranged to the inserting portion.

Abstract: An inter-image calculation portion includes a switch circuit made up of three switch portions for switching each of three image data (R, G, B) from a 3-board processing portion, a first divider, a second divider, a first adder, a second adder, a first LUT, a second LUT, a first clip portion, and a second clip portion. The inter-image calculation portion executes addition processing of two different fluorescent images with two different wavelength bands and division processing the two different fluorescent images with two different wavelength bands and then it executes addition processing which adds the addition results and the division results of the two different fluorescent images with two different wavelength bands or it executes subtraction processing which subtracts the addition results from the division results of the two different fluorescent images with two different wavelength bands.

Abstract: An endoscopic system and method that is adaptable for therapeutic applications as well as sensor operation and is capable of producing 3-dimensional human vision simulated imaging with real dynamic convergence, not virtual convergence. Applications may include use in any space, including but not limited to, intra-abdominal cavities, intra-thoracic cavities, and intra-cranial cavities. Further, two or more diagnostic/sensor probes may be used, with at least two being the same kind to create the 3-dimensional effect, such as but not limited to, camera, ultrasound, and magnetic-resonance imaging. Diagnostic/sensor probes are each mounted to the end of a different arm, with the other ends of the two arms both being attached to the same hinge that allows them to turn freely on the same axis from side-to-side within a 180 degree angle range of movement on the distal end of a main tubular shaft system. Medical, as well as other applications, are contemplated.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity.

Abstract: Surgical methods and devices allow closed-chest surgery to be performed on a heart of a patient while the heart is beating. A region of the heart is stabilized by engaging a surface of the heart with a stabilizer without having to stop the heart. Motion of the target tissues is inhibited sufficiently to treat the target tissues with robotic surgical tools which move in response to inputs of a robotic system operator. A stabilizing surface of the stabilizer is coupled to a drive system to position the surface from outside the patient, preferably by actuators of the robotic servomechanism. Exemplary stabilizers includes a suture or other flexible tension member spanning between a pair of jointed bodies, allowing the member to occlude a coronary blood vessel and/or help stabilize the target region between the stabilizing surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical access device can include a plurality of retractor members that together define a lumen having a first cross-sectional dimension. Each of the plurality of retractor members can be moved radially outward to at least a second cross-sectional dimension to create a surgical access passage. The surgical access device, systems and kits comprising the surgical access device, and methods of using the surgical access device can include a mechanism for inserting an elongate member from exterior the body to the surgical site, a mechanism for moving the retractor members radially outward, a mechanism for guiding the radially outward movement of the retractor members, a mechanism for securing each of the retractor members in a range of positions, and a mechanism for illuminating the surgical site. Variations of the devices, systems, kits, and methods are useful for creating and maintaining a surgical access passage for performing minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that facilitate characterizing vascular plaque tissue based upon spectral analysis of intravascular ultrasound echo signal segments. In particular, a power spectrum analysis of an integrated backscatter parameter renders a set of characterizing parameter values based on received intravascular ultrasound echo signal segments. The resulting parameter values are applied to plaque tissue characterization criteria to render a plaque tissue characterizations for regions of interest. The system and method include computer-executable instructions performed on a computing device to render an estimate of a system transfer function using a homomorphic deconvolution technique.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a surgical tool relative to a target volume inside an animal body according to a pre-plan. The method includes the steps of i) obtaining a plurality of two-dimensional images of said target volume using an imaging device, each 2D-image being represented by an image data slice I(x,y,z); ii) reconstructing from said plurality of image data slices I(x,y,z) a three-dimensional image of said target volume using a transformation device, said 3D-image being represented by a volumetric image data array V(x,y,z); iii) displaying said three-dimensional image of said target volume to an user using a display.

Abstract: A non-invasive screening technique for visualizing coronary arteries which overcomes the problems of visualizing the curved arteries by projecting the three dimensional volume of the arteries onto a two dimensional screen. Blood filled areas such as the coronary arteries and veins, are highlighted to contrast with other nearby tissues using non-linear classification and segmentation techniques. Data is gathered as a sequence of 2D slices stored as a 3D volume. Software interpolates voxels intermediate to the slices. Wiener filtering or LMS spatial filtering can be implemented on each 2D scan to improve lateral resolution and reduce noise prior to the use of the scan data with the classification and segmentation algorithms. A traditional handheld ultrasound probe is employed to enable the technician to locate the area of interest, but a gyroscopic stabilizer is added to minimize unwanted variation on two axes of rotation.

Abstract: The ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe, a detecting part, a position analyzing part, a display control part, a display part, and a storage part. The detecting part is mounted on the ultrasonic probe operable to detect a part of a prescribed pattern formed on an ultrasonic low attenuation medium. In the storage part, the prescribed pattern formed on the ultrasonic low attenuation medium has been preliminarily stored. Upon receipt of detection results from the detecting part, the position analyzing part specifies the position of a part of the detected pattern on the prescribed pattern by referring to the prescribed pattern stored in the storage part. The display control part controls the display part to display the positional relation between the ultrasonic probe and the subject to be examined regarding the position of a part of the prescribed pattern that has been detected as the position of the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: Combining, to a singularity, from a plurality of anatomical sites, and over a plurality of heart cycles a collection of selected heart-functionality parameter measurements, such as EMAT, LVST, PADT, and AAFT measurements, including (a) collecting ECG and heart-sound data from plural anatomical sites, (b) computer processing such data to acquire plural, per-site, per-heart-cycle, nominal values for the selected parameter, (c) utilizing arithmetic mean and selected variance calculations related to such nominal values processing, and determined weight coefficients, computing weighted nominal values, (d) computing a weighted, nominal-value average of all of the nominal values by summing all of the weighted values and dividing that sum by the sum of all of the weight coefficients, and (e) presenting the computed weighted average as the combined, singularity value of the selected heart-functionality parameter.

Abstract: A process with a corresponding device for lung ventilation involves recording an image of the lung status with an electric impedance tomography (EIT) system (2) and the total area of ventilated lung areas is determined by a computing unit (4) from all image values, subsequently divided into at least two lung areas and the extent of the homogeneity of the ventilated lung areas is determined by comparison of the impedance changes within these areas. In case of a homogeneity rated as being too low, the respiration pressures are increased step by step by means of the respirator (1) and the respiration pressure at which the greatest possible homogeneity is obtained from subsequently determined status images is determined by means of the EIT system (2).

Abstract: The device is used to remove tissue from a patient and to also place a marker in the patient. The device has an opening through which tissue enters the device. The tissue which enters the opening is cut and the tissue is removed. The device may be used a number of times to remove a number of tissue masses. The device also includes a marker which the user may release in the patient at the desired time.

Abstract: An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

Abstract: An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

Abstract: An elongate medical device such as a guidewire, that may comprise a first elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen there between, a second elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the second elongate member at least partially disposed in the first elongate member, a first connection between first elongate member and the second elongate member at the proximal end of the first elongate member, a second connection between the first elongate member and the second elongate member at the distal end of the first elongate member, and a third connection between the first elongate member and the second elongate member, the third connection disposed at a point between the first connection and the second connection, wherein the third connection is substantially at a location selected by the Method for Enhancing the Ratio of Torsional Stiffness to Transverse Flexibility.

Abstract: A system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device, an antenna positioned outside of the patient's body, and a receiver in operative communication with the antenna. The banding device comprises two orthogonal ultrasonic transceiver modules, a microprocessor, and a transmitter in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor is in operative communication with each of the two transceiver modules. The transmitter transmits signals to a receiver positioned outside of a patient's body. Another system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device having a first coiled conductor. The system further comprises a circuit external to the banding device, the circuit comprising a second coiled conductor. The circuit further comprises a tunable frequency generator and a spectrum analyzer, the circuit being tunable to allow a resonant frequency.

Abstract: A piezoelectric unit (4), preferably a piezoelectric foil, is arranged in a medical plaster unit (13) for therapeutic or stimulating influence of body tissue in an area underneath the plaster unit. The plaster unit may be equipped with a battery (11) and a microcircuit (2) for delivering voltage pulses or oscillations to the piezo unit (4). The plaster unit (13) can possibly be used as part of a system of several plaster units (13) that are activated synchronously to influence one and the same tissues area.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic delivery of chest compressions and ventilation to a patient, the apparatus including: a chest compressing device configured to deliver compression phases during which pressure is applied to compress the chest and decompression phases during which approximately zero pressure is applied to the chest a ventilator configured to deliver positive, negative, or approximately zero pressure to the airway; control circuitry and processor, wherein the circuitry and processor are configured to cause the chest compressing device to repeatedly deliver a set containing a plurality of systolic flow cycles, each systolic flow cycle comprising a systolic decompression phase and a systolic compression phase, and at least one diastolic flow cycle interspersed between sets of systolic flow cycles, each diastolic flow cycle comprising a diastolic decompression phase and a diastolic compression phase, wherein the diastolic decompression phase is substantially longer than the systolic decompression phase.

Abstract: A vibration-exercising machine has a supporting frame, a main platform being mounted on the supporting frame, at least one additional platform being mounted on the supporting frame and multiple vibrators being mounted in each corresponding platform. The vibration-exercising machine allows different parts of a user to be vibrated and exercised efficiently at the same time with easy and comfortable poses.

Abstract: A massaging device includes a drive mechanism, two rotation shafts mounted on and rotated by the drive mechanism, two eccentric members each having a first end mounted on a respective rotation shaft and a second end provided with an eccentric shaft, and two massaging members each mounted on the eccentric shaft of respective eccentric member. Thus, the two massaging members can be used to massage two different positions of a user's body. In addition, the massaging device is provided with two reduction gears to increase the torque of the drive mechanism to the two rotation shafts, so that the two rotation shafts are driven by the drive mechanism to drive the two massaging members and easily and conveniently.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for providing intermittent compression to a limb, the device comprising, an at least one energy reservoir and an at least one compressing means for compressing the limb, wherein the energy stored in the at least one energy reservoir is pre-stored in the energy reservoir and is directly transformed to provide intermittently compression on the limb. The energy reservoir provides a single energy transformation from energy stored in the reservoir to energy used to compress intermittently the limb. Optionally, the energy stored in the reservoir also provides the energy for a mechanism controlling the intermittent operation of the device and the release of excess energy from the device.

Abstract: A kneading massage device comprises a driving unit for supplying power source including first and second output shafts for outputting dynamics; a differential unit including a differential set and a differential stem, and on one end of the differential set being formed an opening for inserting the first output shaft therein, and on one side of the differential set being arranged a recess in communication with the opening, the differential stem being located in the recess and in connection with the first output shaft and keeping a predetermined distance away from a sidewall of the recess; a first kneading set coupled to the differential stem so as to be actuated by the differential stem; a second kneading set coupled to the second output shaft so as to be actuated by the second output shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the conditioning of muscular fibrils by means of the application to a muscle in isometric contraction, a succession of mechanical pulses, where the apparatus includes means for the production of pressure pulses, means for the application of said pressure pulses on the epidermis adjacent the muscle and means for the transmission of said pulses from said means for the production of pressure pulses to said application means, wherein said application means and said means for the transmission of said pulses from said production means to said application means comprise a closed circuit inside which a compressed fluid or a substantially uncompressible fluid is present.

Abstract: An orthosis including arms held in place on body parts by a respective fastening member and interconnected by a pivot joint adjacent to a body joint. For bending of the body parts required during normal movement, the pivot joint is formed by a central adjusting ring bordered by both arms. One arm includes an axle ring which is coaxial to the adjusting ring. The other arm includes a ring bearing, which is eccentric to the axle ring. The ring bearing is pivotable with respect to a rotational plane of the axle ring by rotating the adjusting ring in such a way and at such an angle that the arm, supported by the ring bearing in conjunction with the body part retained by it, assumes a pivoting position of this body part depending on the rotation angle of the adjusting ring in relation to the arm connected to the axle ring.

Abstract: A compression garment for treating post operative patients involved in body contouring surgery and structured for removable disposition in an operative position about the torso or other predetermined portion of the patient's body. The compression garment is dimensioned, configured and structured to apply a predetermined, appropriate compression to the surgically affected portions of the patient in order to reduce pain, diminish swelling and avoid fluid accumulation, while not impairing the venous and lymphatic circulation of the affected body portion. The garment includes a base of flexible, compressible material having at least one, but more practically both a first and second cover member overlying the internal and external surfaces of the base, wherein a closure assembly serves to removably maintain the garment in a variably closed orientation while in the operative position such that appropriate compressive force is applied to the affected areas including adjacent soft tissue and bony prominences.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extremity stress reducing modality for a human subject having an extremity, the extremity having an uninjured portion and an injured portion. The modality includes: (1) a frame having a connecting member for removably connecting the frame to an extremity of a human subject; (2) a support member on the frame for engaging the uninjured portion but not the injured portion; and (3) an attachment member on the frame for attaching the frame to a portion of a moveable resistance mechanism.

Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for extraction that can efficiently extract blood flowing in coronary sinus from coronary artery through coronary vein and has the same operability as catheters used in conventional PCI. The present invention also provides a catheter for extracorporeal circulation that can lessen an introduction number of devices for blood access as little as possible and reduce further the burden to a patient, in addition to the same operability as the catheters used in the conventional PCI. The catheter for extraction is equipped with blood extracting lumen in an inside and equipped with a hub at a proximal end portion, and when a minimum sectional area to a circumferential direction of the blood extracting lumen is referred to as S1 and immersion side length is referred to as L1, an equivalent diameter D1 satisfies the formula defined by D1=(4×S1)/L1 and the equivalent diameter D1 is at 1.80 mm.

Abstract: A machine (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a device (2) for ultrafiltration of a liquid through a semi-permeable membrane (3) of a blood treatment device (4), a first sensor (11) for ultrafiltration rate through the membrane, a second group of sensors (13) for measuring a trans-membrane pressure, and a programmed controller (14) for calculating a maximum ultrafiltration rate as a function of the transmembrane pressure. The machine is suitable for kidney failure treatments, such as hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration. In a relatively short time the machine enables a large quantity of corporeal blood to be removed from the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for modulating renal function, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable occlusive device including a wall member defining an enclosed volume, the wall member can include a semi-permeable membrane. The device can also include a solution comprising a solvent and a solute disposed within the enclosed volume of the wall member. The semi-permeable membrane can be permeable to the solvent and impermeable to the solute. The enclosed volume can be configured to expand and contract in response to changes in the osmolality of a bodily fluid. The device can include a positioning member configured to maintain the position of the implantable occlusive device relative to a lengthwise axis of a lymphatic vessel.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary bypass system utilizing membrane-based reciprocating positive displacement blood pumps (“pod pumps”). In one aspect, the pod pumps are constructed to provide reduced shear forces on the blood being pumped. In another aspect blood flow through the pod pumps can be controlled by a controller using information from pressure sensors in the control chamber of the pod pumps. In another aspect, the pod pumps are included on a disposable unit that can be received and held by a receptacle means on a base unit, the base unit also providing pressurized control fluid to the pod pumps on the disposable unit through the receptacle means.