Abstract: A method of treating areas of the body utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to mix different materials together as to create a therapeutic combination is disclosed. The materials are mixed by passing them through an ultrasound horn vibrating in resonance, having an internal chamber. As the materials pass through the internal chamber, ultrasonic vibrations emanating from and/or echoing off the various walls of the chamber mix the materials into a potentially therapeutic combination. Ultrasonic vibrations emanating from the radiation surface of the horn may be used to spray the created therapeutic combination onto the area of the body to be treated.

Abstract: A method of treating areas of the body utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to mix different materials together as to create a therapeutic combination is disclosed. The materials are mixed by passing them through an ultrasound horn vibrating in resonance, having an internal chamber. As the materials pass through the internal chamber, ultrasonic vibrations emanating from and/or echoing off the various walls of the chamber mix the materials into a potentially therapeutic combination. Ultrasonic vibrations emanating from the radiation surface of the horn may be used to spray the created therapeutic combination onto the area of the body to be treated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-the-go humidifying an insufflation gas through water vapor transfer from a liquid to the insufflation gas through a barrier separating the gas from the liquid to enable the gas in a normally trauma inducing state to be brought to a conditioned state. If the gas is at an improper insufflation temperature the temperature of the gas can be brought to the proper insufflation temperature at the same time the gas is humidified through heat transfer through the barrier.

Abstract: A method and medical device for generating transient bubbles is provided. Fluid is delivered under pressure through bubble generating means and thereby transient bubbles are generated. The bubbles are micro or nano sized. An ultrasonic source may be used to further vibrate the bubble generating means so as to adjust the size and size consistency of the bubbles. Infusion means may also be provided for infusing the bubbles in a patient. A therapeutic agent, in the form of or delivered in combination with, bubbles may be injected at the point of interest. An ultrasound pulse may additionally be provided to activate bubbles to enhance drug transport through tissues and across cell membranes. The device provides a means to locally generate transient bubbles, to facilitate acoustical activation of therapeutic agents, and the acoustic activation of bubbles infused within therapeutic agents, in order to enhance treatment efficacy.

Abstract: A system comprising: a hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; at least a portion of the tube comprising a porous membrane; and a gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution incorporated in the porous membrane; wherein the porous membrane has a porosity in the range of 0.001-200 microns, in order that: (i) the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution is effectively incorporated into the porous membrane; and (ii) when the porous membrane is positioned in blood, the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution elutes out of the porous membrane, in aggregations small enough to prevent the creation of embolisms in the blood, with the elution of the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution into the blood varying between minutes and several hours, depending on the temperature and the hemodynamics of the blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, such as endoscopy, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. A humidification means comprising at least one water-retainer layer is disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas for humidifying the gas as it passes through the chamber. A humidity sensor is disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid based on the humidity of the gas in the chamber, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof. A charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. A heating element and temperature sensor are also disposed within the chamber. A control circuit further regulates the temperature of the gas exiting the chamber.

Abstract: Medical apparatus and processes controllably generate medically useful micro or nano bubbles of medically desirable and controllably selectable size, size distribution, homogeneity and concentration (and/or other key bubble parameters) for patient infusion, and/or which may incorporate therapeutic or other agents for patient infusion and/or may be combined with therapeutic or other agents prior to infusion into patients. The bubble generation apparatus and processes controllably permit the adjustment and selection of key bubble parameters through bubble generation actuation and orientation techniques and through selection of bubble fluid compositions in order to facilitate medical research and/or to optimize treatment for imaging, therapy, sonoporation, inertial and non-inertial cavitation, and acoustic activation, among other medical uses. Disposable cartridges containing such bubbles are provided and may include means for patient infusion.

Abstract: The lateral flow between adjacent lung segments is occluded by blocking collateral flow channels with particles. A gas flow is established from one lung segment through the flow channels in an intermediate fibrous septum, and out through the adjacent lung segment. Particles entrained in the gas flow become lodged in the collateral flow channels to eventually block flow.

Abstract: A system is provided for efficiently gelating and injecting a constant amount of biopolymer powder for effectively using biopolymer in sealing, stanching, and prevention of adhesion of a post-surgical site. Powder transfer line 320 for transferring biopolymer powder atomized with the pressure of noninflammable gas in powder agitating container 220, and transfer lines 310, 330 for separately transferring noninflammable gas and solution separately from the powder transfer line 320, are joined at the tip of nozzle attachment 400 for injecting a mixture of the biopolymer powder and the noninflammable gas, together with the noninflammable gas and the solution.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle; and means for adjusting a needle insertion depth of the at least one needle.

Abstract: A device, comprising a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle; and tissue apposition means for pulling the needle array into apposition with tissue.

Abstract: A method of topically treating the respiratory tract of a mammal with nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas nasally to the upper respiratory tract of the mammal. Also provided are several designs for a nasal delivery device for the controlled nasal deliver the nitric oxide containing gas.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for delivering energy to lung tissue, for example to cause lung volume reduction. In one embodiment, an elongated catheter has a handle portion that includes an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid media under pressure. An energy source delivers energy to the media to cause a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior chamber and ejects a flow of vapor media from the working end of the catheter. The delivery of energy and the flow of vapor are controlled by a computer controller to cause a selected pressure and selected volume of vapor to propagate to the extremities of the airways. Contemporaneously, the vapor undergoes a vapor-to-liquid phase transition which delivers a large amount of energy to airway tissue. The thermal energy delivered is equivalent to the heat of vaporization of the fluid media, which shrinks and collapses the treated airways.

Abstract: A method of topically treating the respiratory tract of a mammal with nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas nasally to the upper respiratory tract of the mammal. Also provided are several designs for a nasal delivery device for the controlled nasal deliver the nitric oxide containing gas.

Abstract: The current invention is a port for the introduction of a nebulizer or other injector of medication to the lungs of a patient. It allows for the administering of medication without the need to remove the patient from a ventilator. This in turn eliminates certain medical complications that often arise when a patient is removed from a ventilator, even briefly.

Abstract: Smoke evacuation apparatus designed to provide safe and efficient filtration and evacuation of smoke plume generated by laser-surgical, electrosurgical, radiosurgical, and electrocautery devices. A filter assembly is removably mounted on a front panel of the apparatus housing and is thus easily accessible from the front side which typically faces the user. The filter assembly at its front is provided with a hose connector to which the suction hose of the system is conveniently attached, and the front of the filter assembly is configured with a symbol, such as a letter or number, that represents an identification of the system supplier or manufacturer, and the hose connector is mounted on that symbol identifier.

Abstract: A device for application of material to a surface, for example, biocompatible material to a tissue surface in a medical or clinical setting, is adapted to receive one or more biocompatible materials and one or more sources of pressurized medical gas, and to deliver these biocompatible materials via the medical gas(es) to a tissue surface or other surface. A regulation system controls flow of medical gas at a variety of pressures, and flow of biocompatible agent or agents, allowing agents to be sprayed or otherwise deployed onto a tissue surface. Switching apparatus operably connected to the regulation system directs a set of preset treatment positions allowing sequential application of biocompatible materials under various conditions in conjunction with an overall treatment protocol. The device can be used to apply a photoinitiating primer and polymeric sealant to a tissue surface, followed by light activation to form a polymer coating on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel ampoule filtration system, and novel methods and devices for using the system to deliver multi-doses of a sterile solution of a therapeutic agent to a subject. The ampoule filtration system includes a sterile filter cartridge attached to the mouth of an ampoule, such that liquid dispensed from the ampoule is drawn through the cartridge, and a means for sealingly engaging the filtration system to a delivery device.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a stream of steam for direction against an area of skin of a person includes a water vessel for retaining a quantity of water, the vessel having an upright tubular vessel side wall and a vessel bottom wall and a vessel mounting structure, and a water heating mechanism mounted outside and in thermal proximity to the vessel including a heating element and a power source connection structure for generating heat for transfer into the water vessel to heat the quantity of water sufficiently to progressively transform the quantity of water into a stream of steam; a steam guidance framework including a vessel cover structure having a structure upper surface and a structure lower surface, a vessel engaging structure for suspending the vessel from the vessel cover structure, the vessel cover structure having a steam port over the water vessel for passing a stream of steam from the water vessel; a steam delivery tube including a steam delivery tube receiving end and a steam delivery tube disc

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus includes dispensers for carbon dioxide and other therapeutic gases. The methods include delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.

Abstract: A device which can hold a position over a particular point, preferrably an acupuncture point, on a living body, has particularizeable plugs for performing different treatments to those points. Fixation to the body surface is preferred for treatment using the device is preferred. In most forms, the device will have a channel for accomodating and holding the therapy delivery devices. Moxa or other medicaments can be delivered using the inventive structures, as can pressure, or other force, and the devices can be used to provide heat, magnetism, or other forms of energy amenable to use in the inventive device, and which may be of interest in the oriental medicine and new age therapies of non-standard western medical practices.

Abstract: A gas filler device for use in medical procedures such as laparoscopy is disclosed. Preferably, the gas filter device includes a housing having a first side wall and a second side wall, and a gas filter including a porous element including a hydrophobic membrane, the gas filter device allowing gas to pass through the porous filter element and the first side wall.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus is composed of a tubular needle with forwardly protruding cutting edges at its tip, a holder supporting the needle and a driver for electromechanically causing the needle to undergo a continuous or oscillatory rotary motion around its axis and/or a reciprocating linear motion in the longitudinal direction such that its front opening at its tip can reliably reach a specified position inside a patient's tissue without being deflected or bowing when it encounters an obstruction such as a calcification or a small bone. Such motions may be provided by a piezoelectric hammer and a piezoelectric tamper. After the needle is thus correctly positioned, a brachytherapy device such as a radioactive seed or a reflector may be pushed through and out of the needle by means of a pusher as the needle is retracted to leave a track inside the tissue. A quickly hardening liquid may be thereafter injected through the needle to immobilize the deposited brachytherapy device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions comprised of the same material and being visually distinct from each other, wherein the first regions will exhibit resistive forces in response to an applied elongation along at least one axis before a substantial portion of the second regions develop significant resistive forces to the applied elongation.

Abstract: A system utilizes an oxygenation device to generate a gas-enriched physiologic fluid and to combine it with a bodily fluid to create a gas-enriched bodily fluid. The oxygenation device may take the form of a disposable cartridge, which is placed within an enclosure. An electronic controller manages various aspects of the system, such as the production of gas-enriched fluids, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of dermal abrasion, that includes exposing a source of sterile liquid to a flow of pressurized gas, thereby causing a pumped supply thereof into a fluid delivery head (200); supplying the pressurized gas to the fluid delivery head; combining the gas, and liquid (204) supplied to the delivery head; this fluid delivery head having a fluid outlet (206) with a predetermined internal diameter (210), so as to provide a gas-liquid outflow in the form of a sterile liquid mist jet suspended in a high velocity gas stream; and exposing to the mist jet, at a preselected distance from the fluid outlet, a portion of the skin surface (224) sought to be abraded, thereby separating therefrom at least a portion of the epidermis (225), and removing therefrom the resulting tissue debris.

Abstract: The method and device of the present invention for ultrasound wound treatment includes a transducer to produce ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer has tip with the distal end (radiation surface). A liquid is directed to the radiation surface throug central orifice or separate tube wherein an directed atomized particle spray of the liquid is created upon contact of the liquid with the radiation surface. The spray directed to the wound from at least 0.1 inches transmits ultrasound waves trough particles and has an irrigation, mechanical cleansing, liquid energizing and bactericide effect.

Abstract: The invention described herein consists of an oxygen deliver source for local blood or tissue oxygenation. The invention consists of porous polymer structures being part of a medical device from which a liquid oxygen carrier is locally or systemically released. The substrate membrane impregnated with the oxygen carrier may be a part of a tube, a balloon, a perfusion balloon, a stent and a wire. The substrate membrane is sealed with a removable housing for the oxygen carrier to allow storage of the medical device.

Abstract: A strapless hands-free breast band device of the present invention includes a unitary breast band having self-closing openings for receiving milk intake receptacles that is custom-fittable to the user. The self-closing openings are horizontal slit openings in an anisotropic breast band material that provide for adequate support of the milk intake receptacles without deflection, bending, or buckling of the band due to the weight of the receptacles when filling or filled with milk.

Abstract: This invention provides surgical devices and methods to apply bioactive agents to surgical sites. The devices include, e.g., a body for attachment of a pressurized fluid vessel and a reservoir of bioactive agent for controlled spraying of an aerosol of bioactive agent.

Abstract: A smoke filter device for use in medical procedures such as laparoscopy is disclosed, the device comprising a filter housing having an inlet port and first and second side walls, the side walls comprising non-woven media, and a smoke filter capable of filtering smoke from gas, wherein the filter is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for increasing tissue oxygen levels by administration of superoxygenated compositions of tissue surfaces. The methods are applicable to treatment of a wide variety of conditions including burns, bedsores, ulcers, necrosis and anaerobic infections.

Abstract: A method of increasing alertness in an individual by administering an effective amount of an alertness-increasing vomeropherin to the individual; and an alarm device that, when activated, emits an alertness-increasing vomeropherin. The method and device are especially useful in increasing alertness in individuals who are not readily responsive to usual external stimuli.

Abstract: A wound therapy and tissue management system utilizes fluid differentiation. Fluid is differentiated by establishing a gradient within the system. The gradient can be established with matter or energy. Patient interfaces for establishing, maintaining and varying one or more gradients include transfer elements with first and second zones having different flow coefficients. The transfer elements exchange fluid with a patient, generally through a wound site, and with external components of the system. Osmolar solution gradients are controlled by a methodology involving the present invention for extracting solutions, which can include toxins, from patients and for introducing fluids and sumping air to wound sites.

Abstract: An apparatus for oxygenating a liquid, including a liquid pump, supply piping having an inlet connected to the pump and an outlet, first and second injectors and a chamber. The first injector has a liquid inlet forming a nozzle, a liquid outlet and an oxygen inlet, the first injector oxygen inlet intermediate the first injector liquid inlet and outlet, the supply piping outlet connected to the first injector liquid inlet. The second injector has a liquid inlet forming a nozzle, a liquid outlet and an oxygen inlet, the second injector oxygen inlet intermediate the second injector liquid inlet and outlet, the first injector liquid outlet in communication with the second injector liquid inlet, whereby liquid flows through the first and second injectors in series, each of the first and second injector oxygen inlets provided with a source of oxygen gas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous infusion to a subject of dispersions in which the dispersed phase is susceptible to flotation or sedimentation. The dispersion is controllably delivered from an upper or lower extremity of an essentially vertically positioned. delivery vessel, e.g. syringe 2, and is then admixed with flushing medium, e.g. from infusion minibag 8, prior to administration to the subject. Vertical positioning of the delivery device maximises the distance through which flotation or sedimentation may occur, thereby substantially reducing the effects of separation over a given period of time compared to use of a corresponding horizontal delivery vessel such as a syringe placed in a conventional syringe driver.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing adhesion formation following a surgical procedure comprising administering to a patient in need thereof at least one medicament selected from the group consisting of potassium channels; modulators of macrophage activation and leucocyte attraction through cytokines, or their inhibitors, antibodies or inhibitors blocking the effect of VEGF expression; prostaglandin E1; allopurinol; calcium channel blockers; free radical scavengers; lipid peroxysomes; pregnatrienes; calcium antagonists; hypoxia; acidosis; MP; dopamine; and ATP-MgCl2.

Abstract: A resuscitation apparatus includes a fluid pathway in fluid communication with a source of medical fluid, an interface unit for attaching the fluid pathway to the cardiovascular system of a mammal suffering from impaired blood flow in order to establish an artificial circulation in the mammal utilizing the medical fluid, and heat exchange apparatus that provides intense cooling to quickly chill the medical fluid a sufficient amount to slow a metabolic rate of an organ of a mammal into which the medical fluid is introduced.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus is composed of a tubular needle with forwardly protruding cutting edges at its tip, a holder supporting the needle and a driver for electromechanically causing the needle to undergo a continuous or oscillatory rotary motion around its axis and/or a reciprocating linear motion in the longitudinal direction such that its front opening at its tip can reliably reach a specified position inside a patient's tissue without being deflected or bowing when it encounters an obstruction such as a calcification or a small bone. Such motions may be provided by a piezoelectric hammer and a piezoelectric tamper. After the needle is thus correctly positioned, a brachytherapy device such as a radioactive seed or a reflector may be pushed through and out of the needle by means of a pusher as the needle is retracted to leave a track inside the tissue. A quickly hardening liquid may be thereafter injected through the needle to immobilize the deposited brachytherapy device.

Abstract: The method and device of the present invention for ultrasound wound treatment includes a transducer to produce ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer has tip with the distal end (radiation surface). A liquid is directed to the radiation surface through central orifice or separate tube wherein an directed atomized particle spray of the liquid is created upon contact of the liquid with the radiation surface. The spray directed to the wound from at least 0.1 inches transmits ultrasound waves trough particles and has an irrigation, mechanical cleansing, liquid energizing and bactericide effect.

Abstract: A device for eliminating poisons and pollutants from the human body and for revitalizing cells includes a temperature controlled upper cover having a natural five primary substance stone coating layer, a temperature controlled lower mat having vibrators and a natural five primary substance stone coating layer, a herb essence supplier connected to the interior of space formed by the upper cover and the lower mat, and a negative ion producing air pump connected to the herb essence supplier for supplying negative ions. The device adjusts the temperature of a user in the interior space between the upper cover and the lower mat and discharges the poisons in the human body through perspiration holes on the skin by the action of the natural five primary substance stone and absorbed herbal essence.

Abstract: A method of treating infected tissue with topical nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas to a skin surface containing infected tissue so as to bathe the infected tissue with nitric oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an anoxemia preventing compound for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing adhesion formation. . The invention further relates to an endoscopic insufflation system comprising gas supplying means for an insufflation line, wherein the supplying means are designed to supply gas mixtures comprising 0 2. The invention also relates to a method for preventing adhesion formation by preventing anoxemia by or during, CO 2 pneumoperitoneum.

Abstract: A gas-enriched liquid delivered at a site of interest that is substantially bubble free after delivery into a lower pressure liquid or gas environment. The delivered gas-enriched liquid is produced by a process comprising the steps of: a) preparing a mixture of gas and liquid; b) compressing the mixture to a pressure such that the gas completely dissolves in the liquid to form a gas-enriched liquid; c) enclosing the gas-enriched liquid within a confined space while retaining substantially the same pressure. The confined space has at least one dimension less than about 0.2 mm, and has at least one opening to a liquid or gas environment site of interest having a lower pressure than that of the pressure of the confined space; and d) delivering the gas-enriched liquid from the confined space out through the at least one exit opening to the lower pressure environment without formation of bubbles.

Abstract: A method of treating skin including the application of a treatment gas to a surface of the skin and simultaneous neuro-muscular stimulation of the skin. The increased blood flow resulting from the neuro-muscular stimulation improves the effectiveness of the treatment gas. A medicine may be applied to the skin along with the treatment gas and the temperature of the treatment gas may be controlled to achieve a desired therapy. In one embodiment, a wound is treated by stimulating neuro-muscular activity near the wound while simultaneously applying an antibiotic and oxygen gas to the wound at a first warm temperature and then at a second cool temperature. The treatment gas applicator used to deliver the oxygen to the wound may further be used to provide repeatable measurements of the size of the wound over time. Other beneficial skin effects, such as hair growth and age retardation, may be achieved by applying specific treatment gases and medicines simultaneously with neuro-muscular stimulation.

Abstract: A method of treating skin including the application of a treatment gas to a surface of the skin and simultaneous neuro-muscular stimulation of the skin. The increased blood flow resulting from the neuro-muscular stimulation improves the effectiveness of the treatment gas. The treatment gas applicator used to deliver the oxygen to the wound may further be used to provide repeatable measurements of the size of the wound over time. Other beneficial skin effects, such as hair growth and age retardation, may be achieved by applying treatment gas simultaneously with neuro-muscular stimulation.

Abstract: An apparatus employing liquid and gas as working fluids for cleansing living tissue includes a container for a sterile liquid and a fluid delivery head having a liquid entry port, a gas entry port, a fluid outlet apparatus and a valve located between the entry ports and the fluid outlet apparatus. The valve selectively permits respective liquid and gas flows from the entry ports to the fluid outlet apparatus. A liquid conduit extends between a liquid inlet located within the container and a liquid outlet connected to the liquid entry port of the delivery head. A gas conduit extends between a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet is connected to a source of pressurized gas and the gas outlet is connected to the gas entry port of the delivery head. The gas conduit is connected to the container via an intermediate outlet port.

Abstract: A fish resuscitating apparatus includes a container of pressurized oxygen-rich fluid medium such as a gas or liquid. A valve controllably couples the fluid medium to a dispensing tip which is dimensioned to fit within the mouth of the fish. The dispensing tip is porous or perforated to allow the fluid to enter the mouth of the fish for aiding the fish in recovering from being caught. A kit of parts includes a container, a valve, and a plurality of tips of different dimensions, for use with different types of fish.

Abstract: A directed stream blower is provided for removing materials from a surgical site, thus improving the visibility of the surgical site. Preferably, the directed stream blower provides a directed stream of pressurized gas combined and intermixed with a sterile fluid which may be used to clear or wash away blood, debris, particulate, or other materials from the target surgical site. The directed stream blower may be provided with flow control positioned directly on the handle for convenient one-handed operation during use.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for delivering a high partial pressure of a gas into a liquid. The apparatus has a gas transfer device 12 with a housing 14 that includes upstream 16 and downstream 18 regions, between which there is located a gas-liquid contacting region 20 with contacting members 22, such as hollow microporous fibers. A reservoir 36 of gas supplies the gas at a high pressure (P) to a flask 38 of gas-depleted liquid and to the gas transfer device 12. The reservoir 36 of gas provides hydrostatic pressure for urging the liquid through the contacting members 22 and propelling the gas around the contacting members 22 so that the gas does not diffuse across the contacting members 22. The gas-enriched liquid is then ducted to a high resistance delivery channel 44 for administration to a site of interest without effervescence, bubble formation, or significant disruption of laminar flow.