Abstract: The system and method for reducing or eliminating obstructive sleep apnea in patients with the use of a nasopharyngeal device. The nasopharyngeal device has at least one cup and a balloon-cuff located at opposing ends of a semi-rigid, solid-walled tube. The balloon-cuff is reversibly inflatable and is located adjacent to the soft palate of a patient when installed. The inflation of the balloon-cuff opens the airway in a patient thereby reducing obstructive sleep apnea. The one or more cups have perforations, holes, slots or the like for increasing air intake. The cups may also contain clips for securing the nasopharyngeal device in place.

Abstract: Medical systems are described herein. More particularly, the disclosure relates to medical systems, methods, and kits useful in providing the diameter of a balloon during the performance of a procedure. An exemplary medical system comprises a balloon catheter, an inflation device, and a measuring device having one or more indicia. Each indicium of the one or more indicia has a form that corresponds to the nominal value of a balloon diameter.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for providing a direct visual indication of the relative inflationary condition of the balloon on a balloon catheter after insertion into the patient. In certain exemplary embodiments, a gastrostomy tube catheter is disclosed having a fluid feeding lumen and a balloon inflation lumen, a balloon communicating with the balloon inflation lumen, and an indicator strip having one end fixedly attached to the balloon and a free end movable along the length of the tube in accordance with the relative inflation and deflation of the balloon. The presence of the free end of the strip along an exposed portion of the gastrostomy tube serves as a direct visual indicator of a deflated condition of the balloon.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to devices and methods for local delivery of therapeutic agents to the wall of a bodily lumen with minimal shearing damage to the therapeutic agents, more specifically to the wall of a blood vessel following atherectomy. A preferred delivery mechanism comprises a balloon, or double balloon, though any distal catheter design may be used to reduce shear stress and to conserve and/or isolate the therapeutic substance.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device, particularly for use of the device to pressurize balloon catheters, or the like. The device includes a plunger which is displaceable through a housing, and an actuating mechanism which engages the plunger. The actuating mechanism includes a nut member that is biased into engagement with a threaded portion of the plunger. The device has a press-to-release feature wherein the plunger is instantly releaseable by simply depressing a control surface to overcome a restorative spring force. Subsequently, the plunger can be translated using macro movements (i.e., by pushing or pulling the plunger).

Abstract: An ostomy device that comprises an adhesive wafer for attaching to the skin around the stoma. The wafer comprises an adhesive layer having a proximal adhesive side and a distal side, where the distal side is covered with a backing layer. The wafer comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion, and it comprises a proximal section located on the proximal side of the central portion and a distal section visually arranged on the distal side of peripheral portion, wherein the distal section changes colour when the proximal section is exposed to fluid.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device, particularly for use of the device to pressurize balloon catheters, or the like. The device includes a plunger which is displaceable through a housing, and an actuating mechanism which engages the plunger. The actuating mechanism includes a nut member that is biased into engagement with a threaded portion of the plunger. The device has a press-to-release feature wherein the plunger is instantly releaseable by simply depressing a toggle lever of the nut member to overcome a restorative spring force. Subsequently, the plunger can be translated using macro movements (i.e., by pushing or pulling the plunger).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to devices and methods for local delivery of therapeutic agents to the wall of a bodily lumen with minimal shearing damage to the therapeutic agents, more specifically to the wall of a blood vessel following atherectomy. A preferred delivery mechanism comprises a balloon, or double balloon, though any distal catheter design may be used to reduce shear stress and to conserve and/or isolate the therapeutic substance.

Abstract: A catheter assembly incorporating a pre-biased indicator, the assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and catheter walls defining a catheter lumen. The assembly further includes a base located at the proximal end of the catheter, the base defining an opening to the catheter lumen, the base having a first end and a second end. An inflatable balloon having a predetermined fill volume is located at a distal end of the catheter. An inflation valve is located on the base; the inflation valve is in fluid communication with the balloon through an inflation lumen defined by the catheter walls. The pre-biased indicator located on the base in fluid communication with the balloon is configured to provide a discrete visual signal that the pressure of a fluid in the balloon is different from a predetermined level of pressure or the volume of the balloon is different from the predetermined fill volume.

Abstract: A combination aspiration/irrigation and illumination device using optical fibers circumferentially disposed around the aspiration conduit for transmitting illuminating light to a cavity to be aspirated. The ends of the optical fibers being formed at an angle relative to the aspiration conduit so as to direct the illuminating light inward to provide intensified illumination ahead of the aspiration conduit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for visually distinguishing an inflation balloon from a distal tip of an anastomosis device with an unassisted eye so as to enhance patient safety during an anastomosis procedure. The anastomosis device can comprise a visual reference intermediate the inflation balloon and the distal tip to visually differentiate the distal tip from the inflation balloon. The visual reference can include a colored band to assist a medical profession in determining which portions of the anastomosis device can be grasped or otherwise handled so as to avoid damage to the inflation balloon during manipulation of the anastomosis device such as during removal of the anastomosis device from packaging or during deployment of the anastomosis device during the anastomosis procedure.

Abstract: A medical device for use with an endoscope is provided. The medical device can include a tube with a first channel for receiving the endoscope. A transparent segment can extend from the distal end of the tube, and the transparent segment can have a first outer diameter sized for providing dilation of a portion of a body lumen. The medical device can also include a tapered tip attached to the distal end of the transparent segment that narrows from the first outer diameter to a distal terminating end. The endoscope is used to view the body lumen through the medical device while in use to dilate a stricture under direct visualization.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device having an external inflationary indicator is disclosed which comprises an external retention member having a tubular member extending therefrom for providing a fluid pathway to a patient's gastrointestinal tract. The external retention member includes a fluid conduit in communication with a inflationary lumen for providing fluid to inflate a balloon member attached to the tubular member. The inflationary indicator includes a thin wall section of the external retention member which forms a flexible membrane that defines first and second portions divided by a separating bar. The flexible membrane assumes a convex shape when the balloon member is in an inflated condition, while it assumes a concave shape when in the deflated condition. The shape in shape of the flexible membrane provides the user with a visual and tactile indication as to the inflationary state of the balloon member.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and its pilot balloon system visually indicate the state of the inflation of a balloon placed in a human body. The small pilot balloon is conveniently manufactured by blow molding utilizing substantially the same material and has substantially the same structure as the main balloon. The pilot balloon is useful for a catheter with balloon or a tube with cuff where the balloon or the cuff is made of a very resilient material. The preferred material is a blend of composition having certain properties comprising styrenic thermoplastic elastomer and polyolefin.