Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of endoscopes, and discloses a confocal endoscope with a fixing device.

Abstract: The helical balloon assist device includes a tubular balloon formed at least partially into an independent helical shape in an uninflated state and an inflation tube in sealed communication with the balloon and extending from the helical balloon assist device in a proximal direction. The helical balloon assist device may include an inner core member formed at least partially into an independent helical shape and supporting the helical shape of the tubular balloon.

Abstract: Apparatus, including an insertion tube, configured to be inserted into a body cavity and having a first lumen having a first lumen diameter and a distal opening, and a tubular channel, having a second lumen and an outer channel diameter smaller than the first lumen diameter, inserted into the first lumen. The apparatus includes a support structure, configured to be passed through a space between an inner wall of the insertion tube and an outer wall of the tubular channel to the distal opening in a folded state and to unfold, upon exit of the support structure through the distal opening, in a direction transverse to the first lumen to reach a support dimension that is greater than the first lumen diameter. A plurality of planar two-dimensional arrays of ultrasonic transducers are supported by the support structure, the arrays having transverse dimensions less than the first lumen diameter.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is positioned within the passageway. The inner shaft defines a lumen. A balloon has a first end coupled to the outer shaft and a second end coupled to the inner shaft such that material can flow through the lumen and into the balloon and exit the balloon through a channel between the inner and outer shafts. A valve is positioned within the channel. The valve is configured to move from a closed orientation in which the valve blocks the channel and an open orientation in which the does not block the channel. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for treating a patient that include a delivery device sized for introduction into a target site within a patient's body, a source of one or more therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents coupled to the delivery device, and a tubular member sized for introduction into the patient's vasculature to isolate the thoracic duct. Once the thoracic duct is isolated, fluid may be removed from the thoracic duct, e.g., to prevent the agents that transit from the target site into the thoracic duct from entering the patient's vasculature, and/or to modulate flow through the thoracic duct to modulate concentration and/or resident time of the agents at the target site. The one or more agents may include particles sized for preferential transit into the lymphatic system.

Abstract: A device can be introduced into the right atrium of a subject's heart by introducing the distal end of a hollow, straight, and stiff shaft into the subject's right internal jugular vein, and advancing the distal end of the shaft into the right atrium via the superior vena cava. The position of the distal end of the shaft is adjusted by manipulating a handle affixed to a portion of the shaft that remains outside the subject's body. The handle can be used to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal axis, rotate the shaft about an anterior-posterior axis, rotate the shaft about a medial-lateral axis, and/or advance the shaft in the caudal direction. A device is advanced through the interior of the shaft until the device extends beyond the distal end of the shaft and into the right atrium.

Abstract: Introducer sheaths and (e.g., guide) catheters with inflatable trapping elements for trapping and/or stabilizing devices (e.g., guidewires, catheters, and/or the like) in a primary lumen of the sheath or catheter. Such sheaths and catheters may be configured for endovascular, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and/or urological procedures.

Abstract: A urinary catheter device having a means for unblocking the catheter includes a tube, which has a distal end that is closed. The tube is resilient and is configured to insert through a urethra of an animal to position the distal end in a bladder. A hole is positioned through a wall of the tube proximate to the distal end and is configured to drain urine from the bladder through a proximal end of the tube, which is open. A channel extends through the wall from a first valve that is coupled to the tube to a chamber that is positioned in the wall proximate to the hole. Introduction of a fluid via the first valve into the chamber expands the chamber and increases a circumference of the hole so that debris that is impeding a flow of the urine through the tube enters and passes through the tube.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an inner shaft with a distal variant portion and a proximal variant portion. A bulged portion is provided at the distal end of a reinforcement member, and the bulged portion is configured to move in an axial direction between the distal variant portion and the proximal variant portion. Thus, the balloon catheter may smoothly pass through a curved blood vessel with improved kink resistance of the reinforcement member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure within a patient's body that involves a thoracic duct including an ostium communicating with the patient's venous system. A distal end of a catheter is introduced through the patient's venous system into a body lumen adjacent the ostium of the thoracic duct. An expandable member on the distal end of the tubular member may be expanded adjacent the ostium, e.g., within the body lumen or the thoracic duct itself, and used to isolate the thoracic duct from the body lumen, whereupon a medical procedure may be performed via the thoracic duct. For example, lymphatic fluid may be removed from the thoracic duct through a lumen of the tubular member and/or one or more agents may be introduced into the thoracic duct through the tubular member.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating risk associated with a condition of the vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating a vessel of a patient includes obtaining physiology measurements from a first instrument and a second instrument positioned within the vessel of the patient while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel from a first position to a second position and the first instrument remains stationary within the vessel; outputting the physiology measurements and an image of the vessel on a display, the output image including visualizations based on the obtained physiology measurements; and evaluating whether to perform to surgical procedure based on the physiology measurements and the image of the vessel.

Abstract: Intravascular delivery system for deployment of a therapeutic device, such as a stent, in a controlled and robust manner is supported by a lockable balloon catheter equipped with a locking mechanism configured to lock in vivo to a delivery component, such as a guidewire. The lockable balloon catheter can be controllably transitioned between a locked and an unlocked modes of operation by inflation/deflation of the balloon of the lockable balloon catheter. Being in the locked mode of operation, the lockable balloon catheter facilitates delivery of the therapeutic element along the delivery component to a target site while enhancing the stability of the delivery component, especially near the target site.

Abstract: Lead extraction is the removal of one or more leads from inside the heart utilizing a lead removal catheter having a tubular sheath that is placed in the blood vessel, either subclavian or femoral. The sheath of the lead removal catheter may accidentally tear or perforate the blood vessel as it is advanced over the lead toward the heart. Such an occurrence must be dealt with quickly to prevent harm to the patient or subject. An expandable member, such as a balloon, attached to the exterior of the sheath of a lead removal catheter can be deployed temporarily adjacent the perforation in the vessel wall. Inflation of the balloon not only stops (or substantially stops) the bleeding, but, upon inflation, the balloon may include one or more channels that allow blood to continue to flow through the channel(s) until the blood vessel perforation can be repaired.

Abstract: The helical balloon assist device includes a tubular balloon formed at least partially into an independent helical shape in an uninflated state and an inflation tube in sealed communication with the balloon and extending from the helical balloon assist device in a proximal direction. The helical balloon assist device may include an inner core member formed at least partially into an independent helical shape and supporting the helical shape of the tubular balloon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of human urinary incontinence may include a flexible tube, a retainer member for the tube, and a valve in the tube which automatically opens in response to a predetermined pressure level in the bladder acting upon the valve.

Abstract: An oral cannula for placement within the oral cavity of a patient for delivery of a treatment gas and for collecting end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) includes a treatment gas delivery lumen including at least one aperture near a distal end of the treatment gas delivery lumen; an end-tidal CO2 sampling lumen. The cannula also includes a cap having (i) a gas diverter adapted for diverting at least a portion of the treatment gas and (ii) an end-tidal CO2 inlet including flutes and apertures there between that are in communication with the end-tidal CO2 sampling lumen. The oral cannula is adapted for custom bending or has a bend such that the oral cannula is insertable and retainable in a patient's mouth and functional for supplying a treatment gas and sampling gas exhaled by the patient.

Abstract: A guide extension catheter includes a proximal shaft, a distal shaft, and a plurality of perfusion openings. The distal shaft includes a jacket and a helical coil structure embedded in the jacket, the distal shaft defining a lumen. The plurality of perfusion openings are disposed though the jacket of the distal shaft between windings of the helical coil structure. The guide extension catheter provides additional back support to the guide catheter. The plurality of perfusion openings allow fluid communication between an area outside the guide extension catheter and the lumen.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon, an inner shaft, an outer shaft, and a reinforcing member that includes a protruded part that contacts with an inner surface of the outer shaft and an outer surface of the inner shaft. A pushing force of an operator can be evenly transmitted to the outer shaft and the inner shaft from the distal end of the reinforcing member, reducing a relative displacement of the outer shaft and the inner shaft.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is positioned within the passageway. The inner shaft defines a lumen. A balloon has a first end coupled to the outer shaft and a second end coupled to the inner shaft such that material can flow through the lumen and into the balloon and exit the balloon through a channel between the inner and outer shafts. A valve is positioned within the channel. The valve is configured to move from a closed orientation in which the valve blocks the channel and an open orientation in which the does not block the channel. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a shaft having a primary region and a reduced diameter region, and an inflatable structure surrounding at least a portion of the reduced diameter region. The reduced diameter region of the shaft allows the deflated size of the inflatable structure to be minimized, while at the same time eliminating the need for the conventional dual lumen balloon catheter construction.

Abstract: A system for supporting or dilating a body vessel includes a balloon catheter with a shaft having a delivery lumen in communication with an interior of the balloon. The balloon includes holes formed in the outer wall of the balloon. Additional or daughter balloons are delivered through the delivery lumen into the cavity of the balloon and through the holes into engagement with the holes. The daughter balloons are inflatable to seal against the holes, and the main balloon is subsequently inflatable when sealed by the daughter balloons. The daughter balloons may be delivered to branch vessels to provide support in addition to the inflation of the main balloon. The system may include preloaded wires extending through the delivery lumen and through the holes, and the daughter balloons can be delivered over the wires to the desired location.

Abstract: A filling needle can be used in a tube set for transferring a flowable medium, in particular a pharmaceutical product. The filling needle has a needle end for temporary insertion in a filling vessel. Furthermore, the filling needle has a connector end for connecting the filling needle to a filling vessel, via which the medium can be supplied to the filling needle. An inner tube lumen of the filling needle is defined by an inner tube layer made of silicone. The result is a filling needle that can be manufactured inexpensively.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: This patent document discloses perfusion catheters and related methods for treating complications related to CTO interventions or dilating a vessel occlusion while maintaining a passage through the treated vessel segment. A perfusion catheter can include a balloon formed of an inflatable tube and an elongate shaft having a lumen for providing inflation fluid to, or withdrawing inflation fluid from, the balloon. The inflatable tube can be coiled in a helical manner around a central axis into a series of windings. Adjacent windings can be stacked against and bonded to each other, and an inner surface of the series of windings, when inflated, can define the passage. The elongate shaft can be eccentrically attached to a proximal portion of the balloon and the shaft's lumen can be in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon, specifically the inflatable tube. The inflatable tube can include two different polymer tubes, one slightly smaller than the other.

Abstract: A balloon catheter can evenly transmit a pushing force applied to a reinforcing member to an outer shaft and an inner shaft by fixing the distal end of the reinforcing member to an adhesion part of the outer shaft and the inner shaft. In a balloon catheter, the distal end of a reinforcing member is fixed by an adhesion part of an outer shaft and an inner shaft. Thus, a pushing force of an operator is evenly transmitted to the outer shaft and the inner shaft from the distal end of the reinforcing member through the adhesion part, reducing a relative displacement of the outer shaft and the inner shaft. Moreover, the adhesion part can reduce the detachment of the distal end of the reinforcing member from the outer shaft or the inner shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: A gastric calibration tube includes a flexible elongate member, a pushing member, and a balloon member. The flexible elongate member has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an outer surface that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The outer surface defines a side opening. The flexible elongate member defines a lumen that is in communication with the side opening. The pushing member has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is advanceable through the lumen of the flexible elongate member and out of the side opening of the flexible elongate member. The balloon member is secured to one or both of the flexible elongate member and the pushing member. The balloon member is inflatable to fix the gastric calibration tube within a patient's stomach.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease, including open angle glaucoma and narrow angle glaucoma. Implants are described herein that create a directed flow field, such as between the anterior chamber and either the supraciliary space or suprachoroidal space. In addition, the implant can include a variety of features, including extruded features, such as rings and pegs, which can assist in preventing ocular tissue from collapsing onto the implant and occluding fluid pathways.

Abstract: A surgical system and method for correction of a bone injury or disorder are provided. The device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end and defining an interior lumen. A valve disposed with the proximal end of the elongated shaft and including a membrane. An inflatable structure is coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A stylet is configured for insertion through the membrane and is removably disposed in the interior lumen of the elongated shaft such that the stylet provides strength to the elongated shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a method for providing access within a patient that may include inserting a medical device through an opening of the patient. The medical device may include an overtube having a lumen and a slot and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the overtube, wherein the elongate member may include an expandable member configured to expand and collapse. The method may further include positioning the medical device proximate a site in the patient, positioning the overtube relative to the elongate member such that a portion of the expandable member faces the slot, and the slot faces the site, and expanding the portion of the expandable member out of the slot and toward the site.

Abstract: A dilation apparatus comprises an elongate member and a dilation assembly that is slidable along the elongate member. The dilation assembly comprises a platform and an inflatable dilator. The platform and the elongate member cooperate to absorb inflation forces from the dilator directed toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, such that the dilation forces are exerted against tissue asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The dilation apparatus may be used to dilate the ethmoid infundibulum in a human patient. Various devices may be used to maintain the dilated state of an ethmoid infundibulum, including a wedge, a mesh, and a tether. An illuminator may be configured to reach around an uncinate process, retract the uncinate process, and then illuminate the ethmoid infundibulum to provide improved visualization of the ethmoid infundibulum.

Abstract: Catheter having a hypotube with a skive defined by a first angled cut, an axial cut, and a second angled cut. A midshaft member includes a guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen in fluid communication with an inflation lumen of the hypotube, the inflation lumen of the midshaft member configured to receive at least a portion of the hypotube. A distal tabular shaft member extends distally from the midshaft member. The distal tubular shaft member has a guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen defined therein, the guidewire lumen of the distal tubular shaft member in fluid communication with the guidewire lumen of the midshaft member. The inflation lumen of the distal tubular shaft member is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the midshaft member and a balloon is coupled to the distal tubular shaft member and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.

Abstract: A coupling includes a first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with the first input port. The first input port may be one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first port may have a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port may have a second glow-in-the-dark feature, which may be different from one another. The coupling may include means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation and a first connector for coupling to the first port.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions with implantable drug delivery devices. One method includes introducing an implant into the suprachoroidal space, wherein the interior volume of the implant is plugged with a drug-release material comprising at least one active agent that elutes through at least one opening in the implant, wherein the drug-release material degrades from the interior volume of the implant over a period time.

Abstract: A indwelling or Foley catheter is provided that has a tapered structure. In an aspect, the catheter includes an elongated cylindrical body having a proximal end configured to lie inside the bladder when inserted into the urinary tract and a distal end configured to extend outside the urinary tract, wherein an outer diameter of the proximal end is larger than an outer diameter of the distal end.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A catheter system for controlling the body temperature of a patient by modifying the temperature of blood flowing within a blood vessel of the patient. The catheter system comprises a catheter body having a heat exchange region in contact with the blood; and a temperature probe having a distal end that extends from the catheter body, thereby monitoring the temperature of blood flowing within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A variably expanding balloon catheter comprises a sequentially stepped outer shell when fully inflated, such as three sequentially increasing steps followed by three sequentially decreasing steps. For example, a balloon catheter comprises a sequentially stepped outer shell, when fully inflated, such that a first section of the outer shell is constrained to a first diameter by the sequentially stepped outer shell, and a second section, adjacent to the first section and attached to the first section by a step transition. The step transition provides a discontinuous change in diameter from the first diameter to the second diameter along a length of the balloon catheter, which may be abrupt.

Abstract: A catheter includes a main body and a distal end tip. The main body includes an inner layer having a first lumen, a coil body wound around an outer periphery of the inner layer and made of a metal, and an outer layer that covers an outer periphery of the coil body. The distal end tip is made of metal and has a second lumen that communicates with the first lumen. The distal end tip is provided at a distal end of the main body, and is bonded to a distal end of the coil body and is bonded to an inner peripheral surface of a distal end portion of the coil body.

Abstract: A shaft for a balloon dilation catheter comprises a proximal portion wherein a guidewire tubular member is disposed coaxially within an outer tubular member, a shaft transitional portion, wherein the guidewire member is disposed within the outer member, with at least one distal tubular member not present in the proximal portion, a shaft distal portion, wherein the guidewire member and the distal members are disposed side-by-side and encased within a distal body, and fluid-tight barrier within a proximal lumen blocking the flow of fluid in the proximal lumen, but allowing the proximal lumen to remain in fluid communication with a distal lumens.

Abstract: Balloon catheter and methods for making and using balloon catheters are disclosed. An example balloon catheter may include a proximal shaft. A midshaft may be attached to the proximal shaft. The midshaft may have an outer wall. A distal shaft may be attached to the midshaft. A balloon may be coupled to the distal shaft. An inflation lumen may be defined that extends from the proximal shaft, through the midshaft, and into the distal shaft. The inflation lumen may be in fluid communication with the balloon. A core wire may be disposed within the inflation lumen and may be attached to the midshaft.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions with implantable drug delivery devices. One method includes introducing an implant into the suprachoroidal space, wherein the interior volume of the implant is plugged with a drug-release material comprising at least one active agent that elutes through at least one opening in the implant, wherein the drug-release material degrades from the interior volume of the implant over a period time.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing an enteral feeding device within a human body, e.g., the stomach, via a stoma are disclosed. One or more systems may comprise a tube having distal and proximal ends, and a lumen extending therebetween, the lumen in communication with an inflatable member and an inflation port, and an inflation medium to supply the inflatable member. The inflation medium may comprise a fluid including a thermosensitive polymer.

Abstract: A method of implanting a spinal cord stimulator lead in the epidural space of a human or animal subject. The method includes discharging a first pressurized fluid through a first lumen in the stimulator lead directly onto a tissue obstruction to form a partial/pilot or full/final opening in the tissue obstruction. If a full opening was not formed sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead, the method further includes inserting a distal-end portion of the stimulator lead into the partial opening and then delivering a second pressurized fluid through a second lumen in the spinal cord stimulator lead and into a balloon for expanding a distensible balloon to clear the tissue obstruction sufficient for passage of the stimulator lead. The method further comprising advancing the stimulator lead past the cleared tissue obstruction and into place for use to deliver therapeutic energy to spinal tissue adjacent the contacts.

Abstract: An emergency transection intervention device has an elongated catheter (4) with a movable nose cone dilator (8) temporarily closing off the first end of the elongate catheter, a haemostatic seal (6) on a second end of the catheter and closing off the second end of the elongate catheter. First and second inflatable balloons (12, 14) are spaced apart on the elongate catheter, and there is an aperture (16) in the elongate catheter between the balloons and the haemostatic seal. The emergency transection intervention device can be deployed into a blood vessel of the human or animal body, during an emergency procedure for instance, with the balloons positioned either side of a damaged portion of the vessel and the balloons inflated such that a region of the vessel between the balloons is isolated. The nose cone dilator can then be advanced to allow blood flow through the elongate catheter and exit through the aperture in the elongate catheter to bypass the damaged portion of the vessel during repair.

Abstract: An introducer sheath. The introducer sheath includes a tubular body. The tubular body extends from a distal end toward a proximal end. The tubular body includes a lumen. The lumen is defined at least partially by a wall. The tubular body includes a secondary channel. The secondary channel is disposed within the wall. The secondary channel is configured to receive a guidewire.

Abstract: Catheter balloon assemblies (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body vessel are provided, as well as related methods of manufacturing and methods of treatment. The catheter balloon assemblies may include a concentrically disposed dual balloon assembly at the distal portion of the catheter having an inner balloon (44), a porous outer balloon (42) concentrically arrayed around the inner balloon and a catheter shaft (30) adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent to the body vessel through the apertures in the outer balloon. Radial outward expansion of the inner balloon may urge the outer balloon into contact with the wall of a body vessel, where the therapeutic agent may be delivered from the catheter shaft through apertures in the outer balloon directly to the wall of the body vessel.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device (1700) includes an elongate catheter shaft comprising multifilar cable tubing (1706) having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a coating (1708) that allows the shaft to provide a patent fluid passage. The distal cable tube end includes a connection structure (1723) configured to provide desirable strength, pushability, and trackability.

Abstract: A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a catheter for site-specific delivery of a therapeutic agent to a blood vessel of a patient. The catheter further includes an elongated shaft having at least one inner lumen, a distal end and a proximal end and proximal and distal vessel-conforming balloons where each is separately positionable and inflatable, and when inflated, substantially restricts blood flow in the vessel and creates a treatment window of a defined but variable length for delivery of the therapeutic agent. The catheter optionally includes at least one marker band adjacent to the proximal balloon and at least one marker band adjacent to the distal balloon. At least one lateral aperture positioned in the window is in fluid communication with a drug delivery conduit located within either the inner shaft or the outer shaft to provide a homogeneous concentration of the therapeutic agent to the window.