Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an expandable member configured to expand radially outward from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The expandable member is configured to be expanded and contracted in a controlled manner, e.g., in response to user actuation or automatically under the control of control circuitry of a device. For example, in some examples, control circuitry of a device can be configured to control the expandable member to expand and contract according to a predetermined expansion frequency or according to an expansion frequency determined based on a cardiac cycle of a patient.

Abstract: A safety balloon catheter includes a catheter having a stretch valve, a connector, a balloon inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon and conveying inflation fluid thereto and therefrom, a hollow second lumen, and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon to the second lumen. The stretch valve has a hollow base fixed in the second lumen at a proximal catheter end and shaped to permit a fluid therethrough and a hollow plug slidably positioned in the second lumen at a given distance from the base to, in a steady state, prevent inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, when actuated, slide within the second lumen to permit inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. The connector connects the base and the plug and has a length greater than the given distance.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for managing urinary incontinence. The device includes a platform, a balloon, and a valve. The platform and balloon can include a silicone material, a thermoplastic material, and an adhesive and/or a cement for sealing the urethra. The thermoplastic and silicone materials can soften at the body temperature so that their shape can be adapted to fit the three-dimensional contour of surfaces of the urethra. The balloon seals the internal orifice of the urethra, and the platform can block the leakage associated with the balloon. The valve permits selective urine voiding. The method includes inserting the device into the urethra and the bladder. The method can also include inflating the balloon. The method can further include pulling the balloon so that the balloon is in sealing contact with the neck of the bladder and moving the platform to a suitable position for sealing the urethra.

Abstract: A stool management system having a tubular body including a first end section disposable in a rectum of a patient and a second end section including a first connector which detachably mates with a second connector coupled to a collection container which receives waste matter passed through the tubular body from the bowel of the patient.

Abstract: A urinary catheter having an insertable shaft formed from a blend of an ethylene and/or propylene based polymer and water swellable material. The catheter having a hydrophilic coating disposed on the outer surface of the insertable catheter shaft.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to a surgical instrument for detecting light, such as by measuring light traveling in a waveguide, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to a determining one or more parameters associated with ocular surgery based on detection of the light. In one or more embodiments, for example, a surgical instrument may include a cannula, a waveguide, a transducer, and logic implemented in circuitry communicatively coupled with the transducer. In one or more such embodiments, the cannula may comprise at least a portion of the waveguide. In some embodiments, the transducer may detect light traveling in a first direction in the waveguide. In some such embodiments, the logic may determine at least one parameter associated with ocular surgery based on the light detected by the transducer.

Abstract: A catheter (24) and catheter assembly (22) having a drainage member (46), defining a generally ring-shaped opening (48).

Abstract: A method of making a barbed microcatheter having fluid egress openings includes obtaining a barbed microcatheter blank having a hollow tube with a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated lumen that extends between the proximal and distal ends of the hollow tube, and first and second flattened regions that extend along opposite sides of the hollow tube. The method includes removing material from the first and second flattened regions of the barbed microcatheter blank to form barbs projecting outwardly from the opposite sides of the hollow tube, and using cutting elements for forming fluid egress openings in a wall of the hollow tube that are in fluid communication with the elongated lumen of the hollow tube. The method includes forming a tissue anchor that is connected with the proximal end of the hollow tube, and securing a surgical needle with the distal end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for sensing physiologic data and draining and analyzing bodily fluids are described which are capable of sensing physiologic data based on sensors incorporated into a catheter adapted to reside in any of a urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, rectal location, pre-peritoneal, pleural space or other body cavity. The devices aid emptying of the bladder, measure urine output and various urine parameters such as oxygen tension, urine conductance and urine specific gravity, monitor renal function, analyze urine parameters, including urine content, including the presence of infection, and track and/or control fluid administration.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having an operating handle comprising a handle housing (2) and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle towards a distal end of the endoscope (1) and terminating in a tip part (4) at the distal end of the endoscope (1). The endoscope (1) comprises a tool operating member (22) for operating a tool (55) at the tip part (4). A control means connects the tool operating member (22) and the tool (55), so as to allow movement (55) of the tool in response to activation of said tool operating member (22). Also disclosed is an endoscope including a grasping tool and a method of removing a stent from a patient.

Abstract: A catheter movement control device and packaged catheter equipped with the catheter movement control device. The catheter movement control device includes a main body defining a passageway and a locking member with an oblong orifice hingedly attached to the main body. The locking member pivots about a pivot axis and is rotationally secured to the main body so that the major axis of the oblong orifice is fixedly oriented nearly parallel with the pivot axis. The locking member is pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the main body as between a first position wherein the orifice is aligned with the passageway, and a second position wherein the orifice is misaligned with the passageway.

Abstract: A catheter system for delivery of a ureteral catheter in a ureter includes a ureteral catheter, a pusher catheter to deliver the ureteral catheter at a desired location, and a connection device, to connect, in an assembled state a distal end of the pusher catheter to a proximal end of the ureteral catheter. The catheter further includes a releasable tether to secure a connection of the connection device between the ureteral catheter and the pusher catheter. The connection device includes a connector element provided on the ureteral catheter, and a sleeve provided on the pusher catheter, where the connector element is configured to be arranged in the sleeve, and that the tether is arranged to prevent unintentional release of the connector element out of the sleeve.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a catheter package, a catheter and a collecting bag is provided. The assembly has means for preventing flow of liquid through the catheter during storage. A sealing element closing the eyelets is provided. An extended cone-lock in a telescopic catheter is also provided.

Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.

Abstract: An introducer set includes an introducer and dilator along with an extension in a sealed sterile peal open package. The extension is available for use during procedures where the puncture access site to the patient is close enough to the site to be treated in the patient that the physician's hands and/or head may be positioned in the fluroscopic area while the physician is attempting to maneuver a wire guide to a desired location. When the extension is attached to the introducer, the physician may perform a procedure, such as an antigrade stick in the lower leg of a patient, while maintaining their hands and head outside of the fluroscopic area while direct radiation is being supplied and the wire guide is being maneuvered to a desired treatment location.

Abstract: Provided are surface treatment agents that enable surfaces with a chemically fixed lubricant to be produced instead of a resin coating which has drawbacks, such as that lubricity is reduced due to separation, peeling or the like of the coating during the movement within a vessel or tube; and medical devices, such as catheters, having a surface at least partially treated with such a surface treatment agent. The present invention relates to a surface treatment agent for medical devices which contains a copolymer of a hydrophilic functional group-containing monomer and an epoxy group-containing monomer.

Abstract: Problems associated with BPH can be negated using the present ergonomically pre-contoured, valved urinary catheter. To insert, the flexible tee beam is oriented on axis with the upper catheter. It will self-toggle into the tee orientation once inside the bladder, because of a small-bore elastic tubing that extends full length inside the main catheter. The catheter assembly will remain in place until the user tugs down hard enough on the outside-the-body, small diameter, valve-actuation tensor to cause the tee beam to fold double and be small enough to be pulled from the urethra. Lesser tugs actuate the compact, distal-end valve to allow urine flow. The smooth outer surfaces of the catheter assembly will help assure that reproductive functions will not be affected.

Abstract: A satiation device is described which includes a sheath or liner extending from the proximal or middle stomach to the distal antrum. Food ingested by the patient passes through the sheath or liner, thereby minimizing contact between the ingested food and the stomach. It is believed that over time, reduced contact between food and the stomach will result in decreased Ghrelin production by the patient and a consequent decrease in appetite. In some embodiments, the satiation device may also include a proximal pouch and/or a distal bypass tube.

Abstract: A telescopic device is disclosed and includes a first tubular element having an extension member disposed axially within the first tubular element. The device has a first position where a coupling member is located on a conical first section of the extension member closer to a distal end of the extension member and a third axial position wherein the coupling member is affixed within a grooved receiving section of the extension member.

Abstract: In a stent kit in which a stent tube has an arc-shaped part at one or both ends, an inner catheter includes an arc-shaped part fitting in, and conforming to, each arc-shaped part of the stent tube. Because of the conforming shapes, the stent tube is not deformed by the inner catheter even if the inner catheter remains within the stent tube over a long time. Consequently, the arcuate shape of the arc-shaped part or parts of the stent tube are reliably restored when the inner catheter is pulled out.

Abstract: A compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter having a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter retained within a longitudinally compacted elastic package. A method of using the catheter wherein at least a portion of the package is used as a drainage tube for the catheter. A package for an intermittent urinary catheter including a longitudinally compacted elastic package having a longitudinally extending receiving chamber containing a lubricating medium. The package having two longitudinal ends that may be removed to open the package and enable conversion of the package from a compacted state to an extended state. A method of using the package as a clean handling sleeve through which an intermittent urinary catheter may be passed to coat it with a lubricating medium.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent (=50) including a bladder portion (=52) positioned in a bladder of a patient, a kidney portion (=54) positioned in a kidney and ureteral passageway of the patient, and one or more tethers (=56) coupling the bladder portion to the kidney portion. The ureteral stent allows urine to pass around a blockage, and allows a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state to prevent or minimize urinary reflux, flank pain, blood in the urine, etc., while allowing the bladder portion to move freely in the bladder to prevent the bladder portion from irritating the trigone muscle.

Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes a first material and a second material. The second material is formulated to have a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first material. The second material is formulated to be soluble in a bodily fluid. The second material is combined with the first material to form a substantially homogeneous combination of the first material and the second material.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for placing in a body passage of a patient, includes a ureteral stent, the ureteral stent comprising a generally tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen longitudinally disposed therethrough, at least one hollow fiber tubule disposed within the tubular housing, and at least one anchoring mechanism disposed on a distal end of the tubular housing.

Abstract: A tubular insertion aid for catheter manipulation is disclosed. The insertion aid is particularly suited for urinary catheters, such as hydrophilic urinary catheters for intermittent use. The insertion aid comprises a forward opening, a rearward opening and a slit opening extending along a part of the sidewall of the tubular insertion aid, so that a first portion of the tubular insertion aid in the axial direction forms a solid circumference around the tubular insertion aid, and a second portion in the axial direction is provided with the slit opening extending in an axial direction of the tubular insertion aid.

Abstract: A urinary tubing for mitigating against microbial migration, as well as a system and method for forming and maintaining a closed-system of urinary tubing are described. Such tubing may comprise: a first terminal end; a second terminal end, longitudinally opposing the first terminal end; a wettable region, which may comprise a surface which may be wetted by a fluid flowing within the tubing; and a means for mitigating against microbial migration in a direction opposite of intended flow. Such means may be selected from one or more of the group comprising at least one check-valve, at least one biofilm abater, and the wettable region treated with an antimicrobial coating. Such means may be located within the tubing, at the first terminal end, or at the second terminal end.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening. A hydrophilic coating is provided on at least a portion of the elongate end of the catheter. A fluid containing member is provided and is either arranged on the elongate member or within a separate area of the container. The fluid containing member contains sufficient hydrating fluid to hydrate the coating of the catheter. A container contains the elongate member and the fluid containing member and incorporates at least one foil layer to prevent evaporation of the hydrating fluid. A method of using the catheter includes inserting a catheter into a user's body and draining fluid from the user's body.

Abstract: A medical device with an outer surface prepared to reduce crystalline growth or surface fowling thereon is provided. The device includes an elongate member that extends between a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen defined through at least a central portion of the member. The member is defined from a wire that is coiled to define the lumen therethrough, the coils of the wire are configured such that a plurality of the neighboring coils define a small space therebetween. The coiled wire includes a central metallic core that extends along the entire length of the wire defining the member and a polymeric jacket is wrapped around the core, wherein the polymeric jacket is configured to retain an electric charge disposed therethrough.

Abstract: An intermittent catheter assembly is disclosed which comprises an intermittent catheter (22) having a proximal insertion end (22a), a distal end (22b) remote from the proximal insertion end, and an insertable portion (22c). The insertable portion of the intermittent catheter extends from the proximal insertion end thereof to a point approaching the distal end thereof. The intermittent catheter is disposed in a cavity (25) and a drawstring (26) secured to the intermittent catheter extends through the cavity and generally along the insertable portion of the intermittent catheter. The drawstring has a first end (26a) secured to the intermittent catheter between the insertable portion and the distal end and a second end (26b) outside the cavity for withdrawing the intermittent catheter therefrom.

Abstract: A bio-compatible lumen bearing device such as a catheter formed of a polymeric material having a titanium surface bonded to the underlying exposed catheter surface. The titanium surface is employed in patients to improve bio-compatibility and enhance lubricity during insertion and removal.

Abstract: A device disclosed herein includes a tubular member which is flexible and configured to receive ultraviolet (UV) light from a UV illumination coupler. The tubular member contains a lumen defining a longitudinal interior space within the tubular member, a tubular body bounded by an inner wall defining an outer boundary of the lumen and an outer wall defining an outer surface of the tubular member, at least one optical fiber disposed outside of the interior space not parallel to an axis of the lumen and adapted to receive the UV light from the UV illumination coupler, and a protective component adapted to prevent substantively all of the UV light emitted from the optical fiber from exiting the outer wall. Methods for producing and using such devices are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An improved fluid drainage system is comprised of a transfer tubing that includes a secondary axial compartment for the movement of air. This secondary lumen of the transfer tubing includes a gas permeable material which will allow the transport of air, while repelling fluid. The secondary lumen transports air from any section of the transfer tubing to the collection bag, as a means of eliminating and equating pressurized air pockets that can result in flow retardation. The urinary drainage system of the present invention remains a closed system, but with an internal venting system to improve flow distally from the body.

Abstract: A urinary catheter kit is provided. The catheter kit includes a catheter with a flared end and a package provided with interior protrusions for cooperating with the flared end of the catheter. The largest outer diameter of the flared end of the catheter is slightly larger than the smallest diameter of the package at the protrusions. Thereby, the protrusions will function as a backstop for the catheter. The rigidity of the catheter at the flared end is selected so that—depending on the angle of the flared end—the flared end will be able to flip over if it is subjected to a force over a predetermined level. Thereby the catheter will be able to be entered back into the package.

Abstract: A selective-capacity collection and drainage device having a first collection container, a second collection chamber and a common inlet valve characterized by a capacity selector and a common outlet valve connecting to each collection chamber. The common inlet valve consists of a common inflow tube, which connects via tubing to the catheter where bodily fluids will enter the selective capacity chamber. The inlet valve has a capacity-selector located between the common inflow tube and the multi-chambered container, such that bodily fluids are directed by the capacity-selector into one or all of the collection chambers via the divided inflow tube. Each individual chamber of the multi-chambered container is connected at its base to the common outlet valve. The common outlet valve consists of a divided outflow tube on top, which connects to each collection chamber, and converges at an outflow valve.

Abstract: A transurethral catheter kit containing a balloon catheter and a syringe assembly adapted for inflation of the balloon, The syringe assembly includes a syringe and a nozzle incorporating a narrow bore proximal to a pressure relief valve. The narrow bore serves to resist the flow of fluid between the syringe and the balloon, thereby avoiding a rapid pressure increase in the balloon that can result in damage to tissues or premature activation of the pressure relief valve. Also provided is a method for correctly placing a transurethral balloon catheter in a patient using the kit.

Abstract: A bagless catheter and incontinence device, which reduces maceration, microbial skin infiltration and infection, urinary tract infection, and offers the user a normal, odor-free, active lifestyle, is provided.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a telescopic device 20 comprising a first tubular element 1 and an extension member 2, where the extension member 2 is displaceably arranged in an axial direction within the first tubular element 1 and wherein a coupling member 3 is provided movably on the extension member 2 and is positionable in first, second and third axial positions.

Abstract: A catheter, and preferably a urinary catheter, is disclosed, comprising an elongate shaft, an insertable end formed in or connected to one end of the elongate shaft, and a discharge end formed in or connected to the opposite end of the elongate shaft. Further, the catheter further comprises an insertion aid at least partly encircling the discharge end, and being integrally and releasably connected to the discharge end. Hereby, easy production is achieved, and at the same time, the insertion aid may easily be removed for use as an insertion aid when using the catheter.

Abstract: A Foley catheter assembly is disclosed. The Foley catheter assembly includes a Foley catheter, which includes an insertion tip inserted into the bladder and a drainage tube extending from the insertion tip and draining urine from the bladder, and a catheter support cover, which covers the outer surface of the Foley catheter before insertion of the Foley catheter into the bladder to prevent contamination and allows smooth insertion of the insertion tip into the bladder at a constant speed. The catheter support cover includes a pair of support main bodies that are detachably coupled to each other and accommodate the drainage tube and a pair of transport rollers disposed at both sides of the insertion tip at upper portions of the support main bodies to be rotatable for inserting the insertion tip into the bladder.

Abstract: The urine collection assembly and method includes a catheter having a proximal insertion end and a distal end. The distal end of the catheter has only a cylindrical barrel portion of a tapered funnel integral therewith. The urine collection assembly further includes a urine collection bag which includes a cylindrical attachment port. The cylindrical barrel portion is sealed in the cylindrical attachment port and permits urine to pass into the urine collection bag.

Abstract: A safety catheter includes a shaft. The shaft has a proximal shaft portion having a proximal end, a distal tip portion defining a junction with the proximal shaft portion, a fluid drain lumen, and a balloon inflation lumen. The fluid drain lumen defines a distal fluid drain opening at the distal tip portion distal of the junction and a proximal fluid drain opening adjacent the proximal end and fluidically connected to the distal fluid drain opening. A hollow zero-pressure balloon is disposed at the junction and has an interior fluidly connected to the balloon inflation lumen, a distal leg fixedly secured to the distal tip portion, and a proximal leg temporarily secured to the proximal shaft portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a packaged urinary catheter. The catheter includes a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes at least one aperture for receiving urine from the bladder. The catheter is contained within a sleeve having a length, a width, and a size configured to receive the catheter. According to one embodiment, the catheter and the sleeve may be arranged in a helical coil. The outer surface of the catheter may have a lubricious and/or an antimicrobial coating.

Abstract: A female urethral catheterization assisting device may include a handle, an elongated shaft and a catheter holding mechanism. The catheter holding mechanism may hold a catheter securely so that a patient may position, orient and insert a catheter into the patient's urethra. The handle and elongated shaft assist in positioning, orienting and inserting the catheter by extending the patient's reach.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter, for insertion into and draining a body cavity, that mitigates the risk of obstruction of the drainage ports and drainage lumen of the catheter, reduces the detrimental effects caused by the suction forces of the drainage ports on the body cavity being drained, and reduces the risk of infection of the body cavity being drained by decreasing the residual volume of fluid retained in the body cavity being drained. These advantages are achieved by the novel approach of disposing a perforated filter membrane or a membrane having a relatively large entry port(s) between membrane struts over a segmented retention element and also over the drainage port(s) of the drainage lumen of the catheter thereby creating internal interstitial drainage channels and internal interstitial drainage cavities.

Abstract: A surgical system adapted for dissection of tissue away from a body lumen includes a tissue dissection tool and a catheter. The tissue dissection tool includes a shaft connected between a handle and a tissue dissection head. At least the tissue dissection head of the tissue dissection tool is magnetized to a first polarity. The catheter is insertable into a urethra, with a wall of the catheter magnetized to the first polarity. When the catheter is inserted into the urethra, the first polarity of the catheter is configured to repel the first polarity of the tissue dissection head of the tool away from the catheter and away from in the urethra.

Abstract: A needleless injector including a body at a proximal end, a shaft extending distally from the body, at least one injection orifice at a distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with a fluid chamber at the proximal end, a pressure source in communication with the fluid chamber, and a tissue tensioner located at the distal end of the shaft proximal to the injection orifice, wherein the distal end including the tissue tensioner and injection orifice is positionable within a urethral lumen so that when the tissue tensioner is deployed, tissue of the urethra is tensioned at a location for injection of fluid from the injection orifice into the tissue of the urethra.

Abstract: A kit for preparing a medical catheter from catheter sections comprises a tubular protective member surrounding a first, proximal one of the catheter sections. The kit further comprises a joint for interconnecting the catheter sections, the joint defining a substantially liquid tight seal at one end of a substantially annular and longitudinally extending cavity provided between the proximal end portion of the first catheter section and an inner wall of the tubular protective member. Following removal of the tubular protective member, one of the catheter sections is exposed and ready for insertion into the urethra.

Abstract: A stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a stent selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft by inserting a tab on one of the stent or the elongate shaft into an opening in the other of the stent or the elongate shaft. The tab may be deflected from a first position to a second position to disengage the tab from the opening.

Abstract: Packaging including a coiled and optionally prelubricated catheter, its distal end insertable into the urethra, a slidable hygienic sheath, a proximal catheter end for voiding urine from the distal end through the assembly to the proximal end. Mutually rotatable elements providing for withdrawal of the catheter from its coiled state to an extended state, and retraction of the catheter back to its coiled state. Methods of extending the catheter, inserting it into the urethra, and voiding urine through the catheter, without requiring complete removal from the catheter packaging. A kit including automatic extrusion of the catheter's distal end upon package opening, and a water pouch for hydrophilic lubrication, and sanitary wipes for reducing the likelihood of infection. A catheter within a flexible and optionally coiled tube, a slidable hygienic sheath covering a catheter's distal end that can move along the length of the catheter during insertion.