Abstract: Apparatus for delivering material into a patient includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end. Material, preferably of filamentary or thread form, is fed from a material supply into a Y-fitting having a main branch and a side branch. The side branch is connected to a source of driving fluid able to feed drive fluid under pressure into the material carrier so as to pull material forwardly and out of the distal end of the catheter. The assembly includes an inner cannula within which material is passed from the material source. This increases the speed of delivery of material though the device and reduces the amount of drive fluid which is required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1), especially a tube or a catheter, for at least partially introducing into a body passage, said device comprising a long outer envelope body (10), a long inner body (11) that is partially peripherally surrounded by the envelope body (10), and a device (12) by which means the possibility of a relative movement between the envelope body (10) and the inner body (11) is enabled or impeded in a targeted, controllable manner. According to the invention, the control device (12) is formed by the arrangement and embodiment of the envelope body (10) and the inner body (11) and comprises no additional mechanical means in the annular intermediate region (13) between said two bodies (10, 11). Preferably, the control device is embodied in such a way that it acts on the friction between the envelope body and the inner body (10, 11).

Abstract: A cannula ingress system may include a tip stabilization mechanism having a tip stabilization mechanism distal end and a tip stabilization mechanism proximal end, a fixation mechanism, a hypodermic tube having a hypodermic tube distal end and a hypodermic tube proximal end, and a tip having a tip distal end and a tip proximal end. The tip may be disposed within the hypodermic tube wherein the tip distal end extends from the hypodermic tube distal end. The fixation mechanism may be disposed within a fixation mechanism channel of the tip stabilization mechanism. The tip stabilization mechanism may be disposed over the tip and the hypodermic tube distal end.

Abstract: A system and method for treating Parkinson's disease by delivery of an agent within the brain. At least one image of a target region is acquired, and at least one magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) scan of the target region is acquired. A diffusion tensor is calculated from the at least one MR-DTI scan, and at least one of an agent distribution and an agent concentration from the images and the calculated diffusion tensor is calculated. Using at least one of the calculated diffusion tensor, the images, the calculated agent distribution, and the calculated agent concentration, the placement of a delivery instrument is planned to deliver the agent to the target region to achieve a desired agent concentration and/or agent distribution within the target region. Delivery of the agent can be coordinated with an applied electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A system and method for treating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by delivery of an agent within the brain. At least one image of a target region is acquired, and at least one magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) scan of the target region is acquired. A diffusion tensor is calculated from the at least one MR-DTI scan, and at least one of an agent distribution and an agent concentration from the images and the calculated diffusion tensor is calculated. Using at least one of the calculated diffusion tensor, the images, the calculated agent distribution, and the calculated agent concentration, the placement of a delivery instrument is planned to deliver the agent to the target region to achieve a desired agent concentration and/or agent distribution within the target region.

Abstract: An introducer sheath is described. The introducer sheath may include a tubular body. The tubular body may extend from a distal end toward a proximal end. The tubular body may include a lumen. The lumen may at least partially be defined by a wall. A channel may be disposed within the wall. The channel may be configured to receive a guidewire. The tubular body may include an expandable portion expandable to increase a cross-sectional area of the lumen.

Abstract: A device for cleaning nasal membranes comprising a head that is inserted into a nostril. Fluid is pumped from a reservoir stored in a body of the device onto the membrane. The head rotates to remove debris from the membrane. A vacuum pump suctions the sprayed fluid and the debris into inlets and stores the used fluid in a chamber in the body.

Abstract: This relates to a wound therapy device, including an outer part and an inner part facing surface provided with an inner part facing opening, and a first connection channel to establish fluid communication between the inner part facing opening and a connector opening adapted to be connected to an external device. The wound therapy device can also be a part of a wound therapy arrangement, which can further include, a wound filler, an external device, a wound cover film, and tubing connections. Methods of using the wound therapy arrangement are also disclosed.

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 catheter assembly includes a catheter, a collar, and an extension tube assembly. The catheter includes a leading end portion and a trailing end portion. The collar is supported on the trailing end portion of the catheter. The extension tube assembly includes a first section and a second section, each section independent of the other section and including a substantially rigid body portion and a compressible extension tube portion. The body portion of each of the first and second sections is independently engageable with the trailing end portion of the catheter. The collar is configured to engage the first and second sections of the extension tube assembly to secure the extension tube assembly to the trailing end portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A dual lumen coaxial cannula assembly includes a first infusion tube having a first elongate body defining a first lumen therethrough and a second drainage tube co-axially aligned with the first infusion tube and having a second elongate body with a second lumen defined by a space between the first infusion tube and second drainage tube. A connector is removably attached to the first infusion tube and the second drainage tube for coupling the dual lumen coaxial cannula to an extracorporeal blood circuit. The first infusion tube and the second drainage tube include a plurality of infusion and drainage apertures, respectively, provided at the distal end and extending through the sidewall of the first infusion tube and the drainage tube, respectively.

Abstract: A catheter mounted arterial surgical tool has a body with a fluid jet prong extending from a distal end of the body along a prong axis that is parallel to and laterally offset from a body axis. A fluid passage extends through the fluid jet prong to an outlet that points laterally relative to the prong axis. A deflector anvil extends from the distal end of the body along a deflector axis that is parallel to and offset from the body axis. The deflector anvil has a face that faces toward the fluid jet prong and is impinged by a fluid jet discharged from the outlet. A pair of guide wire holes extend from the proximal to the distal end of the body parallel to the body axis for receiving guide wires to enable the body to slide along the guide wires.

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: Materials and methods for producing localized hypothermia in a patient (e.g., for treatment of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer).

Abstract: A method of making a multi-lumen catheter may include disposing an outer surface of a mandrel against an outer surface of a first catheter; disposing a first heat shrink material around the first catheter and the mandrel; heating the first catheter and the mandrel to form a U-shaped channel along the outer surface of the first catheter; removing the first heat shrink material and the mandrel from the first catheter; placing a second catheter into the U-shaped channel; disposing a second heat shrink material around the first catheter and the second catheter such that the second catheter is retained within the U-shaped channel; and heating the first catheter and the second catheter to cause reflow between the first catheter and the second catheter to form the multi-lumen catheter.

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: Drug delivery systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to deliver a drug to a patient in coordination with a physiological parameter of the patient (e.g., the patient's natural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation or the patient's heart or respiration rate). In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to use a combination of infusion and aspiration to control delivery of a drug to a patient. Catheters, controllers, and other components for use in the above systems are also disclosed, as are various methods of using such systems.

Abstract: The invention provides devices with specialized ends for diverting fluids trapped in an organ. In a first group of embodiments, the invention provides implantable devices that shunt fluid trapped in a patient's organ to its normal physiological destination. In a second group of embodiments, the invention provides devices with specialized ends for connecting the devices to conventional medical tubing to divert fluid trapped in an organ to a destination selected by the practitioner. The invention further provides systems and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support has an inner wall defining a noncircular cross-sectional shaped lumen for use in delivery of multiple microcatheters or other devices for treatment of neurovascular defects, such as for treatment of aneurysms. The noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support includes torque transmittal guidance walls that are flexible linearly but not circumferentially, and that are neither collapsible nor kinkable. The noncircular shaped cross-section of the inner lumen may extend along the entire length of the catheter or a portion thereof, including distal or proximal.

Abstract: A conduit, such as an introducer sheath, catheter, or guide catheter, incorporating two or more separate lumens to prevent the entanglement of guidewires located at least partially within the conduit. The lumens are separated by at least one disruptable barrier that allows multiple lumens to be converted into fewer lumens prior to or as a device is advanced through the introducer sheath.

Abstract: An occlusion device may comprise a first tube having a first balloon positioned at a distal end, and a second tube having a second balloon positioned at a distal end. The first balloon may be sized and configured to occlude a vascular lumen upstream of a vascular puncture, and the second balloon may be sized and configured to simultaneously occlude the vascular lumen downstream of the vascular puncture. A method of occluding a vascular puncture may comprise positioning a distal end of an occlusion device comprising a first balloon and a second balloon through the vascular puncture and into a vascular lumen. The first balloon may be positioned downstream of the vascular puncture, and the second balloon may be positioning upstream of the vascular puncture.

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 steerable catheter includes a body portion, a flexible catheter body with a proximal end and a distal tip and a continuous steering wire passing through the flexible body from the proximal end to the distal tip and turning back through the flexible body from the distal tip to the proximal end.

Abstract: A stepped catheter comprising a distal portion of smaller diameter than a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion defines a flow aperture configured to deliver fluid passing through the catheter from the proximal portion to the flow aperture. The catheter may include a flow restrictor located within a lumen of the catheter at or near the flow aperture. A filter element may also be included and located within the lumen of the catheter at a location upstream of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: A catheter, with one or more lumens, having a first portion and a second portion and an arcuate transition region extending between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is nonparallel to the second portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to conduct fluid away from or deliver fluid to an area of a treatment site of a patient's body. In one example, a catheter includes a fluid exchange portion and a member attached to the fluid exchange portion for biasing fluid flow at the treatment site.

Abstract: One embodiment is an improved method for providing a tube for attachment to a medical device such as a catheter that provides for intermittent changes in tube path length as a result of body movement thereby reducing the stress and pain caused by pulling on the device, as well as the optional provision to provide a very low, controlled tension that provides improved stability of the medical device without damage to the surrounding body tissues. In at least one embodiment, there is a decrease in infection risk by the patient. This controlled tension can be applied or removed intermittently by a medical practitioner or the patient. Other embodiments provide for extension in tubal path length while simultaneously providing for intermittent or continuous low tension pull on the catheter. Provision is also made for a continuous smooth fluid path with no moving internal parts.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a gastric jejunal tube having a gastric lumen and a jejunal lumen that run the length of the tube. The cross-sectional sizes of the lumens change from above to below the most distal gastric port. A method of making the gastric jejunal tube is also described.

Abstract: A needleless fluid injection device including a flexible shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, an injection lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft, and at least one injection orifice extending through a wall of the injection lumen at the distal end of the shaft. The injection lumen can include a depth-limiting system (462) at its distal end for controlling the depth of insertion of the injection lumen relative to a target tissue of a patient. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one guidance feature. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one flow-modifying protrusion extending from the inner tubular wall of the injection lumen and toward a longitudinal axis of the injection lumen.

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: Tracheal tube systems may include first and second tubes and an inflatable balloon. The first tube may be flexible and hollow and have first and second open ends. The inflatable balloon may be affixed to and circumferentially surround a portion of the first tube. The inflatable balloon may include an indentation sized and positioned to accommodate a portion of a second tube positioned therein, when the inflatable balloon is inflated. The second tube may be hollow and have a multiplicity of holes along a sidewall not in contact with the balloon. The second tube may be configured to be coupled to a suction device that creates a negative pressure in the second tube. When the tracheal tube system is inserted in a patient's trachea, the negative pressure in the second tube may act to remove, or suction out, fluids and other matter from the trachea.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for debriding a tissue site, such as a wound, involve using solid CO2 particles and reduced pressure to cut and remove undesired tissue in a controlled manner. The system may urge the undesired tissue into a treatment cavity and then cut the undesired tissue with impinging CO2 particles. The CO2 particles sublime into a gas and present little or no mess. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes a structure and method for making a dual-lumen needle from single lumen needles to take advantage of the much higher economies of scale. Variations include two needles joined by a flow junction and one needle and a single cannula joined by a flow junction. In addition disclosed are methods of using a dual-lumen needle in a two needle access for blood treatment is disclosed in which at least venous flow is provided through a dual-lumen needle with arterial flow just sufficient to provide air infiltration detection in the event of withdrawal of the dual-lumen needle.

Abstract: Among other things, uterine lavage is performed to withdraw at least 50% of in vivo fertilized preimplantation embryos produced after superovulation of a woman and artificial insemination using sperm of her sexual partner. After genetic diagnosis or sex determination or gene therapy, or any combination of any two or more of them, of the recovered embryos and selection of at least one of the embryos to be implanted, the selected embryos are returned to the woman for implantation in her uterus.

Abstract: Among other things, uterine lavage is performed to withdraw at least 50% of in vivo fertilized preimplantation embryos produced after superovulation of a woman and artificial insemination using sperm of her sexual partner. After genetic diagnosis or sex determination or gene therapy, or any combination of any two or more of them, of the recovered embryos and selection of at least one of the embryos to be implanted, the selected embryos are returned to the woman for implantation in her uterus.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first longitudinally accessible lumen and a second lumen extend side by side within and along the proximal portion, and the first lumen and the second lumen form a single common lumen within the distal portion which extends to a distal end of the distal portion. The first lumen and second lumen are co-axial within the distal portion prior to forming a single common lumen.

Abstract: A medical catheter device is disclosed that comprises a tubular shaft member, a soft tip member, and a wire guide lumen extending longitudinally within the tubular shaft member and the soft tip member. The wire guide lumen is offset relative to the centerline within the soft tip member. By offsetting the inner diameter of the soft tip member in such a way as to not change the outward profile of the catheter, the soft tip will have improved tracking across existing stents and eccentric lesions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device for merging at least two line sections in a vacuum-based wound treatment system, wherein the two line sections are arranged on the wound side in relation to the connection device, and wherein the connection device, on the side thereof facing away from the wound, can be connected to a third, multi-lumen line section leading to a vacuum-generating device; the connection device is designed, according to the invention, such that the at least two line sections have a multi-lumen configuration and these line sections each have a multi-lumen attachment device that can be brought into flow communication with the connection device, and such that separate lumens of the two line sections on the wound side also remain separate from each other inside the connection device and inside the third line section.

Abstract: An infusion mechanism for treating an intraluminal site in a patient includes an infusion catheter having an elongate body with a proximal body end defining at least one fluid supply orifice, and a distal body end. The elongate body defines a high head loss lumen in fluid communication with a first set of side ports defining a proximal infusion zone. The elongate body further defines a low head loss lumen in fluid communication with a second set of side ports defining a distal infusion zone.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes a body fluid volume calculating unit, a dialysis condition input unit with which blood flow velocity and dialysis fluid flow velocity in hemodialysis treatment performed after specific hemodialysis treatment can be input and input values of the blood flow velocity and the dialysis fluid flow velocity can be adjusted, a dialysis dose calculating unit configured to calculate, when the blood flow velocity and the dialysis fluid flow velocity are input to the dialysis condition input unit, by analyzing a mathematical model concerning urea kinetics, a dialysis dose of the hemodialysis treatment from the input blood flow velocity and the input dialysis fluid flow velocity, a body fluid volume calculated by the body fluid volume calculating unit, and the like, and a dialysis dose display unit configured to display the hemodialysis dose calculated by the dialysis dose calculating unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elongate medical device, with a distal end to be advanced into the body of a patient and then withdrawn from the body, and an elongate shaft connecting the distal end with a proximal end that remains outside the body, the shaft extending in use through a hole in the skin of the body characterized by a slider, captivated on a portion of the length of the shaft, which is capable of lining the said hole, as the shaft is advanced and withdrawn relative to said hole and the slider in the hole, said slider having a maximum outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than a maximum outer diameter of the distal end.

Abstract: The devices shown provide for the minimization of extravazation during arthroscopic surgery. The anti-extravazation sheath having a plurality of drainage apertures disposed in a central portion of the outer tube allows a surgeon to drain excess fluids from the tissue surrounding the surgical field during an arthroscopic surgical procedures when the drainage apertures are disposed within the tissue surrounding an arthroscopic surgical field outside of the joint capsule.

Abstract: A dual lumen coaxial cannula assembly includes a first infusion tube having a first elongate body defining a first lumen therethrough and a second drainage tube co-axially aligned with the first infusion tube and having a second elongate body with a second lumen defined by a space between the first infusion tube and second drainage tube. A connector is removably attached to the first infusion tube and the second drainage tube for coupling the dual lumen coaxial cannula to an extracorporeal blood circuit. The first infusion tube and the second drainage tube include a plurality of infusion and drainage apertures, respectively, provided at the distal end and extending through the sidewall of the first infusion tube and the drainage tube, respectively.

Abstract: A medical catheter includes an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, and having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate catheter member includes an outer member and at least one longitudinal lumen within the outer member for passage of fluids. The outer member has an elongate opening therethrough in communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen and being spaced from the distal end and bound by wall portions of the outer member. The elongate opening permits fluids to pass between the at least one longitudinal lumen and locations external to the elongate catheter member, and defines a transverse dimension increasing from proximal to distal.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter tip coupled to a distal end of an elongate catheter member and is symmetric about a plane defined by a septum of the elongate catheter member. The catheter tip defines first and second lumens, and the catheter tip defines first and second openings in the distal portion of the catheter tip. Each opening of the catheter tip is defined by a respective side surface of the catheter tip. Each opening is in fluid communication with a respective one of the first and second lumens of the catheter tip and with a respective one of a pair of lumens defined by the elongate catheter member. The distance between upper and lower surfaces of the catheter tip decreases from a distal end of the proximal portion toward a closed distal end of the catheter tip.

Abstract: An irrigating cannula includes a hub having an inner passage and a side port extending through the hub and connecting to the inner passage. The inner passage is configured to receive an instrument, and a fluid passage is defined between the hub and the instrument. The fluid passage is configured to deliver a fluid through an incision in a body.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to a boosting catheter for positioning through a conventional guiding catheter into the vasculature of a patient, the boosting catheter having a distal tubular member and a proximal elongated shaft coupled to the distal tubular member.

Abstract: An arrangement for surgery including a hub and a cannula assembly connected thereto. The cannula assembly defines a first fully enclosed chamber extending substantially along a length of the cannula assembly, with the first fully enclosed chamber being coextensive with a head central passage of the hub such that a first tool is configured to extend through the hub and the first fully enclosed chamber. The cannula assembly defining a second fully enclosed chamber that extends along only a portion of the length of the cannula assembly and spaced from the hub. The second fully enclosed chamber having an entrance and an exit being spaced from the hub for allowing a second surgical tool to extend through the second fully enclosed chamber without also passing through the hub or the first fully enclosed chamber. The first fully enclosed chamber and the second fully enclosed chamber being substantially parallel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: A catheter is provided which includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end and a sidewall defining at least one lumen. The catheter body has at least one side opening formed through the sidewall at a location spaced proximally from the distal end. The at least one side opening communicates with the at least one lumen. A recess extends along the sidewall and communicates with the at least one side opening such that the recess defines a fluid pathway into the side opening.