Abstract: A valve assembly embodiment includes first and second valve devices and a coupling mechanism. Each of the first and second valve devices can include first and second fluid pathways and first and second valve members respectively positioned at the first and second fluid pathways. Both the first and second valve members can have an open position that permits fluid flow and a closed position that prevents fluid flow along the first and second fluid pathways past the first and second valve members. The coupling mechanism can couple to each of the first and second valve members. When the valve assembly is actuated, the coupling mechanism can be configured to transition one or both of the first and second valve members between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A guide wire comprises a longitudinal body having a proximal end portion and an opposing distal end portion. The proximal and distal end portions have rigid shafts with a flexible portion disposed therebetween. The flexible portion is fixedly attached to the proximal end portion and distal end portion. An outer surface of the flexible portion has a diameter equal to an outer surface of the proximal end portion and an outer surface of the distal end portion. The distal end portion further comprises at least one marker disposed therein configured to locate a distal tip of the guide wire during imaging.

Abstract: Implantable shunt devices and methods for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space include a shunt having opposed first and second ends, the second end being constructed to penetrate a wall of a sigmoid, transverse, straight, or sagittal sinus of the patient, a one-way valve, a hollow passageway extending between the second end and the one-way valve such that cerebrospinal fluid can be drained through the second end and out through the valve, and a mechanism coupled to the shunt and configured to anchor the shunt at a desired location proximal to the subarachnoid space.

Abstract: A catheter for performing a procedure at a treatment site in the lumen of a blood vessel. The catheter includes an elongate tubular shaft having a proximal bend, a distal bend and a hinge element. A distal portion of the shaft includes a window extending through the sidewall of the shaft between the hinge element and the distal end of the elongate tubular shaft. A working element is disposed within the lumen of the elongate tubular shaft and is configured for performing the procedure through the window at the treatment site. The bends and hinge element are configured to urge the window against a wall of the vessel at the treatment site.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes improved apparatuses and methods related to meat processing. One example method includes performing a first cut in association with a rinsing process performed on an animal, wherein performing the first cut includes severing at least one jugular vein of the animal; and subsequent to performing the first cut, performing a second cut that includes one of: making an incision in a vena cava of the animal that provides an exit location for treatment solution introduced into a circulatory system of the animal; and severing the vena cava of the animal such that the severed vena cava provides an exit location for treatment solution introduced into the circulatory system of the animal.

Abstract: A system or device for providing medical suction, particularly for intubating patients, wherein the system or device helps prevent clogging from solids dispersed in the liquid to be suctioned. This device will allow the user to effectively clear an airway or other region of the patient while minimizing the occurrence of clogs and providing for the effective and expedited unclogging of the device without the necessity of removing the device from the patient or requiring two hands to unclog.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a vascular treatment. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a vascular therapy device comprising a vascular treatment device and a feeder. The vascular treatment device can connect to a wire configured for use in vascular treatment. The vascular treatment device can rotate the wire. The feeder can be configured for controller the longitudinal translation of the wire. The feeder and the vascular treatment device can be independently or combinedly controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a vascular treatment. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a vascular therapy device comprising a vascular treatment device and a feeder. The vascular treatment device can connect to a wire configured for use in vascular treatment. The vascular treatment device can rotate the wire. The feeder can be configured for controller the longitudinal translation of the wire. The feeder and the vascular treatment device can be independently or combinedly controlled.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for a simple, economical system and method for reducing environmental release of dental amalgamous mercury from teeth caused by cremation of corpses. The invention controls and reduces the amount of mercury released using a pre-crematorial and non-disfiguring system and method. The system of the invention can include a dental containment and applicator delivery system to apply a curable thermal protectant composition onto the teeth. The composition coating significantly inhibits the extent of thermal destruction of the tooth per se including its amalgam filling content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for the chemical preservation of dead bodies. While pumping embalming fluid in to the corpse, waste fluids such as blood may simultaneously be pumped out of the corpse to facilitate better distribution of embalming fluid and drainage of the waste fluids.

Abstract: A process for preserving tissues is described which comprises transferring the tissues in a container and evacuating the container.

Abstract: This invention aims at developing a sanitary body cavity sealing device which prevents leakage of substances in the rectum of a corpse due to anal muscle relax after die, simplifies the postmortem treatment work for persons working on it or nurses and prevents infection to the persons, nurses or those around due to leakage of body internal substances. The body cavity sealing member (10) is made of porous fiber elements that absorb water on contact with body fluids in a body cavity to expand up to approximately 2.5 or more times its diameter, its end part (15) is cut into a tapered shape and the cut surface (15) is processed, for example, by heat treatment, to form a smooth surface. By inserting the body cavity sealing member (10) with the end part first into the anus, it can be inserted into the rectum without being interfered with by the inner walls of the anus and rectum.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for a simple, economical system and method for reducing environmental release of dental amalgamous mercury from teeth caused by cremation of corpses. The invention controls and reduces the amount of mercury released using a pre-crematorial and non-disfiguring system and method. The system of the invention can include a dental containment and applicator delivery system to apply a curable thermal protectant composition onto the teeth. The composition coating significantly inhibits the extent of thermal destruction of the tooth per se including its amalgam filling content.

Abstract: A container for storing a body fluid leakage-preventing agent for a corpse includes a storage section of which the inside is filled with the body fluid leakage-preventing agent, a nozzle portion 13 provided in the storage section, and an engagement portion formed in the nozzle portion 13. A supply tube for injecting the body fluid leakage-preventing agent into the throat of the corpse includes an inserted tube portion 15 to be inserted toward the throat. An injection hole is formed on the distal end side of the inserted tube portion 15 in the insertion direction. A connecting portion 20 to be connected to the nozzle portion 13 of the container is provided on the proximal end side of the inserted tube portion 15. The connecting portion 20 is provided with an engagement portion to be engaged with an engagement portion of the nozzle portion 13.

Abstract: A closing member (16) is disengageably fitted to one end of a cylindrical-shaped guide member (4) to close an opening (4a) of the guide member (4). A water-absorbing agent (3) made of water-absorbing resin powder is accommodated in the guide member (4) toward the one end. A column-shaped plug member (2) made of water-swellable fibers is accommodated in the guide member (4) at a location closer to the other end than the water-absorbing agent (3). A push rod (5) is inserted into the guide member (4) through an opening (4b) thereof located at the other end. With the opening (4a) at the one end of the guide member (4) inserted in an anus, the push rod (5) is operated to push the water-absorbing agent (3) and the plug member (2) through the opening (4a) at the one end of the guide member (4) into a rectum. The plug member (2) absorbs water in internal contents and expands to plug the rectum, while the water-absorbing agent (3) also absorbs water in the internal contents.

Abstract: According to the present invention, for a dead human body in which the blood contains a predetermined ratio or more of bilirubin, which causes discoloration of the body, before the primary embalmment processing employing the perfusion type antiseptic fixing method using a formalin solution, the body is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and the preliminary processing is performed. Specifically, a photo catalyst embalming solution containing a photo catalyst is injected into the vessels of the body, and after the photo catalyst embalming solution has been distributed to the capillaries in the dermis of portions of the body for which discoloration is to be prevented, the portions are irradiated by an electromagnetic wave (e.g., UV) to induce photo catalytic activity to locally, at the least, decompose bilirubin and reduce the amount in the body portions. As a result, the appearance of a body in a special state, wherein the amount of bilirubin is excessive, can be maintained so it is as natural as possible.

Abstract: An improved embalming method and apparatus functions to prevent leakage of bodily fluids and other fluids during embalming and to preserve the dignity of the deceased during memorial services. The improved embalming method and apparatus includes a trocar button, Calvarian clamp, ligature dispenser, defrigerant liquid, and an elevation device.

Abstract: An embalming fluid distribution tube for inserting into a cavity in a limbs of a cadaver formed by the removal of tissue and bones from the limb. The device includes an elongate flexible tube adapted for insertion into a cavity of a cadaver. One end of the flexible tube is designed for fluidly connecting to an embalming fluid reservoir to permit passage of embalming fluid into the lumen of the flexible tube. The flexible tube has a plurality of transverse slits therethrough to permit passage of embalming fluid in the lumen to the exterior surrounding area around the flexible tube.