Abstract: A supplemental device for attachment to an injection device is presented having a display; a processor arrangement; a dose dialled detector operable to detect a dose of medicament dialled into an attached injection device; a dose delivery determiner for determining that a dose of medicament has been delivered; a quantity determiner determining a quantity of medicament that has been delivered; and a clock configured to determine a current time. The processor arrangement is configured when the supplemental device is in a default mode to display both a quantity of medicament that was delivered since a last dose and a time elapsed since delivery of the last dose.

Abstract: Disposable items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose based PH, polycaprolate (PCL), polybutyleneadipatetetephathalate (PBT), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), green polyethylene (GPE), green polyethylene terephthalate (GPET), poly-D-lactide (PDLA), and poly-L-lactide (PLLA); a plasticizer intermixed with the resin to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; and a device formed from the bioplastic, where the device is at least one of a multidose syringe, a sharps container, or a suction canister. Embodiments include green indicators.

Abstract: A medical injection device has a syringe. The syringe has a container for the medium to be injected and an injection cannula, which communicates with the container. A needle guard of the injection device can be moved between an injection position and a safe position. In the injection position, the injection cannula can be uncovered in order to inject the medium. In the safe position, a cannula tip of the injection cannula is recessed in a protective component of the needle guard. A securing device securely fixes the protective component in the safe position. The result is an injection device having a needle guard that can be manipulated intuitively and operated safely.

Abstract: A medical injection device has an injection unit and an anti-rotation device. Said anti-rotation device is non-rotationally connected to a port and connection portion of the injection device so as to surround the outside thereof in the manner of a sleeve. As a result, an intuitively usable and operationally safe injection device is obtained. When a protective cap for an injection cannula of the injection unit is being removed from the port and connection portion, an unwanted rotation of the port and connection portion relative to the container about components of a plug-in connection arranged therebetween is safely prevented.

Abstract: A self-closing slit valve which is opened by compression inside a receiving tapered female orifice. For luer fittings, internal taper of a female luer fitting provides sufficient distortion of an asymmetrical valve to distort a closed, preferably planar slit to a patent fluid pathway. The slit may be opened by valve displacement into a tapered female connector orifice or by being forced open by a blunt cannula. The valve may be effectively used as a valving part in needleless connector adapters. A special method for constructing the valve when imposed upon by restrictive tolerances of a luer fitting is also disclosed. Examples of uses of the self-closing valve in male luer needleless connector adapters and closed mixing systems and closed mixing systems with flush are also disclosed. An application providing a closed male luer adapter, a closed valved male luer replacement for a syringe is disclosed as well as applications associated with closed system mixing syringes.

Abstract: An I.V. flush syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end with a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. An elongate plunger having a proximal end, a distal end and a stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel for drawing fluid into and out of the chamber by movement of the stopper relative to the barrel. The plunger includes anti-reflux structure for minimizing stopper deflection when fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is being forced against the distal end of the chamber.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub having a needle cannula extending therefrom. At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the needle. The shield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle. The binding member includes at least one drag inducing member that engages the inner needle during slidable receipt to create a drag force. The drag force facilitates rotation of the binding member such that the binding surfaces engage the inner needle to prevent slidable movement. The shield and/or hub includes a retention element engageable between the shield and hub and a sheath retention element. The hub includes a magnifier for viewing fluid flashback.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of assembling an intravascular device is provided that include positioning a first tubular member around a plurality of conductors and a core member such that the plurality of conductors and the core member are at least partially positioned within a lumen of the first tubular member, the first tubular member including an opening extending along a length of the first tubular member in communication with the lumen; positioning a first conductive member around the first tubular member; advancing a first of the plurality of conductors through the opening of the first tubular member, longitudinally between the first tubular member and the first conductive member, and through to a position adjacent to the first conductive member; and electrically coupling the first of the plurality of conductors to the first conductive member.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for parenterally transferring fluid to and/or from a patient includes a housing, a needle, and an occlusion mechanism. The housing defines a fluid flow path and is couplable to a fluid reservoir. The needle has a distal end portion that is configured to be inserted into the patient and a proximal end portion that is configured to be fluidically coupled to the fluid flow path of the housing, and defines a lumen therebetween. The occlusion mechanism selectively controls a fluid flow between the needle and the fluid flow path. The occlusion mechanism includes an occlusion member that is movable between a first configuration where the lumen of the needle is obstructed during insertion into the patient and a second configuration where the lumen of the needle is unobstructed after the needle has been inserted into the patient allowing fluid transfer to or from the patient.

Abstract: A modular and highly adaptable and adjustable compression garment system is provided. The system can include a garment body portion, shoulder strap portions, side portions, a back portion, and one or more modular strap adjustment systems. The garment body portion can include attachment substrates, rail devices, loop devices, and like attachment configurations.

Abstract: A wound dressing for covering a wound includes a textile layer woven by polyacrylonitrile-based activated carbon fiber, and an absorbent layer provided on one side of the textile layer away from the wound. The activated carbon fiber is produced by polyacrylonitrile oxidized fiber in a moisturized carbon dioxide atmosphere at the temperature of 700° C. to 1200° C. for 1 to 60 minutes. The material of the absorbent layer is cotton, alginate, poly vinyl alcohol, or a combination thereof. The water absorbing ability of the absorbent layer is superior to that of the textile layer. Because the textile layer does not produce dust and can keep dry, the hard-to-heal wounds can be prevented.

Abstract: Systems and methods make medical items more visible during a medical procedure. An example medical item includes an absorbent material adapted to absorb fluid during a medical procedure, the absorbent material having an outer surface that reflects one or more first wavelengths of light to provide the absorbent material with one or more first colors. The medical item may include one or more enhancing materials disposed on at least one portion of the outer surface of the absorbent material, the one or more enhancing materials reflecting or emitting one or more second wavelengths to provide the enhancing materials with one or more second colors. Alternatively, an enhancing device is coupled to the absorbent material, the enhancing device reflecting or emitting one or more second wavelengths, the one or more second wavelengths being different from the one or more first wavelengths of the absorbent material.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes: an absorbent article body part having a first leak preventer and an absorber; a second leak preventer arranged above the absorber having an enclosed space formed in bag form on a lower side by sealing a periphery part save a front end part to the absorbent article body part; a skin contact sheet arranged between front and rear parts of the absorbent article body part, contacts a wearer's skin and is spaced apart from the absorber at parts other than front and rear end parts; and a urine/feces separation member, wherein a front or middle part couples to a corresponding crotch part of the skin contact sheet, a rear part extends, on a lower side of the second leak preventer, up to at least the front end part of the second leak preventer, and right and left side parts couple to the absorbent article body part.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes an annular elastic waist panel having a front waist panel and a rear waist panel joined to each other and a crotch panel provided with an absorbent structure and connected to the elastic waist panels. Respective inner end edges of the front and rear waist panels cooperate with lateral edges of the crotch panel extending in a longitudinal direction to form a pair of leg-openings' peripheries. The crotch panel includes a pair of leg sheets connected to both lateral edges of the absorbent structure. The respective leg sheets include inner regions adjoining to the absorbent structure and outer regions adjoining the inner regions so that the inner regions rise above the absorbent structure along both lateral edges of the absorbent structure to define the leg-openings' peripheries and the outer regions are bent outwardly in the transverse direction so as to define the leg-openings' peripheries.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article with which, both when dry, prior to absorbing blood, and when wet, after absorbing blood, is provided with a fit in a wearer's excretory orifice, especially the labia minora, and which is not prone to leaking. Provided is an absorbent article, including a liquid-permeable top sheet, a non liquid-permeable back sheet, and an absorbent body between the liquid-permeable top sheet and the non liquid-permeable back sheet. The absorbent article further comprises a center high part which protrudes in the thickness direction of the absorbent article in an excretory orifice contact region. The center high part further includes a portion of the top sheet, and a cushion part which is positioned between the top sheet and the absorbent body. The center high part further includes a central part, and an outer circumference part which surrounds the central part.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article without a sticky feel on the top sheet and with a smooth top sheet, not only when a large amount of menstrual blood has been absorbed, but even when a small amount of menstrual blood has been absorbed. The absorbent article of the present disclosure is as follows. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet and an absorbent body between the liquid-permeable top sheet and liquid-impermeable back sheet, wherein the liquid-permeable top sheet comprises a blood slipping agent having a kinematic viscosity of 0.01 to 80 mm2/s at 40° C., a water holding percentage of 0.01 to 4.0 mass %, and a weight-average molecular weight of less than 1,000, on at least the projection in an excretory opening contact region.

Abstract: A folded absorbent article is provided. The folded absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly including a liquid permeable inner layer, an outer layer, and an absorbent body. Each of a pair of ears extend outward from the back waist region and include a loop fastening component. A pair of spaced-apart hook fastening components are located on the outer layer in the front waist region, each being selectively engageable with a respective one of the loop fastening components in a wear configuration of the article. The absorbent article is folded such that the hook fastening components engage the back waist region, and such that a peak force required to disengage each of the hook fastening components from the back waist region is less than 120 grams-force when measured using a Diaper Opening Force Test.

Abstract: A folded absorbent article is provided. The folded absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly having a liquid permeable inner layer, an outer layer, and an absorbent body between the inner and outer layers. The folded absorbent article further includes a pair of ears extending outward from absorbent assembly in the back waist region, with each ear including a loop fastening component, and a pair of spaced-apart hook fastening components on the outer layer in the front waist region. A pair of longitudinally extending foldlines are also provided in the front waist region. An outboard-most longitudinal edge of each of the hook fastening components is spaced apart from a respective side of the absorbent assembly, and an inboard-most longitudinal edge is spaced apart from a respective longitudinally extending foldline at least a distance equal to a predetermined process range.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided. The absorbent article includes a bodyside liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent core between the liner and the outer cover. The absorbent article further includes a pair of ears extending outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent article, and a fastening system having a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system. The primary fastening system includes a primary first fastening component disposed on each of the pair of ears and a primary second fastening component disposed on the outer surface of the article. The secondary fastening system includes a secondary second fastening component on each of the pair of ears and a corresponding secondary first fastening component on the outer surface of the article. Each of the secondary first fastening components has a stiffness in the longitudinal direction of the article of less than 185 milligrams according to a Gurley Stiffness Test.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a chassis, a pair of ears extending transversely outward from opposite sides of the chassis, and a fastening system comprising a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system. The secondary fastening system includes a secondary second fastening component located on each of the ears and a corresponding secondary first fastening component located on the outer surface of the article at a first waist portion. A ?E value calculated using the Color Contrast Test between the secondary first fastening components uncovered by the ears and the secondary first fastening components covered by the ears is greater than 15.

Abstract: An absorbent article can include a fastening system configured to attach the rear waist region to the front waist region to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The fastening system can include a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system. The primary fastening system can include at least one primary first fastening component and a primary second fastening component. The secondary fastening system can include at least one secondary first fastening component and at least one secondary second fastening component. The absorbent article can further include a strip coupled to the outer cover. The strip can include the primary secondary fastening component. The at least one secondary first fastening component can be coupled to a first carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to arrangements for attaching an RFID tag to a liquid container, and particularly to a blood components container. The RFID tag may be inserted in an enclosure, such as peel tab, or in a sealed cup attached to a container port. The tag could alternately be embedded in a molded plug or component attached to a port. The RFID antenna could be painted or stamped on the surface of the container. Or the tag could be inserted into the container to float freely in the liquid components. The RFID source may be secured around the neck of a rigid or semi-rigid container, attached with a tether or attached to a connector assembled in association with a blood component or other fluid flow path.

Abstract: A hand-held syringe includes a handle configured for suspending and using the syringe with a single hand. The handle includes pivotally connected first and second members. The members of the handle may be pivotally connected at intermediate positions along the lengths thereof or at or near ends thereof. The first member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe barrel, while the second member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe plunger. The syringe may be configured for a single-use (i.e., it may be disposable). Applications of use and methods of using a hand-held syringe are also disclosed.

Abstract: A needleless syringe comprises an enclosing unit for an injection objective substance, a pressurizing unit for the injection objective substance, a discharge unit having a flow passage for allowing the injection objective substance to flow therethrough so that the injection objective substance is discharged from an open end of the flow passage to an injection target area, the open end being formed so that an area thereof is smaller than a flow passage area of the enclosing unit, and a minute pore unit including a minute pore having a flow passage area smaller than the area of the open end of the discharge unit and which is arranged on an outer side of the open end so that the injection objective substance discharged from the open end passes through the minute pore and arrives at a side of the injection target area.

Abstract: Methods for treating nausea and migraine by iontophoretically administering triptan compounds are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivery of a drug to a recipient. In some embodiments, the delivery apparatus may unseal a drug containing reservoir. In some embodiments, the delivery rate may be controlled and/or adjustable. Optionally the apparatus may be disposable. Optionally, the apparatus may have a low profile and/or be wearable and/or attachable to the recipient. Optionally, discharge of the drug and/or unsealing of the reservoir may be driven by a plunger moving parallel to the base of the apparatus. Optionally, the apparatus may release a hypodermic needle into the recipient. Optionally, release of the hypodermic needle may be in a direction non-parallel and/or orthogonal to the direction of movement of the plunger. Optionally, prior to release, the hypodermic needle may be preserved in an aseptic state by a needle opening septum sealing a needle opening. Optionally, upon release, the hypodermic needle may pierce the needle opening septum.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating conditions affecting a liver of a subject is provided. The method may include delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to balloon catheter assemblies. The balloon catheter assemblies can include a hub, an elongated member, and an inflation balloon. The balloon catheter assemblies can also include a support wire having a proximal end that is longitudinally displaceable within a sleeve that is disposed in the catheter hub. A distal end of the support wire may be coupled to the inflation balloon at one or more positions.

Abstract: A device for treating the lumen of a living body includes a shaft insertable into a blood vessel, and a balloon provided on the shaft and shiftable between a deflated state and an expanded state. In the expanded state, the balloon has a recessed portion configured to form a coating chamber which is substantially blocked between an inner surface of the blood vessels and the device for treating the lumen of a living body, a discharge port provided on the recessed portion to discharge a coating substance toward the coating chamber; and a suction port provided on the recessed portion to apply a negative pressure to the coating chamber.

Abstract: Implantable devices and methods for delivering pharmaceutical substances into a patient. The implantable device includes the following components: (a) an implant body, (b) a reservoir in the implant body, (c) a heterogeneous composition disposed in the reservoir, which includes a pharmaceutical substance in the solid state contacted by a solution of the pharmaceutical substance, and (d) a nanochannel membrane for delivering the pharmaceutical substance from the reservoir to a patient. Extended, high-quality delivery of low solubility drugs such as hormones and chemotherapeutic agents are achieved.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a medical connector assembly comprising a male port plug and a female port plug that is releasably lockable with the male port plug. The male port plug can include a first end portion adapted to mate with a fluid source, and a tapered second end portion. The second end portion can include a twistable locking mechanism comprising a plurality of crescent-shaped flanges that extend annularly about less than the entire outer circumferential surface of the second end portion. The female port plug can include a central channel configured to receive the male port plug. The central channel can have a tapered portion adapted to friction fit with the second end portion of the male port plug. The female port plug can further include a receptacle portion adapted to receive the plurality of flanges comprising the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system focuses light along a beam path to a focal point having a location within a lens of the eye. The refractive index of the lens is determined in response to the location. The lens comprises a surface adjacent a second material having a second refractive index. The beam path extends a distance from the surface to the focal point. The index is determined in response to the distances from the surface to the targeted focal point and from the surface to the actual focal point, which corresponds to a location of a peak intensity of an optical interference signal of the focused light within the lens. The determined refractive index is mapped to a region in the lens, and may be used to generate a gradient index profile of the lens to more accurately place laser beam pulses for incisions.

Abstract: A method for forming an incision in an eye, the method including performing a first pass of a first laser beam along a path within an eye, wherein after completion of the first pass there exists a residual uncut layer at an anterior surface of a cornea of the eye. The method further including performing a second pass of a second laser beam only along a portion of the path that contains the residual uncut layer, wherein after completion of the second pass, the residual uncut layer is transformed into a full complete through surface incision.

Abstract: There is provided an image-based system for cosmetic procedures for skin including an applicator including a light energy emitter, a camera operative to capture and communicate to a computer an image of a segment of skin or blemish obtained of the applicator being in contact with the skin and wherein the computer employs information extracted from the image to determine specific optimal treatment doses of at least one of light energy and RF energy for one or more skin fractions within the segment of skin. The system could also include a remote image capturing and processing device with at least one camera.

Abstract: A device and a method for shrinkage of tissue containing collagen is described. The device comprises a heating tip, a support shaft, and a control system. The heating tip comprises a heating element and a temperature sensor therein. The control system is configured to receive a temperature feedback from the temperature sensor and to regulate energy delivered to the heating element based on the temperature feedback. Heating of the tissue region causes shrinkage of collagen-containing tissue, thereby closing any perforation or opening in the tissue region.

Abstract: The present system relates to an apparatus for desiccating tissue. The apparatus includes an electrode assembly having a heating element, a metal electrode, and a temperature sensor. The apparatus also includes a radio frequency (RF) generator, coupled to the metal electrode, having a signal generator for generating an electrical signal, and switch for selecting between a first mode, second mode and third mode of operation. In the first mode, the electrical signal is directed to the metal electrode and applied to the tissue. In the second mode, the electrical signal is directed to the heating element such that heat produced by the heating element is applied to the tissue. In the third mode, the electrical signal is directed to the metal electrode and the heating element, for applying the electrical signal and the heat to the tissue.

Abstract: Catheterization systems and methods for treatment of a condition within a blood vessel are provided that include the use of a catheter, a balloon immediately adjacent to the distal end of the catheter, an inflation device for expanding the balloon, and an occlusion-penetrating device for gaining access through an occlusion. The occlusion penetrating device may include an indeflator configured to injected fluid at a high pressure, an RF wire, a hollow needle wire, a dissection tool, a laser wire, or even a very small balloon to exploit existing microchannels in the occlusion.

Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods according to the present disclosure use a multi-stage power converter for generating electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical systems include an electrosurgical generator having a power converter coupled to an electrical energy source and configured to generate electrosurgical energy. The power converter includes a boost converter configured to convert a first direct current from the electrical energy source to a second direct current, and a phase-shifted pulse width modulation (PS-PWM) resonant inverter configured to invert the second direct current to an alternating current. The electrosurgical generator also includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense a voltage and a current of the generated electrosurgical energy and a controller coupled to the power converter and the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods of the present disclosure include a tissue resistance measurement system that compensates for capacitive parasitics in a cable connecting an electrosurgical generator to and electrosurgical cable to estimate the real resistance of a tissue load. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage coupled to an electrical energy source and generates electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator includes a plurality of sensors sensing a voltage and current of the electrosurgical energy and a controller controlling the output stage. The controller includes a calculator that calculates a real part of an impedance based on the sensed voltage and current, an estimator that estimates a resistance of the tissue using a solution to a quadratic equation that is a function of the real part of the impedance, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for the output stage based on the resistance of the tissue.

Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods of the present disclosure include a tissue resistance measurement system that compensates for capacitive parasitics in a cable connecting an electrosurgical generator to and electrosurgical cable to estimate the real resistance of a tissue load. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage coupled to an electrical energy source and generates electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator includes a plurality of sensors sensing a voltage and current of the electrosurgical energy and a controller controlling the output stage. The controller includes a calculator that calculates a real part of an impedance based on the sensed voltage and current, an estimator that estimates a resistance of the tissue using a solution to a quadratic equation that is a function of the real part of the impedance, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for the output stage based on the resistance of the tissue.

Abstract: The systems and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide optimal tissue effect during an electrosurgical procedure. A system and method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is provided including sensing an impedance of target tissue; generating electrosurgical energy in a first phase at a first power level until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a first threshold impedance; generating a plurality of pulses of electrosurgical energy in a second phase at a second power level, each pulse being generated until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a second threshold impedance set for that pulse; and generating at least one high-voltage pulse in a third phase at a third power level for a predetermined duration to divide the target tissue.

Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate catheterization of a living subject by passing a fluid through an irrigation conduit. Heat energy is delivered to the conduit to create a heated pod of irrigation fluid that propagates downstream from the heat source. A departure time of the pod from a first location in the conduit is recorded, and an arrival time of the pod is detected at a second location that is downstream from the first location. A transit time of the pod from the first location to the second location is determined, and the flow of the fluid is adjusted responsively to the transit time.

Abstract: A bipolar ablation device and methods for using the same. The bipolar ablation device has a first catheter with a first expandable electrode and a second catheter with a second expandable electrode. The first expandable electrode is expanded on a first side of a septum between two chambers and the second expandable electrode is expanded on a second side of the septum. The size of the electrodes relative to one another is adjusted to concentrate the ablation on one side of the septum and electrical energy is delivered to the electrodes to ablate the tissue.

Abstract: A catheter includes a braid assembly having a dual-laminate coating. The braid assembly includes a plurality of braid members interwoven to provide for interstices between the braid members, each braid member having an electrically conductive element, a flexible non-electrically-conductive polymer coating that insulates the electrically conductive element and a thermoplastic bonding adhesive coating. The braid assembly is formed between an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer. One or more of the braid members may be coupled to an energy delivery element.

Abstract: Transurethral systems and methods for delivering electrical energy and controlled, mild heating to a prostate tissue of a patient for destruction of cancerous and/or hyperplastic tissue. A method includes positioning an elongate urethral probe having an expandable member with electrode elements at a target location in the patient's urethra, and inflating or expanding at the target location. Secondary electrodes are positioned within or adjacent to the prostate tissue and spaced from the electrode elements of the expandable member, and an alternating electrical current flow is established between the electrode elements of the expandable member and the one or more secondary electrodes. Current delivery can be selected so as to destroy or ablate cancerous cells of the prostate tissue.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue is provided. The system includes a forceps having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof configured to treat tissue.

Abstract: A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An extension structure includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external fixator assembly.

Abstract: An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in the medullary canal of each bone, the device grasps the edges of the canal, stabilizing the bone (internally) during the natural healing process.