Abstract: The invention provides a filter assembly including a string or wire such that a lasso type cincture is effected, said filter being openable and closeable while in deployed within a bodily vessel. A string lengthen or shorting adjustment mechanism, such as a ratchet or reel allows more length of string into the device or alternatively to shorten the length of available string in the system. The described invention, when used to ameliorate venous clots and most arterio-venous dialysis grafts, a filter-tipped aspirator is used downstream from the clot to capture and remove dislocated emboli. A method of using same is disclosed.

Abstract: A storage container to receive and store a biopsy sample of an organism, held by a biopsy sample collector, the storage container comprising a container body defining a containment region with an open end, and a container cap removably located at the open end to seal the containment region, the cap including a passage that is closed by a closure that is able to be ruptured to allow a biopsy sample retaining biopsy sample collector to thereat enter the containment region so that the sample can be stored in the containment region and the sample collector can seal the passage.

Abstract: In some examples, a lead identification system includes a first set of first lead indicators and a second set of second lead indicators. Each of the first lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a first therapy delivery element, a first epidural needle, or a first connector to uniquely identify at least one of the first therapy delivery element, the first epidural needle, or the first connector during implantation of the first therapy delivery element in the patient. Each of the second lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a second therapy delivery element, a second epidural needle, or a second connector to uniquely identify at least one of the second therapy delivery element, the second epidural needle, or the second connector during implantation of the second therapy delivery element in the patient.

Abstract: A tool to fasten tissue or to fasten a prosthetic to tissue includes a gripper to hold one or more tissue portions, a needle, an actuator to drive the needle, a fastener cartridge to store one or more tissue fasteners, a holder cartridge to store one or more holders, and a holder applier to secure one of the holders on one of the fasteners. The actuator drives the needle and the needle pulls a first fastener from the fastener cartridge. The actuator drives the needle through the one or more tissue portions held by the gripper to form a hole in the tissue portions. The needle pulls a leading portion of the first fastener through the hole without a trailing portion of the first fastener being pulled through the hole. The holder applier secures a first holder from the holder cartridge onto the leading portion of the first fastener.

Abstract: The application provides an injection cannula having an implant which is detachably secured in the cannula. The application also provides a method for detachably securing an implant in an injection cannula.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for visibly or non-visibly indicating a subject has received a medical treatment. In certain embodiments, a subject receives an information mark in conjunction with a medical treatment. In certain embodiments, the information mark includes unique information relating to the subject. In certain embodiments, devices, computer systems, and methods relate to reading an information mark on a subject, and optionally determining if further medical treatment of the subject is warranted. In certain embodiments, receipt of an information mark entitles a subject to a reward.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for visibly or non-visibly indicating a subject has received a medical treatment. In certain embodiments, a subject receives an information mark in conjunction with a medical treatment. In certain embodiments, the information mark includes unique information relating to the subject. In certain embodiments, devices, computer systems, and methods relate to reading an information mark on a subject, and optionally determining if further medical treatment of the subject is warranted. In certain embodiments, receipt of an information mark entitles a subject to a reward.

Abstract: A setting tool having an engagement structure for setting a fastening anchor comprising a receptacle structure implemented in a shaft, the engagement structure engaging with the receptacle structure during a setting procedure. The fastening anchor can thereby be reliably brought to the setting tool and applied in a yielding soft material.

Abstract: A system and method for decompensation prediction of a heart failure patient with one or more injectable detecting systems communicating wirelessly with a remote monitoring system. The system includes one or more injectable detecting systems having a plurality of sensors that provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient, a wireless communication device coupled to the one or more injectable detecting systems and configured to transfer patient data directly or indirectly from the one or more injectable detecting systems to a remote monitoring system, and a remote monitoring system coupled to the wireless communication device, the remote monitoring system using processed data to determine heart failure status and predict impending decompensation of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable paddle lead includes a paddle body, configured and arranged for implantation in a patient's body, having a first face and a second face opposing the first face. The paddle lead also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the paddle body and configured and arranged for stimulating patient tissue adjacent the paddle body. The paddle lead further includes at least one indicium, independent of the plurality of electrodes, disposed on, or formed by, the paddle body. The at least one indicium is configured and arranged such that, when the paddle body is inserted within the patient's body and viewed under fluoroscopy, the at least one indicium identifies a facing orientation of the paddle body within the patient's body.

Abstract: A clamping device for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a lower arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an upper arm pivotally connected with the lower arm. An actuator is coupled with the upper and lower arms for moving the distal ends of the arms toward one another for closing the clamping device. A surgical fastener dispenser is secured to the distal end of the lower arm. The dispenser includes a cartridge body having a top surface with a surgical fastener dispenser opening. A pad is pivotally connected to the distal end of the upper arm. When the clamping device is closed, a bottom surface of the pad applies a clamping force upon the top surface of the cartridge body for dispensing one of the surgical fasteners at an angle that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Methods and device for marking animals are disclosed. An ear tag configurable for attachment to a rodent ear, e.g., a mouse ear, is presented, wherein the ear tag includes a color-coded image, an alphanumeric character string, a bar code and/or a visual signage. The tag may include the visual identifier and an RFID device. A card may be provided that redundantly displays some or all of the visual identifier. An applicator is alternately or additionally provided that removes separated elements of the tag from a tray force generated by manual compression of a pair of handles of the applicator, and additionally includes jaws that compress towards each other when the handles are initially compressed, yet splay and release the tag elements as additional compressive force is applied to the handles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed towards a medical device, method and system thereof for the placement or passage of patches, sutures, anchors, tags, tissue sensors and more particularly to a medical device for repairing female pelvic organ or tissue prolapsed region. The device may be used for the placement of stereotactic markers into tissue near joints or tumors for guidance during orthopedic or neurosurgical procedures.

Abstract: A device and method for subcutaneously implanting an identification chip into a domestic animal, the identification chip becoming relatively immobile once implanted.

Abstract: A system for marking a non-human biological object and removing a sample of the biological object, which object is in particular an animal, comprising: a first tag part (1), a second tag part (2), a pin (3), a sample container (10) and, a sample removing stopper (20) the system further including a functional compound arranged within a compartment of the system such that said functional compound is in communication with said sample when said sample has been introduced into the sample container.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a toothed rack and actuation member(s) configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the storage and retrieval of patient personal and medical information and records in the eye of an implanted or patient. Patient medical information or other personalized data in the form of indicia is imparted to an implant which is engaged into a mounted position in the eye during eye surgery or a needle insertion. The indicia may be read through the clear tissue of the eye, using an optical magnifier once implanted. Indicia is imparted to the implant using a laser or photographically or printing. Conventionally employed laser surgery equipment used for LASIK and similar surgeries can be easily adapted to both impart the indicia to the implant and form a cavity to hold the implant for subsequent viewing of the visible indicia.

Abstract: A device for sampling biological tissue (1) to be used in a label for marking animals includes: a hollow needle (3) having a cutting edge (36) at one end, capable of sampling a biological tissue sample when the sampling device is inserted into the biological tissue; a fixation part (22) of the hollow needle, made as a single piece and including a tank (2) containing a chemical for processing a biological tissue sample, the base of the tank including a partition (211) that is punctured by the needle when a pressure is applied upon the insertion of the sampling device into the biological tissue. After puncturing the partition, the content of the tank flow into the hollow needle and contacts the recovered sample. The end of the hollow needle containing the sample can further be protected by a cap, and the sample remains easily accessible for further analysis.

Abstract: Described are an animal tag applicator, a device for advancing a strip of animal tags, a leg bending die for bending the legs of animal tags, and methods for applying an animal tag to a body part of an animal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a temporary tattoo, appliqué or decal and a method of using the tattoo on a patient to identify on that patient a selected operative site, wherein said operation is identified by name on said decal and wherein the accuracy of site selection may be endorsed by the patient and the responsible operator directly on the selected site in such a manner that the endorsement indicia remain legible after the decal is eradicated.

Abstract: Described are an animal tag applicator, a device for advancing a strip of animal tags, a leg bending die for bending the legs of animal tags, and methods for applying an animal tag to a body part of an animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for marking and/or sampling animal tissue, including a male portion (12) for marking and/or sampling tissue, and a female portion (13) for marking and/or receiving said tissue. According to the invention, such a unit includes an intermediate element (14) for connecting said male and female portions together, said intermediate connection element (14) having a first portion (141) for rigidly connecting to said male portion and a second portion (192) for rigidly connecting to said female portion, enabling said male and female portions to be supported along a single marking and/or sampling axis (AA1) before marking and/or sampling said animal tissue, wherein the intermediate connection element is releasable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing livestock ear tags are provided. The apparatus includes handle members that control the insertion of a piercing needle that cuts an opening through an animal's ear. A slidable head assembly enables efficient manipulation of the piercing needle and reload of a new piercing needle for installing another tag. The piercing needle has attached to it a securing tab of the ear tag. The tab is stripped from the piercing needle after the needle clears the far side of the ear thereby securing the tag to the ear by placing the tab on the opposite side of the ear. The piercing needle is preferably disposable. The piercing needle has an integral tissue capturing cavity for capturing a slug of tissue from the animal's ear as the needle passes through the ear. The tissue sample can be used for subsequent animal health testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing livestock ear tags are provided. The apparatus includes handle members that control the insertion of a piercing needle that cuts an opening through an animal's ear. A slidable head assembly enables efficient manipulation of the piercing needle and reload of a new piercing needle for installing another tag. The piercing needle has attached to it a securing tab of the ear tag. The tab is stripped from the piercing needle after the needle clears the far side of the ear thereby securing the tag to the ear by placing the tab on the opposite side of the ear. The piercing needle is preferably disposable. The piercing needle has an integral tissue capturing cavity for capturing a slug of tissue from the animal's ear as the needle passes through the ear. The tissue sample can be used for subsequent animal health testing.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus including an injector system adapted for injecting a microchip comprising: an inserter comprising a rod or tube having a proximal and distal end and having a point at the distal end that defines a skin-piercing side of the inserter; a means for engaging the microchip near the distal end of the inserter, but removed in the proximal direction from the distal tip of the inserter, which means prevents rotation of an engaged microchip in two or three axes of rotation; and means for releasing the microchip from the inserter once the inserter has been inserted into a perforatable substrate.

Abstract: An applicator (1) has handles (2, 4) which on closing together will engage an animal tag with the animal's ear but at which time a control member (28) will engage with a linkage (6) to trip the linkage (6) into a jaw-open position. Once the handles (2, 4) have been released the linkage (6) will again be returned to its normal position primarily under the bias of a spring (25).

Abstract: An animal tag applicator (1) has handles (2) and (3) pivotally connected together and extending to respective jaws (6) and (7) for dispensing an ear tag (10) to be engaged about an animal's ear (39). The tags (10) are in the form of an elongate, longitudinally connected, strip which can be accommodated within the hollow handle (2). A slider (17) has a pusher (18) engaged with the front-most tag (10A) to move it into the dispensing position where its male portion is engaged by the top jaw (7) and a cutting means (31) severs the connection between the front-most tag (10A) and the immediately following tag. A releasable stop member (42) engages the front-most tag (10A) before it is dispensed. A lost motion slot (43) enables the cutting means (31) to be raised before the pusher (18) engages with the next tag (10) to move it into the dispensing position.

Abstract: Described are an animal tag applicator, a device for advancing a strip of animal tags, a leg bending die for bending the legs of animal tags, and methods for applying an animal tag to a body part of an animal.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: An animal tag applicator (1) has a rear body portion (4) slidable forwardly over a front body portion (3) to load a frontmost tag (10) between first and second jaws (7), (8) from a strip of tags (not shown) accommodated longitudinally within a chamber defined by the body portions (3), (4). Operation of a handle (5) against its bias (12) can then effect a tagging operation after which further forward movement of the body portion (4) will re-load the applicator (1) ready for the next tagging operation.

Abstract: An identification tag applicator is provided, which is especially suited to applying identification tags to animals. The applicator includes a body (12) which has a driving rod housing (20) in which a driving rod (24) is slidably engaged. The driving rod (24) has a driving surface (28) adapted to receive a tag (60) which is to be applied. The applicator also has a trigger member (14) which is pivotably attached to the body (12). The trigger member (14) includes a connecting pin (46) which is adapted to selectively engage the trigger member (14) with the driving rod (24). A release mechanism automatically returns the driving rod (24) to a retracted position when the driving surface (28) of the rod (24) reaches a predetermined distance from the housing (20). The release mechanism ensures that the driving rod (24) is immediately retracted out of the way as soon as the tag is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing livestock ear tags are provided. The apparatus includes handle members that control the insertion of a piercing needle that cuts an opening through an animal's ear. A slidable head assembly enables efficient manipulation of the piercing needle and reload of a new piercing needle for installing another tag. The piercing needle has attached to it a securing tab of the ear tag. The tab is stripped from the piercing needle after the needle clears the far side of the ear thereby securing the tag to the ear by placing the tab on the opposite side of the ear. The piercing needle is preferably disposable. The piercing needle has an integral tissue capturing cavity for capturing a slug of tissue from the animal's ear as the needle passes through the ear. The tissue sample can be used for subsequent animal health testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing livestock ear tags are provided. The apparatus includes handle members that control the insertion of a piercing needle that cuts an opening through an animal's ear. A slidable head assembly enables efficient manipulation of the piercing needle and reload of a new piercing needle for installing another tag. The piercing needle has attached to it a securing tab of the ear tag. The tab is stripped from the piercing needle after the needle clears the far side of the ear thereby securing the tag to the ear by placing the tab on the opposite side of the ear. The piercing needle is preferably disposable. The piercing needle has an integral tissue capturing cavity for capturing a slug of tissue from the animal's ear as the needle passes through the ear. The tissue sample can be used for subsequent animal health testing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. An exemplary a piercing instrument includes a post carrier disposed to translate in a first channel within the body piercing instrument, a nut carrier disposed to translate in second channel within the body piercing instrument in opposition to translation of the post carrier and a synchronizing mechanism between the post carrier and the nut carrier to coordinate opposing motion relative to the body piercing instrument of both the post carrier and the nut carrier simultaneously. The synchronizing mechanism can be a gear, where the post and nut carriers include racks that engage the gear. The body piercing instrument can be hand-operated and also include a stabilizing surface to support the body part to be pierced during operation.

Abstract: An identification tag loading means (1) includes a chamber (5, 7) in which the head portion (12) and cutting tip (13) of a one piece animal tag (8) can be accommodated. At this time the aperture (11) at the outer end of the hollow shank (10) is exposed and ready for loading the tag (8) onto the applicator pin (14) of an ear tag applicator (15). This reduces the risk of damage to a users hands by contact with the tip (13).

Abstract: Methods and device for marking animals are disclosed. An ear tag configurable for attachment to a rodent ear, e.g., a mouse ear, is presented, wherein the ear tag includes a color-coded image, an alphanumeric character string, a bar code and/or a visual signage. The tag may include the visual identifier and an RFID device. A card may be provided that redundantly displays some or all of the visual identifier. An applicator is alternately or additionally provided that removes separated elements of the tag from a tray force generated by manual compression of a pair of handles of the applicator, and additionally includes jaws that compress towards each other when the handles are initially compressed, yet splay and release the tag elements as additional compressive force is applied to the handles.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus including an injector system adapted for injecting a microchip comprising: an inserter comprising a rod or tube having a proximal and distal end and having a point at the distal end that defines a skin-piercing side of the inserter; a means for engaging the microchip near the distal end of the inserter, but removed in the proximal direction from the distal tip of the inserter, which means prevents rotation of an engaged microchip in two or three axes of rotation; and means for releasing the microchip from the inserter once the inserter has been inserted into a perforatable substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear tag (1) for marking an animal and for sampling tissue from said animal.

Abstract: An animal tag applicator that comprises a lever member having an attachment member, a base portion having a release member, an aperture configured to receive the attachment member when the attachment member is brought into contact with the base portion and a holding mechanism that extends between the release member and aperture. The applicator preferably further comprises an application member where the lever member and application member are pivotally coupled to the base portion at a pivot mechanism and a spring member coupled between the lever member and the base portion. When the release member is actuated, the holding mechanism detaches from the attachment member, the spring member expands and the application member is brought towards the base portion to apply an animal tag.

Abstract: A device (1410) for collecting a blood sample from an animal on sampling media placed (1456) next to the animal's flesh, the device comprising holding means () for holding the sampling media (1456) for placement on the flesh of an animal; spike means (1418) operable to first pass through the sampling media (1456) and to then penetrate into the flesh of the animal to create a puncture site to allow blood emerging from the site to be collected by the sampling media (1456) during and/or after penetration of the flesh, and retaining means (1427) for temporarily retaining the device (1410) on the animal whilst blood is collected on the sampling media and for allowing the device (1410) to be removed from the animal substantially intact for subsequent removal of the sampling media (1456) with the blood from the device.

Abstract: An animal tag applicator (1) has handles (2) and (3) pivotally connected together and extending to respective jaws (6) and (7) for dispensing an ear tag (10) to be engaged about an animal's ear (39). The tags (10) are in the form of an elongate, longitudinally connected, strip which can be accommodated within the hollow handle (2). A slider (17) has a pusher (18) engaged with the front-most tag (10A) to move it into the dispensing position where its male portion is engaged by the top jaw (7) and a cutting means (31) severs the connection between the front-most tag (10A) and the immediately following tag. A releasable stop member (42) engages the front-most tag (10A) before it is dispensed. A lost motion slot (43) enables the cutting means (31) to be raised before the pusher (18) engages with the next tag (10) to move it into the dispensing position.

Abstract: An identification tag applicator is provided, which is especially suited to applying identification tags to animals. The applicator includes a body (12) which has a driving rod housing (20) in which a driving rod (24) is slidably engaged. The driving rod (24) has a driving surface (28) adapted to receive a tag (60) which is to be applied. The applicator also has a trigger member (14) which is pivotably attached to the body (12). The trigger member (14) includes a connecting pin (46) which is adapted to selectively engage the trigger member (14) with the driving rod (24). A release mechanism automatically returns the driving rod (24) to a retracted position when the driving surface (28) of the rod (24) reaches a predetermined distance from the housing (20). The release mechanism ensures that the driving rod (24) is immediately retracted out of the way as soon as the tag is applied.

Abstract: A needle biopsy system for marking a sampling site is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for incrementally advancing functional probes through tissue.

Abstract: An animal tag application apparatus is provided which comprises a body (1) and a pivoting lever (2). The lever (2) has attached thereto a push rod (3) and actuating member (4) which act as the operating means for both the applicator jaws which apply the tag (8) to the animal and a tag delivery means which pushes subsequent tags into the jaws. The delivery means comprises a toothed gear wheel (11) that is acted upon by ratchet mechanism to rotate the wheel and hence push the tags into the applicator jaws. A guide may also be provided to ensure smooth movement of the tags under the action of the delivery means. Thus, the operating means of the apparatus operates both the application of the tag and the delivery of the subsequent tag from a single operation of the lever (2). Tags adapted for use the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) characterised by a male portion comprising a male base portion (12) and a sample removal means (30), and a female portion comprising a first female base portion (14) and a sample container (16), the sample removal means (30) being removably located on the male base portion (12) and the sample container (16) being removably located at least in part within the first female base portion (14), wherein as the male and female portions are brought together the sample removal means (30) collects a biological sample (47) from an animal being tagged, is received through the first female base portion (14), and lodges in the sample container (16), this action in turn introducing the sample to a sample receiving space (74) within the sample container (16), pushing the sample container (16) from the first female base portion, and sealing the sample receiving space (74), the sample removal means (30) being provided with an amount of sample preparative or preservative (45) that is available to the samp

Abstract: The invention relates to modified ear tags comprising a mandrel-type plate (10), a counter plate (11), in addition to a container for receiving a sample (1) and a means for obtaining the sample (4). The means for obtaining the sample (4) has a detachable hollow tip and the counter-plate (11) has no through opening for the mandrel. The invention relates more particularly to the use of the ear tags for genotypical analysis of animal populations and to a method for analyzing animal populations with the ear tags.

Abstract: An implant retention trocar includes a cannula for puncturing the skin of an animal and an obturator for delivering the implant beneath the skin of the animal. The implant retention trocar has a cannula distal tip design which causes a minimum of trama and tearing of tissue during implant insertion. A spring element received within the cannula prevents an implant which is to be inserted into an animal from falling out of the cannula during the implant insertion process. The spring element includes a longitudinal leg which is folded with a zig-zag shaped bend. When the spring element is inserted into the cannula the zig-zag shaped bend of the longitudinal leg retains the implant within the cannula.

Abstract: A medical lead for electrical stimulation or sensing. The medical lead has a generally flat paddle on the distal end of the lead body. An electrode array is provided on the paddle. The electrode array having directional electrical field properties relative to the first and major surfaces of the paddle (e.g., the electrodes are exposed through only one of the major surfaces). An orientation marker for determining orientation of the lead, with the orientation marking including fluoroscopically viewable material.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneously implanting a localization wire into a tissue mass comprises a cannula with a preloaded localization wire. An actuator is provided to effect the relative movement of the cannula and localization wire such that a distal end of the localization wire is exposed to the tissue mass. A method for implanting a localization wire includes inserting a cannula with a preloaded localization wire into a tissue mass and relatively moving the cannula and localization wire to expose a portion of the localization wire to the tissue mass.