Abstract: A needle assembly for medical or surgical use is disclosed, such as for hemodialysis. A representative needle assembly comprises an outer needle assembly and an integral needle tip protector. A representative outer needle assembly comprises: an outer needle comprising: a first lumen; a first aperture with a sharp needle tip at a first distal end of the outer needle; and a second aperture arranged opposite the first aperture. In another embodiment, the outer needle has a longitudinal slot and the integral needle tip protector includes a sliding connector which is slidable in the longitudinal slot. The integral needle tip protector is arranged within the first lumen and moveable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and comprises: a needle tip cover arranged to shield the sharp needle tip in the extended configuration, the needle tip cover having a smooth or beveled distal surface forming a blunt tip.

Abstract: A arteriovenous banding device may include a band comprising a first end and a second end, the band extending circumferentially around a central axis to define a central channel having a first diameter, a housing coupled to the first end of the band and defining a housing slot to accept the second end of the band, wherein the housing is disposed outside of the central channel, a screw disposed within the housing and comprising at least one thread disposed adjacent to or abutting the band; and an actuator coupled to the screw, wherein the actuator causes rotation of the screw which causes the second end of the band to move away from or towards the first end of the band such that the first diameter of the central channel changes.

Abstract: Representative embodiments of a catheter, e.g., a dialysis catheter, and a method of use of the catheter, are disclosed. A representative catheter includes a catheter body and a balloon coupled to the catheter body. The catheter body includes first, second, and third ports, with the second port arranged spaced apart longitudinally from the first port; and first, second, and third lumens, the first lumen in fluid communication with the first port, the second lumen in fluid communication with the second port, and the third lumen in fluid communication with the third port. The balloon is arranged between the first and second ports, and is coupled to the third port. The balloon is inflatable using a fluid injected through a connecting tube and into the third lumen, helping to remove any fibrin sheath which may have formed around the first and second ports, and diminish recirculation of blood during dialysis.

Abstract: A needle assembly for medical or surgical use is disclosed, such as for hemodialysis. A representative needle assembly comprises an outer needle assembly and an integral needle tip protector. A representative outer needle assembly comprises: an outer needle comprising: a first lumen; a first aperture with a sharp needle tip at a first distal end of the outer needle; and a second aperture arranged opposite the first aperture. In another embodiment, the outer needle has a longitudinal slot and the integral needle tip protector includes a sliding connector which is slidable in the longitudinal slot. The integral needle tip protector is arranged within the first lumen and moveable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and comprises: a needle tip cover arranged to shield the sharp needle tip in the extended configuration, the needle tip cover having a smooth or beveled distal surface forming a blunt tip.

Abstract: A needle assembly for medical or surgical use is disclosed, such as for hemodialysis. A representative needle assembly comprises an outer needle assembly and an integral needle tip protector. A representative outer needle assembly comprises: an outer needle comprising: a first lumen; a first aperture with a sharp needle tip at a first distal end of the outer needle; and a second aperture arranged opposite the first aperture. In another embodiment, the outer needle has a longitudinal slot and the integral needle tip protector includes a sliding connector which is slidable in the longitudinal slot. The integral needle tip protector is arranged within the first lumen and moveable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and comprises: a needle tip cover arranged to shield the sharp needle tip in the extended configuration, the needle tip cover having a smooth or beveled distal surface forming a blunt tip.

Abstract: Various implementations include an arteriovenous graft device. The device includes an outer conduit and an inner conduit. The outer conduit has a first outer conduit end and a second outer conduit end opposite the first outer conduit end. The first outer conduit end defines an outer conduit opening extending from the first outer conduit end to the second outer conduit end. The first outer conduit end is configured to be in fluid communication with an artery and the second outer conduit end is configured to be in fluid communication with a vein. The inner conduit defines an inner conduit opening. The inner conduit is sized to be disposed within the outer conduit opening. The inner conduit is movable between a collapsed position and an expandable position.

Abstract: A catheter may include a catheter body having a tubular shape, a cuff encircling the catheter body, and a wire mesh attached to and encircling the catheter body. The cuff may be configured for facilitating fibrous tissue growth. The wire mesh may be configured for radially expanding away from the catheter body.

Abstract: Representative embodiments of a catheter, e.g., a dialysis catheter, and a method of use of the catheter, are disclosed. A representative catheter includes a catheter body and a balloon coupled to the catheter body. The catheter body includes first, second, and third ports, with the second port arranged spaced apart longitudinally from the first port; and first, second, and third lumens, the first lumen in fluid communication with the first port, the second lumen in fluid communication with the second port, and the third lumen in fluid communication with the third port. The balloon is arranged between the first and second ports, and is coupled to the third port. The balloon is inflatable using a fluid injected through a connecting tube and into the third lumen, helping to remove any fibrin sheath which may have formed around the first and second ports, and diminish recirculation of blood during dialysis.

Abstract: A needle assembly for medical or surgical use is disclosed, such as for hemodialysis. A representative needle assembly comprises an outer needle assembly and an integral needle tip protector. A representative outer needle assembly comprises: an outer needle comprising: a first lumen; a first aperture with a sharp needle tip at a first distal end of the outer needle; and a second aperture arranged opposite the first aperture. In another embodiment, the outer needle has a longitudinal slot and the integral needle tip protector includes a sliding connector which is slidable in the longitudinal slot. The integral needle tip protector is arranged within the first lumen and moveable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and comprises: a needle tip cover arranged to shield the sharp needle tip in the extended configuration, the needle tip cover having a smooth or beveled distal surface forming a blunt tip.