Abstract:
A device for securing one or more guide wires (112,114) or intravascular catheters in relation to a connector (100) of a haemostatic valve assembly as used for example in angioplasty, comprises a frame with a body portion (120) and holders (130;132) for securing the connector in relation to the body portion. A locking mechanism secures the one or more guide wires or catheters in relation to the frame when the guide wires or catheters extend through the connector, the guide wires or catheters being intended to guide balloon catheters and/or stents to an artery treatment site. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises two slidable members (142;144) for pressing the guide wires or catheters against an abutment surface, which may be flexible to provide a secure securing of the guide wires or catheters. Alternatively, there may be provided spring-biased or eccentrically, rotationally mounted locking members.
Abstract:
In general, the invention provides methods and compositions useful in the treatment of a neoplasia. These compositions include new components of the Rb pathway that function in chromatin remodeling and antagonize Ras signaling.
Abstract:
A stiffenable balloon catheter assembly capable of being converted from an “over-the-wire” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough to a “rapid-exchange” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough, and vice versa. The catheter has a plurality of lumens, one lumen however, having a side opening with an obstructable galp, the orientation of which, determines the utilization “mode” of the catheter assembly. Stiffening stylets may be adjustably locked into the lumens, depending upon the “mode”, to control the stiffness of the catheter assembly during its utilization within a patient.
Abstract:
A method of handling data in a memory of a network device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of storing portions of a datagram, being handled by a network device, in a memory, where the memory comprises two logic memory blocks, storing at least two pointers with the portions of the datagram in the memory, where one of the at least two pointers points to a next portion of the memory to be accessed, retrieving the portions of the datagram and the at least two pointers when the network device is ready to act on the datagram, polling a register to determine which of the at least two pointers actually points to the next portion, retrieving the next portion, when necessary and acting on the datagram based on the processing of the datagram by the network device.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for combining cost effectiveness of data signal ports sharing a common memory storage device with reliable data signal communication of data signal ports each having a dedicated memory storage device. In one embodiment, data signals are received at a number of data signal ports of a data signal communication platform. A data signal bandwidth capability of a memory storage device of the data communication platform is determined. Once the data signal bandwidth capability of the memory storage device is determined, the memory storage device is segmented to improve utilization of the data signal bandwidth capability. As a result, cost effectiveness of data signal ports sharing a common memory storage device and reliability of data signal communication of data signal ports each having a dedicated memory storage device is combined.
Abstract:
The present invention is a bolus for an enteral feeding tube, or catheter, that is capable of being used in an over-the-wire intubation procedure as well as other intubation procedures. The bolus has a generally tubular body defining a sidewall, a proximal end tube opening capable of being connected to a distal end of the enteral feeding tube, and a generally rounded terminal end having a flattened tip. The bolus includes a fluid opening within the sidewall of the bolus between the proximal end opening and the terminal end of the bolus. An interior surface of the sidewall opposite the fluid opening is curved and slopes upwardly toward a distal end of the fluid opening. The curved interior surface and the fluid opening configuration allows for fluid flow that approximates the fluid flow rate characteristics of an open-ended tube. The fluid opening is biased toward the terminal end of the bolus thereby defining an elongated collar portion adjacent the proximal end tube opening of the bolus. The terminal end of the bolus has an aperture therethrough that forms a stylet passage in communication with the fluid opening. The stylet passage is sized to allow a stylet to pass therethrough when the tube is used in an over-the-wire intubation procedure.
Abstract:
A stent for reinforcement of the lumen of a peristaltic organ is formed by knitting preferably a nitinol wire into a pattern of overlapping loops selected such that from a relaxed state each row of loops may shift axially relative to and independently of the rows on either side. This local lengthening and shortening accommodate peristalsis of the organ without migrating within the organ. A stent is also shown which comprises two resilient cylindrical mesh layers and a semi-permeable compliant membrane such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, sandwiched between. The two mesh layers may be knit of a flexible filament, and the knit may be configured so that the stent can adapt to peristalsis of the body lumen. A method is also shown of manufacturing a delivery system for a resilient tubular device such as a stent so that the device can be inserted into the body in a substantially reduced diameter. The method uses a confining block having a bore and a slot leading into the bore. The tubular device is pinched and inserted into the bore and the slot, two mandrels are inserted into the bore, one inside the device and one outside and the mandrels are revolved about each other to roll the device on itself.
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:
An apparatus for connecting tubing which comprises a connector body having an inner lumen and an outer surface, a connector sleeve having an inner surface which defines a passageway, at least a portion of the connector body insertable into the connector sleeve and the surfaces thereof in slidable engagement, a shoulder and a latch on the surfaces in slidable engagement, and the latch positioned to engage with the shoulder to lock the connector body inserted within the connector sleeve.
Abstract:
A stent for reinforcement of the lumen of a peristaltic organ is formed by knitting preferably a nitinol wire into a pattern of overlapping loops selected such that from a relaxed state each row of loops may shift axially relative to and independently of the rows on either side. This local lengthening and shortening accommodate peristalsis of the organ without migrating within the organ. A stent is also shown which comprises two resilient cylindrical mesh layers and a semi-permeable compliant membrane such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, sandwiched between. The two mesh layers may be knit of a flexible filament, and the knit may be configured so that the stent can adapt to peristalsis of the body lumen. A method is also shown of manufacturing a delivery system for a resilient tubular device such as a stent so that the device can be inserted into the body in a substantially reduced diameter. The method uses a confining block having a bore and a slot leading into the bore. The tubular device is pinched and inserted into the bore and the slot, two mandrels are inserted into the bore, one inside the device and one outside and the mandrels are revolved about each other to roll the device on itself.