Apparatus and methods are provided for performing mucosectomy, such as to map out gastrointestinal surgery, including endoluminal gastric reduction. In one variation, the apparatus comprises a separating element and an integrated resection element. In one variation, the apparatus is configured to simultaneously separate mucosal tissue from underlying muscularis tissue and to resect the separated mucosal tissue. Methods of using the apparatus are provided.

The destruction of undesired fat cells is achieved by use of a device and method whereby apoptosis inducing factors are delivered to undesired fat cells. Adipose inducing factors, such as UV light, IL-1, TNF and dexamethasone are brought into contact with undesired fat cells through the use of an endoscopic device which facilitates conveyance of such factors to such cells. Repeated delivery of such adipose inducing factors can be achieved by having fiberoptic fibers and/or conveyance tubes left ...

A shock wave lithotrite has a soft iron mass body (33), which is accelerated by the magnetic field produced by a coil (19) and, on impact against a shock receiver (26), abruptly transmits as a shock impulse the kinetic energy thereby accumulated. The shock impulse is transmitted by the shock receiver (26) to an impulse conducting wire (13), passes through the latter in the form of a shock wave propagated between the molecules and passes out at the other end of the wire. The coil (19) can be conn...

Disclosed is a method and apparatus to treat an aneurysm. The method involves the introduction of an embolic material into the aneurysm. The embolic material is adapted to permit tissue ingrowth within the region defined by the aneurysm, which results in treatment of the aneurysm. Preferred embolic materials are those having an open cell structure, such as polyvinyl alcohol foams. Also disclosed is a catheter which may be used to introduce an embolic material into an aneurysm.

Hair is implanted in skin by stitching the hair in a manner to form loops which pass through the subcutaneous tissue and to leave a length of hair protruding from each point of entry of the hair into the skin and a length of hair protruding from each exit point of the hair from the skin. A length of hair from one such stitch is tied to a length of hair from a second such stitch. A novel frame comprising a plurality of spaced posts is suggested for holding loops of hair during the stitching. A no...

A method of implanting artificial hairs in human tissue is disclosed. An artificial hair has a root at one end which is set under the epidermis with a needle means. The needle means has its point shaped for holding an artificial hair at the neck of the root. The root is thrust into an upper region of the hypodermal layer with the needle means. Withdrawing the needle means leaves the root in position, with its tip end turned back, thus permitting the hair to be firmly implanted.

A penile implant for assisting in retaining a urinary collection device on a penis includes an implant of biocompatible material having a ring with a generally D-shaped cross section with the belly of the D extending outwardly and an anchoring sleeve connected to the ring, said ring and sleeve are shaped and sized to be positioned circumferentially about a penis and implanted beneath the penile skin to provide a circumferential outwardly extending protuberance which assists in retaining an elast...

An infant incubator is disclosed having a hood that encloses the infant compartment. In the base of the incubator is the heating air and ducting means and which provides heated through an ever open outlet in the base and which heated air passes from the base through a flow path formed by the hood that circulates around the infant and re-enters the base through an inlet. That heated air is thus introduced into or along the access door in the front of the hood from the outlet and travels through o...

The disclosure relates to a prosthetic device and method for repairing a damaged blood vessel comprising a mat of fibers adjacent the bore of a tube having a disposition substantially parallel to the inner surface of the tube, the mat having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

A penile prosthesis which is adapted to be surgically implanted in man for the treatment of erectile impotence includes a penile implant comprising an elongated, flexible cylindrical member having a short relatively stiff proximal portion which is adapted to be implanted into the root end of the corpus cavernosum to support the implant and an elongated flexible distal portion having a non-distensible tubular chamber substantially filled with a non-compressible fluid and a conical tip. The distal...