Abstract:
An improved self-sealing gasket provides hemostasis while reducing the force required to move a catheter or guidewire positioned within the gasket. Slits formed on one surface of the gasket intersect with a central aperture formed on the opposite face of the gasket. An annular ring formed on the gasket assists in retaining the gasket within a catheter introducer. An annular shelf may be provided distally of the gasket to prevent dislodgement of the gasket if an instrument is inserted into the introducer off axially.
Abstract:
The present invention is an implantable device that is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue or organ over a long period of time. The implantable device is especially suited for treating tissues and organs that are comprised of smooth muscle. The implantable device can deliver either a single therapeutic agent or a plurality of therapeutic agents to the tissue or organ at zero order kinetics.
Abstract:
A dilatation balloon having at least one helical groove disposed in at least a portion of the dilating surface of the dilatation balloon is mounted on the distal end of a catheter shaft. Multiple helical grooves may be provided in the dilatation balloon extending parallel to each other or opposite to each other in the dilating surface. Each helical groove has a pitch, width and depth. According to one aspect of the invention, the pitch, width and depth of the helical groove, as well as the number of grooves, are selected to allow perfusion of blood past the dilatation catheter when the dilatation balloon is inflated in a blood vessel. According to another aspect of the invention, the pitch, width, and depth of the helical groove, as well as the number of grooves, are selected so that the dilatation balloon conforms to a tortuous blood vessel and does not straighten the blood vessel during dilation. According to another aspect of the invention, the pitch, width, and depth of the helical groove, as well as the number of grooves, are selected to control the diametrical compliance of the dilatation balloon. The pitch, width, and depth of the helical groove may be selected to provide both conformance to the shape of tortuous blood vessels and diametrical compliance. The helical groove also permits the dilatation balloon to deflate without "winging", i.e., forming undesirable flat folds that extend outward from the rest of the catheter.
Abstract:
There is disclosed herein a process for preparing an oriented polyethylene terephthalate article, by (a) surface treating the article to obtain good adhesive bonding by increasing the concentration of surface polar groups, and then (b) contacting the treated surface with suitable solvent that preserves the good adhesive bonding characteristics but removes undesirable blocking characteristics.
Abstract:
A composite prosthesis (10) and method for limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions. The composite (10) includes a mesh fabric (12) and a barrier (14) which prevents exposure of the mesh fabric (12) to areas of potential adhesion. The interstices of the mesh fabric (12) are infiltrated by tissue which secures the prosthesis in place. The composite is positioned with the barrier (14) relative to the region of potential adhesion, such as the abdominal viscera.
Abstract:
Apparatus (14) for use in removing atherosclerotic plaque (10) deposits in a blood vessel (12) comprises a high power laser (42), an elongated, flexible catheter (18) adapted to be inserted into and advanced through the blood vessel (12), a plurality of circumferentially arrayed optical fibers (22) extending axially through the catheter, and an ultrasonic transducer (26) at the distal end of the catheter for transmitting acoustical energy toward a selected area of the inner surface of a blood vessel (12) in response to laser energy coupled through any one of the optical fibers (22) and impinging upon the transducer (26). A detector (32, 34, 36) proximal of the ultrasonic transducer is responsive to ultrasonic energy reflected from the blood vessel (12) and produces a signal indicative of the tissue interfaces of the blood vessel. Laser energy can be transmitted from the high power laser (42) through the same optical fiber used for the diagnostic procedure to ablate plaque in the blood vessel.
Abstract:
A handpiece (10) for a surgical irrigation and suction device includes a trigger operated valving mechanism which controls the release of irrigation fluid. The valving mechanism includes a flexible tube (38) which defines a portion of the irrigation conduit (40). The valving mechanism further includes a hook and rib arrangement (84, 86, 88) in which the flexible tube (38) can be drawn into a V-shaped kinked configuration which closes off flow through the tube. The spring (90) is connected to a trigger (24) which, when squeezed, shifts positions of the spring (90) to release the kink and permit liquid flow. An irrigation wand (16) may be provided with a special nozzle (108) which directs a plurality of streams of irrigation fluid in a single plane spray pattern. A retainer clip (74) may be provided to prevent inadvertent separation of the wands (16, 18).