Abstract:
The invention features a catheter having a stylet that increases columnar strength and axial force transmission ("pushability") of the catheter shaft. This aspect of the invention features the stylet extending distally beyond an exit port which is used in rapid catheter exchange and being embedded in the catheter shaft, there being a stress-transferring relationship between the exterior of the stylet and the substance defining the shaft at least in the vicinity of the exit port, the stylet with the embedded relationship increasing the columnar strength of the shaft in the region of the port and increasing the pushability of the catheter.
Abstract:
A stent assembly, delivery system and method of manufacture therefor. A stent assembly includes a compact stent. A dissolvable material impregnates the stent in liquid form. In its cured, solid form, the material contains the stent in its compact form. When the stent is positioned in a vessel, the temperature and liquids in the vessel dissolve the material thereby to release the stent for positioning in a final configuration. The expansion of the stent then allows removal of the delivery system.
Abstract:
An improved enteral feeding tube (10) having a distal (12) and a proximal end (14). The tube (10) has a generally circular cross-section, and includes an attachment (22) made of flexible polyurethane that is adhered to the distal end (12) of the enteral feeding tube (10). The attachment (22) comprises a generally rigid stem portion (24) extending from the distal end (12) of the enteral tube (10), and along an axis generally parallel to the axis of the feeding tube. The attachment (22) further comprises a spherical tip (28) at one end of the rigid stem portion (24).
Abstract:
An improved device for aspetic dispensing of enteral feeding solutions from shape retentive, pre-filled containers. The device including a distensible hanger member formed around only the end panels of the container to suspend the container in an orientation to define only a single uppermost corner and a single lowermost corner. The device further including corner attachment members for firmly securing a therapeutic fluid dispensing column only to the uppermost and lowermost corners of the container. The fluid dispensing column having venting and dispensing spikes. The spikes having an outer configuration which forms leak-proof seals with an aperture formed in the container. The spikes further including an arrangement of laterally opposed inlet ports joined to a large diameter axial bore.
Abstract:
A unique device for intubating an ostomy, formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique including a multi-lumen tube, having at least a fluid delivery lumen and an inflation lumen. The tube includes a port near one end to dispose the inflation lumen to ambient air and an outlet at an other end to convey fluid from within the fluid lumen into a patient. A retention member, preferably an inflatable cuff, is joined near the other end of the tube and is inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. In a deflated state, the cuff assumes an edge-free outer configuration to facilitate intubation of the device into the patient. In a fully inflated state, the cuff assumes an outer configuration defining an edged, generally flat surface to more diffusely contact and abut against inner tissue surfaces surrounding the gastrostomy. Joined to the one end of the tube is an elongated tapered sleeve which encloses the one end of the tube. The tapered end of the sleeve carries a suture loop for use in intubating the device. The sleeve includes a skirt portion which creates a circumferential air-tight seal about the tube to selectively seal the ambient air port. The skirt portion is air pressure responsive to permit escape of air from the inflation lumen through the port but preventing the ingress of air into the inflation lumen through the port.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic valve assembly of the type having a tube for guiding the plunger armature which tube also supports the surrounding coil unit. A U-shaped yoke surrounds the coil and a housing is provided. The tube, which is attached to a valve casing, has an annular recess at the opposite end for receiving the slotted ring of a ring and nut pair which uses the tube as an abutment for biasing the yoke and the housing towards the valve casing. A lock ring is between the slotted ring and the yoke which has a first lug in a slot of the slotted member and a second lug in a recess in the housing to prevent relative rotation between the slotted ring and the housing.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the delivery of cosmetics and medicants. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions comprising both hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to the delivery of peptides, small molecules and other bioactive compounds using the compositions and methods disclosed herein.
Abstract:
A network device for correcting corrupted memory locations. The network device includes a plurality of free pointers, each of which points to a free memory location. The network device also includes a plurality of cell locations for storing information, each of the plurality of cell locations comprising a field for storing a pointer to another cell location. Upon retrieving information from one of the plurality of cell locations, the device includes means for determining if the pointer to the current cell location is valid and for storing a valid pointer with the plurality of free pointers.
Abstract:
A network device for minimizing latency and correcting errors associated with information transmitted from an external memory device. The network device includes a management unit for requesting information stored on at least one external memory device. The network device also includes a command unit for transmitting a request from the management unit to the external memory device. The command unit maintain at least one counter that is associated with current requests and compares the at least one counter to at least one predefined threshold in order to throttle the management unit when the at least one counter exceeds the at least one threshold. The network device further includes means for aligning information from the at least one external memory device with information transmitted from the command unit to the management unit and for ensuring that aligned information is accurate.
Abstract:
An expandable balloon for use in angioplasty procedures comprises a balloon having an outer surface layer, the outer surface layer being made from electrospun nanofibers and incorporating at least one pharmaceutically active substance, such as nitric oxide (NO). The outer surface layer may be formed on a separate flexible tubular member or sock, which is slipped over the balloon. A method of treating cell disorders in tubular structures of a living being comprises the steps of placing a coated balloon at a treatment site within the tubular structures, expanding the balloon at the treatment site, and releasing the pharmaceutically active substance at the treatment site. Optionally, a stent may be crimped onto the balloon prior to insertion of the balloon and scent into the tubular structures of the living being.