Abstract:
A process for the preparation of crosslinked water-soluble polymer particles comprising, combining an aqueous polymer solution comprising a water-soluble polymer, particularly a polysaccharide, and an aqueous medium, and an oil medium so as to form an emulsion of droplets of the water-soluble polymer, and adding to the emulsion a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer so as to form crosslinked water-soluble polymer particles, the particles formed thereby and aqueous dispersions thereof. The invention also encompasses a method comprising, administering to a patient in need of treatment an aqueous suspension of the water-soluble polymer particles.
Abstract:
A delivery catheter for delivering, orienting and releasing an endoprosthetic implant in a body lumen includes an elongate sheath adapted to maintain an expandable implant in a low profile configuration at the distal end of the sheath and a control handle at the proximal end of the sheath. An implant retainer is engageable with the trailing end of the implant and is connected to the handle. The implant retainer is controllably movable within the sheath to enable relative movement between the sheath and the implant. The sheath can be moved between a forward implant-capturing position in which the implant retention device is contained within the sheath and a rearward implant release position in which the implant retainer is disposed forwardly beyond the end of the sheath. A moveable mechanism associated with the handle includes detents to limit the extent of movement of the moveable portion of the handle to provide a sequential stage control that requires deliberate manipulation of the handle in order to progress from one stage of the delivery cycle to another.
Abstract:
A self-sealing hemostatic valve for use in a catheter apparatus is disclosed, comprising a proximal valve element having a sealing hole, a distal valve element having a flap and biasing means to enhance the force with which the flap bears against the distal side of the proximal valve element to normally seal the hole. The sealing hole seals about an instrument passed through the valve and the flap seals the valve when no instrument is present. The proximal face of the proximal valve element is provided with discontinuities that increase the flexibility of the proximal valve element in a distal direction.
Abstract:
An implantable prosthesis for repairing or reconstructing a tissue or muscle wall defect including an outer plug and at least two inner filler plugs positioned within the outer plug that stiffen, and impart bulk to, the outer plug when the implant is inserted into the narrow confines of the tissue or muscle wall defect.
Abstract:
A steerable catheter includes control handle having a generally tubular housing with a longitudinal slot therein in which an axially or longitudinally movable tow-part slideblock resides, and a generally cylindrical, rotatably mounted thumbwheel surrounding a distal portion of the tubular housing, for controlling the axial translation of the slideblock. The pullwire passes into the distal end of the control handle and is only secured to the proximal part of the two-part slideblock so as to prevent the user from placing the pullwire under compression. A tip radius adjusting wire is attached to and extends distally from a slide actuator in the control handle into and through the main catheter shaft portion. The free distal end of the tip radius adjusting wire is selectably locatable at different positions. The radius of curvature of the tip portion, when deflected, depends upon how far distally into the deflectable tip portion the radius adjusting wire has been advanced by the user. The electrode catheter thus has a deflectable tip whose radius of curvature is adjustable over a relatively wide range.
Abstract:
A balloon dilatation catheter comprising an elongated tubular shaft and an inner tube defining inflation and guide wire lumens. A dilatation balloon is mounted on the distal end of the tubular shaft and communicates with the inflation lumen. The guide wire lumen extends through the balloon. A stiffening wire is positioned within the tubular shaft and has a proximal end secured in the proximal portion of the catheter. The distal end of the stiffening wire is anchored within the inner tube in an area adjacent the guide wire entrance port. The stiffening wire maximizes strength to the proximal portion of the catheter while maintaining flexibility in the distal end of the catheter as well as the balloon.
Abstract:
A precalibrated sensing system for determining a blood parameter such as the partial pressures of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2), and the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion activity (pH). A dry sensor is provided which may be calibrated in the factory, packaged, sterilized and stored, without requiring recalibration prior to use.
Abstract:
Products and methods for sizing openings in body cavities are provided. The products are catheters having compliant balloons attached to their distal ends and reference markers located on the catheter adjacent to the balloons. The preferred device is a cardiovascular sizing balloon for sizing septal defects and includes a latex balloon (14) with a proximal taper (24) and a pair of spaced-apart radiopaque bands (16) located immediately adjacent to the balloon.
Abstract:
An anti-obesity balloon and a placement system for the balloon includes a balloon (10) with a needle-pierceable, self-sealing plug (20) and an insertion catheter (12) having a needle (26) at its distal end. The needle (26) is movable between an extended position in which it protrudes distally of the insertion catheter (12) and a retracted position in which it is withdrawn interiorly of the insertion catheter (12). A handle arrangement (14) is provided at the proximal end of the insertion catheter to control the position of the needle (26). Means are provided for aspirating (16) and inflating (68) the balloon. The balloon structure (10) and insertion catheter structure (12) protect and enclose the sharp tip of the needle at all times during insertion and withdrawal of the insertion catheter (12). The insertion catheter (12) is detachable from the balloon (10), after the balloon (10) has been inflated in the patient's stomach, in a manner which imposes no force or load on the balloon.
Abstract:
A two-stroke pumping device for developing pulsatile fluid flow includes a housing with an internal resilient flexible element (66). The flexible element defines a pair of chambers within the housing, including a pumping chamber (62) and a driving chamber (64). The pumping chamber is connected to a source of the fluid to be pumped and the driving chamber is connected to a pneumatic pressure source adapted to create a pressure differential across the flexible element. The device includes a means responsive to the flexure of the element in the ejection stroke to terminate that stroke and begin the filling stroke. The flexible element oscillates to generate repetitive ejection and filling strokes.