Abstract: A balloon catheter with delivery probe and method of use for delivering a therapeutic agent and/or diagnostic agent to tissue is provided. The catheter has a balloon, a first lumen and a probe movably disposed in the first lumen of said catheter. The probe has a lumen for delivering a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent to tissue. The catheter has a third lumen through which fluid is supplied to the balloon. The catheter with delivery probe may be inserted into a bodily cavity such that the distal end of the probe extends out of an opening in the catheter. When the balloon is inflated the probe is captured between an outer wall of the balloon and the tissue so that therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent may be delivered to the tissue through the probe lumen via the distal end of the probe.

Abstract: The single use catheter has a lumen with a hydrophobic filter tip at one end. The lumen is divided into two parallel conduits. A first conduit terminates in a one-way valve. A syringe is attached to the one-way valve. Air, saline solution or sterilized water can be introduced through the one-way valve and inflate a cuff about the lumen. The second parallel conduit terminates in a charcoal filter for elimination of bowel gas. The one-way valve prevents deflation of the cuff unless the lumen is cut to allow the fluid from the cuff to exit and deflate the cuff.

Abstract: Components may be used separately or in combination to create anchoring systems for intra-luminal implants for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Various systems include an external component adapted for deployment around a portion of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the duodenum) and an internal component adapted for implantation within the gastrointestinal tract. Various systems use anchors that are based on mechanical interference, elasticity, spring force, shape memory transformation, magnetic attraction, repulsion and/or levitation. Various embodiments rely on longitudinal anchoring of the implants with minimal force against tissue.

Abstract: A cuffed silicone tracheostomy tube has two tapered recesses (17) and (18) on its outer surface in which opposite ends (7) and (8) of a resilient cuff 6 are bonded using an adhesive or solvent. Two shallow ribs (22) and (23) extend around the tube on the inner edge of each recess (17) and (18), projecting outwardly to prevent the adhesive or solvent spreading onto the inflatable portion (10) of the cuff (6). The cuff (6) has several shallow ribs (9) extending around the cuff and spaced along its inflatable portion (10) to promote even inflation.

Abstract: A bone grafting delivery device, method and kit is provided. The bone grafting material delivery device may include a needle having a cutting edge located at a distal end of the needle. The needle may be configured to be inserted within a bone via an entry point created through the skin of a patient. Additionally, the bone grafting material delivery device may include a plurality of dilators attachable sequentially to the needle using a swivel assembly. The plurality of dilators may be configured to articulate relative to needle in a plurality of directions via the swivel assembly. Furthermore, a final dilator of the plurality of dilators may include an opening at a distal end of the final dilator for depositing bone grafting material onto the bone or in a void.

Abstract: A catheter is provided which allows medical treatment of the vascular aneurysm to be carried out with certainty and safely. The catheter includes a catheter main body including a first lumen for supplying and discharging expanding fluid therethrough and a second lumen into which an elongated instrument for the medical treatment is fitted, a balloon provided at a distal end portion of the catheter main body and communicating with the first lumen such that the balloon is expanded and contracted by supply and discharge of the expanding fluid thereto and therefrom, respectively, and a communication section open to an outer face of the balloon, communicating with the second lumen, and isolated from the inside of the balloon.

Abstract: An assembly of a pulmonary venting catheter and a pacing wire disposed therethrough whereby the pacing wire is extended from the distal end of the catheter tube during pacing mode, eliminating the need for exchanging the venting catheter with a pacing catheter to begin pacing after venting. The pacing wire includes a flexible distal end for a first conductor to conductively engage heart tissue after the pacing wire is extended from the catheter distal end; a second conductor, also exposed outside the catheter distal end, completes the circuit. The pacing wire is lockable in unextended and extended positions at the proximal end portion of the assembly. A method for venting and pacing a patient's heart during cardiac surgery is described, which includes retracting the catheter distal end from the pulmonary artery after venting mode, into the right ventricle during pacing mode, whereafter the pacing wire is extended for pacing.

Abstract: A tissue displacement/separation device is provided. The device includes a bladder which is expandable between a first tissue and a second tissue of a body. The bladder has an expanded shape which is selected capable of displacing or separating the first tissue from the second tissue in a manner suitable for protecting the first tissue from an effect of a treatment applied to the second tissue.

Abstract: A method of introducing a catheter 38 into an umbilical artery 14. The artery 14 is dilated with an introducer 22. A cannula 30 is introduced into the end of the artery 14, and a catheter is introduced through the cannula 30, with the distal end of the catheter 38 not engaging with the cut end of the artery 14.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions with activity against disorders of urogenital system of mammals which comprises a zinc-hyaluronan complex as active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or additive. The process for the preparation of said pharmaceutical compositions as well as the therapeutic use thereof for the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with abnormalities and deficiencies of glucosaminoglycan (GAG) layer in the urogenital system in mammals and a kit comprising zinc hyaluronate solution, a catheter which is applicable to intravesical administration and optionally a balloon which is applicable to bladder dillatation are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A vascular closure device that includes an inflation tube, a flashback tube, a dual lumen tube, a bond portion, and an inflatable balloon. The inflation tube defines an inflation lumen. The flashback tube defines a flashback lumen. The dual lumen tube has first and second lumens and is positioned distal of the inflation tube and flashback tube. The inflation tube and flashback tube are integrally connected to the dual lumen tube at the bond portion with the inflation lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen and the flashback lumen in fluid communication with the second lumen. The inflatable balloon is mounted at a distal end of the dual lumen tube and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a balloon catheter employing a reinforced, co-axial, duel lumen design. In certain embodiments, at least one of the lumens is formed of a multilayer, tubular element in which one of the layers functions, in part, to provide radial reinforcement to the tubular element.

Abstract: A breast cavity spacer device, such as for use with a percutaneous lumpectomy, is provided. The device includes a body having a projection on one end. The body has a bore extending there through. A catheter is disposed at least partially within the bore. A balloon member is fluidly coupled on one end of the catheter, the balloon member having an elliptical shape.

Abstract: Vascular embolic filtering systems, as well as methods for using the same, are provided. In general, the subject invention includes a system comprised of a delivery and retrieval sheath adapted for delivering and retrieving multiple embolic filters, wherein the embolic filters are each operatively coupled to a distal region of a filter wire segment and are deployable within a target vessel.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon for medical devices, in particular for catheters used in angioplasty, comprising a polyamide copolymer material characterized in that said polyamide copolymer material is represented by the general formula (I): HO—(PF—OOC—PA-COO—PF—COO—PA)n-COOH in which PA is a polyamide segment and PF is a diol segment comprising dimer diols and/or corresponding OH-terminating diol polyesters and n is a number between 5 and 20.

Abstract: A catheter having a shaft that has at least two spaced-apart lumens is disclosed. A retractable core wire is disposed within at least one of the lumens. The retractable core wire is manipulated by the user to impart variable stiffness to the shaft as the core wire is retracted and extended within the lumen. A catheter having substantially low profile bonds at the junctions where an inflatable balloon is attached to the catheter is also disclosed. The low profile bonds are created by recesses extending around the circumference of the distal end of the shaft, the proximal and distal ends of a stem, and the proximal end of a tip. The catheter having the low profile bond optionally has either a retractable or an embedded core wire. In examples, the catheter has at least one component formed from, co-extruded with, or coated with a lubricious material or a hydrophilic material.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device (1700) includes an elongate catheter shaft comprising multifilar cable tubing (1706) having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a coating (1708) that allows the shaft to provide a patent fluid passage. The distal cable tube end includes a connection structure (1723) configured to provide desirable strength, pushability, and trackability.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an inflatable structure that exhibits an outwardly tapering expansion profile. The outward taper can beneficially allow the inflatable bone tamp to exert greater targeted force in difficult environments. For example, in a vertebra with a compression fracture, the outwardly tapering expansion profile of the inflatable bone tamp can result in greater lifting force being applied to the endplates of the vertebra, thereby increasing the likelihood of restoring the height lost due to the compression fracture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cannula having a body with a first outer diameter, a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a portion outward of the first outer diameter having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter that is adapted to space tissue from the fluid inlet to maintain fluid flow. Such a cannula is particularly useful for cardiopulmonary bypass procedures using a kinetically assisted venous drainage system.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may include a multi-lumen tube having an inflation lumen and a guide wire lumen. The multi-lumen tube may include a proximal end and a distal end and may terminate at a distal tip. The catheter may include an extension tube extending distally from the distal tip of the multi-lumen tube and a dilatation balloon disposed about the multi-lumen tube and the extension tube. The distal tip of the multi-lumen tube may be under the balloon.

Abstract: A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is formed of mesogenic repeat units and the B block is a soft block.

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a device to a catheter used to mediate a procedure in a patient's body, the fastener dimensioned so that it and the device can be introduced into the patient's body with the catheter and comprising: a clutch controllable to lock the fastener onto and to unlock the fastener from the catheter; and a controller operable to control the clutch selectively to Clock onto and unlock from the catheter when the catheter and fastener are inside a body of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or symptoms associated with these maladies. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's veins are provided.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering an agent to an area of treatment is presented. The catheter includes a catheter body, a balloon assembly coupled to the catheter body, a first lumen, and a second lumen. The balloon assembly has spaced-apart balloons that define an area between the balloons. The first lumen extends along the catheter body to pass an inflation material to the balloons to control an inflation level of the balloons. The second lumen extends along the catheter body and having an outlet in the area between the balloons. There may be a third lumen for bypassing a biological fluid such as blood while the catheter is being used. The method of using this catheter is also presented. The method entails simultaneously inflating the balloons to isolate a treatment area and adding an agent to the treatment area through one of the lumens.

Abstract: A novel shunt comprises: a first lumen having a first end and a second end, wherein the first lumen is composed of a polydimethylsiloxane material; a bulb-shaped portion positioned on each of the first end and the second end; a reinforcing spring extending along the first lumen from the first end and the second end; and a second lumen having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a center portion of the first lumen and the second end is connected to a valve.

Abstract: A balloon catheter has an elongated flexible shaft made of a metal and at least one inflatable balloon mounted on a distal end area of the flexible shaft. A wall of the shaft providing the mechanical properties for flexibility and pushability is entirely made of metal, the wall has a sheet-like shape, and the wall has an outer diameter up to 0.5 mm and a wall thickness in a range from 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm.

Abstract: An extracorporeal circulation catheter has three independent channels and an expandable balloon at one end of the catheter. The first channel allows for delivery of blood to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. The second channel is integrated into the wall of the first channel and is suitable for delivering a fluid (e.g., for cardioplegia) to the heart. A third channel is integrated into the wall of the first channel and is suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion when positioned in the ascending aorta to occlude the flow of blood to the heart. The first channel accounts for at least about 70% of the total channel volume.

Abstract: A tube-in-tube assembled parison for preparation of an elongated medical device. The parison if formed by assembling in tube-in-tube fashion a first tube of orientable polymer material and a second tube formed of orientable polymer material disposed around the first tube, with an adhesive tie layer disposed between the first and second tubes. The tubes are brought into contact to form a unitary parison. The adhesive may allow movement between the polymer layers during balloon blowing. The first tube, or the second tube, or both, may have been longitudinally pre-stretched after formation thereof but before assembly of the parison.

Abstract: A support catheter that can be used to aid positioning of a guidewire and other medical devices. The support catheter includes a catheter body having a length, and a supporting structure formed or disposed in or on the catheter body. The catheter support structure, whether alone or in combination with the other portions of the support catheter, provides flexibility, stiffness, and torqueability to the support catheter.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device that has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration wherein one or more polymeric network layers are applied to the substrate and microparticles embedded in the polymeric network. The polymeric network layer or layers is/are configured to retain the microparticles when the device is in a collapsed configuration and to release the microparticles when the device is in an expanded configuration. Methods for delivering a therapeutic agent using the device and making the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual lumen catheter shaft having a first dual lumen section and a second dual lumen section with a transition section therebetween. The present invention further provides a method of forming a dual lumen catheter shaft.

Abstract: A method is described including introducing a delivery device to a point within a renal artery or a renal segmental artery and delivering a treatment agent from the delivery device according to conditions that create a turbulent blood flow and wherein the treatment agent is capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy. In other embodiments, an apparatus and kit are described including a delivery device for insertion to a point within a renal artery or renal segmental artery and delivery of a treatment agent capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter for POBA or stent delivery applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a balloon catheter having a soft distal tip member and methods for manufacturing the same.

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: Catheter systems and methods for facilitating the delivery of a therapeutic agent directly to the interior of a body organ, and/or the extraction of material from said organ. The catheter distal end is placed within the body organ to be treated. The catheter may carry a fixation device near the catheter distal end. When implanted, the fixation device retains the catheter distal end in the organ despite normal patient activity. The fixation device may include porous material to promote soft tissue ingrowth for anchoring the catheter distal end within the organ.

Abstract: An illustrative system includes a catheter with a first conduit having a first distal port. The first distal port is in fluid communication with an interior of a balloon mounted to the catheter. The catheter also includes a second conduit having a second distal port, where the second distal port is configured to receive a needle. The balloon is configured to inflate responsive to a fluid received through the first distal port such that the needle is suitably positioned to penetrate an external surface of a subject.

Abstract: A gastro jejunal (G-J) feeding device includes a gastro jejunal body and an integral feeding tube. The gastro jejunal body includes a gastric port, a jejunal port and a balloon port. The integral feeding tube includes a proximal end and a distal end and further includes a gastric lumen, a jejunal lumen and a balloon lumen. The proximal end is configured to be located outside of a patient's body. The distal end is configured to be inserted into a patient's body and has a deformable portion with a default shape having a width larger than a diameter of a tubular portion. A capsule is configured to be placed on the distal end so as to enclose and deform the deformable portion. The capsule is configured to dissolve upon contact with bodily fluid. The deformable portion is configured to return to the default shape upon dissolution of the capsule.

Abstract: A catheter shaft for a balloon dilation catheter to be utilized with a guidewire includes an outer tubular member having a bore, a proximal end and a distal end with a guidewire tubular member coaxially disposed within the bore such that the inner surface of the outer tubular member and the outer surface of the guidewire tubular member define an annular inflation/deflation lumen extending between the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the outer tubular member with a plurality of discrete, spaced apart legs extending radially outward from the guidewire tubular member that serve as a stop or stops preventing movement of the guidewire tubular member into the outer tubular member when the legs abut the distal end of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A safety trocar assembly incorporating an airbag is provided to prevent overpenetration of the safety trocar assembly through an abdominal wall and into a body cavity. The safety trocar assembly includes an airbag cannula having an expandable airbag proximal of the distal end of the cannula. A sensing device is located at a distal end of the cannula for detecting changes in conditions at the distal end of the cannula. A trigger mechanism is provided on the cannula and operates to inflate the airbag in response to a change in condition detected by the sensing device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluid into a body lumen during a medical procedure. A distal end of an apparatus may be introduced into a body lumen, and a valve on the distal end may be opened to deliver fluid through a first lumen into the body lumen, e.g., contrast and/or other diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The valve may be closed, and a procedure may be performed within the body lumen, e.g., using a treatment element carried on the distal end. For example, the treatment element may include a balloon that may be inflated when fluid is delivered through the first lumen with the valve closed. Optionally, a prosthesis, energy source, drug platform, and the like may be carried by the balloon for treating the body lumen. In various embodiments, the valve may be located proximal or distal to the treatment element.

Abstract: An improved embolic filter frame having looped support struts. The frame configuration provides enhanced longitudinal compliance, improved sealing against a vessel wall, low profile delivery, and a short deployed length. The looped support struts have a high degree of “radial” stiffness with a low degree of “longitudinal” stiffness. In the deployed state, the frame exerts a relatively high stress onto a vessel wall to maintain an effective seal, yet remains compliant in the longitudinal direction. Minor displacements of the support wire or catheter are therefore not translated to the filter. The looped support struts elongate when tensioned and assume a compressed and essentially linear form. While constrained in this linear state by a delivery catheter, the support struts exert minimal stress onto the delivery system. The overall delivery profile and stiffness are therefore reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. Moreover, a check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. In addition, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A resector balloon system is disclosed generally comprising a catheter with at least one balloon having an outer wall with a resecting, non-slip surface for resecting unwanted biological material, such as tissues or tumors, and a pump that supplies fluid thereto in pulsed fashion to repeatedly deflate and inflate said balloon. In certain embodiments, the pump includes a processor that controls the pulsed supply of fluid based on an established frequency or change in volume. In some embodiments, the system includes a keyed connector with which the pump identifies the balloon type, and in some cases, the system calculates intra-lumen diameters and densities. In some embodiments, the balloon portion of the catheter includes multiple balloon segments, which in some cases, are inflatable separately from one another.

Abstract: An evacuation sheath assembly and method of reducing or removing a blockage within a vessel without permitting embolization of particulate matter is provided. The evacuation sheath assembly includes a first elongate tubular member, having proximal and distal ends and a main lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with a blood vessel. An expandable member is provided on a distal portion of the tubular member and is configured to form a seal with the blood vessel. The evacuation assembly further includes a second elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends and an inflation lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with the expandable member and a gas inflator. The gas inflator includes a high pressure gas source and a mechanism for regulating the pressure of the gas delivered by the gas inflator.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an inflatable structure having at least three contiguous lobes, that when inflated, cause the inflatable structure to exhibits an outwardly tapering expansion profile. By forming the inflatable structure such that the reduced-diameter junction(s) between the lobes has a greater wall thickness then the adjacent lobes, the durability and abrasion-resistance of the inflatable bone tamp can be increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of tissue within a body requiring thermotherapy includes a catheter to be inserted into a bodily conduit, an energy-emitting source disposed within the catheter, a compression balloon surrounding the energy-emitting source where the compression balloon has an inflated diameter that is greater than that of the bodily conduit in a relaxed state and an outside surface of the balloon is coated with one of gene modifiers and drug or medication, and means for activating the energy-emitting source to radiate energy to heat the drug-coated compression balloon and tissue to be treated whereby the heated drug-coated compression balloon effectively delivers the one of the gene modifiers and drug or medication to a target area of the diseased tissue. In addition, methods for using the above apparatus to treat diseased tissue are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter, into a vertebral or basilar artery. The constrictor/occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during vertebral and/or basilar procedures by reversing blood flow in the vertebral artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.

Abstract: A cuffed silicone tracheostomy tube has two tapered recesses 17 and 18 on its outer surface in which opposite ends 7 and 8 of a resilient cuff 6 are bonded using an adhesive or solvent. Two shallow ribs 22 and 23 extend around the tube on the inner edge of each recess 17 and 18, projecting outwardly to prevent the adhesive or solvent spreading onto the inflatable portion 10 of the cuff 6. The cuff 6 has several shallow ribs 9 extending around the cuff and spaced along its inflatable portion 10 to promote even inflation.

Abstract: A catheter shaft including an elongate tubular member including a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer bonded to the first polymeric layer. The first polymeric layer is formed of a polymer generally not bondable to fluoropolymers, and the second polymeric layer is formed of a fluoropolymer bonded to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The fluoropolymer of the second polymeric layer is a functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride which has a bonding affinity to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride includes reactive functional groups chemically bonded to a polymer chain of a polyvinylidene fluoride which readily bond to the polymer chain of the polymer of the first polymeric layer.