Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar stabbed in a body wall, the endoscope system comprising: a detecting device detecting whether a tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar; and a trocar cleaning device cleaning the inside of the trocar by supplying a predetermined fluid into the trocar when it is detected by the detecting device that the tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar.

Abstract: A device for chemical endometrial ablation comprising an outer tube, a moveable cervical collar surrounding a portion of the outer tube and located near the distal end of the outer tube, an inner tube movable in a distal-proximal direction within the lumen of the outer tube, a porous and/or sponge-like material on the distal end of the inner tube within the lumen of the distal end of the outer tube having a size, shape, and expandability so that when the distal end of the inner tube within the distal end of the outer tube is moved in a distal direction in relation to the outer tube, the porous and/or sponge-like material expands to the approximate size of a uterus so as to contact the endometrium, a source of cauterizing agent, and means to cause the cauterizing agent to flow through the lumen of the inner tube onto the porous and/or sponge-like material.

Abstract: A surgical access port is provided with a trocar cannula having a substantially rigid portion and an atraumatic distal tip. The atraumatic distal tip is substantially compliant relative to the rigid portion of the cannula. The trocar cannula provides unobstructed surgical access into a body cavity allowing the insertion and removal of surgical instruments through the trocar cannula and into the body cavity using a minimal sized incision or entryway.

Abstract: A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled.

Abstract: Dynamic colorectal PDT methods, devices and photosensitizer compositions to treat abnormal cell growth in anal tissue such as perianal and intra-anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III are presented. Dynamic colorectal PDT method comprises the steps of administering topically, intravenously or orally a photosensitizer composition; irradiating; monitoring treatment parameters before, during and/or after irradiation. Photosensitizer composition comprises Temoporfin and excipients/carriers, appropriate for the application method. An applicator is provided for colorectal PDT treatments enhancing irradiation delivery and monitoring treatment parameters. Preferably, applicator is made of a material, used to monitor the fluence rate simultaneously while doing optical spectroscopy. Measurement probe devices are provided for monitoring PDT treatment parameters in-vivo.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a vascular system of a patient and for directing fluid flow includes a catheter body having a longitudinal axis and longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends with an intermediate catheter portion defined therebetween. An intermediate catheter outlet in the catheter body is located in the intermediate catheter portion and is spaced longitudinally from the proximal and distal catheter ends. A first lumen is defined within the catheter body and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal first lumen ends with a reversing bend located therebetween, the first lumen providing fluid communication between the proximal catheter end and the intermediate catheter outlet. The reversing bend is located longitudinally between the intermediate catheter outlet and the distal catheter end. The reversing bend directs fluid flow to turn approximately 180° as the fluid flows through the first lumen. A method of using the catheter is also described.

Abstract: A device for delivering a drug comprising an elongate hollow body having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The hollow body includes a radially outer peripheral wall, which surrounds a radially inner, and elongate hollow space. The peripheral wall of the hollow body has at least one drug outlet opening between the two longitudinal ends.

Abstract: Described are methods, implants, insertion tools, and related systems and kits, for placing an implant to treat urinary incontinence; the implants include soft tissue anchors that are capable of engaging needles of the insertion tools, and the implants are designed to place a central support portion at a location to support a urethra with extension portions and soft tissue anchors extending to tissue at regions of an obturator foramen.

Abstract: An instrument for delivery, deployment, and tamponade of a hemostat. A delivery cannula is included and has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. A shaft is configured to be introduced into and move relative to the lumen. A hemostat applicator at the distal end of the shaft includes a tamponade surface. The applicator is configured to transition between a first, compact state for introduction into and movement within the lumen, and a second, expanded state as the applicator exits from the delivery cannula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical tube catheter and to a method for manufacturing same. The medical tube catheter according to the present invention includes PVC resin (polyvinyl chloride resin), a plasticizer, a stabilizer, and NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber). Also, the method for manufacturing the medical tube catheter according to the present invention comprises: a first step of preparing a composition by mixing 80 to 120 parts by weight of a plasticizer, 1 to 3 parts by weight of a stabilizer, and 3 to 20 parts by weight of NBR with respect to 100 parts by weight of PVC resin at room temperature; a second step of blending the composition at 140° C. to 170° C. into a blended compound; a third step of extruding the blended compound through an extruder into a tube shape; a fourth step of cooling the tube; and a fifth step of cutting the cooled tube into predetermined lengths.

Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation and sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished Nitinol implantable medical device surfaces uses an aqueous solution of chemical compounds containing halogenous oxyanions as hypochlorite (ClO?) and hypobromite (BrO?) preferentially 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

Abstract: A distal perfusion sheath (DPS) is provided for cases where blood perfusion is needed for downstream arteries (distal) to the insertion point of the DPS within the target artery. The ability to provide distal perfusion with the DPS allows the DPS to be positioned in the target artery for long periods without causing lack of blood flow (ischemia) to an extremity that the target artery supplies. In embodiments, the DPS can still be used for surgical arterial access while allowing blood flow downstream. In addition, embodiments of the DPS configured with longer perfusion shunts can allow a contra-lateral extremity downstream to a large DPS to have blood flow while the sheath is in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aspiration assembly including an outer cannulated needle having a tip, a threaded collar, and an inner aspiration needle. A material can be aspirated through at least the inner aspiration needle. The distance that the tip of the inner aspiration needle extends from the tip of the outer cannulated needle changes when the inner aspiration needle is rotated relative to the outer cannulated needle.

Abstract: A transdermal fluid delivery device includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The housing defines a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. A fluid reservoir is disposed at the proximal end of the housing in communication with the passageway of the housing and is adapted for retaining a fluid therein. A base member is positioned at the distal end of the housing. A microneedle assembly including a plurality of microneedles extending distally therefrom is also provided. The microneedle assembly is selectively moveable with respect to the housing between a retracted position, wherein the microneedles are disposed within the housing, and an extended position, wherein the microneedles are advanced distally to penetrate the base member and extend distally therefrom for puncturing the patient's epidermis and delivering the fluid into the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: Delivery devices and methods related thereto may be used in humans for spinal delivery of cells, drugs or vectors. The patient population may include patients with spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinal ischemia and any other spinal neurodegenerative disorders which will require spinal cell, vector or drug delivery. Unlike conventional methods which require multiple injection sites to make multiple, localized substrate deliveries, the delivery devices and methods of the present invention may allow for multiple substrate delivery locations with homogeneous substrate delivery with a single injection site.

Abstract: The invention is a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube. The tube has a distal end and a proximal end and a tube lumen. A medial flange is located at the distal end of the tube and has 2 or more retention elements and a space between each retention element. A lateral flange is located at the proximal end of the tube. The outside diameter of the medial flange is greater than the outside diameter of the lateral flange and the diameter of the medial flange is between about 2.0 and 5.0 mm and the diameter of the lateral flange is between about 1.75 mm and 4.0 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery device comprising a drug reservoir chamber (15) containing a substance (16) to be delivered in fluid connection with a drug administration means (17) and (18), and a hydraulic control chamber (9) containing an electrically controlled, non-gassing, volume changing means (13), a coupling means (14) coupling said hydraulic control chamber (9) to said drug chamber (15), the arrangement being such that a change in the electrical control means (11) causes a change in the volume of the volume changing means (13), the volume change being conveyed by the coupling means (14) to the drug chamber (15) such that the substance (16) is expelled from the drug chamber (15) towards the drug administration means (17) and (18).

Abstract: The control device is used to control delivery of fluids from a multi-fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector used to deliver injection fluids to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluids delivered to the patient. The control device includes a housing, first and second actuators associated with the housing, and an electronic substrate disposed within the housing and having a conductive pattern. The first actuator is operatively associated with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluids to be delivered by the injector. The second actuator is operatively associated with the electronic substrate and initiates output signals to the injector corresponding to desired mixture ratios of the injection fluids to be delivered by the injector.

Abstract: A catheter handle assembly includes a holder having a proximal end and a distal end. An electrode sheath carrier is arranged at the distal end of the holder. A shape imparting element carrier is removably mountable to the proximal end of the holder, the shape imparting element carrier having at least one mounting formation for mounting at least a part of a shape imparting element. A slide is displaceably arranged in the holder with a distal end of the slide mounting the electrode sheath carrier and a proximal end of the slide terminating in proximity to the shape imparting element carrier.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for accessing a target location in the body of a patient, particularly within the epidural space. A system includes a sheath and a sheath support supporting the sheath to reduce or avoid kinking. The sheath support closely fits within the sheath while maintaining free sliding therein. The sheath support has a non-compliant outer diameter maintaining the inner diameter of the sheath and preventing the sheath walls from collapsing into a kink, particularly during low radius bends that may occur during delivery. The sheath support may include a distal tip configured to resist retraction into the sheath until a threshold force is reached which causes the distal tip to at least partially retract into the lumen of the sheath. Likewise, the distal tip may be fully retractable through the sheath so that the sheath support is removable from the proximal end of the sheath.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a gripping member including a body and a gripping portion attached to the body. The body includes a passage configured to accept a needle cannula within the passage. The gripping portion includes an open configuration in which the needle cannula is movable within the passage and a closed configuration in which the gripping portion engages the needle cannula to inhibit movement of the needle cannula within the passage. A coupling member is rotatably attached to the gripping member. The coupling member is configured to selectively couple with a dilator. The coupling member includes a bore fluidly coupled with the passage, the bore being configured to accept the needle cannula within the bore.

Abstract: The invention includes a universal transvalvular insertion tool for providing a passage through a multiplicity of differently designed hemostatically valved introducers, each having a valve within a valved body coupled to a cardiac introducer. The tool includes a longitudinally rigid sheath having a lumen and for insertion through the valve of any one of the multiplicity of differently designed hemostatically valved introducers to provide a substantially obstruction free path for delivery of a lead or vascular device through the valve and valved body to the introducer, the sheath having a length selected to extend through the valve without substantial deformation of the lumen of the sheath. A mechanism is provided for separating the rigid sheath to allow removal from the lead or device without removal of the transvalvular insertion tool over either end of the lead or vascular device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous and surgical interventions. The devices comprising a tubular portion and retractable mechanism at the distal end of the tubular portion. The retractable mechanism prevents the device from pulling out of an anatomical structure during complex interventions, for example, when switching from an antegrade to a retrograde approach within a blood vessel, enables the use of a single sheath when declotting AV hemodialysis fistulas and can provide occlusion of blood flow during interventions and means of removal of debris or clot from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting and processing apparatus comprises a body and a distally extending needle. The needle includes an aperture configured to receive tissue. A tissue cutting member is movable relative to the needle to sever a specimen from tissue protruding through the aperture. The tissue cutting member is further operable to mince the severed tissue specimen. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. A plunger may expel the medical fluid mixture from the needle. An applier tip may be coupled with the needle to facilitate administration of the medical fluid mixture at a target site in a patient. The needle may comprise a cannula with a needle adapter, which be removed from the cannula to allow the applier tip to be coupled with the cannula. The tissue cutting member may comprise a perforated disc or tube with inwardly projecting blades.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided having a conical diffuser tip for use in rapid infusion procedures. The conical diffuser tip provides a flared opening whereby the velocity of an infusant is decreased as the infusant travels through the catheter tip and exits into the vascular system of a patient. This decrease in velocity proportionately reduces the backpressure and/or recoil force of the catheter assembly thereby permitting the use of higher infusion rates. The catheter tip is introduced into the vasculature of a patient via a splittable introducer needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of thermal treatment of thermally responsive material wherein areas in or on the material to be thermally treated are defined and thermal energy is inputted on or into the defined areas in order to change/influence the material characteristics. The present invention further relates to medical devices or parts thereof manufactured at least in part from thermally responsive material by a process comprising at least one step of thermal treatment of this thermally responsive material.

Abstract: A drug-delivery cannula assembly includes a cannula housing adapted for receiving at least one obturator shaft of an obturator assembly therethrough, one or more cannulae, and a supply line coupled to the cannula housing. The cannula housing is adapted for receiving one or more obturator shafts of an obturator assembly therethrough. The one or more cannulae define a longitudinal axis and a passageway aligned with the longitudinal axis. The one or more cannulae each include a proximal end coupled to the cannula housing. The cannula housing is configured to fluidly-couple the one or more cannulae to a source of a drug delivery supply for supplying drugs via the supply line to the one or more cannulae.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical systems, including systems that can be used in conjunction with medical devices used in endoscopic surgery. Certain embodiments include various material handling devices that can transport materials between the inside and the outside of an endoscopic surgery patient.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for replaceable attachment of an endoluminal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve device or an attachment cuff, within a patient's digestive tract for treatment of obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter set with a catheter, which has a catheter shaft; a package, which encompasses at least partially the catheter and which has an slide-out removal opening for the catheter; and a gripping aid, which is arranged in the package and which is movable on the catheter shaft, whereby the gripping aid is attached to the package and spaced a distance to the slide-out removal opening in such a manner that package material that can be pushed together is arranged between the gripping aid and the slide-out removal opening.

Abstract: An access assembly is provided.

Abstract: An extractable device is used to insert a flowable material into a vertebral body. The device comprises a filling member and a flowable material. The filling member is made of a flexible wall which includes a holding portion and an injection port via which the flowable material is injected into the holding portion after insertion into the vertebral body. The holding portion is provided with an opening which is releasably closed by a closure device so as to make the opening substantially resistant to the passage of material there through. Once the flowable material in the holding portion increases in viscosity, the closure device is released, thereby enabling the filling member to be extracted from the vertebral body so as to leave only the material in the vertebral body. The flowable material should be a material capable of setting to a hardened condition.

Abstract: Medical device surfaces, for example a plastic catheter or metal guide wire, are disclosed with a lubricating coating made from Brasenia schreberi polysaccharide mucilage. The coated device surfaces may be prepared with a variety of techniques offering improved alternatives to conventional coatings.

Abstract: A catheter for use in medical applications is disclosed. The catheter comprises tubing with a tip hole at one end and an end portion at the other end. Fluid exits the catheter at the tip hole thereof. One or more alternative fluid pathway(s) are provided on the sidewall of the catheter to permit outflow of fluid medication from the catheter to ensure proper delivery of the medication to the intended target area, particularly when the tip opening is occluded or restricted for any reason.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors. In some implementations, the anchor device can be installed using a technique in which the subcutaneous anchors undergo relatively little or no flexing when being inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous region between the skin and underlying muscle tissue which may be occupied by fatty tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for applying a reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a manifold for applying reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site includes a plurality of first conduits, each of the plurality of first conduits having a wall with at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture. At least one of the plurality of first conduits is operable to deliver reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site. The plurality of first conduits is coupled in a spaced arrangement that forms an interior space. The manifold further includes a second conduit comprising the interior space and formed by a portion of each wall of the plurality of first conduits. The second conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of first conduits via the at least one second aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regional delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of vascular diseases wherein regional delivery refers to delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of the therapeutic agent to an area of the vessel that includes not only afflicted tissue but non-afflicted tissue at the periphery of the afflicted tissue as well.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, which comprises a functional unit (C) for permanent or temporary placement in the urogenital tract of a human or animal body. The functional unit has at least one electrically conducting portion. A power source (G) supplies a current to the electrically conducting portion after placement of the functional unit in the urogenital tract. In this manner, the growth of bacteria on the functional unit can be reduced.

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

Abstract: A balloon trocar includes a cannula assembly including a cannula and an outer sleeve fitting over the cannula. The distal end of the outer sleeve is proximal to the distal end of the cannula. A balloon is coupled to a distal portion of the sleeve and a distal portion of the cannula. The outer surface of the cannula includes a plurality of longitudinal channels for transmitting gas or fluid to the balloon. A bolster having a gel pad at its distal portion is slidably mounted to the cannula assembly and may be locked in a desired position. In use, the trocar is inserted into an incision through a body wall and into a body cavity. The balloon is inflated and the cannula assembly pulled proximally against the incision while the bolster is slid distally to the body wall and locked in place to seal the incision with the compressed balloon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of matter suitable for the prevention of and/or treatment of a spinal disorder and/or spinal pain, e.g., caused by and/or associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, and methods of treatment of a spinal disorder and/or spinal pain. For example, the compositions of the present invention comprise a modulator of growth differentiation factor (GDF)-6 signaling sufficient to reduce or prevent or delay IVD degeneration and/or to enhance or induce IVD regeneration. The present invention also provides medical devices comprising such compositions, and methods of treatment making use of such compositions.

Abstract: A liquid embolic material may include a mixture of a first solution comprising between about 1.2% and about 2.5% weight per volume (w/v) carboxymethyl chitosan (CCN) in a first solvent and a second solution comprising between about 1.2% and about 2.5% w/v oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) in a second solvent. The liquid embolic material may be used to embolize a targeted embolization location by mixing the first solution and the second solution to form a liquid embolic material (or hydrogel precursor material), introducing the hydrogel precursor material to a targeted embolization location within a body of a patient, and allowing the CCN and the OCMC to react to form the hydrogel material and embolize the targeted embolization location.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter body with a lumen and a distal lumen opening. The catheter's lumen extends through the catheter body along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. A spiral slit is formed through a wall of the catheter body.

Abstract: A medical treatment instrument includes a tube-shaped elongated main body; and an insertion guide part mounted to a distal end of the elongated main body. The insertion guide part includes a frame body mounted to a distal portion of the elongated main body; and a flexible bridge portion which is disposed so as to bridge points of an end edge of the frame body, the flexible bridge portion including a linear body or band-shaped body projecting in a distal direction beyond the elongated main body.

Abstract: A medical tube in which an intermediate layer composed of a composition containing (a), (b), and (c1) listed below and a lubricant layer composed of a composition containing (a), (b), and (c2) listed below are sequentially laminated on a surface of an insertion member to be inserted into a living body: (a) 1 to 35 weight % of at least one of aromatic diisocyanate, aliphatic diisocyanate, and alicyclic diisocyanate; (b) 1 to 35 weight % of trifunctional or higher functionality polyol; (c1) 30 to 98 weight % of polyalkylene glycol and/or monomethoxypolyalkylene glycol; and (c2) 30 to 98 weight % of polyalkylene glycol (including polyalkylene glycol larger in weight-average molecular weight than polyalkylene glycol in (c1)) and/or monomethoxypolyalkylene glycol (including monomethoxypolyalkylene glycol larger in weight-average molecular weight than monomethoxypolyalkylene glycol in (c1)), (where each of the glycols in (c1) and (c2) is diol).

Abstract: Methods and devices incorporating a guidewire entry port subassembly for use in rapid exchange catheters. The use of a subassembly allows for stronger quality control and simpler fabrication of a rapid exchange device. In several embodiments, methods of making a molded guidewire entry port using a mold, often in conjunction with one or more mandrels, are disclosed. Several device embodiments include a separate molded guidewire port as well as molded guidewire ports which are attached, during a molding step, to segments of a catheter.

Abstract: A catheter tip designed to reduce the outflow velocity and/or directional momentum of fluid being infused by a catheter having such a tip. In one variation, a plurality of channels is provided at the distal portion of the catheter to increase the outflow cross-sectional area. In another variation, the diameter of the catheter at its distal portion where the fluid exits is increased. In yet another variation, a bullet-shaped nose is implemented which may decrease turbulence at the distal end of catheter tip. The low velocity outflow catheter tip may also be implemented on a dual lumen catheter, such as a hemodialysis catheter, to reduce recirculation rate. Various device configurations and methods for such implementations are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hypotubes for use with intra-corporal medical devices are fabricated from a stainless steel alloy exhibiting a combination of excellent yield strength with improved ductility as compared to cold worked AISI 304 stainless steel, from which hypotubes are typically fabricated. The stainless steel alloy may have: (1) a nitrogen content, a carbon content, or a combined nitrogen and carbon content that is greater than that allowed in AISI 304 stainless steel, providing an increased concentration of interstitial atoms to stabilize dislocations generated by cold work and/or (2) a combined nickel and manganese content that is lower than that allowed in AISI 304 stainless steel to reduce the stability of the austenitic structure, enabling a greater percentage of martensite to be stress-induced by a given level of cold work as compared to AISI 304 SS. Following cold working, the alloy may be heat treated to raise its yield strength by strain aging.