Gas Mixed With Other Material Patents (Class 604/24)
  • Patent number: 6156003
    Abstract: A surgical visualization and moisturizing device providing improved visualization and moisturizing of a surgical site such as an anastomosis. The device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of small flexible lumens extending through and terminating distal of a gas flow port to thoroughly mix and moisture the gas flow with a saline solution. Each of the plurality of flexible lumens, preferably forming a ribbon, are separated from one another slightly at the distal tip to permit vibration due to the gas flow exiting about and past each of the saline lumens. This spacing further facilitates uniform moisturizing of the gas flow. The distal ends of the saline lumens extend beyond the tip of the device such that the pressure of the gas flow approaches atmospheric pressure, whereby gas flow will not go against the head pressure of the saline bag. This eliminates the need for a pressure cuff on the saline bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Chase Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitta Suresh
  • Patent number: 6103769
    Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical composition of a sterile, injectable physiologically acceptable solution containing nitric oxide (NO), processes for preparing the compositions and a process for detecting physiologically present NO. With these NO solutions, NO in high doses can trigger locally in vessels, e.g. coronary vessels, specific local biological effects such as relaxation of the smooth vascular musculature, inhibition of thee adhesion of thrombocytes, etc., without producing systemic side-effects, such as for example, a critical drop in blood pressure, in spite of the high does. The detection process enables the presence of an endothelial dysfunction to be established from the whole blood of humans and other mammals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Schwarz Pharma AG
    Inventor: Malte Kelm
  • Patent number: 6067936
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: David J. Margulis
  • Patent number: 6053889
    Abstract: A sample delivery module for use in conjunction with a particle acceleration apparatus includes a fitting for connecting the sample delivery module to the apparatus. The sample delivery module provides a particle acceleration path which includes a portion adapted to receive a sample of particles coated with a biological material, a particle acceleration chamber coaxial with, and in fluid communication, with the cartridge chamber, and a substantially conical exit nozzle coaxial with and in fluid communication with the particle acceleration chamber. In use, a gas stream causes sample particles to be entrained therein and accelerated through the particle acceleration chamber and the exit nozzle toward a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: PowderJect Vaccines, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Heinzen, Dennis E. McCabe
  • Patent number: 5997498
    Abstract: In preferred aspects the invention provides an in-line humidifier, a system using such a humidifier and methods related thereto, a method for infusing a gas into an eye during retinal detachment surgical procedure and a method for treating a retinal tear. The method for infusing gas includes providing an in-line humidifier, humidifying the gas in the in-line humidifier by flowing the gas there through and infusing the humidified gas into the eye. The in-line humidifier includes a housing and a humidifier section disposed within the housing, the humidifier section including a hydroscopic material that releasably retains liquid therein. The housing includes an inlet and outlet connection in fluid communication with the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Eugene de Juan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5976165
    Abstract: The present invention provides for improved rotational ablation devices for use in medical applications designed to ablate a circular opening in a stenotic blood vessel wherein the rotational ablation device is provided with a replaceable cutting burr which allows the user to employ burrs of multiple sizes and configurations on a single rotational ablation device. The present invention also provides for a unique applicator tool which allows the user to readily remove and replace the novel cutting burrs of the present invention on a single rotational ablation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: SCIMED Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Ball, deceased, Don Hogan
  • Patent number: 5976119
    Abstract: The present invention includes a guidewire device capable of delivering perfusion fluids to a vascular site while at the same time exhibiting handling characteristics associated with existing non-perfusion guidewires. Preferred embodiments include a perfusion guidewire which closely matches the dimensions and physical characteristics of standard guidewires. Preferred embodiments also permit high pressure perfusion of supersaturated solutions, and include a liquid flow path which will not promote bubble generation or growth, or destabilize a supersaturated solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignees: Wayne State University, TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Richard Spears, Philip S. Levin, Paul J. Zalesky
  • Patent number: 5964777
    Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument, disposed generally along a rotational axis, includes a member extending from a base. The member is rotatable to transmit torque from the base to a cutter carried at the distal end of the member. The cutter defines one cutting edge oriented in a right-handed direction, and another cutting edge oriented in a left-handed direction. The right-handed and left-handed cutting edges can be, e.g., defined by a symmetrical revolved surface, forward-swept, symmetrical, or separated by an uninterrupted circumferential band of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen Drucker
  • Patent number: 5951531
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a particulate hemostatic agent to living tissue are disclosed. The apparatus includes a particulate hemostatic agent source (22) and a continuous gas source (14). A continuous gas stream from the continuous gas source is turbulently combined with the particulate hemostatic agent within the hemostatic agent source from a finely dispersed fluid stream of the particulate hemostatic agent in the continuous gas stream. An outlet conduit (34) extends from where the gas and particulate hemostatic agent are combined through an outlet (36) of the conduit, whereby the fluid stream is conducted through the outlet conduit and is discharged from the outlet conduit onto proximate living tissue, thereby applying the particulate hemostatic agent o the living tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Medchem Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ariel G. Ferdman, Vladimir J. Pinsky
  • Patent number: 5948506
    Abstract: A moxibusting implement includes a loess support having a receiving hole and a recess for inserting a filter paper. When a moxa is burned and the heat generated reaches the loess support(10), far-infrared radiation is produced from the loess support to enhance the effect of the moxa cautery treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Tae Woo Yoo
  • Patent number: 5935144
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is described for use in medical procedures to, for example, dissect or cut living organic tissue. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an outer sheath, a waveguide, and an improved acoustic isolation element. The acoustic isolation element is bonded to both the ultrasonic waveguide and the interior surface of the outer sheath, creating an acoustic isolation seal. The improved acoustic isolation element seals the distal end of the ultrasonic instrument, substantially improving its ability to reduce or eliminate penetration by liquids or other contaminants during, for example, soaking or steam autoclave sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Estabrook
  • Patent number: 5931806
    Abstract: An acupressure-type moxa treatment device uses a carbonized moxa, of which main component is moxa and which is compression-moulded into a fixed shape and does not generate smoke nor bad smell when burned. The device includes a holding cage held between a front inner cylinder 1 and a rear inner cylinder 2, and an ignited carbonized moxa 9 in a holding cage 8. The inner cylinders enclosed by a cap 5, a front outer cylinder 2, and a rear outer cylinder 2. The front inner cylinder 1, the rear inner cylinder 2, the front outer cylinder 3, and the rear outer cylinder 2 are provided with cooperating and adjustable air inlets 1a, 2a, and air control ports 3a, 4a, respectively, to enable proper combustion of the carbonized moxa 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Osamu Shimada
  • Patent number: 5904664
    Abstract: A mugwort moxacautery device in which herbal ingredients plus medicinal mugwort composition may be deeply permeated into the affected area of skin by fumigating them based on combustion efficiency of the mugwort pole and its combustion heat. The moxacautery device (4) with aromatic herbal medicines has a lower body (1), upper body (2) and lid (3) in earthen ware. An herbal-medicine ring (7) and porous plate for herbal medicine (6) are mounted to the center-empty portions (8, 9) in a lower body (1) and upper body (2) in a sequential order. A mugwort pole (5) is provided between the inside of upper body (2) and netting plates (10, 11) are placed between the upper body (2) and lid (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Jin Sup Kim
  • Patent number: 5865796
    Abstract: A gas driven apparatus for accelerating particles coated with a genetic material into a target comprises a reservoir for releasably retaining a gas at a sufficiently high pressure to detach the particles from the surface of a sample cartridge and to carry the particles through the apparatus toward the target. When leaving the apparatus, the particles entrained in the gas stream pass through a substantially conical exit nozzle which causes the pattern of distribution of the particles to greatly expand. Methods for using the apparatus and for preparing the sample cartridges are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: PowderJect Vaccines, Inc
    Inventor: Dennis E. McCabe
  • Patent number: 5827222
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for treating brain and associated nervous tissue injury. The invention also discloses a method for preserving organs in brain-dead humans or cadavers which allows additional time for the organs to remain viable such that they may be harvested for subsequent transplantation. Also disclosed is a method for organ preservation which employs body cavity perfusion. The methods include the introduction of temperature-controlled solutions to slow the metabolism of the brain, associated nervous tissue or organ(s) to inhibit degeneration thereof. A device which performs these methods is also disclosed. The device includes a fluid reservoir, an oxygen source, a heat exchanger and removable catheter lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Life Resuscitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5797874
    Abstract: The method includes the steps of compressing a carrier to eliminate gas nuclei before exposure of the carrier to the gas; exposing the compressed carrier to the gas under pressure to form a gas-saturated compressed carrier; transporting the gas-saturated compressed carrier to the delivery system; and infusing the gas-saturated compressed carrier from the delivery system at an exit port to the environment without associated bubble formation and cavitation proximate the exit port so that the gas is transported to the site within the environment in solution with the carrier in a supersaturated state, the gas being liberated therefrom remote from the exit port upon arrival at the site within the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: James Richard Spears
  • Patent number: 5752929
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods for preserving organs in brain-dead humans or cadavers which allows additional time for the organs to remain viable such that they may be harvested for subsequent transplantation. This invention also discloses methods for preserving and/or resuscitating organs in live (nonbrain-dead) patients, allowing for additional time to stabilize the patient's condition. The methods include the steps of instrumentizing (e.g., catheterizing, cannulating, injecting, etc.) the vessels or tissues around the organ, or the organ itself sought to be preserved and/or resuscitated, the body cavity, or cavities of the body, and introducing a temperature-controlled solution to preserve and/or resuscitate the organ(s). The temperature-controlled organ preservation solution includes components such as oxygen carrying agents, antioxidants, tissue damage reversing and protecting agents, carrier vehicles, diluents, nutrients, and anti-coagulating agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Life Resuscitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5730935
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: James Richard Spears
  • Patent number: 5709654
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods for preserving organs in brain-dead humans or cadavers which allows additional time for the organs to remain viable such that they may be harvested for subsequent transplantation. This invention also discloses methods for preserving and/or resuscitating organs in live (nonbrain-dead) patients, allowing for additional time to stabilize the patient's condition. The methods include the steps of instrumentizing (e.g., catheterizing, cannulating, injecting, etc.) the vessels or tissues around the organ, or the organ itself sought to be preserved and/or resuscitated, the body cavity, or cavities of the body, and introducing a temperature-controlled solution to preserve and/or resuscitate the organ(s). The temperature-controlled organ preservation solution includes components such as oxygen carrying agents, antioxidants, tissue damage reversing and protecting agents, carrier vehicles, diluents, nutrients, and anti-coagulating agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Life Resuscitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5693017
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for delivering an oxygen-supersaturated physiologic solution (12) into a lumen (14) of a blood vessel (16) to replace arterial blood beyond an angioplasty catheter (18) during clinical angioplasty without bubble formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventors: James Richard Spears, Richard James Crilly
  • Patent number: 5653685
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for providing circulation, usually when it has substantially decreased or ceased, such as during cardiac arrest. The method includes the steps of intubating the airway of a patient, to provide access to the lungs. The air and other material in the lungs is then evacuated. A liquid breathing solution is then infused into the lungs, expanding the lungs such that the lungs compress the heart and great vessels, to generate cardiac outflow and ultimately circulation. A device that performs this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: LRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5599296
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 for delivery of a gas, such as oxygen, solution into an environment (such as a coronary artery). The apparatus includes a high pressure tubular housing 12 defining a lumen 14 therewithin. A plurality of axially disposed concentric tubes 16 are supported within the lumen 14. Each defines an annular space 18 between adjacent tubes. One or more supports 20 extend radially inwardly from the tubular housing 12. The supports are connected to the concentric tubes 16 to prevent radially or axially migration thereof during high pressure infusion of the oxygen supersaturated physiologic solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: James R. Spears
  • Patent number: 5584807
    Abstract: A gas driven apparatus for accelerating particles coated with a genetic material into a target comprises a reservoir for releasably retaining a gas at a sufficiently high pressure to detach the particles from the surface of a sample cartridge and to carry the particles through the apparatus toward the target. When leaving the apparatus, the particles entrained in the gas stream pass through a substantially conical exit nozzle which causes the pattern of distribution of the particles to greatly expand. Methods for using the apparatus and for preparing the sample cartridges are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Agracetus, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. McCabe
  • Patent number: 5584804
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods for preserving organs in brain-dead humans or cadavers which allows additional time for the organs to remain viable such that they may be harvested for subsequent transplantation. This invention also discloses methods for preserving and/or resuscitating organs in live (nonbrain-dead) patients, allowing for additional time to stabilize the patient's condition. The methods include the steps of instrumentizing (e.g., catheterizing, cannulating, injecting, etc.) the vessels or tissues around the organ, or the organ itself sought to be preserved and/or resuscitated, the body cavity, or cavities of the body, and introducing a temperature-controlled solution to preserve and/or resuscitate the organ(s). The temperature-controlled organ preservation solution includes components such as oxygen carrying agents, antioxidants, tissue damage reversing and protecting agents, carrier vehicles, diluents, nutrients, and anti-coagulating agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Life Resuscitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5569180
    Abstract: A method of injecting gas-supersaturated fluids as a bubble-free effluent from a delivery system into a relatively low pressure, gas-depleted environment without cavitation or bubble formation. The method includes the steps of eliminating cavitation nuclei from within the delivery system, compressing a fluid and a gas at a high partial pressure to form a gas-supersaturated fluid, and ejecting the gas-supersaturated fluid through the delivery system into the environment without associated cavitation formation in the effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: James R. Spears
  • Patent number: 5549960
    Abstract: A moxibusting implement, which a moxa is inserted into an equal in size receiving hole of an upper paper-board and is adhered to an adhesion sheet having an adhesion layer. Thus, while a moxa is burned, the heat occurring is not emitted upwardly and flows down toward the receiving hole of the lower paper-board to enhance the effect of the moxa cautery treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Tae W. Yoo
  • Patent number: 5518004
    Abstract: An improved specimen drawing device to be used to safely and cost effectively draw specimens such as blood from a patient, the device including a reusable main tubular housing, with a side wall structure defining an open proximal end, an at least partially open distal end and an open interior, and a disposable cannula assembly, having an elongate cannula and a protective shield disposed in surrounding relation about a central portion of the elongate cannula so as to maintain the elongate cannula axially disposed in spaced relation from the reusable tubular housing, the protective shield being structured for removable, yet secured engagement with the distal end of the tubular housing so as to allow for disposability of the entire cannula assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Steven Schraga
  • Patent number: 5470311
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing medicinals encapsulated in a biodegrble polymer in surgical and other wounds are described. The apparatus, a microcapsule drug applicator, allows the caregiver to implant or spread measured and uniform quantities of microencapsulated medicinals in or on surgical or traumatic wounds to prevent and/or treat infections. Specific examples where microencapsulated antibiotics may prove useful include, soft-tissue wounds, following debridement and reduction or fixation of open fractures, to osteomyelitic bone after surgical debridement, after surgical insertion of prostheses such as hip/knee replacements (arthroplasty), and following vascular surgery or grafting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jean A. Setterstrom, Elliot Jacob, Walter K. Franz
  • Patent number: 5445612
    Abstract: A powdered medicament-mixed gas injecting apparatus includes a first passage having a gas supply opening at one end thereof for supplying gas. A second passage includes a container-fitting end portion at one end thereof for fitting thereto a container opening of a powdered medicament container in which powdered medicament is accommodated. One end is closed and the other end is provided with the container opening. The other end of the second passage is coupled with the other end of the first passage. The second passage serves for introducing supply gas fed from the gas supply opening of the first passage to the powdered medicament container, and for introducing powdered medicament-mixed gas which has been formed by mixing the supply gas with the powdered medicament in a direction opposite to a direction in which the supply gas is fed. The second passage allows gas to pass bidirectionally therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Kaigen Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Terakura, Toyoyuki Maeda
  • Patent number: 5443447
    Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid delivery of therapeutic and or diagnostic agent to a body cavity or withdrawal of fluid from the body cavity is disclosed. This apparatus comprises in combination a catheter having a first and second conduit, an atomizer connected to the distal end of the first conduit, and a balloon surrounds the conduits. A multi-port valve is connected to the proximal end of the second conduit. An inflation tube with its input end connect to the multi-port valve while the output end connects to the balloon. A chamber for dispensing the selected agent is attached to one of the opening of multi-port valve via its air input while its output port is connected to the first conduit via a pressure relief membrane. A collection system having a three-way valve is connected to the opening of the multi-port valve by a third conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Amin I. Kassis
    Inventor: Amin I. Kassis
  • Patent number: 5395314
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preserving organs in brain-dead humans or cadavers which allows additional time for the organs to remain viable such that they may be harvested for subsequent transplantation. The method includes the steps of catheterizing the vessels or tissues around the organ sought to be preserved, introducing a temperature controlled solution to cool the organ to inhibit degenerative metabolism, oxygenating the organ and inhibiting free radicle damage. The temperature controlled organ preservation solution includes perfluorocarbons, antioxidants, tissue damage reversing and protecting agents, carrier vehicles, diluents, nutrients, and anti-coagulating agents. A device which performs this method is also disclosed. This device includes a fluid reservoir, an oxygen tank, a heat exchanger and removable catheter lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Life Resuscitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5374243
    Abstract: A method for providing oxygen to an internal body cavity by providing an oxygenated oxygen-transporting perfluorochemical enclosed within an oxygen permeable/perfluorochemical impermeable membrane within said body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Alpha Therapeutic Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Whalen, Charles M. Heldebrandt
  • Patent number: 5346470
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a contrast media injector. The injector is of the type including a gas source and a liquid source. The apparatus includes a gas delivery channel connected to the gas source and a liquid delivery channel connected to the liquid source. Two normally closed valves are provided to control flow from the gas and liquid channel. The valves insure that gas and liquid do not simultaneously exit from the channel. The valves minimize inadvertent mixing of the gas and saline downstream of the valves. The gas channel is connected to a gas source using a fitting which also connects electro-conductive wires in the apparatus to a power source. The liquid channel connects to a source of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: E-Z-EM, Inc.
    Inventors: Eamonn Hobbs, Irvin F. Hawkins, Arthur Zimmet, John Goodman, Daniel Recinella
  • Patent number: 5346463
    Abstract: An orthopedic appliance which when attached to the distal ends of the extremities of a user, applies a dynamic corrective torque or force to the long bones of those extremities. A pair of torque applying members, each of which is attached to a distal end of one of the pair of long bones, are supported for rotation on an elongated spacing member, a pair of dynamic force applying members create a torque between each of the torque applying members and the elongated spacing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Mark F. Devens
  • Patent number: 5336170
    Abstract: A disposible visualization wand for removal of bodily fluids from a graft, wound or other target site on a patient. The wand includes a barrel having a fan tip outlet, and a inlet end secured to a filter for removing contaminants from a gas stream feed for the wand. Also included is a liquid feed into the wand, for moisturizing the gas stream and preventing dehydration of the patient's tissue at the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Research Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomas A. Salerno, Douglas G. Fox
  • Patent number: 5336171
    Abstract: An abdomino-pelvic lavage apparatus adapted to be secured in a midline abdominal incision to form a well with the abdomino-pelvic cavity for lavaging the abdomino-pelvic cavity during surgery. The apparatus includes a cylindrical wall made of a transparent plastic material and having structure at its base end for securing the wall in place and effecting a water-tight seal with the edge of an abdominal incision. Ports through the wall around its circumference provide openings for the surgeon's hands so that the surgeon has free access to the abdomino-pelvic cavity for manipulation of intra-abdominal tissues, lavage fluid and inflow and outflow tubes for the lavage fluid. A transparent removable cover may be placed on the wall during chemotherapy treatment to contain fumes and prevent spillage, and to permit pressurization of the well and abdomino-pelvic cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Paul H. Sugarbaker
  • Patent number: 5322505
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a rigid outer member within which is disposed a hollow inner member having rigid proximal and distal ends and a region disposed between the rigid proximal and distal ends that is relieved to render such region relatively flexible. The flexible region is integral with a portion of the proximal end disposed adjacent to the flexible region. The inner member transmits force (such as torsion) applied to its proximal end to move a cutting implement disposed at its distal end and cause it to cut tissue admitted through an opening in the distal region of the outer member. In another aspect, a region of the inner member is weakened (e.g., by relieving an integral region of the member) with respect to the remainder of the inner member to cause this region to break if the force (e.g., torque) applied to the inner member exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Richard Crowell, Philip B. Sample
  • Patent number: 5261875
    Abstract: A method of gasification of an environment having the characteristic of a low concentration of gas. The method is particularly suited for oxygenation of hypoxemic blood. The method comprises the steps of preparing a powdered oxygen hydrate; mixing the hydrate with powdered ice; pulverizing the mixture of the hydrate and the ice into small particles; encapsulating the mixture of the hydrate and the ice within a pressure vessel; applying a high pressure to the mixture; warming the pressure vessel and its contents to provide an aqueous suspension of the hydrate within liquid water formed from the ice upon warming; providing a conduit in communication with a catheter, the catheter having one or more high resistance exit ports; and intravenous injection of the suspension of particles at a rate which permits mixing of the hydrate with its environment before decomposition of the gas hydrate or bubble coalescence can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: James R. Spears
  • Patent number: 5234405
    Abstract: An apparatus, for resuscitating the brain as a result of ischemic and anoxic injury where the patient survives neurologically intact, includes an oxygen source, a fluid reservoir, a heat exchanger, a pump, and removable catheter lines. The fluid solution may be delivered into the patient's circulatory system and ultimately to the brain by pumping, sufficient pressure from the oxygen source, or by a combination of pumping and oxygen pressure. Embodiments employing preoxygenated solution are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5230332
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used in trans-tracheal oxygen therapy to permit a micro-tracheal catheter to be inserted into the throat, so that breathing efficiency may be enhanced through the introduction of oxygen directly into the patient's lungs. More particularly, this invention relates to an adapter for use on the outer end of the micro-tracheal catheter to connect the micro-tracheal catheter to an oxygen source through an oxygen supply hub while simultaneously and selectively permitting the introduction of a saline solution or other material into the patient's lungs through a second material supply hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Ballard Medical Products
    Inventor: Richard D. Strickland
  • Patent number: 5181908
    Abstract: A suction catheter and method of using same in which oxygenated irrigating fluid is provided to the suctioning site. The oxygenated fluid can be formed using a Y-connector to mix oxygen and fluid in a single conduit, a reservoir of fluid having oxygen bubbled into it, or through the use of an oxygen exchanger. Pressurized oxygen-containing gas may be fed to the Y-connector to force the gas and irrigating fluid out through the catheter. The suction may be a dual lumen catheter or a tube within a tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Craig J. Bell
  • Patent number: 5084011
    Abstract: This invention is a method of preparing and utilizing oxygenated liquids for medical and therapeutic purposes. Non-blood liquid solutions are oxygenated using a gas liquid contact apparatus. Conditions of increased ambient pressure and decreased temperature are created to maximally dissolve gaseous oxygen into liquids. In addition, an electromagnetic stirring is used to homogeneously mix the gaseous oxygen and liquid. Following the oxygenation of the liquid is anaerobically procured from the gas liquid contact apparatus in order to maintain high dissolved oxygen partial pressures in the liquid. The oxygenated liquid may be intravenously injected to titrate blood oxygen levels, or the oxygenated liquid may be systemically administered for absorption into tissues and the bloodstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Daniel J. Grady
  • Patent number: 4998527
    Abstract: An endoscopic resecting apparatus views and resects a target tissue. The endoscopic resecting apparatus includes a sleeve, a compartmentalized tube, a visualizing device, an illuminating device, a first resecting mechanism, an irrigating apparatus, an aspirating apparatus, a gas insufflation apparatus, and an apparatus to instill a drug. The compartmentalized tube is disposed in the sleeve and has a first compartment of a first set of dimensions and a second compartment of a second set of dimensions larger than the first set of dimensions. A portion of the visualizing device is disposed in the first compartment so that it directly views the target tissue. A portion of the resecting mechanism is disposed in the second compartment so that it resects the target tissue. A portion of the irrigating apparatus is disposed in the first compartment. A portion of the aspirating apparatus is disposed in the second compartment so that it removes the resected target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Percutaneous Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4963130
    Abstract: A novel method of oxygenating the tissue of a living mammal is disclosed comprising the steps of providing an oxygenated fluorocarbon-containing liquid; injecting that oxygenated liquid into the peritoneal cavity of said mammal; and withdrawing said fluorocarbon liquid from said cavity, said injecting and withdrawing be conducted at a rate sufficient to oxygenate said tissue. Accordingly, a novel "artificial lung" is disclosed which is useful to selectively oxygenate the body of a mammal, as reflected by increased arterial blood gas (pO.sub.2) in said mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventor: Jewell L. Osterholm
  • Patent number: 4878894
    Abstract: The present invention is a gas/saline valve for use in an gas/saline insufflation system which includes a gas insufflator and a saline source. The gas insufflator is fluidly coupled to a gas inlet of an arthroscopic attachment by a first tubing. The saline source is fluidly coupled to a saline inlet of an arthroscope by a second tubing. The gas/saline valve includes a housing with an open end and a gas/saline control knob. The housing has a first bore and a second bore. The housing also has a first slotted chamber and a second slotted chamber both of which are contiguous to the first and second bores, respectively, and within which the first and second tubings, respectively, are disposed. The gas/saline control knob has a solid cylinder which has a first semi-cylindrical notch and a second semi-cylindrical notch so that when the solid cylinder is disposed inside the housing, the first and second semi-cylindrical notches are aligned with the first and second slotted chambers, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventors: Leroy V. Sutter, Harold A. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4795423
    Abstract: A novel method of treating ischemic retinopathy is disclosed. After diagnosis of ischemic retinopathy, as for example as a result of retinal infarction, the ocular globe is penetrated with two small cannulae. An inflow and outflow perfusion is then established with an oxygenated perfluorochemical emulsion or other physiologically compatible oxygenated liquid. A sufficient perfusion rate is established and maintained to provide the metabolic needs of the retina for the 3 to 5 day period necessary to permit the natural healing process to occur. The method comprises removing at least a portion of vitreous body to create an intraocular perfusion space and establishing a perfusion of physiologically compatible oxygenated fluid through that perfusion space at a rate and for a duration sufficient to permit the natural healing process to occur. Alternatively, a method of diagnosing the condition of retinal tissue suspected of being ischemic is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventor: Jewell L. Osterholm
  • Patent number: 4747841
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for moxibustion comprising feeding air to a heat generating compositon in contact with a herb material comprising moxa, wherein said heat generating composition comprises a pyrogen and said herb material is located adjacent to a skin surface, wherein said feeding causes said pyrogen to generate heat by oxidation, whereby said herb material is heated and vaporized and the generated heat and vapor act on the skin, causing moxibustion effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventors: Yasuro Kuratomi, Keiko Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 4731050
    Abstract: An improved moxibustion case also performs acupressure. The moxibustion case is constructed with a cylindrical body having a moxa holder attached to its end portion to hold a cylindrical moxa slidably in its longitudinal direction and a cap member having a rear end portion fitted rotatably to the front end portion of the cylindrical body and a front wall having a discharge opening for a moxa combustion gas to treat a desired part of the body. Air supply openings at the circumference and along the length of the cylindrical body near its middle to control the moxa fire-force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventors: Minoru Harada, Hiroji Harada
  • Patent number: 4686085
    Abstract: A novel acute care cerebral support system and method for treating severly ischemic brains is disclosed wherein an oxygenated nutrient emulsion is circulated through at least a portion of the ventriculo-subarachnoid spaces. The nutrient emulsion contains an oxygenatable non-aqueous component, an aqueous nutrient component, an emulsification component, and other components which render physiologic acceptability to the nutrient emulsion. The disclosed system and method have been shown to effectively exchange oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, and other metabolites in severely stroked brains. Significant restoration of oxidative metabolism and electrographic activity result from the disclosed treatment. Methods for producing the nutrient emulsion and a system for delivering that emulsion to the cerebrospinal pathway are also disclosed. Additionally, novel diagnostic methods for diagnosing the physiologic state of hypoxic-ischemic and other diseased neurologic tissue during treatment are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventor: Jewell L. Osterholm
  • Patent number: RE36460
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for providing circulation, usually when it has substantially decreased or ceased, such as during cardiac arrest. The method includes the steps of intubating the airway of a patient, to provide access to the lungs. The air and other material in the lungs is then evacuated. A liquid breathing solution is then infused into the lungs, expanding the lungs such that the lungs compress the heart and great vessels, to generate cardiac outflow and ultimately circulation. A device that performs this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Life Science Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Klatz, Robert M. Goldman, Michael G. Federowicz