Abstract: An occlusion device for closing an anatomical defect in tissue comprising a conduit connecting an opening on a first tissue and an opening on a second tissue is provided. The occlusion device comprises a scaffold comprising a) a proximal support structure comprising at least two arms; b) a distal support structure comprising at least two arms, wherein the arms are adapted to provide anchorage for the device in the tissue; and c) a waist portion adapted for extending through the opening on the first tissue and connecting the proximal support structure with the distal support structure, wherein the scaffold consists essentially of a biodegradable polymer, wherein the proximal support structure and the distal support structure comprise or consist of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly-(D,L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLC), or a mixture thereof. A method of closing an anatomical defect using the occlusion device is also provided.

Abstract: A tongue elevator device is a unitary body having a handle portion, an elongated neck portion and a manipulator end portion. The handle preferably has an oblong main body having a relatively thin flat portion and a relatively thick transversely-extending end portion for secure and comfortable gripping between the fingers and thumb of the user. The elongated neck portion extends distally from the flat portion of the handle portion, and is preferably provided with measuring indicia to visually illustrate distances from the manipulator end portion of the device. The manipulator end portion has a concave distal edge, which may be formed angularly or arcuately, and a central recess or slot is provided in the concave distal edge to receive the frenulum tissue.

Abstract: A laryngoscope handle has a lower grip and an upper functional portion comprising a blade-retention portion formed with a slot extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to a viewing axis, and being configured for slidingly receiving therewithin a laryngoscope blade, and a module-coupling mechanism. An insufflation module may include a body; a jet nozzle extending from the body, the jet nozzle configured and operable to deliver a high velocity stream of gas in a direction substantially along a blade of the laryngoscope such that the gas is deliverable into an intraoral cavity.

Abstract: An adaptive blade for a laryngoscope includes a proximal end, which is mechanically connectable or connected to a handle in order to form an adaptive laryngoscope, a first flexible bar, which extends from the proximal end of the adaptive blade to the distal end thereof, and a second flexible bar, which extends from the proximal end of the adaptive blade to the distal end thereof. At the distal end of the adaptive blade, the flexible bars are connected to each other mechanically rigidly or in an articulated manner. In the proximal direction from the distal end of the adaptive blade, the flexible bars are mechanically connected to each other in such a way that they are movable relative to each other substantially in their longitudinal directions.

Abstract: An embolic filter is disclosed and can include a head. A plurality of bent legs can extend from the head. Each bent leg can be configured to engage an inner wall of a vein and prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a cranial direction. A plurality of straight legs can also extend from the head. Each straight leg can be configured to prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a caudal direction.

Abstract: A vena cava filter is described, having one or more frame members or an elongated member arranged in helical fashion. A plurality of filaments connect frame members or portions of the elongated member. The filaments may be made of suture material. Hooks may be placed on a free end of the filaments, along the length thereof, or on one or more frame members to engage the blood vessel wall and anchor the filter. A retrieval member may be positioned on the filter to facilitate withdrawal of the filter from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A laryngoscope handle is provided. The laryngoscope handle comprises a lower grip and an upper functional portion comprising a blade-retention portion formed with a slot extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to a viewing axis, and being configured for slidingly receiving therewithin a laryngoscope blade, and a light source disposed above the slot and being directed substantially parallel to the viewing axis. A majority of the area above the slot and surrounding the light source is substantially free of visual obstructions along the viewing axis.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor system includes a retractor and a light guide disposed over the retractor. The retractor has a front surface facing a surgical field, a rear surface adapted to engage tissue, a distal end, and a proximal end. The light guide conforms to the shape of the retractor and is removably secured to the retractor and conducts light through the front or rear surface of the retractor. The light guide has an input adaptor and one or more light emitting surfaces.

Abstract: A guiding device for use with a laryngoscope for assisting in the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient, the device comprising a guiding means for guiding an endotracheal tube through the patient's upper airways, and an attachment means to attach the guiding means to the blade of the laryngoscope. A laryngoscope comprising the guiding device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward a laryngoscope having a handle, a rigid tube, and an optical subassembly. The handle has a distal end and a proximate end. The tube is hollow and also has a distal end having a distal opening and a proximate end having a proximate opening. The optical subassembly includes a light source located within the handle, a power source located within the handle and in communication with the light source and a light carrier extending between the handle and the tube and in communication with the light source and providing light inside and along the entire length of the tube.

Abstract: Articulating laryngoscope to aid in the intubation of patients by providing illumination of the oral cavity and trachea during the process having, for example, ‘fingers’ with fiber optic lights at the ends and at joints of the fingers, fingers spread open or ‘flower’ when the device is deployed, gently retracting and compressing soft tissues in the oral cavity and providing medical professionals with much better illumination of the passageway they are addressing, constructed from a malleable material, including rubber, plastics/polymers, and carbon fiber, instead of hard metal. The fingers may have multiple light sources to ensure a flooding of the patient's oropharynx with light. Some versions might have fiber-optic cameras connected to one or more fingers for use in teaching and research, and one might have suction capability to facilitate removal of solids and fluids, one embodiment can have at least one finger with a scalpel at its distal end.

Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed to address blood pressure control. More particularly, the present invention relates to correction of transient low blood pressure.

Abstract: A surgical illumination system includes a retractor having a proximal handle portion and a distal portion adapted for insertion into a surgical field and retraction of body tissue, and a light guide disposed on the retractor, said light guide having a distal surface adapted to face the surgical field when in use in retracting body tissue away from a surgical field, and a proximal aperture adapted to receive light from a light engine or other light source wherein a portion of the distal surface adapted to face the surgical field is faceted with a plurality of facets, ridges, steps or shoulders, wherein the distally oriented surface of said facets, ridges, steps or shoulders are angled relative to the axis of the light guide and the location of the surgical field such that light passing through the light guide is emitted and directed toward the surgical field.

Abstract: A laryngoscope handle for use with a fiber optic laryngoscope blade having fiber optics includes a laryngoscope handle body configured to be gripped by a handle of a user; one or more power sources carried by the handle body; a light source assembly carried by the handle body and powered by the one or more power sources; a connection section for mechanically connecting the fiber optic laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle and optically coupling the light source assembly in the laryngoscope handle to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade, wherein the light source assembly includes at least two different types of light sources and a light mixing chamber where light emitted from the two different types of light sources mix to create a combined, mixed light that is transmitted to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade for emission there from.

Abstract: A motherboard module adapted for connecting pluggably to a case includes a tray, a motherboard, a hard disk cage, and at least one hard disk drive. The tray has a bottom board, a plurality of fixing portions, and a front board. The front board is disposed at a side of the bottom board. The motherboard is disposed on the bottom board. The hard disk cage is fixedly connected to the fixing portions and above the tray, and has a hole corresponding to a hole of the front board. The hard disk drive may be disposed pluggably in the cage.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope. In one embodiment a laryngoscope blade includes a main blade portion and blade tip and a blade base. The main blade portion has a posterior surface, a distal end and proximal end. The blade tip extends from the distal end of the main blade portion. The blade tip also has a width that is flared wider in a first direction than a width of the main blade portion. The blade tip is further positioned at a select angle with relation to the posterior surface of the main blade portion. The blade base coupled to the proximal end of the blade.

Abstract: Embodiments of a laryngoscope blade for being removable mounted to a laryngoscope handle. In some embodiments, the laryngoscope blade may include a blade portion including a proximal end and a distal end provided with an optic window; a base portion including two base halves mounted to each other and to the proximal end of the blade portion such that the proximal end of the blade portion is located between each base half; and an optic light pipe including a proximal end disposed between the two base halves and a distal end extending through the optic window.

Abstract: A laryngoscope and associated method of intubating a patient. A laryngoscope includes a handle and a blade extending outwardly from the handle. The blade has a surface for contacting a tongue of a patient during an intubation procedure. The blade surface includes first, second and third sections. The first section is positioned between the handle and the second section. The second section is positioned between the first and third sections. The first and third sections are concave. The second section is convex. A method of intubating a patient includes the steps of: inserting a laryngoscope into an oral cavity, the laryngoscope including a blade having a surface for contacting a tongue; displacing the tongue into a submental space using a first concave section of the blade surface; and preventing subluxation of the tongue into a pharyngeal cavity using a second convex section of the blade surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to the development of a plastic disposable laryngoscope with built in power source in any form and built in refractory light sources. This invention relates to the development of a plastic disposable laryngoscope (this can be constructed of wood, metal, rubber, plastic or any other disposable material) contains three major components: first component—plastic rotational light source cover that may be in various forms (e.g. press button) and on different locations of the plastic handle. Second component—plastic handle contains the power source in any form and the light bulb in different intensities. The third component is the plastic transparent blade, which connects to the base of the plastic handle. The plastic blade contains a refractory mirror at any angle that receives and refracts the light from any light source and delivers the light along the transparent plastic blade.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprising a handle (1) having an axis (5) and carrying a light source (3) of a type having an axis (4) extending in the general direction in which a light beam is emitted thereby is described. The laryngoscope has a removable and replaceable, preferably disposable, blade (7) of translucent material carried by the handle and extending generally transversely relative to the handle axis. The blade has a proximal end (6) and a distal end (13), and the light source is directed transversely relative to the axis of the handle so as to aim the light beam directly at, and generally at right angles to, a transverse light receiving face (11) formed at the proximal end of the blade. A light focusing “lens” (9) may be interposed between the light source and the transverse light receiving face.

Abstract: The devices and methods disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices and methods produce and to maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The devices and methods also disclose locating and selecting a site for creation of a collateral opening.

Abstract: In a laryngoscope, a blade for displacing a person's tongue in order to facilitate insertion of an endotracheal tube into the person's trachea includes a distal portion for insertion through the person's mouth and into the person's oropharynx and an elongated portion extending from the distal portion; the elongated portion is substantially wider than the distal portion and includes an inner side that is disposed for contacting and displacing the person's tongue when the distal portion is inserted into the person's oropharynx; and the inner side of the elongated portion is laterally contoured for restraining the person's tongue in a relatively centered position while the tongue is being displaced. The blade and the handle of the laryngoscope are injection molded in the same mold and may be of the same plastic material. Preferably the blade is transparent for transmitting light from a light source in the handle.

Abstract: A fiberoptically illuminated appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a light source and an elongate fiberoptic cable, which is operably engaged to the light source and which conducts light from the light source therethrough. A translucent appliance is operated in a conventional manner to perform a primary predetermined function, which function is exclusive of lighting. The appliance includes a continuous light conducting pathway that is uninterrupted by air and a light-emitting surface formed on the periphery of the appliance and communicably connected to the light-conducting pathway. The cable and the appliance are communicably interengaged. Light is directed from the cable through the continuous light-conducting pathway to the light-emitting surface, from which surface light is projected to illuminate the primary predetermined function.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device for treating an obstructing material within a vascular conduit or other body passageway. The device comprises an elongate catheter body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A high compliance balloon and a spaced apart angioplasty balloon are coaxially disposed along the distal end. The catheter device includes a plurality of longitudinal lumens which extend along the catheter body from the proximal end. At least one of the lumens has a cross section which is non circular and is configured, in conjunction with the other lumens to provide a maximum total lumen cross sectional area within a minimum diameter catheter body.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade of the type having a laryngoscope handle attachment fitting and a blade assembly including an illumination source having a light output and a straight blade member with curved end extending from the handle attachment fitting and defining a visualization channel into which the light output of the illumination source is directed. The improvement includes providing left and right frustrum shaped, mirror image wing sections on the straight blade member with curved end for controlling and depressing the tongue out of the line of sight when inserting a tube.

Abstract: The invention is a self-retaining disposable laryngoscope having dual light conductive blades that open and lock apart laterally and/or radially. The invention has two curved blades: a tongue blade and a palate blade. These two blades may be separated and locked apart by a ratchet mechanism in the instrument's handle while they remain parallel. This provides a bite block, pushes down the tongue, and makes the invention self-retaining in the airway. The palate blade may be rotated about an axis in the handle of the instrument and locked in position by a ratchet mechanism to spread the distal ends of the blades. This lifts the palate and epiglottis and opens the airway.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade for use with a conventional laryngoscope handle and conventional means for illumination. The improvements to the blade include a small reverse curve at the tip of the blade to better visualize the depth of insertion of the blade, include a greater width of the portion of the blade proximal to the handle to provide improved means for controlling the tongue, and include a more gradual curvature of the blade to better conform to the shape of the airway opening when the patient is properly positioned for laryngoscopy. The blade may also include a vertical wall which may be thickened to serve as a bite block, and raised areas to define grooves on the surface of the blade for insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or a suction catheter.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) with handgrip (14) and blade portion (16) has an optical system (44) secured to the blade portion with a prism lens (50) at the forward end and an eyepiece lens (48) which shifts the view toward the blade portion tip (46). A light pipe (60) directs a light beam toward the larynx to improve viewing thereof.

Abstract: A cover for a laryngoscope which includes a generally elongated cylindrical handle, a branch member and an insertion member. The cover generally comprises an end sheath, a Y-branch portion connected to the end sheath and two cylindrical sleeves connected to the Y-branch portion. The tapered sheath covers the insertion member and has a closed end. The Y-branch portion covers an area adjacent the joint between the handle and the branch member and preferably comprises an expandable structure. Each of the cylindrical sleeve covers the handle and the branch member, respectively. As a result, the laryngoscope itself is shielded from the contact with the interior of the mouth and the larynx. Once the cover is used, the cover may be discarded. Accordingly, cleaning and sterilization of the laryngoscope are substantially facilitated and hygienic operation of the laryngoscope is improved.

Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinally spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the trailing end of the filter to form a first filter basket. These arms prevent movement of the filter in a first longitudinal direction. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof. These second legs form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end and prevent longitudinal movement of the filter in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A laryngoscope handle includes a switch assembly for creating an electrical circuit between a lamp and a battery when a laryngoscope blade attached to the handle is moved into a working position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for increasing the visualization of biological tissues and underlying structures. A particular application is to examine gums for pre-emergent teeth. One embodiment has a cylindrical lens portion and an offset handle which may also serve as a port of entry for light sources to brighten the viewing area. The method involves pressing body tissue with the device which serves to vacate the area of blood which increases light transmission through the tissue and enhances contrast between bone/teeth structure and flesh.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade for use with a conventional laryngoscope handle and conventional means for illumination. The improvements to the blade include a small reverse curve at the tip of the blade to better visualize the depth of insertion of the blade, include a greater width of the portion of the blade proximal to the handle to provide improved means for controlling the tongue, and include a more gradual curvature of the blade to better conform to the shape of the airway opening when the patient is properly positioned for laryngoscopy. The blade may also include a vertical wall which may be thickened to serve as a bite block, and raised areas to define grooves on the surface of the blade for insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or a suction catheter.