Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a power source, a control unit, a main unit, a conversion unit, a switch unit and an output unit. The control unit is configured for generating a control signal according to predetermined properties for an electric acupuncture and outputting an on signal. The main unit is configured for implementing communication functions of the wireless communication device. The conversion unit is configured for modulating a voltage from the power source according to the control signal to generate a series of electric pulses, the electric pulses ranging from 100 to 180 volts with a frequency at 0 to 20 hertz. The switch unit is configured for receiving the on signal and the electric pulses and outputting the electric pulses according to the on signal. The output unit is configured for receiving the electric pulses and applying the electric pulses to a user.

Abstract: A therapy device includes an electric acupuncture band and an electric acupuncture element. The electric acupuncture band is provided with an electric acupuncture portion and a bonding portion connected to the electric acupuncture portion. The electric acupuncture portion is formed by means of joining an accommodating layer and an electric acupuncture layer. The electric acupuncture element comprises an electric acupuncture piece provided between the accommodating layer and the electric acupuncture layer of the electric acupuncture band. The surface of the electric acupuncture piece is exposed to the outside of the electric acupuncture layer.

Abstract: An electroacupuncture system for measuring and treating meridian energy balance in a patient. The system can include a pressure sensitive probe and return path contact, both of which are connected to an electrical potential source. The probe and contact are meant to be applied to a patient to diagnose and treat meridian energy imbalances. The system also includes a processing apparatus connected to the electrical potential source capable of interpreting the readings taken by the electrical potential source and probe and affecting operation of the system based on the readings. The processing apparatus may also use measurements to calculate an overall meridian energy balance number.

Abstract: An acupuncture needle guide assembly includes an acupuncture needle with a needle handle and a needle body, a guiding tube accommodating the acupuncture needle, and a container formed of a bottom piece and a top cover piece fitting over the bottom piece to form a reservoir to store the acupuncture needle and provide a sterile protection before use. The acupuncture and guiding tube are mounted in the reservoir. Said needle handle has at least one wide part which is wider in cross-section than the other parts, being located outside said guiding tube and said reservoir has at least one narrow portion which is thinner in cross-section than other parts of the reservoir and also thinner than said wide part.

Abstract: An acupuncture needle assembly with an acupuncture needle and needle guide tube which are constructed and arranged to adhere magnetically together. The magnetic attraction allows the acupuncture needle to be held in the needle guide tube automatically. The needle guide tube may include magnetic or ferrous particles or material in its body structure. Preferably, the acupuncture needle includes magnetic or ferrous particles or material in its body structure. The needle handle may also glow in the dark.

Abstract: A magnetic acupuncture needle combining the treatments of magnetic therapy and acupuncture by affecting the natural magnetic bio-field of energy of the patient's body and attracting it to the target point of treatment.

Abstract: A flexible electronic acupuncture device comprises a metal substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the metal substrate, an circuit device disposed on the insulating layer and electrically connected to the metal substrate via a lead through the insulating layer, a rechargeable power module coupled to the circuit device to provide power therefore, a control device coupled to the circuit device to select the output wave form of the flexible electronic acupuncture device, and a skin pad disposed on the metal substrate to contact skin.

Abstract: A new concept of an acupuncture needle tube is invented. The needle tube includes a cylindrical body, a large diameter portion defined on the upper portion of the cylindrical body, a small diameter portion defined on the lower portion of the cylindrical body, the small diameter portion extending from the lower end of the large diameter portion to the lower end of the cylindrical body, and a needle gateway formed along with the lateral of the upper and lower tube on the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A guide device (100), in particular for an acupuncture needle (1), includes a guide tube (10) for accommodating the acupuncture needle (1), with a needle part (3) and a needle handle (2), and a clamping device (20) for releasably fixing the acupuncture needle (1) to the guide tube (10), wherein the clamping device (20) has at least one clamping element (21) which is movable with respect to the guide tube (10).

Abstract: An acupuncture device includes an acupuncture needle which has an elongate grip part with a substantially cylindrical main portion and a needle part which is fixed to the distal end of the grip part such that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the grip part and a guide tube which is open at both ends and whose lumen has a substantially cylindrical main portion and a releasable clamping device, by means of which the acupuncture needle is held in the condition of readiness for use inside the guide tube so that the grip part projects outwardly out of the proximal end of the guide tube while the distal end of the guide tube extends beyond the tip of the needle part.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to needle devices and related methods. In one aspect, the technology provides a needle device that includes a rotator portion comprising a plurality of needles and a handle portion. The needles can be arranged according to a particular use, and are generally arranged in one or more rows. In various embodiments, the needles are spaced about 6 mm apart from each other, less than about 6 mm apart from each other and more than about 6 mm apart from each other. In various embodiments, the needles can be present in one row or more than one row. In an embodiment, the needles are present on a disposable strip. Also described are a needle device comprising a plurality of needles present on a planar support, in which the needles are arranged into one or more rows, and related methods.

Abstract: A one-hand operated acupuncture dispensing system to administer acupuncture treatment at an acupoint point is described. The system includes an acupuncture needle, a clip and a guide tube to house the needle and the clip for securing and releasing the needle inside the guide tube. The tube prevents the clip from separation from the tube after the needle is dispensed. The clip is shaped to allow the acupuncture needle to exit the guide tube at an angle. The clip and/or guide tube can provide color coding. An alternate to the system includes a cap that joins with a guide tube housing an acupuncture needle. This alternate system also includes a clip that secures and releases the needle. In this alternate system, the cap, as well as the clip and/or guide tube can provide color coding.

Abstract: An acupuncture needle gives skin a favorable stimulus without invading the skin when in contact with or pressed against the skin. The acupuncture needle includes a base plate and projections formed on a surface of the base plate integrally therewith. Each of the projections have elasticity and includes a base portion and a substantially cylindrical head portion formed on the base portion. The head portion has a flat top surface substantially parallel to the surface of the base plate and a side perpendicular to the surface f the base plate. The base portion has an inwardly depressed external curved line in a central vertical section and a diameter in a transverse cross section gradually becoming larger toward the surface of the base plate. The projections sway in a direction substantially parallel to the skin when the acupuncture needle is in contact with or pressed against the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, in particular to acupuncture reflexotherapy. The inventive method consists in introducing a needle provided with a volume, plate or annular-shaped head into one of the predetermined, for example, auricular acupuncture points of a patient, wherein taking it through under the skin, the needle free end is withdrawn from the other predetermined point and a detachable retainer having plate or volume shape is secured thereon. The retainer can also be designed non-detachable and be formed by a bended free end of the needle rod. A required rate of lowering an excessive body weight is provided by exposure the zones of the indicated points to the head and/or retainer weight, or/and by changing a contact area thereof with the indicated points, and/or by a progradient correlation of intensity of the action on these points.

Abstract: A reducing needle for use by an acupuncturist may include a handle member for the reducing needle to be handled, and the reducing needle may include a central bore to allow material to be withdrawn from the patient. The reducing needle may include a lower aperture to connect to the central bore, and the reducing needle may include an upper aperture to connect with the central bore. An acupuncture needle for use by an acupuncturist may include a handle to allow the acupuncturist to hold the acupuncture needle, and a needle portion connected to the handle may have a least two linear surfaces. The needle portion may include at least three linear surfaces, and the needle portion may include at least four linear surfaces. The needle portion may include at least six linear surfaces.

Abstract: A container (100) for holding sterile goods (10) is described, including a container body (20) with at least one continuous receiving channel (21) having a cover (30) at least at one end, wherein a pushing ram is displaceably arranged in the receiving channel (21), whose ram length is shorter than the channel length of the receiving channel (21) so that a cavity (23) is formed in the receiving channel (21) to receive the sterile goods (10), which is closed towards the outside by the cover (30). A dispenser for sterile goods is also described which has an actuating device and the container (100).

Abstract: Reflexotherapy device to stimulate reflex points of the human body provide reliable and integral fastening of needles within an elastic base member to achieve a stable position of needles under any conditions of utilization of the device, and to carry out both static and dynamic impact on extensive areas of reflex zones. The device comprises elastic base member 1 with needles 2 fastened therein each needle being provided with thickened end 3, and sharpened end 4 protruding from base member 1. In one embodiment the needles are fastened in the course of curing of the integral structure and in another embodiment the position of needles 2 is fixed, so that thickened ends are disposed between two layers to be joined together.

Abstract: An optical/electrical transmission type acupuncture needle, controller and system for acupuncture treatment. The needle has a sharpened needle point one end configured for penetration into body tissue and a needle holder at the other end. The needle body is formed of a central optical transmission core, preferably an intermediate opaque non-conductive clad layer atop the core and an outer conductive layer positioned atop the clad layer, all of which are substantially coextensive one to another. The needle point is formed as a unit with the needle body by tapering, sharpening and highly polishing one end portion of the core sufficiently for body tissue penetration. The core carries light provided by a light source in the system controller which may simultaneously provide pulsed electricity carried by the outer conductive layer whereby pulsed light and electricity are transmitted into body tissue through the needle point.

Abstract: A device for acupuncture is disclosed. The device has a pressure plate 100 having a polygonal profile. Both a magnet 300 and a magnetic body 400 are set in the pressure plate 100, with the magnetic body 400 being brought into contact with the magnet 300 at its upper end. The magnetic body 400 also extends through the pressure plate 100 so as to project outside the lower surface of the plate 100 at its lower end. The pressure plate 100 is also provided with both a plurality of fitting rods 130 and the same number of channelled fitting tubes 140. When it is desired to assemble two or more pressure plates 100 into an assembly, the fitting rods 130 of one plate 100 are elastically coupled to the channelled fitting tubes 140 of another plate 100. A cap 200 is mounted to the upper surface of the plate 100 and seats both the magnet 300 and the magnetic body 400 therein. A tubular member 500 is fitted into the pressure plate 100 from the lower surface of the plate 100 and is locked to the cap 200 at its upper end.

Abstract: A device which can hold a position over a particular point, preferrably an acupuncture point, on a living body, has particularizeable plugs for performing different treatments to those points. Fixation to the body surface is preferred for treatment using the device is preferred. In most forms, the device will have a channel for accomodating and holding the therapy delivery devices. Moxa or other medicaments can be delivered using the inventive structures, as can pressure, or other force, and the devices can be used to provide heat, magnetism, or other forms of energy amenable to use in the inventive device, and which may be of interest in the oriental medicine and new age therapies of non-standard western medical practices.

Abstract: The invention may be used at medical and athletic institutions, as well as under home conditions for reflexotherapy. The modular applicator comprises a base member and modules fastened thereon, each module having a base member with at least one needle perpendicular to the head member. The novel feature of the applicator consists in that the modules are made metallic, each of them being provided with at least one fastening member made integrally with the module head member and bent therefrom in the same or in opposite direction with the needle or needles, each fastening member or each fastening member together with each needle being passed through the applicator base member, and each fastening member being bent away to the surface of said base member. The invention provides several geometrical shapes of modules and several embodiments of fastening members and needles.

Abstract: A method for effective weight loss without negative or harmful side effects as well as for the treatment of ailments in human patients. Treatment is achieved using a combination of acupuncture and magnets. The method includes the steps of placing several acupuncture needles into specified locations on the human body, removing the acupuncture needles, and placing several magnets onto the same locations that the needles previously occupied. Another important object of the present invention is to provide and effective method of coping with and managing diabetes.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for effective means of weight loss without negative or harmful side effects treatment as well as for the treatment of ailments in human patients. Treatment is achieved using a combination of acupuncture and magnets. The method comprises the steps of placing several acupuncture needles into specified locations on the human body, removing the acupuncture needles, and placing several magnets onto the same locations that the needles previously occupied. Another important object of the present invention is to provide and effective means of coping with and managing diabetes.

Abstract: A needle for Korean traditional medical treatment includes a grip part and a needle body, the bottom portion and the end of the needle body being coated with gold so that the needle can be applied smoothly without pain because the end of the needle body is coated with gold. Since gold is highly conductive and can control electric current of the body without side effects, the coated gold provides the effects of dispersing excess electric current at the fever, pain and inflammation parts and of inducing the electric current into functional disorders, paralysis, blood circulation disorders, shiver and convulsion parts and thus, results in medical treatment effect via functional improvement.

Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.

Abstract: A safety needle and a placebo needle are provided for a double blind test. The placebo needle comprises a guide tube; a first stuffing in the guide tube to give resistance to a needle body during its passage therethrough; and a second stuffing in the guide tube at a lower position, to give resistance to the needle body during passage through the guide tube to a specified depth. The needle body is movably held by the first stuffing, and has a length sufficiently long to allow its point to stop just on or above the skin surface. A stopper is mounted to a needle handle or to the guide tube, and prevents the needle handle from advancing further.

Abstract: An acupuncture device consists of an acupuncture needle and a guide tube having a transverse, preferably V-shaped, slot through the tube wall. This slot is formed in the upper part of the guide tube and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tube. The handle of the needle is firmly secured inside the guide tube by a small elongated stopper made of an elastic material such as plastic or thick paper which is inserted into the V-shaped slot of the guide tube and squeezes the needle handle between its end and the inner wall of the tube opposite to the V-shaped slot. As the elastic stopper fits tightly into the V-shaped slot, it supports itself in the needle-securing position. Although the friction that the stopper creates through its pressure against the handle is sufficient to secure the needle inside the tube prior to the insertion, this friction yields to the downward motion of the needle during insertion so that the stopper does not present an obstacle for the insertion of the needle.

Abstract: An intramuscular stimulation (IMS) device and method permit electrical and mechanical modes of stimulation to be carried out individually or together. The gun-like stimulation device permits a disposable needle applicator unit including a needle and elongate sheath to be removably attached thereto. Different needle penetration depths are obtainable with a single needle by virtue of a drive carriage with a position selecting element. To help avoid repetitive strain injury to a treating physician, a processor may monitor a body contact sensor and continue an intramuscular stimulation cycle only so long as contact is detected. In order to ensure that only a single IMS operation is performed during a period of body contact, performance of a further intramuscular stimulation cycle may be prevented unless it is determined that body contact was broken at a time following a previous IMS cycle.

Abstract: An acupuncture device consists of an acupuncture needle and a guide tube having a transverse, preferably V-shaped, slot through the tube wall. This slot is formed in the upper part of the guide tube and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tube. The handle of the needle is firmly secured inside the guide tube by a small elongated stopper made of an elastic material such as plastic or thick paper which is inserted into the V-shaped slot of the guide tube and squeezes the needle handle between its end and the inner wall of the tube opposite to the V-shaped slot. As the elastic stopper fits tightly into the V-shaped slot, it supports itself in the needle-securing position. Although the friction that the stopper creates through its pressure against the handle is sufficient to secure the needle inside the tube prior to the insertion, this friction yields to the downward motion of the needle during insertion so that the stopper does not present an obstacle for the insertion of the needle.

Abstract: Acupuncture needle having a grasping and a puncturing end comprising a hollow needle body and a coaxially located light conducting element therein, a reception and emission surface for biophoton radiation at the distal puncturing end of the needle and a prism with a 180° reflection and in light conducting contact with the light conducting element at the proximal grasping end of the needle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acupressure device for use on a selected skin surface portion of a human body. The device comprises a base sheet; one or more protrusions; a fastener; and an orienting margin, orienting constellation, orienting template or orienting protrusion, suitable to position the device on the selected skin surface. The invention also provides therapeutic methods comprising applying a devise of the invention to a human in need of therapy.

Abstract: A finger pressure device for acupuncture comprising: an adhesive tape with an adhesive surface on one side; a T-pellet attached on the adhesive surface of said adhesive tape; an one-sided tape with a small hole in the center, having an adhesive surface of the same size with said adhesive tape; and a gold plate with a small hole in the center through which an end portion of said T-pellet is inserted.

Abstract: A T-pellet for acupuncture comprising: an adhesive tape with an adhesive surface on one side; a ring of a T-pellet to be attached on the adhesive surface of said adhesive tape; and a gold plate with a small hole in the center to be inserted by the end portion of said T-pellet.

Abstract: A laser needle device for acupuncture which is portable, relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The device includes a retractable ceramic needle and a self-contained laser source, which is powered by a self-contained battery. The ceramic needle engages the end of a hollow ray passage member that is contained in the conical distal end of an elongate case. Finger-generated depression of a button at the opposite end of the case generates a mechanical force, transmitted by intermediate elements, to ultimately urge spring-actuated downward movement of the ray passage member so that the needle tip emerges from an opening in the conical distal end of the case.

Abstract: A heating acupuncture needle, comprising a source of external energy which heats a heating structure, the heating structure extending over at least most of the length of the needle and comprising an electrically conductive envelope surrounding the needle but leaving an upper end of the needle uncovered. The needle has a tip which is uncovered by the electrically conductive envelope, or which in another embodiment is uncovered. There is an electrically insulating layer between the electrically conductive envelope and the needle, which may surround the tip of the needle or may expose the tip of the needle.

Abstract: A device for treating the undesirable symptoms resulting from cessation of habitual drug use, which can include insomnia, anxiety, tremors, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nausea, and sweating, and for reducing the rate of recurrence of drug use following treatment through the use of a programmed series of acupuncture, massage, and/or moxibustion treatments of acupuncture points in a subject's ear(s). The device includes a housing that conforms to the contour of a human ear containing a plurality of acupuncture needles held in an elastomeric structure and connected to a movable elongate member such that the plurality of needles may be brought into intermittent contact with the inner surface of the ear with an approximately equal force. The device further includes a control circuit adapted to automatically control the application of acupuncture stimulating current, moxibustion, and/or massage in a programmable manner.

Abstract: A head acupuncture instrument is disclosed. The head acupuncture instrument includes headgear with electrode probes mounted thereon, a wire dispenser, a plurality of wires extending from an electricity supply to the electrode probes via the wire dispenser, and a column with a bottom end secured to the headgear and a top end extensively received in the wire dispenser. The electrode probes offer stimulating current to acupuncture points needed to be stimulated in a patient's head.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating arterial occlusions combining an intraluminally operable catheter having an occlusion-crossing working element, with an extraluminally operable locator for imaging the progress of the working element through the occlusion. Suction coupling means are described for removably anchoring the locator to a surface proximate the heart. A method for treating arterial occlusions is described in which the distal end of the catheter shaft exits a lumen of the locator, penetrates the arterial wall distal to the occlusion, crosses the occlusion retrograde and passes into a separately introduced standard intravascular catheter, whereupon the distal end of the shaft may be manipulated from the proximal end of the standard catheter. The proximal end of the shaft is then released from external attachments and drawn into the artery to perform treatment or guiding functions. Spatial interrelationships are observed real-time via the locator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reversal of physiological human dependency that can be induced by nicotine, alcohol, or drugs, for example, and for reducing or eliminating dependency through the use of acupuncture simultaneously with hypnosis. The invention also includes a kit that allows for self-administration of both acupuncture and self-induced hypnosis by the patient for intensifying and accelerating the effects of both the acupuncture and the hypnosis in reversing chemical physiological and psychotherapeutic addiction, pain, mental and/or physiologic health problems in human beings.

Abstract: An acupuncture device consists of an acupuncture needle and a guide tube having a longitudinal slot or notch at the upper end of the tube, which is wider than the diameter of the needle handle. A practitioner can easily secure the upper portion of the handle in this notch by pressing on the handle of the needle with an index finger. In the case of angular insertions, the practitioner can maintain a desirable diagonal position of the needle inside the guide tube. The acupuncture operation is facilitated by making a larger portion of the needle handle projecting from the guide tube through the notch. According to another embodiment, the device is provided with a sleeve of a C-shaped configuration, which is fit onto the upper end of the guide tube. When the open part of the C-shaped configuration does not coincide with the aforementioned notch, and the handle of the needle stays inside the guiding tube, the whole device can be used in a conventional fashion.

Abstract: A conventional, stainless-steel acupuncture needle for use with a motor driven needling device for treating patients is provided with a thin, well-adhering, fluorocarbon-based coating. The coating is preferably implemented as a vapor phase coating, formed in a vacuum, to develop a tightly adhering, thin film coating over the surface of the needle. The coated needle is then coupled with the motor driven needling device, and inserted into the skin and muscle tissue of the patient. The motor driven needling device is then operated to cause the coated needle to reciprocate in the tissue of the patient for purposes of treating chronic muscular pain.

Abstract: A magnetic needle for acupuncture is disclosed. The magnetic needle of this invention has a housing having an opening and a magnet seated in the opening of the housing. A wedge-shaped projection is held in the opening of the housing so as to project into the exterior of the bottom wall of the housing and come into contact with the magnet. The projection forms an intensive magnetic field around a meridian point having fine electric current or electromagnetic waves. The projection thus magnetically stimulates the meridian point while performing a magnetic massage effect on the meridian point. The magnetic needle accomplishes an acupuncturing effect for relieving pain and curing disease as expected in typical acupuncture.

Abstract: A magnetic acupuncture equipment which is adapted for substitute the conventional acupuncture needles comprises a magnetic acupuncture pen. The magnetic acupuncture pen includes a tubular housing made of magnetic conducting material, an insulation member disposed inside the housing, a first and a second permanent magnet respectively disposed at two ends of the insulation member inside the housing, a first acupuncture member secured to a first end of the housing, and a second acupuncture member secured to a second end of the housing. The inner ends of the first and second permanent magnets, which are adjacent to the two ends of the insulation member respectively, have the same magnetic pole. In other words, the outer ends of the first and second permanent magnets, which are respectively located near the first and second acupuncture members, also have the same magnetic pole.

Abstract: A finger-pressure functioning health-aid instrument for improving blood circulation of a human body includes a cylindrical body, and a lower cap, inserted in the lower part of the body. A negative ion discharge element is fixed within the body. A bio-ceramic is formed within the body and surrounds the upper and outer part of the negative ion discharge element. A permanent magnet is fixed under the negative ion discharge element and a pressure member is fixed contacting the lower face of the permanent magnet, and contacts directly with the skin in the desired treatment area and projects anions and emitting rays.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an acupressure device for use on a selected skin surface portion of a human body. The device comprises a thin flexible base sheet having a first side, a second side and a margin. The margin has at least a portion of its length shaped as an orienting margin, wherein the orienting margin is shaped to correspond to a shape on, or adjacent to, the selected skin surface portion when the base sheet is placed on the selected body surface. An adhesive layer is on the first side of the base sheet that is suitable for attaching the base sheet to the selected skin surface portion. There is at least one bead on the adhesive layer suitable for positioning against the selected body surface that will provide acupressure to at least a portion of the selected body surface when the acupressure patch is placed against the selected body surface.

Abstract: An acupuncture method and a device for combining acupuncture with therapeutic physical exercises and/or water therapy. The device comprises a convex enclosure made of a resilient material such as rubber, which is capable of resuming initial full convex shape after being subjected to vertical downward pressure, and a small acupuncture needle the upper portion of which is molded into the enclosure. The open end face of the enclosure is sealed with an adhesive tape which seals the interior of the enclosure. The tip of the needle protrudes through this adhesive tape. In operation, the device is attached to the skin of a patient at the site of particular acupuncture point, and the acupucturist applies a to the needle via the top of the dome-like enclosure so that the tip of the needle penetrates the skin of the patient at the site of acupuncture point. The patient starts to perform therapeutic exercises on land or in the water, experiencing barely noticeable sensation.

Abstract: A surgical dissector has two sets of dissecting jaws with serrated inner surfaces to firmly grasp and dissect tissue. The second set of jaws projects transversely from the first set of jaws. Both sets of jaws are curved, and in one alternative, curvature of the second set of jaws is in a direction opposite to the curvature of the first set of jaws, while in the second alternative, the curvature of the second set of jaws is in the same direction as the curvature of the first set of jaws. In a first embodiment, for use during laparoscopic surgery, the dissector is positioned within a trocar for insertion into the body. In a second embodiment, for use during open surgery, a forceps type of dissector is disclosed.

Abstract: A motor driven needling device for treating patients having chronic muscular pain includes a motor driven poking tool for mounting a needle, a control unit for adjusting the frequency and the depth of the poking, a mechanical swivel arm for holding and positioning the tool, a remote switch for activating the motorized tool, and an aid useful in causing the needle to puncture the patient's skin once the tool is positioned at a proper location over the muscle to be treated.

Abstract: Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) pain relief therapy is facilitated by a hand-held tool which, once positioned against a patient's skin, can be controlled to automatically advance a needle to penetrate the patient's flesh, reciprocate the needle within the patient's flesh a predetermined number of times through a predetermined stroke, and retract the needle. A tubular guide member is provided at its distal end with a skin contact member forming a constricted orifice closely matching the diameter of the needle. The orifice allows substantially free passage of the needle therethrough and at the same time prevents bowing of the needle as it is advanced--a primary source of patient pain. Automation and control of the needle penetration, reciprocation and retraction sequence reduces the amount of manual and mental effort required on the part of the treating physician, thereby allowing physicians to perform IMS procedures more consistently, effectively and efficiently.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a blunt end assembly including a catheter and a blunt end member. The blunt end member includes jaw sections which have a first closed position for locating the blunt end member at the site of the occlusion within the native lumen of the blood vessel and a second open position wherein the jaw sections are able to press against the interior walls of the lumen adjacent the occlusion. The assembly includes an actuation member for moving the jaw sections from the closed to the open positions repeatedly resulting in a fracturing of the occlusion. A guide wire may be thread through an internal opening in the catheter and the blunt end member and after fracturing, across the occlusion.