Abstract: Devices and methods of treating conditions cause or exacerbated by excessive fluid pressures or retentions, such as pulmonary hypertension, that involves shunting excessive fluid pressure from one bodily chamber or vessel to another bodily chamber or vessel.

Abstract: A bidirectional vascular cannula device includes a tube and a moving mechanism having a through hole. The tube includes a tubular wall which defines therein a passage having opposite proximal and distal opened ends. The tubular wall has a secondary opening formed therethrough. Oxygenated blood infused into the passage from the proximal opened end is delivered to one end of the blood vessel from the distal opened end, and a part of the blood is delivered to the other end of the blood vessel through the secondary opening and the through hole so as to obviate ischemic caused by cannula occlusion. The moving mechanism is operable to be moved to permit a part of the moving mechanism to project outwardly and to be attached to the inner wall of the blood vessel for positioning the cannula device.

Abstract: A holder for a curved duct portion of a tube pump. The holder includes a supply-side connector which includes a first cavity and a first plate connected together, the first cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the curved duct portion, and a discharge-side connector including a second cavity and a second plate connected together, the second cavity being adapted for receiving another end of the curved duct portion, where the connectors are movable the one with respect to the other between a storage configuration, in which the supply-side connector is positioned away to the discharge-side connector, and an operating configuration, in which the supply-side connector is close to the discharge-side connector and in which the first and second plate are engaged together substantially on a same plane.

Abstract: A method for accessing a mitral valve that includes forming an incision and inserting a first catheter comprising a lumen. The first catheter is adapted to be directed towards a left atrium and the first catheter has a working length of approximately 15 cm to approximately 52 cm. The method further includes utilizing a trocar in the first catheter to penetrate a pericardium and utilizing the trocar to penetrate the left atrium. The method further includes accessing the mitral valve from an antegrade direction.

Abstract: An arteriovenous dialysis access graft configured to be implanted in a subject includes: at least one flexible conduit having first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion is configured to connect to an artery of the subject and the second end portion is configured to connect to a vein of the subject such that blood flows through the at least one conduit; and at least one cannulation chamber positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion of the at least one conduit. The chamber includes: an elongated housing having an inlet and an outlet, a posterior wall, a pair of sidewalls, and an open anterior portion defining a cannulation port; and a self-sealing material extending across the cannulation port. The posterior wall and the sidewalls of the housing are formed of a substantially rigid material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leak detector (10) for detecting leaked liquid. The leak detector (10) comprises a flexible and elongate fastener (12) configured to fit around a liquid containing pipe to thereby attach the leak detector to the liquid containing pipe. The leak detector also comprises a leak sensor and a housing (14) containing electrical circuitry. The leak sensor (is) comprised in at least one of the fastener and the housing. The leak sensor is configured to sense liquid leaking from the liquid containing pipe with the electrical circuitry being operative to detect a leak in dependence on an output from the leak sensor. The leak detector is configured such that the housing (14) and the fastener (12) are abreast.

Abstract: Provided is a blood purifying apparatus including a blood purifying filter in which mass transfer occurs between blood and dialysis fluid, a blood tube connecting the blood purifying filter and a patient to allow blood to flow therethrough, a dialysis fluid supply tube connected to the blood purifying filter and allowing dialysis fluid to be supplied to the blood purifying filter therethrough, a dialysis fluid discharge tube connected to the blood purifying filter and allowing dialysis fluid to be discharged from the blood purifying filter therethrough; and a fluid pumping device. The fluid pumping device further includes a plurality of chamber each having an internal space, a chamber pressurizing member disposed inside the plurality of chambers and compressing or expanding the chambers to thereby allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a flow controller controlling a flow passage.

Abstract: Systems and methods of implanting a vascular access technologies and declotting vascular access technologies, such as vascular access assemblies that facilitate hemodialysis, are provided. The methods can include disposing a first tubular conduit within a patient to access a vascular access assembly within the heart of the patient. The first tubular conduit can be coupled to the vascular access assembly such that the first tubular conduit can be decoupled from the vascular access assembly to evacuate a clot within the vascular access assembly, and then recouple the first tubular conduit to the vascular access assembly.

Abstract: Expandable intubation assemblies and methods for using and making the same are provided.

Abstract: A composition for restoring or increasing tissue perfusion is provided. The composition includes polyethylene glycol polymers (PEG) with a molecular weight of 18,000-100,000 Da at a concentration of 5-20% by weight; PEG with a molecular weight of 1,000-10,000 Da at a concentration of 1-30% by weight; and water, wherein said PEG with a molecular weight of 18,000-100,000 Da and said PEG with a molecular weight of 1,000-10,000 Da are dissolved or dispersed in said water.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting a pVAD device that is implanted with a distal portion in an aorta of the heart and a drive line extending across an inter-atrial septum and out of the body via a superior vessel of the venous vasculature, include a first device that is introduced into a femoral artery and through the descending aorta used to engage a distal part of the pVAD device in the aorta of a patient using an instrument. A second, cutter, device is introduced into the venous vasculature superior to heart, advanced to a position adjacent the inter-atrial septum, and used to cut the pVAD drive line adjacent to the inter-atrial septum. After cutting, a first portion of the pVAD is withdrawn from the body via the venous vasculature, and a second portion is withdrawn from the body via the femoral artery.

Abstract: A injection site information cap includes a housing, a cover portion, an engagement portion configured to couple to and cover an injection port of an injection site, and at least one information element on the cover portion that is positioned to be automatically sensed by at least one sensor of the injection site when the engagement portion is coupled to or is being coupled to the medication injection port. Related apparatus, systems, and techniques are also described.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient comprises a delivery device and injectate. The delivery device comprises an elongate shaft with a distal portion and at least one delivery element positioned on the elongate shaft distal portion. The delivery device is constructed and arranged to deliver the injectate through the at least one delivery element and into tissue to create a therapeutic restriction in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods of creating a therapeutic restriction are also provided.

Abstract: A pleural manometry catheter comprises two tubes and a pressure transducer. The first tube provides a first flow path from the pleural cavity to the pressure transducer. The second tube provides a second flow path from the pleural cavity such that fluid can be drained from the pleural cavity. The pressure transducer comprises a processor for processing, continuously, the real-time fluctuations in the pressure of the second flow path and therefore the pleural cavity as fluid is aspirated from it via the first tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an introducer sheath for catheters to be inserted into a vascular system comprising a connecting valve (2) and an insertion tube (3) having a proximal portion (4) and a distal portion (5), said distal portion (5) being of reduced diameter in comparison with the proximal portion (4), and to enable its diameter to be reversibly changed the insertion tube (3) is provided with longitudinally extending expansion elements with incisions (11, 11?, 12) designed as predetermined breaking points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing fluid from a blood filter (19) for the blood treatment of a patient and/or for removing blood from the flood filter (19) after completing the blood treatment session. It further relates to a control and/or regulating device (29), a medical treatment apparatus having a control and/or regulating device (29) with which the method according to the present invention is executable, a digital storage medium, a computer program product as well as a computer program.

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: A tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning a CPAP hose or other hose including a trough for receiving a tube therein, the trough curving downwardly from an apex to an engagement mechanism associated with each opposite end portion of the trough for hanging the hose therefrom, the opposite end portion of the hose being engageable with the engagement mechanism for allowing the hose to soak with a cleaning solution therein, and the hose being receivable within the trough with its opposite end portions extending downwardly from the apex for drying purposes.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus is provided that allows setting work at the time of blood purification treatment or preparation for the treatment to be easily and smoothly performed.

Abstract: Provided are a pancreas perfusion apparatus capable of administering a drug only to the pancreas and strictly suppressing a leakage of the drug outside the pancreas and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus includes: a first vein occlusion section occluding a vein through which a venous blood from the pancreas flows; a second vein occlusion section occluding a vein into which a venous blood from collateral pathways outside the pancreas flows; an artery occlusion section occluding sites where an artery that nourishes the pancreas is connected to arteries that nourish other tissues; a drug administration section recovering a liquid upstream of the first vein occlusion section and supplying the recovered liquid to the artery; a systemic circulation section recovering a liquid upstream of the second vein occlusion section and feeding the recovered liquid into a systemic circulation; and a control device controlling the systemic circulation pump.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including an elliptical cross-sectional profile configuration that enhances fluid flow rate while minimizing the average diameter of the catheter body is disclosed. In one embodiment the catheter comprises an elongate catheter tube defining a plurality of lumens. At least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube defines an elliptical cross section, in turn defined by a major axis and a minor axis. A ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical catheter tube cross section is between about 1.3 and about 1.4 in one embodiment. The catheter body can define two, three, or more lumens, in one embodiment.

Abstract: An assembly of a dual lumen tubing and a dual bore connector has a first flow conduit along a first lumen and a first bore, and has a second flow conduit from a second bore, via a circumferential groove and along a second lumen. The assembly can be used in connection with an extracorporeal circuit of a haemodialysis machine or an infusion set.

Abstract: A tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning a CPAP hose or other hose including a trough for receiving a tube therein, the trough curving downwardly from an apex to an engagement mechanism associated with each opposite end portion of the trough for hanging the hose therefrom, the opposite end portion of the hose being engageable with the engagement mechanism for allowing the hose to soak with a cleaning solution therein, and the hose being receivable within the trough with its opposite end portions extending downwardly from the apex for drying purposes.

Abstract: An expandable prosthetic device and method of delivery that allows the initial placement of multiple guidewires into selected target sites. The prosthesis includes a main body device. This main body device has a separate side branch guidewire lumen that passes through the main body device and through a side opening in the main body device. As the main body device is advanced, the side opening is self guided (by the side branch guidewire) and self-aligns to the side branch vessel ostium. The main body device is then deployed, leaving the side branch guidewire in place. A side branch device is then advanced along the side branch guidewire through the main body device, through the side wall opening and into the native side branch vessel. The side branch device can then be deployed to engage the main body device and the native side branch vessel.

Abstract: Implantable grafts, particularly for arteriovenous access that may be punctured by an object such as a needle and, following removal of the object, will reseal the resulting hole to the extent of reducing fluid leakage through the graft at the puncture site to an amount less than would be typical for a conventional graft. More particularly, the grafts comprise three layers; an inner layer of implantable graft material such as ePTFE, a middle layer of self sealing elastomeric material such as silicone, and an outer layer of implantable graft material such as ePTFE. Following manufacture, the tubular form of the three-layer graft is everted to put substantially the entire wall thickness of the elastomeric material layer under circumferential compression.

Abstract: A method and irradiator apparatus used for wort sterilization by radiation for production of ethanol from sugar cane, comprising a trough-like fluid duct and a radiation source for directing radiation over the flow of a fluid conducted through the duct, and application of radiation to a fluid within an apparatus for sterilization of such fluid.

Abstract: The method of treating varicose veins and other vascular diseases provides sclerosant fluid through a catheter into the body vessel to be treated. The catheter has a lumen and a plurality of sidewall exits. The sclerosant fluid is provided under sufficient pressure so that it comes out of each exit as a jet of fluid with sufficient velocity to impinge on the vessel wall substantially orthogonal to the wall and thus minimize dilution of the sclerosant fluid and optimize coverage. A movable sheath on the catheter permits selecting a portion of the exits to be uncovered and thus create an infusion zone for the jets of sclerosant fluid which approximately match a desired treatment zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing a region of interest (ROI) including measuring position and orientation data within the ROI; and generating a geometric data set to include one or more of: length, bifurcation location, angle and curvature characteristics of the ROI. Also, sequentially taking an image of a tool within the ROI; comparing tool dimensions with ROI dimensions; and estimating diameter, length, take-off angle, and/or tortuosity characteristics based on the comparisons.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The apparatus and the method prevent air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter including a first portion having an outer wall having a first diameter, an elongated distal portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition region between the first portion and distal portion. A first longitudinally extending venous lumen is configured to deliver blood. First and second independent longitudinally extending arterial lumens are configured to withdraw blood from a patient. The venous lumen and arterial lumen have first and second regions each positioned a first distance from the outer wall of the catheter and a third region positioned a second shorter distance from the outer wall of the catheter to form an arch shaped wall portion progressively increasing in thickness from the third region toward the first region and from the third region to the second region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for sampling blood by capillarity for separating a plasma phase of the blood from the cell phase. The device is a strip and includes a filter having a membrane with no clumping agents, a prefilter for spreading blood over the surface of the membrane; and an absorbent paper downstream from the filter. The membrane is dimensioned to cover only a part of the surface of the prefilter and the migration of blood by capillarity within the prefilter takes place essentially lengthwise relative to the strip before blood comes into contact with the membrane.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter includes an elongate catheter member having an outer wall member defining proximal and distal end regions and first and second longitudinal lumens. The outer member includes first and second ports in respective fluid communication with the first and second longitudinal lumens. The first opening and the first lumen define an inflow passage. The second opening and the second longitudinal lumen define an outflow passage. A valve is disposed relative to the outer member proximal of the first port. The valve is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position in response to a predetermined vacuum pressure level realized within the first longitudinal lumen to permit flow of blood through the valve and into the first longitudinal lumen. The valve may be adapted to move to the open position in the event of a luminal occlusion.

Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.

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

Abstract: Coil occluder devices and systems and methods of using the same. In an exemplary embodiment of an occluder system of the present disclosure, the occluder system comprises an occluder device comprising a coil having at least a first, uncompressed configuration and a second, compressed configuration, wherein the coil in the first, uncompressed configuration is configured to fit within a delivery mechanism sized and shaped to fit within a mammalian luminal organ, and wherein the coil in the second, compressed configuration is configured to occlude a mammalian luminal organ, and a delivery mechanism sized and shaped to fit within the mammalian luminal organ, the delivery mechanism configured to receive the coil in the first, uncompressed configuration within a lumen defined within the delivery mechanism.

Abstract: The present relates to a molecular exchange device. In particular, the present invention relates to a molecular exchange device comprising an outer tube extending from an approximal end to a distal end of the device; an inner tube defining at least one fluid passageway, the inner tube positioned concentrically within the outer tube and the area between the inner and the outer tube defining at least one fluid passageway; and a projection positioned within the area between the inner and the outer tube, wherein the projection prevents displacement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube.

Abstract: A multi-path catheter includes an elongate tubular member and a withdrawal pathway along which unfiltered fluid is withdrawn in a distal to proximal direction. The withdrawal pathway originates at a distal point and is at least partially defined by the elongate tubular member. The elongate tubular member also defines, at least partially, at least one infusion pathway along which filtered fluid is returned in a proximal to distal direction. The at least one infusion pathway extends distally beyond the withdrawal pathway. First and second legs of the elongate tubular member are positioned on opposing sides of the withdrawal pathway at the distal point, and the at least one infusion pathway is at least partially defined by one of the first and second legs. The first and second legs have outer walls that are unattached to one another at distal ends thereof.

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 method for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The method prevent air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for circulating a body fluid in a body of a living organism, especially to support the heart and/or circulation of the living organism, comprising a catheter device which has at least one inlet portion to take up the body fluid at at least one first location within the body of the living organism, at least one outlet portion some distance from the at least one inlet portion to discharge the body fluid at at least one second location some distance from the at least one first location within the body of the living organism and a pump device for directed transport of the body fluid between the at least one inlet portion and the at least one outlet portion of the catheter device; and a valve arrangement coupled to the catheter device for controlled uptake of the body fluid as a function of operation of the pump device at the at least one inlet portion of the catheter device and controlled discharge of the body fluid at the at least one outlet portion of the catheter devic

Abstract: A coupler includes a conductive polymer material that is so constructed and arranged to join tubing, wherein the conductive polymer material includes a conductive polymer component selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophenes, polyethylenedioxythiophene, poly(p-phenylene vinylene) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A catheter tip designed to reduce the outflow velocity and/or directional momentum of fluid being infused by a catheter having such a tip. In one variation, a plurality of channels is provided at the distal portion of the catheter to increase the outflow cross-sectional area. In another variation, the diameter of the catheter at its distal portion where the fluid exits is increased. In yet another variation, a bullet-shaped nose is implemented which may decrease turbulence at the distal end of catheter tip. The low velocity outflow catheter tip may also be implemented on a dual lumen catheter, such as a hemodialysis catheter, to reduce recirculation rate. Various device configurations and methods for such implementations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The system prevents air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter device and a method of treatment using the indwelling catheter device are provided. The indwelling catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and an inflation lumen extending at least partially through the shaft. The distal portion of the shaft includes a first opening connected to the first lumen. The catheter device further includes a balloon operably connected to an outer surface of the shaft proximal to the first opening wherein the balloon at least partially surrounds the shaft. The inflation lumen is connected to the balloon for selective inflation and deflation of the balloon for disrupting migration of the occluding material and inhibiting the material from occluding the first opening when the catheter device is indwelling.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient during renal replacement or other therapies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion.

Abstract: A connection system for creating a vascular cannula for connection to a blood vessel includes a flexible hose element in the form of a graft, a conduit element and, disposed therebetween, a connecting element extablishing fluid-tight connections, wherein a retaining element is equipped with a radially outwardly elastically beadable snap ring, which, in the connected state, can be snapped in behind a detent surface of one of the parts of the connection system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hydraulically controlled arterial/venous access are provided. The apparatus and methods may include tubing anastomized to a conduit. A clamp may be positioned over the tubing. The clamp may seal the tubing. The clamp may be configured to unseal the tubing. The clamp may be positioned to seal the tubing such that outer walls of the tubing are compressed flush with each other. The tubing may include an inner lumen and an outer lumen. The outer lumen may terminate in a balloon. The inner lumen may include a compressible portion near the anastomosis site. The inner lumen may include a non-compressible portion. The balloon may encircle at least part of the non-compressible portion. A reservoir may be configured to control an opening or closing of the clamp. When the inner lumen is open, fluid may flow from the conduit to the reservoir.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a device comprising a catheter. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of removing an agent from blood.

Abstract: In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end, at least one of the arterial end and venous end including a support frame. The system further includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft and an actuator in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device, the actuator being configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously.