Aquintel, Inc.

Fe Rx Incorporated

Staodyn, Inc.

Valleylab, Inc.

Robert K Mitchiner

Thierry G Vancaillie

David W Newton

Thomas B Kent

Caryn Peterson

Scott Raymond Rudge

David F Glover

Benson C Weaver

A magnet keeper-shield assembly adapted to hold and store a permanent magnet used to generate a high gradient magnetic field that, in one embodiment, may penetrate into deep targeted tumor sites in order to attract magnetically responsive micro-carriers. The magnet keeper-shield assembly includes a magnetically permeable keeper-shield with a bore dimensioned to hold the magnet. A lever mechanism is used to push the magnet partially out of the keeper-shield. The actuator is assisted by several springs extending through the base of the keeper-shield.

Permanent magnet keeper-shield assembly

A magnet keeper-shield assembly adapted to hold and store a permanent magnet used to generate a high gradient magnetic field. Such a field may penetrate into deep targeted tumor sites in order to attract magnetically responsive micro-carriers. The magnet keeper-shield assembly includes a magnetically permeable keeper-shield with a bore dimensioned to hold the magnet. A screw driven actuator is used to push the magnet partially out of the keeper-shield. The actuator is assisted by several springs extending through the base of the keeper-shield.

A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorption rate and tissue loss rate in a patient during a surgical procedure. The monitor estimates fluid source flow rates and waste fluid flow rates based on weight changes per unit time or direct reading fluid flow rate meters. Tissue loss flow rates are estimated based on tissue concentration measurable in waste irrigation fluid using an optical comparator, and are used to correct waste fluid flow rates. Correct waste fluid flow rates are used in turn to obtain estimated fluid absorption rates.

Method of surgical fluid analysis

Surgical fluid and tissue loss monitor

A disposable surgical drape comprising a folding funnel, folding frame means, and splash shield functions as a fluid collector for use during surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends over the operating table end to direct fluid flow to a folding funnel which is shaped and positioned as desired with folding frame means. Fluid draining into the funnel is collected for measurement. Folding frame means impart a substantially frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal shape to the funnel in use and employ one or more hinged struts to help maintain the funnel mouth substantially open and horizontal.

Disposable surgical drape

A disposable surgical drape having a folding funnel, folding frame means, and splash shield functions as a fluid collector for use during surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends over the operating table end to direct fluid flow to a folding funnel which is shaped and positioned as desired with folding frame means. Fluid draining into the funnel is collected for measurement. Folding frame means impart a substantially frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal shape to the funnel in use and employ one or more hinged struts to help maintain the funnel mouth substantially open and horizontal.

A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorbed by a patient during an endoscopic surgical procedure. The monitor comprises means for weighing fluid administered to the patient intravenously, as well as that introduced through the endoscope for irrigation purposes. In addition, means are provided for weighing fluid recovered from the patient, the endoscope, and the surgical drapes. The total weight of fluid administered, reduced by subtracting the total weight of fluid recovered, comprises the calculated fluid absorbed. Through manual entries and/or switch settings, computing means maintain totals of fluid administered and fluid collected even as fluid sources are replaced and the fluid collector is emptied. Optional verticality compensation means and anti-rotation devices are included.

Surgical fluid monitor

A disposable wound treatment electrode is disclosed that is usable in combination with a releasable connector for enabling effective delivery of an electrical signal to a patient. The electrode and connector are configured so that the connector provides a readily accessible tool to facilitate disposal of the electrode after use, and a method of utilization for effecting this end is also disclosed. The electrode includes an electrically non-conductive cover sheet, an electrically conductive and preferably non-metallic disperser formed at least in part by carbon and having a portion, preferably integral with the remainder of the disperser, that extends through an aperture in the interior portion of the cover sheet, and a non-adhering wound contact sheet. In addition, protectors are provided for an integral portion of the disperser extending through the cover sheet, a retainer is provided to receive an electrically conductive skin moisturizer, and/or the peripheries of the cover sheet and the wound contact sheet are sealed together to form a closed envelope.

Disposable wound treatment electrode

An elongated strip electrode arrangement and method are disclosed. The electrode includes an electrically conductive layer having a layer of conductive adhesive at one side and an electrically non-conductive layer at the other side with the non-conductive layer having a series of longitudinally spaced pairs of apertures therein through which a connector pin is insertable to establish and maintain electrical contact between the pin and the conductive layer. The apertures of each aperture pair are closely spaced from one another so that a connector pin when inserted through one of the apertures a sufficient distance can extend from the electrode through the other aperture. The longitudinally extending series of aperture pairs enables selection of electrode strips of different lengths from a roll of the strip electrode. The strip electrode includes an elongated non-conductive strip of small width aligned with the series of aperture pins and positioned between the conductive layer and the adhesive layer to provide user protection, and a piece of adhesive can also be utilized to further prevent retraction of a pin when positioned in an aperture pair.

Elongated strip electrode arrangement and method

Cryosurgical apparatus for necrosing human tissue or the like, the apparatus comprising a coolant supply where coolant comprising nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, Freon 13 or Freon 23 is disposed within a container as a liquid under its own vapor pressure; pressure elevating means for increasing the vapor pressure so that it is greater than what it would be at room temperature and for maintaining the elevated vapor pressure substantially constant; a cryosurgical instrument having a hollow tissue contacting portion and a coolant expansion means disposed at the distal end of a feed passageway and a discharge path disposed outside of the passageway; and means for supplying the coolant to the feed passageway of the cryosurgical instrument so that the temperature of the coolant discharged through the expansion means is lowered. Means are also disclosed including switchable valve means connected to the discharge path of the cryosurgical instrument, the switchable valve means being switchable to a first position freeze mode to exhaust the coolant from the apparatus and to a second position defrost mode for closing the switchable valve means; defrost discharge means also connected to the discharge path of the cryosurgical instrument, the flow impedance of the defrost discharge means being substantially greater than that of the switchable valve means when it is in its first position freeze mode and substantially less than that of the switchable valve means when it is in its second position defrost mode.

Growing community of inventors

Longmont, CO, United States of America

Robert K Mitchiner