Abstract:
A mold and method for forming a balloon for dilatation catheters, particularly balloons with a prismlike shape with a transverse polygonal cross section when the internal pressure is at atmospheric conditions. Upon inflation to higher internal pressures, the balloon assumes a normal circular cross section. The balloon shape is particularly suitable for balloons formed of polyethylene terephthalate and the like which are not readily heat settable. Reduced deflated profiles are obtained. The mold is formed by first making a preformed core member which has the shape and dimensions which are desired for the balloon. A heat-formable tubular member, preferably formed of borosilicate glass such as PYREX, is disposed about the core member, subjected to heat and an internal vacuum so as to be shaped onto the exterior of the core member. Once shaped, the tubular member is allowed to cool and set, the core member is dissolved away, leaving the shaped glass mold having an internal molding chamber with the desired shape and dimensions for the inflatable balloon.
Abstract:
A detachable button system has a fixed component permanently attached to a garment and a detachable button component. The fixed component a disc-shaped base and a cylinder extending perpendicularly from said base, said cylinder featuring a plurality of tabs projecting perpendicularly from the cylinder and parallel to the base. The detachable portion had an interior cavity for receiving the cylinder, the interior cavity including a plurality of slots corresponding to the plurality of tabs, the slots receiving said tabs. The tabs vary across their width so as to provide a friction fit when the cylinder of the fixed component is inserted into the internal cavity of the detachable component and the detachable component is rotated.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for determining the pressure-volume relationship for one or more chambers of a heart, e.g., to guide pharmacologic or other treatment of congestive heart failure. An implantable device includes a catheter including a distal end sized for introduction into a chamber of a heart, a pressure sensor for measuring pressure within the chamber, and a sensor for measuring fluid volume within the chamber. A processor coupled to the catheter obtains pressure data from the pressure sensor and fluid volume data from the volume sensor. The processor approximates fluid volume within the chamber as a function of time and determines one or more pressure-volume loops based upon the pressure data and the fluid volume. In one embodiment, the catheter is a lead and a controller which identifies changes in determinants of cardiac output. Changes in medical therapy are guided by pressure volume loop data generated.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly for performing transmyocardial revascularization through the coronary arteries or veins, and a method of using this assembly for creating TMR channels through the myocardium coronary artery shunts through the myocardium and a device and method for injecting therapeutic agents into TMR channels interoperatively, together with a number of therapeutic agents.
Abstract:
A power apparatus for cleaning pine needles and other debris from overhead rain gutters while operated by an individual who is standing on the ground. A disk with protruding plastic apikes is attached to a gear assembly and electric motor. The disk rotates and throws debris from the gutter. A guard prevents said thrown debris from landing on the roof. The electric motor and gear assembly are located inside a housing which is at one end of a crossarm. A guide, fitting underneath said housing, can be adjusted to provide the proper amount of contact between the disk and debris laying in the bottom interior of the gutter. At the opposite end of said crossarm to the housing is a dislodge blade used to shift debris which may be unreachable by said disk especially debris located directly beneath gutter hangers. The dislodge blade is used to push this debris to a more accessible area of the gutter where the, disk is then used. The crossarm is connected to an extendible pole which permits use of the apparatus with gutters of various heights. Controls for the motor are located in the pole handle. The apparatus can be partially disassembled for easy shipment and storage.
Abstract:
A vascular graft comprises a perforate tubular compressible frame having a fabric liner disposed over at least a portion of the frames lumen. The graft may be used in combination with a base structure to form a bifurcated graft in situ. The base structure compresses a compressible frame having a fabric liner which defines a pair of divergent legs. The base structure is positioned within the aorta so that one leg enters each iliac. The tubular grafts can then be introduced into each leg to form the bifurcated structure. A graft delivery catheter includes a controllably flared sheath which facilitates recapture of a partially deployed graft.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises a tubular shunt for insertion into a fluid vessel in a living creature constructed of an elastically deformable material that reduces in circumference when stretched longitudinally so that the ends of the shunt may be easily inserted into openings in a blood vessel and where the material expands circumferentially when allowed to axially contract such that the ends of shunt press against the vessel wall to secure the shunt and form a water tight seal to permit fluid to flow through the tubular conduit of the shunt. A method for shunting fluid-flow in a portion of a vessel in a living creature is also disclosed wherein a shunt of the present invention is stretched longitudinally so that the ends of the shunt contract and then inserted into a lumen of a blood vessel. Following insertion of the shunt, the shunt is allowed to return to its relaxed geometry so that it forms a fluid tight seal with the interior of the lumen.
Abstract:
A delivery catheter for a radially compressible tubular prosthesis comprises an elongate shaft slidably received within an elongate sheath. The prosthesis is carried over the distal end of the shaft where it is contained in a radially compressed configuration by the sheath. After introducing the catheter to a desired target location within a body lumen, the prosthesis may be released by proximally retracting the sheath. The prosthesis will remain anchored to the shaft during at least part of the release procedure, permitting the user to recapture the prosthesis by distally advancing the sheath.
Abstract:
A resilient tubular graft is delivered into place within a body passage by elongating the graft to reduce its diameter and then directing the graft to the desired position while in the elongated condition. The graft is carried into position by a pair of elongate members mounted for longitudinal movement relative to one other. Flexible lines secure opposite ends of the graft to the respective elongate members whereby relative longitudinal movement of the members functions to elongate the graft and reduce its diameter. The lines extend around the graft to impart radial compression thereto simultaneously with elongation of the graft. Upon placement of the graft at the desired location within a body passage, the lines are released to permit the graft to expand into engagement with the passage. Barbs on the graft provide for secure engagement of the graft with a body passage.
Abstract:
A percutaneous discectomy system 20 having a bendable discectomy probe 22 and steerable cannula 24 allows for a wide range of positions relative to the discectomy tissue to be severed. The bendable discectomy probe 22 includes a bendable section 78, 86 which can allow the probe 22 to be bent more than 90.degree. and still maintain the function required in order to sever and remove tissue. The steerable cannula 24 has a similar bendable section 102 which can appropriately position the end 50 of the discectomy probe 22 in order to address tissue to be removed.