Abstract: A hypodermic needle is provided comprising a first, hollow needle having movably secured therein one or more further, hollow needles. Each further needle and part of the hypodermic needle being movable relative to one another between a stressed position and an unstressed position. In the stressed position, each further needle is substantially parallel to the first needle. In the unstressed position, the free end of each further needle lies beyond the axial and/or radial terminus of the first needle.

Abstract: An improved catheter assembly featuring a hollow introducer needle, a hollow, flexible dilator containing at least one fenestration through a sidewall thereof, the dilator being slidably disposed over the needle, and a sheath slidably disposed over the dilator. A passageway is formed in the assembly to either show a rapid blood flashback along a lengthwise portion of the assembly or to conduct blood or other biological liquid from the patient to a sideport on the sheath for connection to blood pressure monitoring equipment, infusion/blood sampling equipment, or both, without the necessity of altering connections on or with the assembly after insertion of the needle into the patient.

Abstract: Modular systems comprising a cannula and at least one access port adjacent to a distal end of the cannula provide insertion of one or more therapeutic or diagnostic devices into a vessel or cardiac tissue through a single incision site. Other embodiments include a vessel introducer or multi-port introducer. The devices can be operated in combination or independently. The systems can be employed to provide multiple therapies, including blood perfusion, filtration, aspiration, vessel occlusion, atherectomy, and endoscopic devices. Methods of using the system for vessel cannulation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an improved device for paracentesis procedures, such as thoracentesis. The device comprises a cannula assembly, valve assembly, and catheter assembly, wherein the cannula assembly is removably attached to the valve assembly, and the valve assembly is removably attached to the catheter assembly. The device can comprise an externally viewable indicator revealing the relative positions of the cannula assembly components. The device can further comprise a locking mechanism which controls the movement between cannula assembly components and is activated and deactivated by the coupling of the cannula assembly to the valve assembly. The device improves the precision and safety of its handling, and offers the practitioner several aspiration alternatives while maintaining separation of the internal and external patient environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter which combines the benefits of improved drug dispersion, increased accuracy of placement and kink and collapse resistance. The catheter comprises a flexible cylindrical tube having a proximal portion open at one end and a distal portion, the portions in fluid communication, the distal portion comprising a closed, rounded tip and a diffusion area having at least one opening therein which permits fluid flow, the proximal portion including a proximal tip, and at least one reinforcement member attached at the distal tip and at the proximal tip of the flexible cylindrical tube, with the remainder of the at least one reinforcement member movable within the flexible cylindrical tube. The catheters of the present invention can find use in a variety of local, regional and peripheral pain management applications.

Abstract: Epidural apparatus comprises (a) an epidural needle comprising a needle shaft having a tip to allow insertion of a distal end of the needle shaft through the skin of a human or animal body; (b) a sheath comprising a tubular member of plastics material adapted to surround a length of the shaft of the epidural needle but terminate short of the tip thereof, which tubular member, at a distal end thereof is also capable of penetration through the skin following insertion into the skin of the tip of the shaft of the epidural needle and which epidural needle is thereafter removable from the sheath; and (c) a catheter capable of passage through the sheath into the human or animal body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter which combines the benefits of improved drug dispersion, increased accuracy of placement and kink and collapse resistance. The catheter comprises a flexible cylindrical tube having a proximal portion open at one end and a distal portion, the portions in fluid communication, the distal portion comprising a closed, rounded tip and a diffusion area having at least one opening therein which permits fluid flow, the proximal portion including a proximal tip, and at least one reinforcement member attached at the distal tip and at the proximal tip of the flexible cylindrical tube, with the remainder of the at least one reinforcement member movable within the flexible cylindrical tube. The catheters of the present invention can find use in a variety of local, regional and peripheral pain management applications.

Abstract: An incision in a ventricle wall is spread without applying axial force to the ventricle wall by inserting an array of pins and then spreading that array while a cannula is inserted along the track formed by the pins.

Abstract: A surgical device for injecting a chemical agent within a subject for use in endoscopic injection therapies is disclosed. The device includes a support body, a motion transmitting unit, an agent delivery system and a guide housing. The motion transmitting unit is movable relative to the support body. The agent delivery system includes a needle for extending into a subject and structure defining a conduit between the support body and the needle. The guide housing has a flexible elongated body, an internal elongated passage and friction reducing material lining the passage. At least a portion of the motion transmitting unit adjacent the needle is slideably housed within the guide housing. The device offers a surgeon improved ease of needle extension and retraction when the distal end of the endoscope is bent at acute angles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method for minimally invasive access to the pericardial space of a human or animal patient. The disclosed pericardial access device includes a penetrating body axially mobile within the lumen of a guide tube. The distal end of the guide tube includes a shoulder to buttress pericardial tissue drawn into the guide tube by a suction force applied to the guide tube lumen. The penetrating body is subsequently distally advanced within the guide tube to access the pericardium.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery or retrieval of a medical device such as a filter 10 or a stent 16 has an outer shaft 1 with a pod 2 providing a medical device reception space at the distal end. An inner shaft 3 comprises a solid pod with a longitudinally extending surface pathway 4 for a guidewire 7. The inner shaft 3 defines an abutment surface 9 at its distal end for deployment of the device 10, 16. The outer shaft 1 has an exit port 8 at which the guidewire 7 exits the catheter in a rapid exchange manner.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises: an endoscope main body having an insertion portion in which a lumen is formed, the insertion portion having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal end opening of the lumen being provided to the distal end of the insertion portion, and a proximal end opening of the lumen being provided to the proximal end of the insertion portion; a first fixing member provided to the distal end of the insertion portion, capable of selecting between a fixed state for fixing the distal end portion of a linear member inserted into the lumen and a released state thereof in the distal end portion of the insertion portion; a second fixing member provided to the proximal end of the insertion portion, capable of selectively fixing the proximal end portion of the linear member inserted into the lumen in the proximal end of the insertion portion; and a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen running therebetween, and removably inserted into the lumen, wherein a slit is formed fr

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable guide for access to a treatment site. The implantable guide comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a guide body defining a lumen, and can optionally comprise a stable positioning element for stably positioning a drug delivery device within the guide. The guide can be provided in connection with a drug delivery device. In use, the guide is implanted within a subject so as to provide a conduit through which a drug delivery device can be retrievably introduced to facilitate delivery of drug to a treatment site within a subject at a site distal to an accessible implantation site. The drug delivery device is then positioned within the guide lumen to provide for delivery of drug from the drug delivery to the desired treatment site.

Abstract: A system of catheter devices and methods for forming channels or passageways between a luminal anatomical structure (e.g., a blood vessel) and a target location (e.g., another blood vessel, an organ, a mass of tissue, etc.) for the purpose of rerouting blood flow or for delivering a substance or instrument, etc. to the target location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for visually verifying the quantity of seeds and spacers in a brachythereapy needle. In a first embodiment, the needle is pointed upwardly and seeds and spacers slide from a lumen of the needle, under the influence of gravity, into the lumen of a clear tube that is positioned in axial alignment with the lumen of the needle by a hub. In a second embodiment, the needle is received within the lumen of the clear tube and a stylet is used to push a string of bone wax, seeds, and spacers from the lumen of the needle into the lumen of the clear tube for visual verification. A plunger rod is introduced into the proximal end of the clear tube to push the string back into the needle and the clear tube and plunger are removed to enable use of the needle. In both embodiments, the plunger rod is fully inserted into the clear tube during shipment to prevent unwanted displacement of the seeds and spacers from the needle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to an anatomic position, such as a heart. The device includes a flexible catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide wire lumen that extends longitudinally through the catheter, and a delivery lumen that extends longitudinally at least partially through the catheter. The delivery lumen communicates with a side port adjacent a distal end of the catheter, through which side port a therapeutic or diagnostic agent may be delivered. The device also may include a guide wire, and the catheter may be advanced along the guide wire via the guide wire lumen. The device also may include a secondary catheter capable of sliding through the delivery lumen and capable of delivering a liquid, solid, or radiant agent to a desired anatomic location; thus, the secondary catheter may be considered a delivery catheter. The device may be used to deliver a therapeutic agent to a particular body location in a subject suffering a disease.

Abstract: A spinal syringe and needle for preventing the inadvertent injection of an intravenous drug spinally includes a needle engagement extension on the spinal needle defining an opening of a first diameter, a syringe engagement extension on the spinal syringe defining an opening of a second diameter, the syringe engagement extension engageable with the needle engagement extension to operatively connect the needle to the syringe. The first and second diameters are dimensioned such that a surface of the syringe engagement extension is in frictional engagement with a surface of the needle engagement extension, the first diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of an opening defined by the engagement extension of a typical syringe and the second diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of an opening defined by the engagement extension of a typical needle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an improved catheter introducer needle capable of introducing a catheter into a body at a deflection angle in the range of 40-75° from the axis of the needle. This invention provides for a continuous perineural placement of a catheter. The present invention is also directed toward an introducer needle/catheter system comprising the needle of the present invention and a catheter extending through the needle such that it extends out beyond the tip of the needle at an angle of deflection in the range of 30-75° from the axis defined by the catheter within the main channel of the needle. This invention is useful in delivering pharmacological agents, such as local anesthetics, to nerves in various regions of the body including, but not limited to, the arms and shoulders.

Abstract: Medical devices, and more particularly, devices, methods and compositions for sealing tissue puncture openings of patients after surgical operations are provided. A puncture wound sealing apparatus includes a positioning device having a depth sensing mechanism capable of providing feedback to an operator for the precise placement of an implant that is preferably resorbable and swellable after implantation. Such an implant provides for efficient sealing of the tissue puncture opening thus avoiding complications after surgical procedures in which blood vessels are punctured.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vulnerable plaque treatment catheter arrangement for the treatment of a lipid pool at a site of vulnerable plaque within an artery. The catheter arrangement includes an elongated, hollow, flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated, flexible, steerable, lipid-enterable needle arranged within the shaft. The needle has at least one lumen therethrough in communication with a treatment source, to permit the rendering of the lipid pool into an innocuous entity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inserting a catheter into a patient.

Abstract: A system for transplanting a bone plug from a donor site to a recipient site extracts the bone plug from the donor site, and then places a bone plug delivery device having a tip which is at least translucent and, preferably, clear over a tube containing the bone plug. The tip is then placed substantially over a pre-formed hole in the recipient site, whereafter the bone plug is forced from the tube, through the transparent tip, and into the pre-formed hole.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for dispensing a biologically active compound. The medical apparatus includes a sleeve, wherein (1) the sleeve has a working channel defined therein through which medical instruments may be advanced, (2) the sleeve includes a fluid delivery channel which is distinct from the working channel, (3) the fluid delivery channel has an exit, and (4) the sleeve includes a housing having an interior cavity defined therein. The medical apparatus also includes an insufflation valve in fluid communication with the working channel. The insufflation valve is positionable between an open position and a closed position such that (i) when the insufflation valve is located in the open position an insufflation gas can be advanced into the working channel and (ii) when the insufflation valve is located in the closed position the insufflation gas is prevented from being advanced into the working channel.

Abstract: Modular systems comprising a cannula and at least one clip-on access port adjacent to a distal end of the cannula to provide insertion of one or more therapeutic or diagnostic devices into a vessel or cardiac tissue through a single incision site. The access port can be removably attached to a distal region of the cannula in a fixed orientation or in any desired orientation. The devices can be operated in combination or independently. The systems can be employed to provide multiple therapies, including blood perfusion, filtration, aspiration, vessel occlusion, atherectomy, and endoscopic devices. Methods of using the system for vessel cannulation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of epidural surgery is provided that improves visibility in the epidural space of a patient for more effectively conducting therapeutic surgery therein. The method includes the steps of distending a portion of the epidural space of a patient by filling the portion of the epidural space with a fluid supplied from a catheter and positioning a portion of an optical scope in the distended portion of the epidural space by inserting the optical scope through the same catheter that supplies the distending fluid to thereby provide a visual image of the epidural space.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis cover may be attached to the distal end of a delivery device. The cover may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a lumen through it. An endoprosthesis may then be covered as it is delivered to a treatment site.

Abstract: A needle and obturator assembly for access to entrance lumens in an access device disposed subcutaneously in a body of a mammal, for transfer of fluid into and/or out of the mammal body, comprising a first needle and obturator unit for insertion through a skin portion of the mammal body and into a first of the lumens of the access device, a second needle and obturator unit for insertion through the skin portion of the mammal body and into a second of the lumens of the access device, and hub structure for supporting the first and second needle and obturator units in fixed, spaced-apart positions relative to each other after complete insertion of the first and second needle and obturator units in the respective lumens. The first and second obturators are withdrawable from their respective needles to open first and second passageways in the respective needles for the transfer of fluid into and/or out of the access device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable guide for access to a treatment site. The implantable guide comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a guide body defining a lumen, and can optionally comprise a stable positioning element for stably positioning a drug delivery device within the guide. The guide can be provided in connection with a drug delivery device. In use, the guide is implanted within a subject so as to provide a conduit through which a drug delivery device can be retrievably introduced to facilitate delivery of drug to a treatment site within a subject at a site distal to an accessible implantation site. The drug delivery device is then positioned within the guide lumen to provide for delivery of drug from the drug delivery to the desired treatment site.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for dispensing a biologically active compound. The medical apparatus includes a sleeve, wherein (1) the sleeve has a working channel defined therein through which medical instruments may be advanced, (2) the sleeve includes a fluid delivery channel which is distinct from the working channel, (3) the fluid delivery channel has an exit, and (4) the sleeve includes a housing having an interior cavity defined therein. The medical apparatus also includes an insufflation valve in fluid communication with the working channel. The insufflation valve is positionable between an open position and a closed position such that (i) when the insufflation valve is located in the open position an insufflation gas can be advanced into the working channel and (ii) when the insufflation valve is located in the closed position the insufflation gas is prevented from being advanced into the working channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting fluids into the walls of blood vessels, body cavities, and the like, includes a plurality of laterally flexible needles disposed in a catheter for exit either out the distal end of the catheter or the catheter or through corresponding side openings in the catheter. In the latter case, the terminal ends of the needles would be curved laterally, with each terminal end being positioned in a respective side opening so that when the needles were moved forwardly in the catheter, the terminal ends of the needles would move laterally out the respective openings to pierce a vessel or cavity wall adjacent to which the catheter was positioned. Hilts positioned near the terminal ends of the needles serve to control the depth of penetration of the needles.

Abstract: A Body Access System for the collection of samples and the administration of fluids comprising means to prevent complete withdrawal of a needle stylet, means to dispose of needles and needle stylets provides for limited exposure to samples collected, needle sticks and stylet sticks.

Abstract: An epidural needle has an elongate tube defining a longitudinal axis having a proximal end, a distal end and an axial hollow bore therethrough. The needle has a hub with a proximal end, a distal end and an open passageway having an inside diameter therethrough, the hub being attached to the elongate tube so that the hollow bore of the elongate tube is in fluid communication and substantial axial alignment with the open passageway. The hub further has a cavity disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the hub. There is a resilient member with an opening therethrough that has an inner diameter disposed in the cavity so that the opening is substantially axially aligned and in fluid communication with the open passageway. The hub of the epidural needle of the invention has a clamp with a releasable latch disposed about the resilient member.

Abstract: A single operator drainage catheter delivery system and method of use. The delivery system includes a guide member having a guidewire lumen extending through a distal portion thereof, with a proximal guidewire port located distal of the proximal end. A placement catheter disposed over the guide member has a catheter lumen extending through a distal portion thereof, with a proximal guidewire port located distal of the proximal end. Locating the proximal guidewire ports as such allows the delivery system to be used by a single person with a shorter guidewire. A drainage catheter is disposed about the guide member distal of the placement catheter. The drainage catheter delivery system preferably includes a means for releasably connecting the placement catheter to the drainage catheter, wherein the releasable connecting means disconnects the drainage catheter upon displacement of the guide member.

Abstract: Modular systems comprising a cannula and at least one clip-on access port adjacent to a distal end of the cannula to provide insertion of one or more therapeutic or diagnostic devices into a vessel or cardiac tissue through a single incision site. The access port can be removably attached to a distal region of the cannula in a fixed orientation or in any desired orientation. The devices can be operated in combination or independently. The systems can be employed to provide multiple therapies, including blood perfusion, filtration, aspiration, vessel occlusion, atherectomy, and endoscopic devices. Methods of using the system for vessel cannulation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A handle device for a catheter-sheath assembly includes a handle member having proximal and distal ends, and a control member including a tubular portion coupled to a control portion, the control portion slidably coupled to the handle member. A cooperating rail and wheel are provided on the handle member and the control portion for directing the control portion axially with respect to the handle member upon rotation of the wheel. A tubular sheath extends distally from the tubular portion, and a catheter or bumper is secured to the handle member that extends through the tubular portion into the sheath. The control portion is directable between distal and proximal positions to direct the tubular portion proximally and consequently retract the sheath with respect to the catheter or bumper to deploy a stent or other element from within the sheath.