Abstract: Provided is a method of activating osteogenic or chondrogenic activity at a site in a subject in need thereof. Also provided is a method of treating a bone or cartilage defect in a subject. Additionally, the use of a reduced pressure apparatus for treating a bone or cartilage defect adjacent to dura mater, periosteum, or endosteum is provided. Further provided is a composition for treating a bone or cartilage defect. Also, the use of a reduced pressure apparatus and a biocompatible scaffold for the manufacture of a composition for treating a bone or cartilage defect adjacent to dura mater, periosteum or endosteum is provided.

Abstract: A device for emptying stool from the rectum of a patient by means of a shaft body which is introduced into the bowel via the anus and is able to buckle or fold axially and radially, and which is provided with a dumbbell- or hourglass-shaped balloon body for assuring the transanal positioning of the device. The invention comprising a design of, and choice of material, for the shaft body and the balloon envelope, and by the positioning of the balloon body on the shaft body, wherein the axial deflection of the free forward end of the shaft body is limited and an uncontrolled deflection of the shaft is prevented, and the probability of perforation of the bowel wall under the effect of force acting on the shaft body from an axial direction is reduced by the intestinal tube.

Abstract: An electrosurgical controller with output RF energy control. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical controllers configured to change a first output voltage on the first active terminal relative to the first return terminal by selective control of a number of turns of the primary winding of a transformer used to create the output voltage.

Abstract: An extendible plunger rod for use with a syringe is provided. Example plunger rods may include an outer plunger rod with a proximal end and a distal end, the outer plunger rod having an inner cavity; an inner plunger rod, housed at least partially within the inner cavity of the outer plunger rod; a compression spring disposed within the inner cavity of the outer plunger rod and between the proximal end of the outer plunger rod, and the inner plunger rod, the compression spring configured to exert force tending to push the inner plunger rod in a direction distal to the outer plunger rod; and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the inner plunger rod relative to the outer plunger rod while both the inner and outer plunger rods are depressed into a syringe body, until the outer plunger rod has been depressed at least a first predetermined distance into the syringe body.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: A shape memory shutter device for controlling the rectum of a disabled person, comprises a section of conduit to be connected to the rectum of the disabled person, and a shutter which controls the passage through the conduit section and actuated by a shape memory actuator. The shutter comprises a plurality of petals positioned circumferentially around the conduit section and able to move between a closed and an open position. The actuator comprises shape memory wires associated to the petals which are supplied with electrical current to cause opening of the petals.

Abstract: A scar dressing of thin polymeric film having a thickness no greater than about 10 mils (0.254 mm) is disclosed. The film is preferably coated on one side with a hypoallergenic pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the dressing as a whole has a permeability profile for moisture vapor and oxygen that renders the dressing particularly suitable for treating scar tissue, particularly where the scarring has become, or may become, hypertropic or keloidal.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, kits and methods for delivering an agent to a breast milk duct. Intraductal agent delivery provides an opportunity to treat a breast condition locally and avoid the pitfalls of systemic drug delivery for a local condition. Time-released agents delivered into the ducts using an intraductal device or formulation reduces the frequency of intraductal administration required for desired efficacy over time. The methods include methods of treating a breast condition, including the conditions of cancer or precancer.

Abstract: A novel wound dressing includes a fibrous absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, an odor layer for absorbing odor and a barrier layer interposed the fibrous absorbent and barrier layers. Preferably the barrier layer is vacuum perforated and the fibrous absorbent layer is of highly absorbent fibres capable of absorbing 25 grams of exudate per gram of dressing.

Abstract: Essentially inelastic backing material for medical purposes, characterized in that the backing material has an addition of high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having an ultimate tensile stress strength of at least 60 cN/tex, preferably from 80 to 500 cN/tex, the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having a water absorption of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and, with particular preference, less than 3% and the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or threads giving the backing material an ultimate stress strength of at least 50 N/cm, preferably from 60 to 450 N/cm and, with particular preference, from 65 to 250 N/cm, and in that the backing material is coated at least partially on at least one side with a hotmelt adhesive composition.

Abstract: An improved trocar assembly including an elongate shaft, with an open proximal end, an open distal end, an axial channel, and a substantially smooth exterior surface so as to prevent frictional engagement of the exterior surface with various tissue plains at an incision opening in the patient, and a distal expandable component, disposed substantially at the distal end of the elongate shaft and having at least one inflatable cuff structured to selectively maintain the elongate shaft partially within the patient subsequent to its insertion into the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for killing undifferentiated epithelial cells during cataract surgery on an eye to prevent posterior capsule clouding after the surgery and to a method for performing cataract surgery on an eye including injecting a cell-killing substance between the anterior capsule and the natural lens prior to removing the natural lens from the eye. The cell-killing substance is preferably an acid or base adjusted aqueous solution having a pH in the range between about 1.0 to below 6.5 or about above 7.5 to 14.0; or a hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% or a pH adjusted hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% and a pH either below 6.5 or above 7.5. The compositions of the present invention also incorporates a viscoelastic material, a dye or a mixture thereof, in combination with the cell-killing substance.

Abstract: A cannula for extension through a tissue into a cavity and having: a cylindrical sleeve defining a hollow passageway through which a surgical instrument can be directed, with the sleeve having a) a proximal end to be manipulated by a user in directing the sleeve into an operative position through the body tissue into the body cavity, b) a distal end which projects into the body cavity with the sleeve in its operative position, and c) a cylindrical outer surface; expandable structure at the distal end of the sleeve for preventing withdrawal of the sleeve from the tissue with the expandable structure in an expanded state, the expandable structure being collapsible from its expanded state, wherein it projects radially beyond the outer surface of the sleeve sufficiently to prevent passage of the distal end of the sleeve and expandable structure thereon through an incision having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the outer cylindrical surface of the sleeve, to a collapsed state in which the expanda

Abstract: A laparoscopic cannula is provided having a sleeve defining a hollow passageway through which a surgical instrument can be directed and having a proximal end and a distal end which projects into a cavity with the sleeve in its operative position, expandable structure at the distal end of the sleeve which is selectively expandable and collapsible and which prevents withdrawal of the sleeve in its expanded state, structure for selectively expanding and collapsing the expandable structure, a retaining collar with a tapered surface, and cooperating structure on the sleeve and collar for permitting movement of the collar relative to the sleeve towards the sleeve distal end whereby body tissue through which the sleeve is directed can be captured between the tapered collar surface and expandable structure to maintain the sleeve in its operative position.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a biological duct such as an artery, comprised of a flexible aspiration tube disposed within a delivery sleeve and connected at one end to a source of vacuum for providing suction within the duct in the vicinity of a biological obstruction, such as a blood clot. An injection tube extends through the aspiration tube for injecting medication into the duct, and an ultrasonic energy source also extends through the aspiration tube for transmitting ultrasound in the vicinity of the obstruction. The transmitted ultrasound and injected medication cooperate to emulsify and fragment the obstruction, and the fragmented obstruction is removed through the aspiration tube in response to suction being applied thereto. The catheter is compact and easily manipulable, providing substantial surgical accuracy.