Abstract: A bifurcated catheter and methods of use are disclosed herein. The bifurcated catheter can include a fixed flat wire that is configurable as a stabilization wire. The bifurcated catheter can be configured to improve the initial access and directability by application of a pull force to the stabilization wire, in addition to a push force from the proximal end of the bifurcated catheter. The stabilization wire is anchored once the bifurcated catheter is positioned. The anchored, bifurcated catheter provides stability and pushability to assist the procedural catheter in traversing the tortuous peripheral vasculature.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices and methods for navigating a catheter shaft into the body of a subject during an intracoronary or other medical procedure and controlling the distal end of the catheter shaft. The present disclosure includes the use of an introducer positioning device that may be used in combination with an introducer. The introducer positioning device when used in combination with an introducer allows a catheter shaft to be inserted therethrough and into the introducer shaft located in the introducer where a distal end of the catheter shaft is aligned with the distal end of the introducer shaft.

Abstract: A drug delivery system comprising: a plurality of needles; a needle guide for guiding and holding the plurality of needles during insertion into a patient's spine; a syringe containing a drug which is to be delivered into the patient's spine; a port multiplier comprising an inlet port connectable to the syringe and a plurality of outlet ports; and a plurality of tubes for providing fluid connections between the outlet ports of the port multiplier and the plurality of needles.

Abstract: A port closure device includes a pair of jaws that may move repeatably between open and closed positions and repeatably pass a needle therebetween. The jaws are generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device in the closed position and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the open position. The device further includes a jaw control rod for controlling movement of the jaws and a needle control rod for controlling the passing of the needle between the two jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus and method use a catheter for specific and discriminate treatment of central nervous system disease. With the catheter, selective hypothermia to the brain and/or the spinal cord for injury protection can be achieved without the need for systemic cooling. The catheter is also capable of draining excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and a method for treating at least one of hypertension, pulmonary arteries, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, digestive disease, urological disease, cancers, tumors, pain, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by delivering an effective amount of a formulation to a tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the formulation may include at least one of a gas, a vapor, a liquid, a solution, an emulsion, or a suspensions of one or more ingredients. In embodiments of the present invention, amounts of the formulation and/or energy are effective to injure or damage tissue, nerves, and nerve endings in order to relieve disease symptoms.

Abstract: A tunnel device includes a base portion, a shaft to be connected to the base portion at one end of the shaft, and a tip portion to be connected to another end of shaft. The base portion is provided with a shaft connection portion to which the one end of shaft is connected. The shaft is provided with a shaft-side screw portion at the one end of the shaft. The shaft connection portion includes a shaft housing portion having an inner diameter substantially same as an outer diameter of the one end of the shaft, and a base-portion side screw portion provided on a further inner side relative to the shaft housing portion. The base portion and the shaft are fixed to each other by screwing between the shaft-side screw portion and the base-portion side screw portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and methods of use thereof, such as for example, ureteroscopy. In one embodiment, the device is a safety ureteral access sheath and interventional catheter insertion with a force meter and a force disengagement mechanism. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of examination or treatment for a condition in a subject, comprising providing a device comprising a ureteral access sheath (UAS) operably linked to a force meter and a force disengagement mechanism, and using the device to examine or treat the subject.

Abstract: A method of removing a kidney stone from the kidney and ureter of a human includes the steps of introducing a laminar flowing fluid via a ureteroscope into the ureter or kidney and proximal the kidney stone and flowing inward toward the kidney and then switching the laminar flow to a turbulent flow which causes a reverse flow that moves the kidney stone in a direction away from the kidney and down the ureter toward the bladder where the stone may be removed using a wire basket. In one step the kidney stone may first be fragmented into smaller kidney stones or fragments prior to switching to the turbulent flow.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a catheter, the catheter with a distal length extending to a distal end, the distal length configured to indwell a cavity of a patient body. The distal length may include a first lumen extending longitudinally through a lengthwise portion of the distal length, where the first lumen may be at least partially defined by a first inner diameter surface of the distal length. The distal length may include a second lumen extending longitudinally through the lengthwise portion of the distal length, where the second lumen may be at least partially defined by a second inner diameter surface of the distal length. A first fenestration may be disposed through a side wall of the first lumen. A proximal length of the catheter may include a proximal lengthwise portion of the first lumen and the second lumen.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a multi-lumen catheter, a stylet, and a guide-wire. The multi-lumen catheter includes a first lumen in fluid communication with a first distal opening and a second lumen in fluid communication with a second distal opening. The stylet is designed for insertion through the first lumen, having a length greater than a length of the first lumen such that a distal portion of the stylet can extend distal of the first distal opening. The distal portion of the stylet can include a stylet distal opening, a stylet proximal opening in communication with the stylet distal opening, and an expandable portion. The expandable portion can include a first expansion side and a second expansion side at least partially separable from the first expansion side. The stylet proximal opening can be formed through the first expansion side.

Abstract: A split-tip catheter and methods for deploying a split-tip catheter in a right atrium are provided. The catheter is configured with a distal portion including a first and a second distal end regions elastically divergable from alignment along a splitting plane to regain a relaxed configuration. The first distal end region terminates in a first tip having a first forward opening, and the second distal end region terminates in a second tip having a second forward opening. Catheter deployment may include directing the first forward opening generally towards an anterior right atrium wall portion and applying the first forward opening to withdraw blood from the right atrium.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for accessing tissue layers of the anterior chamber angle of an eye, targeting one or multiple treatment zones within the anterior angle area of the eye and delivering focused photodisruptive laser pulses with pulse durations <50 picoseconds creating channels into various anatomical structures within the anterior angle of the eye.

Abstract: A hemostatic connector includes an insertion hole, a hemostatic member, a connector main body part, and a coupling pipe part. The insertion hole is configured such that an introduction member is inserted through the insertion hole. The hemostatic member is configured to block a gap between a peripheral surface of the insertion hole and the introduction member. The hemostatic member is provided in the connector main body part. The coupling pipe part is configured to be coupled to a hub of a sheath introducer. The coupling pipe part is configured to be coupled to the hub in a state in which the coupling pipe part penetrates a hemostatic valve provided in an internal hole of the hub when the coupling pipe part is inserted into the internal hole. The connector main body part and the coupling pipe part are configured to be inseparable.

Abstract: A hemostatic connector includes an insertion hole, a hemostatic member, a connector main body part, and a coupling pipe part. The insertion hole is configured such that an introduction member is inserted through the insertion hole. The hemostatic member is configured to block a gap between a peripheral surface of the insertion hole and the introduction member. The hemostatic member is provided in the connector main body part. The coupling pipe part is configured to be coupled to a hub of a sheath introducer. The coupling pipe part is configured to be coupled to the hub in a state in which the coupling pipe part penetrates a hemostatic valve provided in an internal hole of the hub when the coupling pipe part is inserted into the internal hole. The connector main body part and the coupling pipe part are configured to be inseparable.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a guide catheter apparatus insertable through a external body passage of a subject. The guide catheter apparatus includes a substantially rigid shaft and a handle. The shaft has a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a lumen extending between the proximal opening and the distal opening. The handle has a structure to allow a position of the guide catheter to be controlled by some or all of three fingers of one hand of an operator of the handle. The structure of the handle is adapted to permit the operator to position a thumb and index finger of the hand to manipulate a working device inserted into the lumen of the guide catheter, where the working device is manipulable via a portion of the working device immediately adjacent to the handle.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a drug delivery device having a reservoir for containing a product, the reservoir having a distally projecting end-piece defining a passageway for the transfer of the product from the reservoir, includes a collar engageable with the end-piece, an adaptor securing member limiting translational movement of the collar with respect to the end-piece once the collar is engaged with the end-piece, at least one adaptor anti-rotation member limiting the rotation of the collar with respect to the end-piece once the collar is engaged with the end-piece, at least one deactivating member neutralizing the adaptor anti-rotation member in response to a turning torque equal or greater than a predetermined value applied to the collar when the collar is engaged with the end-piece, thereby allowing the rotation of the collar with respect to the end-piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a PEG probe having a PEG tube, an outer holding plate, through which the PEG tube is fed and in which the PEG tube is fastened, and a funnel adapter, which is associated with an outer end region of the PEG tube. A tightly closing valve is arranged either in the PEG tube between the outer holding plate and the outer end region or on the outer end region of the PEG tube. The valve blocks the flow through the PEG tube in a closed position and allows said flow at least in the full cross-section of the PEG tube in an open position. The valve has a valve body and a valve housing. The valve body is connected to and movable by means of a handle accessible from outside. The valve body is supported in the valve housing.

Abstract: A vascular access device includes an antimicrobial coating that provides kink resistance to a catheter. The antimicrobial coating can extend along a length of the catheter to provide antimicrobial protection when the catheter is inserted into the patient's vasculature. The antimicrobial coating can also increase the effective diameter of the catheter to minimize the likelihood that the catheter will become kinked.

Abstract: A magnetic device and method are disclosed for providing a safer and more reliable technique for closing a hole or rupture in the septum of the heart. A device is disclosed with proximal and distal occluders that are connected to one another via a catheter and are inserted on either side of the hole or rupture. Also disclosed are two patches that are placed on either side of the hole or rupture with at least one of the patches being composed of magnetic material with the other being magnetic or metallic.

Abstract: Drainage devices for draining a fluid from a patient during treatment of a medical condition body are disclosed. The drainage devices comprise a body defining at least one conduit through the body from a distal end of the body to a proximal end of the body. The body comprises at least one carbon-based structure configured to inhibit growth of fibroblasts in the conduit when the fluid flows through the conduit. Example embodiments of the drainage device may include an ophthalmic shunt, a hydrocephalus shunt, an artificial mesh, an arteriovenous shunt, a thoracic catheter, and a central venous access device.

Abstract: A device for manipulating tissue at a vessel includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide member at the distal end of the elongated member, the guide member having a blunt distal tip for engagement against an interior wall of the vessel, and a tissue cutting device at the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the tissue cutting device has a sharp tip that is proximal to the blunt distal tip of the guide member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-use, disposable, tissue suspender device comprising a longitudinal body having a distal end and a proximal end, the thickness of the body being substantially constant along a major portion of the length of said body from said proximal end towards said distal end; wherein a region immediately preceding the distal end of the body presents a reduced thickness compared to the remainder of the longitudinal body extending back toward the proximal end; and wherein the distal end comprises a distal bar attached to the region of reduced thickness of the longitudinal body which adopts an unconstrained deviating angle to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal body. The invention also relates to use of the device for suspending tissue in a human or animal body.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a drug delivery device having a reservoir for containing a product, the reservoir having a distally projecting end-piece defining a passageway for the transfer of the product from the reservoir, includes a collar engageable with the end-piece, an adaptor securing member limiting translational movement of the collar with respect to the end-piece once the collar is engaged with the end-piece, at least one adaptor anti-rotation member limiting the rotation of the collar with respect to the end-piece once the collar is engaged with the end-piece, at least one deactivating member neutralizing the adaptor anti-rotation member in response to a turning torque equal or greater than a predetermined value applied to the collar when the collar is engaged with the end-piece, thereby allowing the rotation of the collar with respect to the end-piece.

Abstract: Methods for treating urinary (kidney) stones in patients using a small outer diameter ureteroscope may help overcome problems associated with conventional methods for removing kidney stones and may minimize patient discomfort, avoid hospitalization and reduce costs associated with more conventional surgical treatments of kidney stones. The methods can be carried out in an outpatient environment such as a urologists' office without requiring general anesthesia.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a debris removal system is provided for a body-space drainage system having one or more body tubes with a body tube lumen disposed therein. The debris-removal system comprises an elongated cleaning member and a cleaning head adapted to be advanced distally at least a portion of a length of the body tube lumen to dislodge debris therein. A collapsible sheath can be used to maintain a sterile field in the body tube lumen while the cleaning member is being used by enclosing at least a portion of the cleaning member that is not contained within the body tube lumen, and permitting external digital manipulation of the cleaning member through the sheath to advance and/or retract the cleaning member, and cleaning head, in the body tube lumen.

Abstract: Methods for accessing the common and internal iliac arteries and delivering and deploying an endovascular graft therein utilizing an ipsilateral approach are disclosed. A system including a pre-loaded delivery and deployment device to enable such a method to be practiced is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and mold for producing air ducts (P) from plastic material, especially soft plastic material, with a hardness of between Shore 5 and Shore 65, of the type comprising a hollow main body (P1) provided with at least one protuberance or nipple (P2) that projects from the exterior wall of the main body (P1), the method comprising the steps of injection-molding at least one nipple (P2) from plastic material inside a first cavity (1) of a mold (M); interconnecting the first cavity (1) with a second cavity (3) arranged in the same mold (M) and located adjacent to said first cavity (1), in order to form a single volume; and blow-molding a hollow body from a moldable plastic-material parison inside the second cavity (3).

Abstract: A phacoemulsification probe includes a first portion for interconnecting the probe with a phacoemulsification machine. A probe tip has a first end connected with the first portion and a second end curved up to a predetermined angle. The probe tip defines a channel therein for aspirating material through the probe tip from a surgical region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a sheath assembly including sheath tubing, the sheath tubing having a main lumen and a secondary lumen that extends along the length of the main lumen. The main lumen has a first cross-sectional area, a first length, and a distal end outlet. The secondary lumen has a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a second length less than the first length, and a distal end outlet terminating proximal of the main lumen distal outlet.

Abstract: A catheter and related methods for percutaneous treatment of an aneurysm. The present catheters include an outlet for deploying an occluding agent; and a deflector for deflecting the occluding agent. A second deflector may be provided to cooperate with the first deflector. One or both of the deflectors may each include an inflatable balloon. The occluding agent may include a length of wire.

Abstract: A medical connector and method of using the medical connector are provided. In one form, the medical connector includes an elongate main body having a longitudinal axis and a lumen extending axially therethrough, proximal and distal end portions of the elongate main body with the distal end portion being configured to be connected to a first tubular medical device, an auxiliary connection device having a port for being connected to a second tubular medical device, and an adjustable connection between the auxiliary connection device and the elongate main body that allows positioning of the port of the auxiliary connection device relative to the elongate main body to be adjustably selected by a user for ease in connecting the second tubular medical device to the auxiliary connection device.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a tip having a proximal portion coupled to a distal portion of the elongate body along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The elongate body and tip together define a first lumen and a second lumen. The elongate body further defines a third lumen extending distally to a body opening defined by the elongate body and in fluid communication with the third lumen. A cross-sectional area, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, of at least one of the first and second lumens increases from a point proximal to the body opening to a point distal to the body opening.

Abstract: Splitable-tip catheters are disclosed with bioresorbable adhesive to provide spatial separation of distal tip elements during use. The invention can be particularly useful in hemodialysis applications where it is desirable to separate blood extraction and return lumens. The adhesive facilitates insertion of the distal end of the catheter as an assembly, e.g., into a blood vessel using a single guidewire, while the bioresorbable nature of the adhesive allows the tip elements to separate in vivo.

Abstract: A surgical technique and device wherein an indwelling tube is placed in the eye of a patient having glaucoma. The tube diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space from which it is removed by blood flowing in the choroidal and uveal tissues. This decreases the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Extracorporeal blood treatment methods are usually performed with anticoagulation of the blood. In regional anticoagulation with citrate, sometimes a blood clot is observed in the extracorporeal circulation at the point of addition of the calcium substitution solution. In such a case, the treatment must be interrupted. To prevent such an interruption, the point of addition is configured as a T-piece having a spiral structure for generating turbulence.

Abstract: Each arterial bifurcation lesion has a fingerprint-like pattern related to varying amounts of plaque and degree of obstruction in the main vessel proximal to, within the bifurcation itself, and the distal limbs of the main branch and side branch(es) and related to the angle of the bifurcation. A new device and with it a new technique is described to optimize treatment of bifurcation (and trifurcation) lesions. The invention and related method use a catheter capable of delivering two or more guide wires exiting at the distal end of the catheter allowing treatment of lesions more safely and efficaciously. Safety is increased by allowing both guide wires to remain in place throughout the entire procedure. Efficacy is increased, particularly in the long-term, by providing a result that maximizes vessel coverage and normal flow dynamics in the entire bifurcation area.

Abstract: Valves for regulating fluid flows through medical devices are provided. In some embodiments, the valves are adapted for use in high flow applications and multiple valve elements disposed across a plurality of fluid flow paths branching from and into one or more inlets and outlets.

Abstract: A system is provided for use and handling a medical liquid (e.g. hazardous drugs) that includes a transfer adapter having a port rotatably interconnectable to a male luer fitting of a needleless syringe or infusion tubing line port, and a patient connector having a port rotatable interconnectable to a female luer fitting of an intravascular catheter access port. Ports of the transfer adapter and patient connector are interconnectable to automatically define a closed fluid passageway. A vial adapter and/or a reservoir adapter may be provided for selective interconnection to the transfer adapter wherein a second closed fluid passageway and/or a third closed fluid passageway are automatically defined upon interconnection with the transfer adapter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastric or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a medical catheter device, removably attachable to an endotracheal tube, for guiding the path of an enteral tube into the esophagus of a patient. The catheter device preferably employs an adjustable clamp to fix the position of the catheter relative to the endotracheal tube. The present invention also pertains to a combination medical intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. The present invention also pertains to a method of intubating a patient using this combination medical intubation device.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter system comprises a main line, a first branch line having a tip at a distal end thereof, and a second branch line having a tip at a distal end thereof. The tip of the first branch line is heavier than the tip of the second branch line. The tip of the first branch line may be weighted. There may be a self-inflating balloon at the tip of the first branch line. There may be a self-inflating balloon at the tip of the second branch line. There may be a clamp disposed along the second branch line. The clamp may include a base, a clamping arm hingedly connected to the base, and an aperture extending through the base. The second branch line may extend through the aperture in the base.

Abstract: An injection site (12) for infusion of parenteral fluids has a pressure-actuated valve (20) and a split septum unit (24), which prevent reflux of blood into the assembly (10). The septum unit (24) includes a resilient split septum body (64) precompressed so that the septum body (64) is caused to protrude proximally (78) upon insertion of a cannula (16). Consequently, upon removal of the cannula (16), there is essentially no “drumming” or creation of friction-induced negative pressures sufficient to generate blood reflux. The preloaded septum body (64) also has its proximal surface (74) essentially flush and coplanar with the adjacent proximal end (66b) of the tubular septum holder (66) to enhance the cleanliness of the unit (24).

Abstract: An intravascular valve assembly having a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall. The proximal case portion includes an axially-extending boss that projects distally, with a portion of a distal end of the boss contacting the flow control valve. The valve permits fluid flowing in a distal direction to pass through the slit. Fluid flowing in a proximal direction, however, causes the valve to compresses against the boss and the slit to close, thus restricting fluid flow in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A pre-curved catheter tube of a catheter assembly or other elongate medical device and methods for forming such a device using a heating procedure is disclosed. Pre-curving of the catheter tube is desirable to impart to the catheter assembly a desired positional configuration when the catheter assembly is inserted into a patient. The heating procedure may include heat sterilization procedures commonly used to sterilize medical devices prior to use. In one embodiment, therefore, a catheter assembly is disclosed, comprising an elongate catheter tube defining at least one lumen, and a tube constraint. The tube constraint is included with the catheter assembly and is configured to temporarily constrain the catheter tube in a curved configuration during a heating procedure of the catheter assembly so as to permanently form the catheter tube in the curved configuration after the heating procedure is complete and the catheter tube is released from the tube constraint.

Abstract: An adaptor for discriminating connection of an oral tip of a source of liquid enteral product to a feeding line. In one embodiment, the adaptor includes an internal stop in the body having a contact surface that is angled with respect to a transverse plane extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connection port so that if the standard luer tip is inserted into the connection port, the luer tip does not make flush contact with the contact surface. In another embodiment, the adaptor includes an external stop surrounding the connection port generally adjacent to the first open end of the body. The adaptor may include an umbrella valve. In other embodiments, the adaptor includes a fluid release opening in fluid communication with the connection port extending generally radially through the adaptor body at a location spaced from the longitudinal ends of the body.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a safety device and methods of using a safety device for use with a medical implement having a body with an inlet end portion, the safety device comprises a bracket for mounting on the body of the medical implement; a cap supported by the bracket and sized to fit over and seal the inlet end portion of the medical implement in a safety position wherein the cap covers the medical implement; an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being secured to the cap and being slidably and pivotally supported by the bracket so that the cap can be raised away from the inlet end portion of the medical implement and be pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the shaft away from the inlet end portion; and a biasing means for biasing the cap to the safety position.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter hub, an elongate catheter member extending from the catheter hub and having at least one longitudinal lumen for passage of fluids, an extension tube extending from the catheter hub and defining an internal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen of the catheter member and a clamp positionable about the extension tube. The catheter hub defines a reduced profile to facilitate passage of the catheter hub through a surgical tunnel. The clamp includes first and second clamp sections and defines a longitudinal clamp axis. The clamp has a longitudinal opening for passage of the extension tube and a movable member adapted to move from a first position to a second position to substantially close the internal lumen. The first and second clamp sections are separable to facilitate transverse positioning of the clamp sections about the extension tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a sheath assembly including sheath tubing, the sheath tubing having a main lumen and a secondary lumen that extends along the length of the main lumen, the main lumen being large enough to receive an endoscope.

Abstract: Systems for treating a vessel bifurcation comprise a bifurcated catheter having a first branch and a second branch. Each branch defining an exchange region that extends from the distal end of the shaft to the guidewire port of the shaft. The catheter has a radial alignment mechanism which provides improved radial alignment characteristics of at least the exchange region of the branches.