Abstract: A lock for positioning a first medical device with respect to a second medical device includes a spacer for preventing advancement of the first medical device towards the second medical device. The spacer is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the spacer is moved transverse to the longitudinal axis with respect to the unlock position. The lock further includes a rotary stop integral with the spacer for fixing the rotational position of the first medical device with respect to the second medical device. The lock further includes a clip integral with the spacer and removably securable to the first medical device in a first position to secure the spacer in the unlock position, and removably securable to the first medical device in a second position to secure the spacer in the lock position.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to devices and related methods for delivering a composition to a subject. In some embodiments, a device may include a catheter coupled to a handle. The handle may include proximal and distal handle portions that are moveable relative to one another to selectively expose a needle at a distal end of the catheter. The proximal handle portion may include a container coupling and a grip extending proximally from the container coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a targeted cardiac therapy device that can precisely deliver therapeutic compounds to desired locations on, around or within the heart of a patient, and methods of treating conduction system disease, sinus node dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, using the described devices to deliver genetically engineered vectors or cells, proteins, stem cells, small molecule pharmaceuticals and biologics.

Abstract: Tortuosity of vessels at or leading to the site of minimally invasive procedures is a problem for conducting such procedures as they increase the difficulty to guide the procedural catheters through tortuous vessels. Methods and apparatus for stabilization of the sheaths and catheters during access, procedures, and withdrawal in these tortuous vessels are disclosed. The apparatus and method for improving access include application of a pull component to the stabilized procedural catheter using a stabilization catheter/wire in addition to a push component from the percutaneous access to make the access easier while enabling use of more flexible catheters and softer wires. These methods and devices address the problems of trauma to the vessels during access, procedure and removal of catheters and wires, improve pushability of softer catheters and wires, and also substantially reduce substantially the procedure time.

Abstract: A surgical access attachment for use with a surgical access device is disclosed. The surgical access attachment includes a ring and an access portion assembly. The ring is configured to engage a proximal portion of a surgical access device. The access portion assembly includes at least one flexible tab having an engagement structure. The engagement structure is configured to selectively engage the ring. The access portion assembly is configured to retain a seal. The access portion assembly is configured to disengage from the ring in response to a predetermined amount of force exerted on one flexible tab of the at least one flexible tab.

Abstract: A medical device used to percutaneously gain access to a targeted site within a living body, for example the left ventricle of the heart. The device is comprised of an inner tubular member, outer tubular member, and an adjustable control handle. The control handle can precisely control the relative position of the inner tubular member relative to the outer member by providing feedback to the operator. This feedback provided by the control handle allows the operator to precisely maneuver the catheter within a body and change the shape of the catheter system without taking his/her eyes off the task that he/she is performing. The control handle is designed to precisely change the catheter system from one tip shape to another tip shape and back. Described herein are methods to use such devices.

Abstract: A medical device and use thereof provide percutaneous access to a targeted site within a living body, for example the left ventricle of the heart. The device includes an inner tubular member, outer tubular member, and an adjustable control handle. The control handle can precisely control the relative position of the inner tubular member relative to the outer member by providing feedback to the operator. This feedback provided by the control handle allows the operator to precisely maneuver the catheter within a body and change the shape of the catheter system without taking his/her eyes off the task that he/she is performing. The control handle is designed to precisely change the catheter system from one tip shape to another tip shape and back.

Abstract: A surgical method includes accessing a depressed bone fragment of a depression fracture with a surgical assembly. The surgical assembly includes a cannula and an obturator receivable through the cannula. The method further includes positioning the depressed bone fragment toward its original anatomical position using a blunt tip of the obturator. The method also includes injecting a liquid repair material through the cannula to the depression fracture to repair the depression fracture.

Abstract: A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in fluid communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in fluid communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in fluid communication with the second lumen, wherein the second lumen is configured to receive both a guidewire and a drug solution, (e) an occlusion balloon, (f) a drug delivery balloon, where the occlusion balloon and the drug delivery balloon are in fluid communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen.

Abstract: The use of bifurcated catheter is disclosed for stabilizing working catheters for carotid percutaneous intervention of vessels originating from a tortuous aortic arch, which uses guide wires that used to enable the catheters accessing the left or right carotid arteries (CA). Also disclosed is the use of two independent catheters or a catheter and snare wire within a single sheath, as well as the implementations, associated problems and corrective solutions to the identified problems. Further additional uses of the bifurcated catheter/dual catheter, for access to and treatment of other exemplary tortuous locations where stability of the procedural catheter would make a difference are also disclosed in the current application.

Abstract: A telescoping catheter including an elongated tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The tubular member includes a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment. The first tubular segment and the second tubular segment are slidable relative to one another to vary a length of the tubular member. The first tubular segment includes a first connector mateable with a second connector of the second tubular segment to selectively maintain the first and second tubular segments in an extended position. The second tubular segment includes a second proximal end that is mateable with a handle.

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 aspiration conduit having a tip that is detachably affixed to and end of the aspiration conduit. The optical fibers terminated at a distance (d) from a distal end of the tip. Also provided is an image fiber(s) for transmitting image data from the distal end of the device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for insertion into the brain. The assembly comprises a first length of tubing made of a first material. A second material surrounds the first length of tubing, the second material being more flexible than the first material and having a hardness of less than 50 Rockwell E. The second material provides damping to the first length of tubing.

Abstract: Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent into a substrate, comprising one or more lumens and a curved delivery element, said lumen serving as a guide for said curved delivery element outside of the substrate; said curved delivery element comprising openings on its distal tip, said distal tip comprising a distal zone and a proximal zone, said injection catheter being characterized in that the specific surface in said distal zone of said distal tip of said curved delivery element is higher than the specific surface in said proximal zone of said distal tip of said curved delivery element. The invention also relates to a process for delivering a therapeutic agent into a substrate.

Abstract: A surgical drain system includes a drain tube and an obturator configured for insertion in a wound. The obturator can be either solid or hollow, and be positioned inside the drain tube. Alternatively, the obturator can surround the drain tube. The obturator can prevent or limit penetration of a needle through the drain tube as the wound is closed around the drain tube with a suture. In addition, the obturator provides a support that holds the shape of the drain tube during wound closure so that the drain tube is not deformed or crimped by the suture. The obturator can include one or more cutting elements for severing sutures that pierce the drain tube. The one or more cutting elements can also sever or loosen sutures that constrict or otherwise impinge upon the drain tube.

Abstract: Mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses including an inverting, rolling conveyor region (“tractor”) at the distal end that are configured to grab and remove thrombus material. In particular, described herein are mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses that are adapted to prevent premature deployment of the tractor, e.g., by including a tractor hold (e.g., a housing, a lock, a clamp, etc.) or the like to secure the outer end of the tractor against and/or relative to the elongate inversion support.

Abstract: A surgical access attachment for use with a surgical access device is disclosed. The surgical access attachment includes a ring and an access portion assembly. The ring is configured to engage a proximal portion of a surgical access device. The access portion assembly includes at least one flexible tab having an engagement structure. The engagement structure is configured to selectively engage the ring. The access portion assembly is configured to retain a seal. The access portion assembly is configured to disengage from the ring in response to a predetermined amount of force exerted on one flexible tab of the at least one flexible tab.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for transcervical access of the cerebral arterial vasculature and treatment of cerebral occlusions, including ischemic stroke. The methods and devices may include methods and devices which may provide aspiration and passive flow reversal, those which protect the cerebral penumbra during the procedure to minimize injury to brain, as well as distal catheters and devices to remove an occlusion. The methods and devices that provide passive flow reversal may also offer to the user a degree of flow control. Devices and methods which provide a way to securely close the access site in the carotid artery to avoid the potentially devastating consequences of a transcervical hematoma are also described.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method and system to obtain access to a blood vessel underneath a skin layer that may preserve lifespan of the blood vessel and reduce executional skill variability may be provided. The method includes placing a guiding portion between the blood vessel and the skin layer; and configuring the guiding portion to receive and guide a needle to reach the same location of the blood vessel repeatedly and consistently; and forming a resultant scarred track between the blood vessel and the skin layer as the guiding portion is resorbed over time. The system includes a vascular access device configurable to first possess strength to penetrate through a tissue layer, subsequently possess flexibility to conform to the surrounding tissue beneath the tissue layer; and a guiding portion which may be resorbable, wherein the inlet includes a larger diameter compared to the outlet.

Abstract: Medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are described. Methods of using medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are also described. An example medical device comprises an elongate member, an intermediate member, and a tubular member. Each of the intermediate member and tubular member is releasably disposed on the elongate member.

Abstract: A surgical access attachment for use with a surgical access device is disclosed. The surgical access attachment includes a ring and an access portion assembly. The ring is configured to engage a proximal portion of a surgical access device. The access portion assembly includes at least one flexible tab having an engagement structure. The engagement structure is configured to selectively engage the ring. The access portion assembly is configured to retain a seal. The access portion assembly is configured to disengage from the ring in response to a predetermined amount of force exerted on one flexible tab of the at least one flexible tab.

Abstract: Systems for less invasive medical procedures comprise a filter device mounted on an integrated guiding structure and an aspiration catheter. These components can be used together or separately, and the system can be used with other medical devices that are designed for less invasive procedures, such as procedures in a patient's vasculature. The catheter can have a radiopaque band that is held in place under metal wire embedded within the polymer forming the tube of the catheter. In some embodiments, the aspiration catheter has a small diameter distal portion that can access into small diameter vessels in which the distal portion has a smaller average diameter than the remaining tube of the catheter.

Abstract: A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in communication with either the second lumen or a third lumen, (e) an occlusion balloon, (f) a drug delivery balloon having an outer surface with a plurality of grooves, where the occlusion balloon is disposed between the drug delivery balloon and the balloon inflation port, and the occlusion and drug delivery balloons are in communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration assembly including an outer cannula assembly, an inner cannula assembly, and a flexible seal. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer handle and an outer cannula defining a first passageway and including a plurality of first openings between a first end and a second end of the first passageway. The inner cannula assembly includes an inner handle and an inner cannula defining a second passageway and is configured to be received within the first passageway. The inner cannula includes a plurality of second openings between a first end and a second end of the second passageway. The flexible seal is mounted to the inner handle and positioned such that the seal contacts the outer cannula assembly when the inner cannula assembly is in cooperation with the outer cannula assembly to create a substantially airtight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A trocar mandrel comprises a head, a first mandrel having an elongated shaft, a proximal end of said first mandrel being mounted at said head. At least a second trocar mandrel having an elongated shaft is mounted at said head. Said mandrels are mounted at a distance one to another and project from a distal face of said head.

Abstract: An improved catheter insertion assembly having a transparent tubular member open at each end; a plunger assembly slidable within the tubular member having a stem portion at a first end; and at least a partially transparent chamber having a needle base and sealing member on a second end of the plunger assembly; an elongated tubular needle embedded within the needle base and extending there from with the needle in fluid communication with the transparent chamber; a catheter assembly, a transparent cannula and a transparent hub attached to the second end with the tubular needle passing longitudinally through the cannula; a fluid passage formed between the needle and the cannula so that when the plunger is retracted a vacuum is established within the fluid passage and blood is visibly drawn through the fluid passage into the transparent cannula and if volume permits, blood then would be visible in the transparent hub, and then if volume permits blood would be visible in the void of the catheter body (barrel) crea

Abstract: One larger [1] and one smaller tube [2], forming a functional unit with the smaller tube [2] positioned within the larger tube [1], both tubes are relocatable and demountable, both tubes with an aperture [3 and 4] at both ends, at least one aperture [5] being provided in the wall of the outer tube located at a distance of about between 1 mm and 10 cm from the tip [6], or several apertures positioned in a segment of 1-250 mm from the tip, wherein the diameter of the single aperture is between 70% and 120% of the inner diameter of the outer tube [1], or in case of several apertures, for each aperture 30-60% of the inner diameter of the outer tube, wherein the outer diameter of the inner tube is between 0.6 mm and 2.0 mm (F2 to F6), the outer diameter of the outer tube is between 1.3 mm and 3.6 mm (F4 to F11), and the distance between the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube is between 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm.

Abstract: A surgical access port is provided with a trocar cannula having a substantially rigid portion and an atraumatic distal tip. The atraumatic distal tip is substantially compliant relative to the rigid portion of the cannula. The trocar cannula provides unobstructed surgical access into a body cavity allowing the insertion and removal of surgical instruments through the trocar cannula and into the body cavity using a minimal sized incision or entryway.

Abstract: The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire.

Abstract: Devices and implantation methods utilizing subcutaneous placement into a patient are disclosed for the insertion, advancement and positioning of a subcutaneous implantable medical device (SIMD) such as a medical electrical lead. The device for implanting the SIMD is configured having a pre-biased distal curve for creating a pathway to an implant location within a substernal space.

Abstract: An insertion device for applying an infusion set to the body of a patient, wherein the device has two actuation members which have to be actuated simultaneously to trigger an insertion movement by which a cannula of the infusion set is introduced into the body and wherein, in some embodiments, one of the actuation members is a securing slide including a contact face to be placed on the body of the patient, the securing slide being actuated by the insertion device being pressed, via the contact face, against the body of the patient.

Abstract: A medical injection system includes an elongate injection apparatus and an actuator apparatus. The actuator apparatus includes a fitting for coupling the actuator apparatus to a delivery catheter and a reversible gripping means to grip the injection apparatus; the gripping means is included in a plunger that is slideably engaged with the fitting and directs the injection apparatus through a fitting lumen and through a catheter lumen, when the fitting is coupled to the catheter.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for delivering ablation fluid to a location of interest within a body (e.g., a location with the lung) are described herein. Ablation fluid delivery systems and devices can include flexible delivery needles within which a plurality of smaller flexible needles is housed. The smaller flexible needles can be configured to articulate or bend with respect to the flexible delivery needle to increase an effective delivery area for the ablation fluid. The smaller flexible needles can include apertures or other openings to facilitate delivery of the ablation fluid to the location of interest.

Abstract: A multi-station hydrodynamic catheter includes an outer catheter having a first lumen, the outer catheter having a plurality of orifice stations positioned along a portion of the outer catheter, where each orifice station includes one or more orifices extending from an outer catheter external surface to the first lumen. The multi-station hydrodynamic catheter includes an inner catheter having a second lumen, the inner catheter movable within the first lumen and includes at least one emanator, where the at least one emanator includes one or more fluid delivery ports extending from an inner catheter external surface to the second lumen.

Abstract: A device that can be delivered into a body cavity to manipulate tissue intracorporeally while being controlled extracorporeally and a method of using the device to perform a single-port laparoscopic or natural orifice surgery. The device is being capable of being passed through an interior diameter of a single port into the body cavity. The device comprises an anchor or suspension element that is attachable or mountable to the tissue intracorporeally, a guide element attached to the anchor or suspension element that allows for manipulation of at least one structure in at least one direction, and at least one structure attached to a suture or thread that is passable through the interior diameter of the port and positionable by the guide element. The structure is controllable extracorporeally by manipulating the suture or thread so that the structure moves in at least one direction intracorporeally.

Abstract: A method delivers an implantable device through the urethra and into the bladder. A deployment instrument is inserted into the urethra, the implantable device is inserted into the deployment instrument, and a stream of fluid is injected into the deployment instrument. The stream of fluid drives the implantable device from the deployment instrument into the bladder. The deployment instrument is removed from the urethra, leaving the implantable device wholly implanted in the bladder.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and assemblies for perfusion therapy including cerebral perfusion therapy such as those for use in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The treatment includes delivery of blood to or about the vicinity of a thrombus site.

Abstract: Devices and methods for guidewire assisted placement of catheters into blood vessels are described. Some of the devices and methods relate to automated or partially automated or assisted insertion and placement of an intravenous catheter into a vein or artery of a patient. Other of the devices are blood draw devices and methods for insertion and placement of an intravenous device into a vein or artery of a patient or to withdraw a blood sample from the patient. The devices also provide for guide wire tip inspection after use.

Abstract: A catheter having an internal advancing mechanism that can advance stiffening wires or other devices, has a catheter with a catheter body, a tip section distal the catheter body, a device extending through at least the catheter body, and a control handle proximal the catheter body, where the control handle has an advancing mechanism with a threaded member, an adjustment member, and a guided member to which the device is connected, and the advancing mechanism is configured to advance and retract the device along the catheter body as controlled by a user. Each of the threaded member and the adjustment member has a generally cylindrical configuration. The threaded member has an outer surface configured with a helical guide channel. The adjustment member is configured to guide the guided member to move within the helical guide channel to advance and retract the device. The adjustment member can be rotatable over the threaded member by the user to control advancement and retraction of the device.

Abstract: An insertion device for a fluid delivery device for delivering a therapeutic fluid to a body of a patient and/or for sensing of a bodily analyte is disclosed. The insertion device includes a housing and accommodated therein at least one penetrating cartridge provided with a penetrating member and with a subcutaneously insertable element; The insertion device is provided with a displacement mechanism which upon actuation is capable of protracting the penetrating cartridge towards the said device for delivery and/or sensing, wherein said protracting results in inserting of the penetrating cartridge into subcutaneous compartment of the body via an opening provided at the said device for delivery and/or sensing and said insertion device allows evacuation of the penetrating member from the subcutaneous compartment via the said opening.

Abstract: A device may include a hollow needle, a dilator mounted coaxially on the needle, and a sheath mounted coaxially on the dilator. The dilator may be slideably displaceable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: A small diameter delivery device capable of delivering a tissue loaded scaffold arthroscopically to a tissue defect or injury site without reducing the pressure at the injury site is provided. The scaffold delivery device of the present invention comprises a plunger system that includes two main components: an insertion tube and an insertion rod. The insertion tube has a flared proximal end for holding a tissue scaffold prior to delivery. An elongate, hollow body extends from the flared proximal end to a distal end of the insertion tube, and defines a passageway that extends through the body for delivery of the tissue scaffold. The insertion rod has an elongate body that extends into a handle at a proximal end and a tip at a distal end. The insertion rod is configured to be removably disposed within the insertion tube for sliding along the passageway to effect delivery of the tissue scaffold through the insertion tube.

Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters for treating a luminal system of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to catheters having a flexible membrane positioned at a distal portion of the catheter, the flexible membrane retained in a substantially unexposed conformation prior to deployment. Preferably the flexible membrane is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a localized environment when deployed to an exposed conformation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: An optical access apparatus for receiving an endoscope to permit visualization during passage through tissue includes an access member dimensioned for insertion through body tissue. The access member defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal opening for receiving an endoscope. The access member has a closed penetrating end adapted to pass through tissue. The closed penetrating end is transparent to permit visualization of tissue with the endoscope. The optical access apparatus further includes a locking collet coaxially mounted relative to the longitudinal axis of the access member and a manual member mounted adjacent the locking collet and operatively engageable therewith. The locking collet has internal surfaces defining an internal passage to permit passage of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways. Because the stand-alone fluid delivery and control assembly is initially totally separate from the fluid reservoir assembly of the apparatus, the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery and control assembly can be effectively sterilized using conventional gamma ray sterilization techniques without adversely affecting the medicament contained within the fluid reservoir of the apparatus.

Abstract: A drilling guide cannula, having a serrated distal end in the form of axially moveable teeth which enables all or most of the teeth to maintain biting contact with the bone surface, essentially independently of the curvature of the bone surface and the drilling angle. The cannula outer wall incorporates a number of pins arranged circumferentially around the drilling bore. These pins slide axially relative to the cannula, preferably in bored holes or in channels formed within the wall of the cannula. Each of the secondary pins has a sharpened distal end, each constituting a moveable tooth. The cannula is applied to the bone to be drilled at the desired drilling position and angle, and the pins are forced axially towards the bone surface. The pins take up the contour of the bone surface and each pin bites into the bone surface to rigidly position the drilling guide cannula.