Abstract: An apparatus and method for visually verifying the quantity of seeds and spacers in a brachythereapy needle. In a first embodiment, the needle is pointed upwardly and seeds and spacers slide from a lumen of the needle, under the influence of gravity, into the lumen of a clear tube that is positioned in axial alignment with the lumen of the needle by a hub. In a second embodiment, the needle is received within the lumen of the clear tube and a stylet is used to push a string of bone wax, seeds, and spacers from the lumen of the needle into the lumen of the clear tube for visual verification. A plunger rod is introduced into the proximal end of the clear tube to push the string back into the needle and the clear tube and plunger are removed to enable use of the needle. In both embodiments, the plunger rod is fully inserted into the clear tube during shipment to prevent unwanted displacement of the seeds and spacers from the needle.

Abstract: A method of transplanting a graft in the subretinal area of a host eye comprises preparing the graft by harvesting from the donor tissue a population of cells in a manner that maintains the population of cells in the same organization and cellular polarity as is present in normal tissue of that type. The population of cells are of a sheet-like form and are assembled with a relatively thin flexible pliable carrier composed of a non-toxic flexible composition which substantially dissolves at body temperature to form a graft. The graft is sufficiently flexible and pliable to be coiled to form a volute without disturbing the organization and polarity of the cells. The method further comprises coiling the graft to form a volute with the convolutions of the volute free of one another for subsequent uncoiling of the graft substantially to its original sheet-like form. An incision is made in the host eye for insertion of the volute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal and to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A powdered medicine multi-dose administering device has a medicine container unit (5b) for containing a unit-dose of medicine under the lower surface of the medicine storage chamber (5a) storing the medicine in a multi-dose amount. A medicine guiding unit (2) moves between a filling position and an administering position while maintaining a contact with the bottom surface. At the filling position, the medicine container unit is opened to the medicine storage chamber and is filled with the medicine. As the medicine container unit moves from the filling position to the administering position, the powdered medicine in the medicine container unit is swept and metered. At the administering position, the medicine in the medicine container unit is injected by the action of the pump unit (3) through a filter (6) and a pipe (2g, 2d, 2c).

Abstract: A cassette for storing and insertion of a solid medicine peg appears as a unit having a first bore (2) which accommodates the medicine peg (3) and has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of this peg (3), a second bore (4) in coaxial extension of the first bore (2) and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first bore (2), an inserter having a shaft (5) fitting into the first bore (2) and a guiding head (6) in coaxial extension of the shaft (5) fitting into the second bore. The inserter shaft (5) has one end adjacent to the peg (3) and the other connected to the guiding head (6) which projects from the cassette. The head (6) fits into the second bore with a fitting providing a diffusion tight sealing and the distal end of the unit is closed by a membrane diffusion tightly sealing this distal end.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, components and methods are disclosed that allow the clinician to circumvent the pubic arch in instances where it interferes with insertion of instrumentation into the prostate or periprostatic tissue. The systems, apparatus and components disclosed herein employ structures, such as needles and trocars, of shape memory alloys, such as nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) for the purpose of avoiding the pubic arch when accessing the prostate from the perineum.

Abstract: An improved punctum plug is more easily visualized when positioned within a punctual canal of a recipient. The body of the plug features an outwardly exposed surface when properly positioned, and a substance causing at least the outwardly exposed surface to contrast with surrounding tissue, such that the use of the substance causes the plug to be more easily visualized than if the substance were not present. The substance, which may be disposed on the outwardly exposed surface or within the body of the plug, may include a saturated coloration, or may be phosphorescent, fluorescent or otherwise operative to reflect or re-radiate light to assist in visualization. For example, the substance may include an organic or inorganic phosphor or fluorescent material, reflective beads, quantum dots, a dye or pigment. Such reflection or re-radiation may occur at the same or different wavelength(s) compared to the illumination wavelength(s), whether or not either or both are within the visible part of the spectrum.

Abstract: A device for applying a powdered or particulate substance to a mucous membrane in a nostril comprises a tubular body (10) similar to a drinking straw. The tubular body has opposite end parts forming a mouthpiece (11) and a nasal piece (12) to be inserted between the lips and into the nostril, respectively, of a user. The mouthpiece (11) and the nasal piece (12) are interconnected by a bent or a bendable, preferably corrugated part (13). A dose of a powdered or particulate substance arranged within the tubular body (10) is transferred to the nostril when the user blows into the mouthpiece (11). A part of the mouthpiece is preferably deflated or compresses between a pair of fingers (35) of the user. The compressed part (34) is released when the user has started to blow forcefully into the compressed mouthpiece part which is thereby inflated. It has been found that the user will automatically close the connection between the nostrils and the throat by the uvula when blowing.

Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct “trumpet”-type control mechanism in conjunction with a “venturi”-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.

Abstract: The nasal dispenser (1) consists of but two integral housing bodies (4, 5) for accommodating a medium blister (6). Bodies (4, 5) are interlocked by withdrawal prevention means against separation and by releasable blocking means (49) against actuation. The medium reservoir (7) is located freely in an innermost housing space (62) of the first housing body (4). Thus the dispenser (1) is highly compact, simple in configuration and permits facilitated handling.

Abstract: A brachytherapy needle for delivering radioactive seeds into the body of a patient comprises a tube into which the radioactive seeds and intervening spacers are loaded. The tube is telescopically disposed within a cutting cannula and is substantially longer than the cannula such that the cannula can be withdrawn over the tube, leaving the forward end of the tube exposed within the tissues of the patient. When the cannula is retracted, the seeds within the tube can be visualized using conventional medical imaging technology. The tube of the disclosed embodiment includes a deformable constriction which normally retains the seeds within the lumen of the needle but which deforms to permit the seeds to pass when subjected to a predetermined force. The tube of the disclosed needle has a low-friction exterior surface to prevent tissue from being displaced as the device is withdrawn.

Abstract: A gel-forming free-flowing powder suitable for use as a vaccine is prepared by spray-drying or spray freeze-drying an aqueous suspension that contains an antigen adsorbed to an aluminum salt or calcium salt adjuvant, a saccharide, an amino acid or a salt thereof, and a colloidal substance. Powder for vaccine purposes are also prepared by spray freeze-drying an aqueous suspension of such an adjuvant having an antigen adsorbed therein. Processes for forming these powder compositions are also described, as well as methods of using the compositions in a vaccination procedure.

Abstract: A device for applying a filamentous implant by means of a pressure-generating and fluid-containing unit which is connected to a housing containing the thread to be implanted. The housing opens out into a channel used for delivering the thread externally. The pressure generation unit generates a static pressure on a fluid contained inside the device, said fluid pushing the thread to be implanted through the distal narrowed tip of the channel, towards the exterior or into a tissue or a body cavity. The fluid remains inside the device in the course of this process. The distal end of the device can be plugged in order to prevent the fluid from exiting after application of the implant. The application can be stopped once an adequate quantity of the implant material has been implanted by severing the thread in the vicinity of the distal end of the channel or at the proximal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer for children primarily intended to be used in conjunction with a metered dose inhaler (MDI), said spacer having a generally oblong shape and being rotationally symmetrical around a central, longitudinal axis and being provided with an opening at each end located centrally in said axis for connection of an meterd dose inhaler respectively of a mouth-piece or similar. The spacer has a small total volume which is in the range between 50 and 400 ml, and the material in the spacer has a surface resitivity which is lower than 109 Ohm, preferably lower than 106 Ohm.

Abstract: An implantation instrument for implanting a sensor or substantially solid material, including solid medication or drugs, in a subcutaneous location and method thereof are described. An incising shaft includes a beveled tip with a cutting edge along a distal end thereof. A syringe body is affixed to a proximal end of the incising shaft. The syringe body and the incising shaft each define a substantially non-circular hollow bore extending continuously along a shared longitudinal axis. The incising shaft bore does not exceed the syringe body bore in girth. Both the incising shaft bore and the syringe body bore are sized to receive the solid material. A plunger is conformably shaped to the syringe body bore and has an end piece facilitating deployment of the plunger assembly. The plunger slidably fits within the syringe body bore and advances the solid material through the syringe body bore and the incising shaft bore into the subcutaneous location.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method and device for regulating the population of animals is directed to the use of a sterilant projectile which permanently or temporarily sterilizes an animal.

Abstract: A minimally invasive implant, means for insertion, and description of how to most efficiently use it are described n several embodiments. This implant preferably has a segmented looping memory for storing triggered physiologic events. Preferred events for setting autotriggers to record physiologic signals occurring during events include arrhythmias and syncopal events. Preferably the device can function without a microprocessor. An outside device or other patient activated manual trigger is included. Auto triggers and manually set triggers may be of different sizes. The preferred physiologic events are ECG signals. Electrode spacing can be critical. Additional sensors may be provided to the device. Preferred communications with the device is through telemetry such as is used for pacemakers and other implanted devices.

Abstract: A helical element for insertion into tissue comprises a helical element having an insertion end, a protruding end and an open central area within the wire, rods, filaments, cables or the like that form the helix. The helical element has at least its insertion end covered by a cap of a water-soluble or water-dispersible composition. The composition of the cap comprises a water-soluble or water dispersible component having a hydrogel mixed therein. In one embodiment, there is either a hollow area within the composition within the open central area or the material is more porous than the remaining material. The helical element preferably comprises an electrical lead, such as a positive endocardial lead, with an electrode at the protruding or distal end of the lead. The helical element may comprise any biocompatable material with sufficient structural integrity to provide a secure attachment to tissue in a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed by which a hollow distal end portion of a wire may be deposited at selected sites in body passageways. The apparatus includes an elongate wire (solid or hollow) having a distal end section for detachment and delivery to a target location, the wire also having a discontinuity located rearwardly of the distal end section for rupturing when vibrational energy is applied to the wire. The discontinuities may take the form of cuts formed in the wire, reduced diameter sections in the wire, adhesive, welded or soldered couplings between the wire and the distal end section, or the wire transitioning from the wire to a large mass disposed on the distal end section. A catheter is coupled to or surrounds the elongate wire to deliver therapeutic liquid to a target body location.

Abstract: In the method proposed, the implant material in the form of a fibre is unwound from a bobbin (10) with the aid of a stream of air (24) and injected through a tube (19) into the body (22). In front of the distal opening (20) of the fibre injection tube, the implant material forms a coherent, open-pore structure in the form of a ball of fibre (25). The fibre-injection tube (19) can be a syringe needle, a catheter or an endoscope tube. This enables the implant (25) to be inserted using minimum-invasive surgery. The size and shape of the implant thus produced can be very variable and can be determined intra-operatively. Various implant materials and fibre shapes can be used. Possible applications of the implant are in the filling of body cavities, systems for the controlled release of systemically acting drugs or chemotherapeutic agents, the induction of tissue, cell transplantation and therapeutic embolization.

Abstract: A method and packaging for vaccinating or medicating an animal by implanting a solid dose medicament in an animal. The solid dose medicament, or plurality of such medicaments, are each color-coded to identify a particular active ingredient, then packaged in a pellet magazine through which the doses are visible, and thereafter the pellets are implanted, usually subcutaneously, into the base of the ear or in the neck of an animal. The same system can be used for colored ballistic implants.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for sealing blood vessels, particularly for use in angioplasty comprises: (1) a barrel including: (a) a cylindrical portion; and (b) a terminal tapered portion, the terminal tapered portion being divided by at least one slot cut therein so that the tapered portion expands radially when force is applied to it; and (iii) an aperture at the narrow end of the terminal tapered portion; (b) a proteinaceous powder in the cylindrical portion of the barrel, the proteinaceous powder including at least one protein that promotes hemostasis in a blood vessel, the aperture in the terminal tapered portion being for flow of the proteinaceous powder; and (c) a plunger inserted into the barrel, the plunger including: (i) a narrow portion including therein means for guiding a guidewire; and (ii) a conical portion extending from the narrow portion so that, when the plunger is inserted into the barrel, the large end of the conical portion is located closest to the tapered portion of the barrel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for implanting and forming both a polysaccharide fiber and an implant formed of the fiber. In one system, a liquid including polysaccharide and a liquid including a cross linking agent are mixed in a cannula to form a cross linked polysaccharide fiber in the cannula. In another system, a carrier fluid delivers a previously manufactured fiber through a cannula. A cutter is optionally provided on the cannula to sever the fiber after a sufficient length of fiber is implanted. The disclosed methods include a method of forming a polysaccharide fiber in the cannula while the cannula is inserted in a body, and a method of making a cross linked polysaccharide fiber for loading in a delivery system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an inhaler apparatus comprising interior surfaces having contact with a medicament for inhalation, the interior surfaces including an interior surface of a mouthpiece and a substrate with medicament deposited thereon, at least one of such interior surfaces comprising indentations or raised areas therein, the raised areas having valleys therebetween. In certain preferred embodiments, the interior surface is a surface on a substrate having medicament deposited thereon, and in other preferred embodiments, the interior surface is an interior surface of the mouthpiece of the inhaler. In addition to providing surface topology for minimizing the area of contact between the medicament and the surfaces of the inhaler, the surfaces are preferably made of a material having a low surface energy, and more preferably, also having, when uncharged, no substantial van der Waals or electrostatic interaction with the medicament.

Abstract: A filter is provided within a transparent drinking straw. The filter has a dense core region and a less dense outer peripherial region. The filter is retained in place within the straw by frictional forces under static conditions. The frictional forces which maintain the filter in place under static conditions may be overcome by fluid flowing through the straw causing the filter to move within the conduit. The filter may support particulate matter which may be a medication or drug. Accordingly, the device may be used as delivery device for drugs administered by oral ingestion. Movement of the filter from a first to a second position provides a visual indication that a predetemined volume of fluid has passed through the conduit.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device 10 for exposing to radioactivity a patient includes an elongate member such as a needle or cannula 12 adapted for introduction into the patient and also includes a stylet 14 slideably receivable in a longitudinal throughbore 16 in the needle 12. The device 10 also includes a portion 64 near either the proximal end 18 of the needle 12 or the distal end 24 of the stylet 14 which provides a local, defined amount of friction between the needle 12 and the stylet 14. The device 10 further includes an anti-static handle 34 connected to the needle 12. The handle 34 has an interior ramp surface 40 in communication with the throughbore 16 of the needle 12, frustoconical in shape and possessing an included apical angle of at least about 16°. The localized friction portion 64 can be a crimp or flange 48 on the stylet 14, or a crimp 44 or deformation 46 in or of the needle 12.

Abstract: An everting toroid for use in delivering a powdered, fluid, or aerosolized pharmaceutical composition, or other composition, to an internal body cavity, such as the urethra, or other cavity, is contained within a tubular housing and may be extended therefrom and retracted back into the tubular housing. The composition may be distributed on the surface of the everting toroid when made from an impermeable membrane, contained within the toroid when made from a permeable membrane, or may be injected through the lumen thereof via an aerosol wand which releases the composition as the toroid and/or wand are withdrawn from the cavity.

Abstract: The invention features an implantable device for the automatic delivery of an active ingredient according to an adjustable delivery profile. The device includes a housing; a reservoir operatively connected to the housing and arranged to store a solid composition including the active ingredient; an actuator arranged within the housing to move the solid composition from the reservoir to a transit area, wherein the solid composition exits the housing at the transit area; a controller that acts on the actuator to adjust movement of the solid composition out of the housing according to the adjustable delivery profile; and a power source arranged to provide energy to the actuator and the controller. The solid composition can be an elongate, solid composition comprising a drug, and up to 90% of a carrier, wherein the composition has a cross-section of less than 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament chamber (6) included in an inhalation apparatus and provided with a container (2) containing a desiccant. The chamber (6) is tightly sealed and has a moisture permeability as poor as possible, and the container (2) is permeable to moisture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: An isotope seeding system that controls the release of radioactive seeds for treatment of cancerous cells during cancer treatment procedures. The isotope seeding system comprises at least one seed that is chargeable with radioactive isotopes. At least one dissolvable web netting may alternatively be positioned about the at least one seed, and a seed deployment assembly is utilized for delivering the at least one seed, with or without the dissolvable web netting, into an organism's tissue, to surround cancerous cells. The seed deployment assembly includes an elongated cannula, a hub assembly and an obturator. The hub assembly includes an initial inner diameter at its proximal end and an operable length between the proximal end of the hub assembly and the proximal end of the cannula, the ratio of the initial inner diameter relative to the operable length being in the range of 0.075 to 0.

Abstract: Featured is a method for injection of a payload into the tissues of an organism or a body, including the steps of generating forces by electromagnetic repulsion and accelerating the payload to be injected, using the generated electromagnetic forces. The payload is thereby accelerated to a velocity sufficient for the payload to pass through the skin of the organism and be disposed in the subcutaneous tissues. The method further includes providing an electromagnetic force generating device that generates forces electromagnetically in a predetermined direction responsive to an electric current flowing through the device, wherein the step of generating includes passing an electric current through the electromagnetic force generating device to generate the electromagnetic repulsive forces used for accelerating the payload.

Abstract: The invention features an empty device for receiving a bioactive agent. The device includes a biocompatible and semi-permeable membrane that defines an enclosed space; the membrane also has at least one end that defines an opening for introducing the bioactive agent into the enclosed space. The device is configured to be placed in an animal.In one embodiment of the invention, the membrane has an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface defines the inner surface, and includes a biocompatible adhesive in the general region of the opening to allow sealing of the opening after the introduction of the bioactive agent into the enclosed space.Another embodiment of the invention includes a biocompatible frame mounted in supporting relationship to the membrane and defining an opening for introducing the bioactive agent into the enclosed space. The frame has greater porosity than the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mixing system for an active agent delivery device. The device comprises an elongate tubular member having first and second ends and a mixing system. The mixing system enables the entire dose of active agent to be entrained in a liquid. In use, liquid is drawn into the first end of the device, the mixing system mixes the liquid and active agent within the device and the active agent entrained in the liquid is drawn out of the second end of the member and into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Multilayer elastomer films (multilayer material) comprising at least one continuous layer, carrying an active chemical substance (such as corrosion inhibitors, lubricants or alternatively biocides for medical use), inserted between inert elastomer barrier layers, processes for the preparation and various applications of these films.The said multilayer polymeric material comprises at least one layer A composed of a gel which is reversible or non-reversible, as a function of the temperature, and which carries at least one active chemical substance x, and at least two barrier layers E comprising a synthetic elastomer e, the said layers being held together by a polymeric bonding agent y incorporated in at least one of the said layers A or E and/or by an independent bonding layer Z comprising a polymer z and/or by a chemical or physical treatment of at least one of the said layers A or E.

Abstract: An instrument for implanting radioactive and/or thermal seeds in body tissue for radiation and/or heat therapy comprises a tubular hypodermic needle barrel affixed to a pistol-grip shaped handle incorporates a reciprocally movable push rod for stripping one such seed from a cartridge containing a plurality of seeds and advancing it to the end of the barrel. Actuation of a trigger in the pistol grip handle causes the barrel to retract relative to the push rod, causing the seed to be deposited in the channel in the body tissue created by the original puncturing thereof by the instrument's barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for injecting the body of humans or animals with a pharmaceutical preparation, wherein the preparation is arranged in a rigid carrier, wherein the apparatus comprises: a chamber into which the carrier can be transported; and a channel connecting onto the chamber for transporting the carrier into the body comprising fixation means for fixing the end of the channel relative to the skin of the body for injecting in order to prevent a movement of the channel in the direction perpendicularly of the axis of the barrel. According to one embodiment the fixation means are formed by chamfered protrusions formed on the part adapted for contact with the skin of the body and extending substantially in the direction of the axis of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices for inserting solid materials under a tissue, the devices particularly containing a penetration guide means designed to facilitate the implantation by limiting the insertion of the implants to positions under and substantially parallel to the plane of the tissue.

Abstract: An applicator article and method are disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator article and method are especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator article includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance which is to be inserted. An exterior surface coating of the tubular member includes a compostable coating composed of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric material, at least 10 percent by weight of additives, and up to about 5 percent by weight of a residual monomer. In one embodiment, a plurality of layers form the exterior surface coating. In one embodiment, the exterior surface coating has a thickness varying in dimension from the insertion end to the opposite external base end.

Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct "trumpet"-type control mechanism in conjunction with a "venturi"-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.

Abstract: An everting toroid for use in delivering a powdered or liquid or aerosolized drug to an internal body cavity, such as the urethra, is described. The drug may be distributed on the surface of the everting toroid or may be injected through the lumen thereof via an aerosol wand which is designed to release the drug as the toroid and/or wand are withdrawn from the body cavity.

Abstract: A method for inserting an implant into a patient utilizing an apparatus comprising a cartridge having a body with a central bore. The body comprises at its proximal end a retention shoulder or hub adapted for retention by an insertion tool. The body further comprises a closure plug received in the proximal end of the bore that seals the bore and that has an exposed surface to engage a plunger rod from an insertion tool. The body further comprises a sealed distal tip of decreasing diameter from the outer surface of the body that terminates in a point adapted for penetrating a pre-existing body orifice or for piercing tissue during insertion into a patient. The tip is frangible into a plurality of segments under pressure exerted by the distal end of the implant, allowing the implant to emerge from the cartridge.

Abstract: A device for delivering biological agents includes a cannula for insertion into tissue having a distal end with a notch formed therein. A flexible membrane extending across the cannula notch has a surface for supporting a quantity of a biological agent. A displacement member is disposed within the cannula for displacing the support surface of the membrane laterally with respect to the cannula to deliver the biological agent with precision to a tissue site or body cavity.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the percutaneous administration of a composition to a desired in vivo location. The composition comprises a biologically active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is preferably non-solid and a polymer, which is preferably capable of being transformed into a gel, thus allowing timed-released delivery of the substance. A preferred use for this invention is to provide local delivery of biologically active substances for the prevention of restenosis following angioplasty or other blood vessel injury.

Abstract: Covalent compositions of N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) are disclosed. NOCC can be intra- or intermolecularly linked, either through a direct bond or through a bridging moiety. Also disclosed are methods for preparing and using the covalent NOCC compositions. The NOCC compositions are useful in the administration of therapeutically active compounds and for wound management.

Abstract: In an instrument for inserting a suppository, which instrument comprises a tubular housing (31) with a first end adapted to receive said suppository between two tongues (30) and a second end through which a plunger (22) is inserted in the tube, which plunger has a first end having a circular cross section and two axially spaced circumferential flanges (26, 27) and a second end projecting from the second end of the tube (31). The first end of the tube has an inwardly extending shoulder (25) which engage between said flanges (26, 27) and the first end of the piston is by radial slots divided into an uneven number of sectors (29). The plunger (22) has between its first end and a press button (24) at its second end angular spaced radial walls (21) abutting the inner wall of the tube (31) and axial spaced disc shaped walls are provided having a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the tube (31).

Abstract: This invention relates to implantation of encapsulated PC12 cells capable of slowing or preventing the degenerative processes of Parkinson's disease by releasing factors in addition to dopamine into individuals suffering from the disease. This restorative effect continues even after the encapsulated cells are removed from the patient's brain.

Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion of sterile implants comprising a cartridge having a body with a central bore. The body comprises at its proximal end a retention shoulder or hub adapted for retention by an insertion tool. The body further comprises a closure plug received in the proximal end of the bore that seals the bore and that has an exposed surface to engage a plunger rod from an insertion tool. The body still further comprises a sealed distal tip of decreasing diameter from the outer surface of the body that terminates in a point adapted for penetrating a pre-existing body orifice or for piercing tissue during insertion into a patient. The tip is frangible into a plurality of segments under pressure exerted by the distal end of the implant, allowing the implant to emerge from the cartridge.