A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.

Dynamic fixation device and method of use

A kit and method for causing tissue death within a tissue site is disclosed. The kit includes a media with a light activated drug activatable upon exposure to a particular level of ultrasound energy. The kit also includes a catheter with a lumen coupled with a media delivery port through which the light activated drug can be locally delivered to the tissue site. The ultrasound transducer is configured to transmit the level of ultrasound energy which activates the light activated drug with sufficient power that the ultrasound energy can penetrate the tissue site.

Ultrasound assembly for use with light activated drugs

The devices disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices produce collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen depleted/carbon dioxide rich air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs.

Devices for creating collateral channels

The devices and methods of placement of such devices disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices produce and maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen depleted/carbon dioxide rich air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The medical kits disclosed herein are also directed to produce and maintain collateral openings through airway walls.

Devices and methods for maintaining collateral channels in tissue

The devices and methods disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices and methods produce and to maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The devices and methods also disclose locating and selecting a site for creation of a collateral opening.

Methods and devices for creating collateral channels in the lungs

A probe for use within a catheter is disclosed The probe transducer portion is constructed of a crystal hollow cylinder with an inside lead attached to the inner surface of the crystal cylinder One end of the outside lead is positioned close to the outer surface, in a plane tangential to the outer surface, and is coupled to the outer surface of the crystal cylinder by a thin sputtered layer of conductive material The probe transducer also includes a layer of acoustically absorbing material on the proximal end of the crystal, and layer of acoustically coupling material on the distal end of the crystal cylinder The transducer element simultaneously generates an axially oriented signal beam at one frequency and a radially oriented signal beam at 2 different frequency The signal beams are analyzed to calculate the blood flow area and the blood flow velocity, the product of which is the blood flow rate

Ultrasound probe for use with transport catheter and method of making same

A catheter (10) with several independent lumens (36, 40, 44, 48) for accepting probes (82) and for introducing fluid into a body cavity is disclosed. The first lumen (36) is circular in cross-section, and has a cross-sectional dimension of approximately half the maximum outer dimension of the catheter body (12). The second lumen (40) is crescent-shaped in cross-section and occupies at least a quarter of an arc around the cross-section of the catheter body (12). The large cross-section of the second lumen (40) allows for a high fluid flow rate through the lumen (40). The third lumen (44) allows for inflation of an inflation balloon (when present), and the fourth lumen (48) allows for the passing of a portion of an instrument along the length of the lumen. A probe (82) is also disclosed. The probe transducer portion (92) is constructed of a crystal hollow cylinder (94) with an inside lead (96) attached to the inner surface (106) of the crystal cylinder (94). One end (116) of the outside lead (98) is positioned close to the outer surface (108), in a plane (120) tangential to the outer surface (108), an is coupled to the outer surface (108) of the crystal cylinder (94) by a thin sputtered layer (104) of conductive material. The probe transducer (92) also includes a layer (100) of acoustically absorbing material on the proximal end (124) of the crystal (94), and layer (102) of acoustically coupling material on the distal end (126) of the crystal cylinder (94). The transducer element simultaneously generates an axially oriented signal beam (144) at one frequency and a radially oriented signal beam (146) at a different frequency. The signal beams (144, 146) are analyzed to calculate the blood flow area (A) and the blood flow velocity (V), the product of which is the blood flow rate (Q).

Robert Skidmore

Papers

Ultrasound probe for use with transport catheter and method of making same

Transport catheter and ultrasound probe for use with same