Abstract: There are provided devices for applying negative pressure to a wound in an endoluminal surface of a patient to facilitate healing of the wound and methods for use of the devices. The device (69, 94, 134, 140, 156, 164) comprises a flexible porous element with an outer face defined between opposite proximal and distal ends of the porous element. A suction tube (30) for being connected to a suction source externally of the patient's body is in fluid communication with the porous element (14) to apply the negative pressure to the wound via the outer face of the porous element. In some embodiments, the porous element has a longitudinal passageway (16) for passage of bodily substances of the patient along the lumen defining the endoluminal surface through the porous element. In such embodiments, the device may also have at least one absorbent element (70, 80) for absorbing the bodily substances and which is disposed forwardly or rearwardly of the porous element (14).

Abstract: An enteral feeding device permitting diversion of gastrointestinal fluid from an afferent limb to an efferent limb of gastrointestinal tract in a subject is provided. The device can be used to reduce leakage from around device and thus reduce morbidity associated with such leakage. In certain embodiments the enteral feeding device is a jejunostomy tube (J-tube). Also provided are methods for positioning and using the enteral feeding device. Also provided are kits for positioning and using the enteral feeding device.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc surgical system has at least one optical cannula configured with a working channel and an optical channel, wherein the working channel and the optical channel are positioned parallel to one another. The working channel is configured to receive the elongated tubular member of an electrosurgical instrument and the optical channel is configured to receive an optical scope. The optical cannula has an optical cannula operative end for entering an operative field of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound are described, the apparatus comprising: a sealing membrane (504) for covering a wound to form a wound cavity (500); one end of an aspirant conduit (522) operably associated with the wound cavity, vacuum means (524) provided at a distal end of the aspirant conduit for applying a vacuum to the wound cavity; and, air bleed means (510) in fluid communication with the wound cavity. Various embodiments of air bleed port members are also described.

Abstract: A suction device that incorporates liquid to form a wet seal with a foreign body and/or debris, enabling an effective contact for extraction from canals, passages, and other bodily areas of a patient. A liquid chamber is formed between a distal nozzle and a distal end of a main body. The liquid chamber acts as a reservoir to facilitate a wet seal at the distal end of the embodiment. A vacuum provides suction through the embodiment, and a pressure release outlet is incorporated into the main body to allow for variation of suction force, affecting the moisture coverage presented to the area of extraction. Nozzle tip attachments may be affixed to the distal nozzle to further facilitate foreign body extraction. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: An imaging catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the imaging catheter includes a flexible elongate member that includes a proximal portion formed of a first material embedded with a first braid with a first braid pitch; a distal portion formed of a second material embedded with a second braid with a second braid pitch, wherein the second material is a lower durometer than the first material and wherein the second braid pitch is a higher per inch count than the first braid pitch such that the distal portion is more flexible than the proximal portion; a primary lumen extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion; and a plurality of secondary lumens extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion; and an imaging component coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end extending to a distal tip of the introducer assembly, and an outer catheter wall. The catheter includes a medical device holding portion proximate the distal end, a guide wire lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a side opening extending through the outer wall to the guide wire lumen. The side opening and the guide wire lumen are simultaneously open and the guide wire lumen and side opening are able to receive a guide wire therethrough. The catheter is flexible at least in the location of the side opening. The catheter also includes a plurality of one stiffening mandrel lumens extending from the proximal end and a plurality of stiffening mandrels.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a reinforcement structure and a catheter disposed over the reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure includes a first outer wall reinforcement portion, a second outer wall reinforcement portion, and a septum reinforcement portion connecting the first outer wall reinforcement portion to the second outer wall reinforcement portion. The catheter includes a catheter outer wall and a catheter septum. The first outer wall reinforcement portion and the second outer wall reinforcement portion can be positioned at least partially in the catheter outer wall, and the septum reinforcement portion can be enveloped by the catheter septum. The catheter assembly can also include an outer tube disposed over the catheter and the reinforcement structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a catheter comprising: (a) a first tubular structure defining a first lumen, the first tubular structure having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first tubular structure comprises a first opening, and wherein the second end of the first tubular structure comprises a second opening, (b) a second tubular structure defining a second lumen, the second tubular structure having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the second tubular structure comprises a third opening, and (c) a fourth opening positioned in a sidewall of the second tubular structure between the first end of the second tubular structure and the second end of the second tubular structure, wherein a first portion of the first tubular structure extends beyond the fourth opening, and wherein the second tubular structure is positioned adjacent to a second portion of the first tubular structure.

Abstract: A catheter includes: a catheter body defining: a first lumen communicating with a first distal opening, and a second lumen communicating with a second distal opening. The second distal opening is positioned proximal of the first distal opening. A flow path cross-sectional area of the first lumen in at least a part of a distal region of the catheter body that is distal of the second distal opening is larger than a flow path cross-sectional area of the first lumen in a proximal region of the catheter body that is proximal of the second distal opening.

Abstract: A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound are described, the apparatus comprising: a sealing membrane (504) for covering a wound to form a wound cavity (500); one end of an aspirant conduit (522) operably associated with the wound cavity, vacuum means (524) provided at a distal end of the aspirant conduit for applying a vacuum to the wound cavity; and, air bleed means (510) in fluid communication with the wound cavity. Various embodiments of air bleed port members are also described.

Abstract: Hemodialysis catheter with corrugated tips. Includes elongated body having first and second distal end regions terminating in tips opened to lumens extending continuously along both elongated body and distal end regions. Each tip includes a tip edge extending from tip tubular wall and surrounding tip opening. Each tip tubular wall has a corrugated configuration with at least two grooves, including outer and inner grooves, merging into the tip edge. Grooves may have same or different lengths, widths, or/and spatial configurations. Distal end regions may be elastic and configured to have non-stressed form when divergent, via diverging angles, from elongated body longitudinal axis, and may be rotationally symmetric relative to the axis. In some embodiments, tip inner wall and hollow outer surfaces merge into a corrugated form having alternating grooves and ridges along distal ends of the tip, that enable the catheter to facilitate active lateral or frontal fluid traversability therethrough.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods and devices to enhance radial spray from a catheter. Extension devices for a radial spray catheter, including radial cryospray catheters, are disclosed.

Abstract: Drainage tube for use in wound drainage, in particular in deep drainage, having a drainage lumen surrounded by a tube jacket and extending parallel to the tube axis, the tube jacket having at least one perforation which, starting at an outer boundary area of tube jacket, extends in a transverse direction, in particular approximately perpendicular to the tube axis, and opens out into the drainage lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus of treating the prostate. In many embodiments, at least a portion of the prostate is enucleated with a water jet, in order to decrease the invasiveness of the surgery. The access to the prostate can be provided with one or more of open surgical access, percutaneous access, or urethral access. The prostate can be enucleated such that an inner portion of the prostate comprising adenomatous tissue of the prostate is separated from a portion an outer the prostate comprising the capsule. In many embodiments, the patient is treated with energy of the water jet configured to separate the capsule from the inner tissue of the prostate and to inhibit cutting of blood vessels.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented that facilitate the provision of reduced pressure to a tissue site by using a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge, which separates liquids and gases and provides a flow path for reduced pressure. In one instance, a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge includes a delivery manifold for delivering reduced pressure to a treatment manifold at the tissue site and an absorbent layer proximate the delivery manifold adapted to receive and absorb liquids. The delivery manifold and the absorbent layer are encapsulated in an encapsulating pouch. A first aperture is formed proximate a first longitudinal end of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge for fluidly communicating reduced pressure to the delivery manifold from a reduced-pressure source, and a second aperture is formed on a patient-facing side of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge. Reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the second aperture. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and devices for improvement of surgical outcomes for tissue removal surgeries. A surgical instrument with adjustable and selective resection is described. The disclosed devices and methods allow selective tissue removal.

Abstract: A sterile barrier assembly includes a tab sliding along a sliding path in a cavity of the sterile barrier assembly and a barrier membrane partitioning the cavity into a sterile side and a non-sterile side. The barrier membrane moves with the tab as the tab slides along the sliding path. A first portion of the tab interfaces with an output of a surgical tool driving unit on the non-sterile side. A second portion of the tab interfaces with a tool driver of a surgical tool on the sterile side.

Abstract: A medical guide wire with excellent visibility is provided. A medical guide wire including: a wire body (2) that is flexible and long; a covering layer (3) covering a surface of the wire body (2); and a wire material (4) helically arranged on the covering layer (3), wherein the covering layer (3) is formed of a transparent material same as a transparent material of the wire material (4), and the wire material (4) is arranged at a regular pitch along the longitudinal direction of the wire body (2).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system of circumferentially (preferably helically) arranging indicia on the elongate body of a medical device such as a catheter. The disclosure also relates to an anchor drain for securing a surgical drain to a fluid collection device. The anchor drain resists disconnection of the surgical drain from the fluid collection device and also resists occlusion of the conduit connecting the surgical drain and the fluid collection device, even when a suture is tied about a portion of the anchor drain inserted within the surgical drain, and resists unintentional withdrawal of the surgical drain from the body or a body cavity.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification cutting tip, including a rigid tubular portion and a flexible and expandable tip portion located distal to the rigid tubular portion. The flexible and expandable tip portion presents an axial length and an unexpanded radius and is formed such that the axial length shortens while the unexpanded radius increases when differential pressure due to an occlusion of an opening of the flexible tip portion exists.

Abstract: The invention relates to urinary catheters having a catheter tube with a first connection on the distal end and at least one catheter eye to be positioned in the urinary bladder. The urinary catheters are distinguished in particular in that they may be used problem-free as indwelling catheters. To this end, disposed in the urinary bladder is a reservoir container that is connected via a channel running parallel to the catheter tube to a second connection as distal end of the channel. In addition, the channel is connected to the urethra via at least one opening of the channel wall.

Abstract: A reentry catheter having a catheter body having a lumen extending axially through a length of the catheter body, a distal port in communication with the lumen, and a flexible distal tip positioned at a distal end of the catheter body. The distal tip can have a first planar surface and a second planar surface that are angled to form a tapered portion in the distal tip. A thickness of the tapered portion in a first direction can decrease along the length of the tapered portion and can be less than a width of the tapered portion in a second direction at every point along the length of the tapered portion such that the tapered portion of the tip is more flexible when bent in the first direction than in the second direction, the second direction being normal to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chest tube introducer which can be inserted without a need of surgical procedures. The chest tube introducer comprises a series of compartmentalized leakproof sealing devices, which is configured for safe introduction of the chest tube introducer minimizing a risk of pneumothorax.

Abstract: A midline catheter is provided. The midline catheter includes a shaft defining a lumen, the shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes two or more opposing notches thereon, each of the notches having an open notch distal end and an opposing notch proximal end formed as an arch. The catheter may also include written indicia thereon to indicate that it is a midline catheter and/or is power injectable or non-power-injectable.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. In embodiments, the device features a clearance member that is formed to match a cross-section of a medical tube. Still further, the clearance member can have a plurality of branches, each branch configured to clear a respective lumen in a partitioned region of a medical tube. In this manner, the clearance member may clear obstructions from individual lumens of the partitioned region of the medical tube. Device for actuating a clearance member to clear obstructions within a medical tube are also disclosed. Methods of clearing a medical tube of obstructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hose line includes a sheath extending axially between a first hose end and a second hose end, and has an outer face and an inner face, an axial passage enclosed by the inner face and extending between the hose ends, a radial passage which extends through the sheath and connects the axial passage to the outer face, and a closure which is arranged between the radial passage and the second hose end and closes the axial passage in a fluid-tight manner. The radial passage is formed by a sheath portion which is bent and partially separated from the rest of the sheath along a partition line. The closure is formed by placing the sheath portion onto the inner face and connecting the sheath portion to the inner face in a fluid-tight manner. The hose line can be used in a catheter hose line.

Abstract: The devices and methods shown provide for the minimization of extravasation during arthroscopic surgery. The extravasation minimization device allows a surgeon to drain excess fluids from the soft tissue surrounding the surgical field while also providing a stable surgical portal for arthroscopic surgical instruments.

Abstract: A hemodialysis curved split-tip catheter comprises an elongated portion, a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal axis. The proximal end attaches to a hub with suture wings assembly, which in turn connected to extension tubings. The distal end has two distal tip segments splitted from each other. The distal tip segments bend longitudinally inward toward a centerline of a blood vessel. First distal tip segment has a smaller angle, with respect to the axis extended from the dividing point longitudinally parallel to a centerline axis of a blood vessel, compare to second distal tip segment. This configuration to make the distal end of the catheter to be located not at the centerline axis of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A hemodialysis self-centric symmetric catheter comprises an elongated portion, a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal axis. Distal end may have two distal segments that may split (separated) from each other with respect to a longitudinal axis at a proximal end of said two distal segments and re-bonded with a distal portion at a distal end of said two distal segments. Each distal segment has a curved portion. Proximal end of said two distal segments may be coupled with a distal end of elongated portion. First distal segment and second distal segment are exactly symmetric (similar) to each other. Each distal segment may have a lumen, a distal tip and a distal angled opening.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cannulae, delivery systems, methods of making cannulae, and methods of making delivery systems. A cannula comprises an elongate tubular member having a circumferential wall extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining an interior lumen. A pattern of openings arranged in an interrupted spiral extends circumferentially along the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A suction device includes an outer tube having an inlet at a first end and an inner suction tube located within the outer tube, the inner suction tube having an inlet at a first end corresponding to the first end of the outer tube. The inlet of the inner suction tube is offset by a distance from the inlet of the outer suction tube, such that the inlet of the inner suction tube is located within the outer suction tube.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and devices for improvement of surgical outcomes for tissue removal surgeries. A surgical instrument with adjustable and selective resection is described. The disclosed devices and methods allow selective tissue removal.

Abstract: A method for forming a catheter tube assembly includes providing a reinforcement structure and disposing a catheter tube over the reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure includes a first outer wall reinforcement portion, a second outer wall reinforcement portion, and a septum reinforcement portion connecting the first outer wall reinforcement portion to the second outer wall reinforcement portion. The catheter tube includes an outer wall and a septum. The catheter tube is disposed over the reinforcement structure such that the catheter tube septum envelopes the septum reinforcement portion of the reinforcement structure.

Abstract: The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes a cap having a delivery port in fluid communication with the inlet portal and a channel for receiving the cannula therein, and a distal tip. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the second channel such that the substance exits through the exit portal.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula, comprising. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and an open distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the inlet portal of the second channel such that the substance exits the second channel through the exit portal.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for introducing a catheter into a patient's body. In one embodiment, a catheter apparatus includes a catheter body having a first lumen capable of fluid communication via a first distal opening and a second lumen capable of fluid communication via a second distal opening, a first intra-catheter stiffener element for disposition through the first lumen such that a distal end thereof is distal in relation to the first distal opening, and a second intra-catheter stiffener element configured for disposition through the second lumen such that a distal end thereof is distal in relation to the second distal opening, one of the first intra-catheter stiffener element distal end and the second intra-catheter stiffener element distal end capable of receiving and accommodating the other of the first intra-catheter stiffener element distal end and the second intra-catheter stiffener element distal end.

Abstract: A hemodialysis device is described herein. An exemplary hemodialysis device includes an import tube, a dialysis tube, and an export tube. The dialysis tube includes an inner dialysis tube, a dialysis membrane and an outer dialysis tube. The inner dialysis tube is within the dialysis membrane, which is within the outer dialysis tube. An inlet and an outlet of the inner tube are disposed at a first end of the outer dialysis tube. The inlet of the inner dialysis tube is coupled to the import tube and the outlet of the inner dialysis tube is coupled to the export tube. The dialysis tube is inserted into an artery of a patient, and thereby performs hemodialysis within the body. Since the hemodialysis in performed within the artery instead of drawing blood out of the body, the hemodialysis device will minimally affect blood pressure, which is more economic and safe.

Abstract: A vascular filter assembly includes a catheter body having a self-expanding filter member coupled thereto. A sheath is disposed directly over the self-expanding filter member such that the self-expanding filter member is at least partially constrained from expansion in a first configuration within an interior space defined between the sheath and the catheter body. The sheath includes at least one aperture disposed through a wall thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site of a patient utilizes a reduced-pressure treatment device. Controlling the inflammatory response may be accomplished in a number of ways that involve treating the inflammatory milieu. Treating the inflammatory milieu may include removing or moderating pro-inflammatory stimuli, e.g., fluids, enhancing perfusion of the tissue at or near the internal tissue site, or providing reduced-pressure therapy. The reduced-pressure treatment device is placed at or near the internal tissue site and is fluidly coupled to an external reduced-pressure source. The reduced-pressure treatment device provides reduced pressure proximate the tissue site and treats the inflammatory milieu. The reduced-pressure treatment device for controlling inflammatory response may be a minimally-invasive treatment device.

Abstract: Catheters adapted for use in small body vessels are described. A catheter includes an elongate shaft having a main body that defines first and second lumens. An inner tubular member is disposed in the second lumen and is formed of a material that has a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the material forming the main body and that has an elastic modulus greater than or equal to about 400 MPa.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical catheter including an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall, and first and second internal lumens. The outer wall of the catheter member includes a first opening in fluid communication with the first internal lumen to facilitate the establishment of a first flow stream, and a second opening in fluid communication with the second internal lumen to facilitate the establishment of a second flow stream. Each of the first and second openings includes proximal and distal tapered portions that are connected by an intermediate portion having a constant transverse dimension. The configurations, dimensions, and positioning of the first and second openings optimizes separation of the first flow stream from the second flow stream in order to reduce the likelihood of recirculation between the first and second internal lumens.

Abstract: A suction device includes an outer tube having an inlet at a first end and an inner suction tube located within the outer tube, the inner suction tube having an inlet at a first end corresponding to the first end of the outer tube. The inlet of the inner suction tube is offset by a distance from the inlet of the outer suction tube, such that the inlet of the inner suction tube is located within the outer suction tube.

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: A body cavity drainage device placement tool for placing a body cavity drainage tube at least partially within a body cavity of a patient. The body cavity drainage device includes a shaft, a handle attached to or integral with a proximal end of the shaft, and a distal end of the shaft sized and configured for insertion through a lateral opening of the body cavity drainage tube and at least partially through a central lumen of the body cavity drainage tube to proximate a distal end of the body cavity drainage tube. Methods relate to using a body cavity drainage device placement tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring nutritional uptake of an individual are disclosed. The method can include monitoring microflora intestinal gas concentration levels associated with a patient and adjusting the volume of nutrient provided by the patient with an artificial feeding device based at least in part on the microflora intestinal gas levels associated with the patient. A microflora intestinal gas sensor can be used to monitor the microflora intestinal gas associated with the patient. The microflora intestinal gas sensor can monitor the microflora intestinal gas in a patient's exhaled breath or in the patient's digestive tract. The microflora intestinal gas sensor be included as part of an enteral feeding system at the distal end or outside end of an enteral feeding tube. Systems and methods for monitoring nutritional uptake of an infant based on microflora intestinal gas levels associated with the infant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular access device, for implantation at least partially below the skin of a patient to provide an arteriovenous fistula, includes a graft portion coupled to a catheter portion. The graft portion is sutured to an opening in an artery while the catheter portion is inserted into a vein so that its end lies within the vein downstream from the point of entry into the vein. The device may be comprised of ePTFE with an outer polyurethane coating or the graft portion may comprise ePTFE with an outer polyurethane coating and the catheter portion may comprise polyurethane. There may also be an inner polyurethane coating. Alternatively, the device may be comprised entirely of polyurethane.