Abstract: Methods, devices, systems of resuscitating a patient including accessing an arterial vessel positioning a catheter into the arterial vessel advancing the catheter through the arterial vessel to position it below a vessel supplying blood to a heart and a brain expanding an expandable portion of the catheter to prevent blood from flowing past the expanded portion and infusing a substance retrograde into the artery within the arterial section between the heart and the expanded portion of the catheter.

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

Abstract: A catheter-based medical device includes a catheter that is configured and arranged for at least partial insertion into a patient and that defines at least one lumen that is configured and arranged to receive a first fluid. A conductive-fluid detector is coupled to the at least one lumen and is configured and arranged to detect when a second fluid is disposed within the at least one lumen that is more conductive than the first fluid. The conductive-fluid detector includes a plurality of axially-positioned bodies, each body defining a lumen. The lumens of the axially-positioned bodies are aligned to form a shared lumen in fluid communication with the at least one lumen of the catheter. Spaced apart electrodes are disposed within the shared lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for their use in increasing the aortic valve flow of a stenotic aortic valve are provided. The subject devices include an aortic valve isolation element and an aortic valve flushing element. The aortic valve isolation element is made up of a ventricular side aortic valve occlusion element, coronary ostia occlusion elements and an ascending aorta occlusion element. The aortic valve flushing element is made up of a dissolution fluid introducing element and a fluid removal element. In practicing the subject methods, a stenotic aortic valve is first isolated. Next, the isolated valve is flushed with a dissolution fluid, e.g., an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the aortic valve flow of the treated valve to be increased. In certain embodiments, the valve is also contacted with a dissolution fluid attenuating fluid, e.g., a buffer, during the flushing step in order to limit the contact of non-valve tissue with the dissolution fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon catheter involves applying a first application liquid, which contains a hydrophilic coating material, to the outer periphery of a balloon which is disposed on an elongated catheter and is held in an expanded state; folding the balloon; and applying a second application liquid, which contains the hydrophilic coating material, to the balloon with the balloon folded.

Abstract: A device for interventional surgical or medical procedures is presented. The device is generally in the form of a balloon and is used to position itself or other working elements up against or through lumen walls in the body. The balloon is comprised of at least two materials of different elastic modulus, which allows for a flexible but relatively non-distensible, unfolding component of the balloon as well as an elastomeric, inflatable component of the balloon. The elastomeric component is fixedly attached to the flexible but relatively non-distensible component and together they form a pressure vessel that can be inflated within the lumens of the body.

Abstract: Balloon catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated shaft including a biaxially oriented nonporous thermoplastic polymer tubular member having a Shore durometer hardness of less than about 75 D with an inflation lumen defined therein. The balloon catheter also comprises a balloon sealing secured proximate the distal end of the shaft and having an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.

Abstract: Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept relates to a syringe that, when connected to an endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff, automatically inflates the ETT cuff to a safe pressure in a single, full stroke of the syringe, and methods related thereto. The syringe includes a plunger, body, high pressure valve and low pressure valve. The syringe inflates an ETT cuff to a pressure high enough to seal the ETT cuff in a patient's trachea, but not high enough to cause damage. Then the pressure is reduced to a desired optimal pressure by releasing pressure through the low pressure valve.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus suitable for treating a medical condition at a target site. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of strands, each having proximal and distal regions, wherein the plurality of strands are twisted in a generally helical manner to form a tubular shape. The proximal and distal regions of each of the plurality of strands have a contracted configuration adapted for delivery to the target site. Further, the distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands has an expanded, radially deployed configuration adapted to facilitate treatment of the medical condition. The distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands may be deployed in a self-expanding or balloon-expandable manner.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.

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: A catheter with a balloon element is provided with ribs under the balloon element so as to prevent the balloon from being attached to the shaft of the catheter to an extent where the balloon is difficult to inflate. The number of ribs can be any number above 3, but 6 to 16 ribs are preferred.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a catheter system for avoiding air embolisms in intracranial interventions and to the catheter system itself; the latter has a first and a second catheter main body, each with a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter main bodies have several lumens and lumen openings and in each case an expandable structure for blocking the bloodstream in blood vessels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of balloon catheters and more particularly to catheter balloons having controlled failure mechanisms for the prevention of catastrophic failure of the balloon during overpressure conditions.

Abstract: A medical instrument including an inflatable balloon and a plurality of filamentary tool elements with a proximal movable section that is attached to a wall of the balloon and with a distal end projecting freely from the balloon, wherein the proximal end forms a substantially cylindrical shape when the inflatable balloon is inflated and deflated and the distal end bends inwards from the substantially cylindrical shape when the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: An infusion catheter assembly has the ability to infinitely titrate the length of a porous fluid distribution section in situ. The infusion catheter assembly thereby provides a length of infusion that can be infinitely varied over a prescribed range, to control the effective infusion length and the rate of infusion. Using the infusion catheter assembly, a physician has the capability to treat only the length of the vessel desired, thereby preventing excessive drug/patient exposures. The porous fluid distribution section can include an array of spaced apart apertures that vary in size and/or density along the length of the porous fluid distribution section, such that the flow rate remains essentially constant for a given inlet pressure independent of the effective infusion length.

Abstract: A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized.

Abstract: A balloon carries a drug in drug-carrying regions, wherein the drug-carrying regions protect the drug during delivery through a patient's vasculature. Once at a target site, the balloon expands, causing the drug-carrying regions to expose the drug to the target site. One drug eluting balloon device includes a longitudinal sheath that defines an interior space having a balloon disposed therein. When the balloon expands, at least one push element at least partially inverts at least one pocket formed on an outer surface of the sheath. This inversion causes a drug contained within the at least one pocket to be released to the target site. In another embodiment, a plurality of bands is provided, each band made of material having a different resistance to elongation. Upon expansion, the bands invert to expose a drug provided on a surface of the bands.

Abstract: A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.

Abstract: A catheter balloon and method involves extruded tubing with multiple layers of different durometer values, selected such that the blow up ratio (BUR) at the balloon's inner surface is increased. In one method a two stage blow mold process uses a small radius initial stage where radial growth is limited, followed by a second stage to a final dimension. A single stage blow mold process is also disclosed where the materials and processing are selected to approach the elongation to failure limit of the material. The single stage approach is preferably followed by a modified post-expansion heat set treatment to promote greater axial strength, leading to a preferred failure mode in the axial rather than radial direction.

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: A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced laminate composite balloon comprising an underlying balloon layer, a fiber web disposed over the underlying balloon layer, a matrix material encasing the web and an overlying balloon layer of radially oriented polymer material disposed over the fiber web and matrix material.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting one or more oocytes from a fluid mixture includes a chamber inserted into a hollow elongate tube. An inlet channel receives an injected fluid mixture of oocytes and extraneous fluids and passes the fluid mixture to the hollow elongate tube. A separation unit positioned within the chamber includes a porous filter that selectively filters the fluid mixture to retain the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube, and a propeller for agitating the extraneous fluids for allowing unobstructed passage of the extraneous fluids into an outlet channel and for compactly collecting fibrin elements from the extraneous fluids. A flow of the extraneous fluids rotates the propeller on application of a vacuum suction force. Furthermore, the chamber includes an outlet channel for allowing passage of the extraneous fluids separated from the fluid mixture out of the chamber, and retaining the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an innovative retention element for use with feeding tubes for placement in a gastric lumen, desirably under direct visualization using an endoscope. The retention balloon has a shape with a recessed or concave center that provides space to accommodate the distal end of inserted feeding tubes. The retention balloon may be conical, square and half spherical and holds the stomach against the inner abdominal wall.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheter having a monolithic elongate tubular shaft member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal length therebetween. The tubular shaft member has an outer cross-sectional dimension that varies along the length of the tubular shaft member. The tubular shaft member has an inner core made of a first material and an outer layer made of a second material. The inner core has a first lumen and a second lumen defined therein, the first lumen having a first lumen cross-section and a length extending at least along a portion of the length of the tubular shaft member. The first lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the first lumen. The second lumen has a second lumen cross-section and a length extending along the length of tubular shaft member. The second lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the second lumen.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty balloon assembly includes a balloon (50) provided with end shoulders (64, 66) preferably integral with end cones (54, 56) of the balloon (50). The end shoulders (64, 66) provide a substantially perpendicular stop shoulder (68) at either end of the cylindrical portion (52) of the balloon (50). The restraining shoulders (64, 66) act to hold the balloon (50) within a valve (16) of a heart (10), for instance. This prevents unwanted slippage of the balloon (50) during a valvuloplasty procedure and thus prevents possible damage caused as a result of such slippage.

Abstract: Medical devices are described. More particularly, medical devices and methods for the identification and treatment of bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are described herein. An exemplary medical device comprises an elongate member, a handle, and a wire member. The elongate member is moveable between a first straight, or substantially straight, configuration to a second curved configuration.

Abstract: An example of recovery catheter assembly comprises an actuator element and a mechanically radially expandable and contractible recovery device operably connected to the actuator element. The recovery device has proximal and distal blocking portions and a central portion therebetween. The recovery device is at least partially placeable in a first, radially collapsed configuration and in a second, radially expanded configuration by manipulation of the actuator element. When in the second, radially expanded configuration, the proximal and distal blocking portions have radial dimensions greater than the radial dimension of the central portion thereby at least partially defining a collection chamber at the central portion.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongated main body defining two or more longitudinal lumens including distally positioned openings. One or more side-ports are defined in the main body communicating with at least one of the two or more longitudinal lumens. The catheter assembly also includes an inflatable balloon disposed around a portion of the main body. The inflatable balloon includes a distal end disposed substantially adjacent to a proximal side of one or more side-ports. The inflatable balloon in the inflated state is adapted to extend at partially over the one or more side-ports.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a balloon catheter including providing an inner tubular member having a distal section and a distal end with a lumen extending therein and forming a balloon having a distal leg with a first segment having a first diameter and a first wall thickness and a second segment having a second wall thickness. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter and the first wall thickness is greater than the second wall thickness. The distal end section of the inner tubular member can be positioned in the balloon and bonded to the first segment while reducing the diameter of the second segment. Method also provided for fabricating a multilayer balloon catheter including removing at least a portion of an outer layer from the distal leg of the balloon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method that comprises the introduction of a catheter via left subclavian vein, advancing into the right atrium and then positioning it in the inferior vena cava, just at the cava-diaphragm junction, where it is anchored at its extreme; and thereafter an external inflation of a balloon positioned in said catheter takes place through a physiological solution to reach a diameter corresponding to half the diameter of the inferior vena cava, resulting in hemi-occlusion in the expiration phase (breath-out) and total occlusion for a short period during the inspiration phase (breath-in), regulating (normalizing) the venous return and decreasing the cardiac volume overload, as a treatment for heart failure. The invention also comprises hydromechanics devices to normalize the venous return in the circulatory system. Said venous return is increased in 90% of patients with heart failure.

Abstract: Nanosubstrates as biosensors, methods of making such nanosubstrates, and methods of using such nanosubstrates to detect biomarkers are described.

Abstract: A catheter having shaft segments which are joined together by a strong bond providing a low profile shaft section with a flexibility transition and/or a compositional transition. A balloon catheter embodying features of the invention has a distal tip member and a coupling band member surrounding a junction of an inner tubular member of the shaft, and has a gradual change in bending stiffness along a distal end section of the shaft which extends distally from a location within the balloon interior. Another catheter embodying features of the invention has shaft segments joined together by a diagonal seam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a free-standing biodegradable patch suitable for medical applications, especially intravascular, minimally-invasive and intraoperative surgical applications are provided, wherein the patch comprises a free-standing film or device having a mixture of a solid fibrinogen component and a solid thrombin component that, when exposed to an aqueous environment, undergoes polymerization to form fibrin. In alternative embodiments the patch may comprise a solid fibrinogen component, with or without an inorganic calcium salt component. The patch may take a non-adherent form during delivery to a target location within a vessel or tissue, and thereafter may be activated to adhere to vessel wall or tissue, and may include a number of additives, including materials to improve the mechanical properties of the patch, or one or more therapeutic or contrast agents.

Abstract: Distal access aspiration guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens are described. A Distal access aspiration guide catheter having a proximal, medial, and distal possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having an expandable structure including first, second and third spines forming a basket, movable between expanded and contracted positions. Each of the spines has first, second and third lumens, wherein an electrode element is movable within the first lumen of the first, second and third spines through a first opening in the spine. The second lumen of the first and second spines carries a temperature sensing element, the temperature sensing element exposed through a second opening in the spine positioned between the first and second lumens. The second lumen of the third spine is configured to receive a guidewire, and the third lumen of the first, second and third spines is connectable to a tube for carrying cooling fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A microcatheter for delivery of embolic fluids includes an outer member dimensioned for insertion within a blood vessel adjacent an embolization site. The outer member defines a first longitudinal lumen, and an inner member is selectively positionable within the first longitudinal lumen of the outer member. The inner member defines a second longitudinal lumen and has a delivery port in fluid communication with the second longitudinal lumen for passage and delivery of embolic fluids toward the embolization site. A valve is disposed within the outer member. The valve is dimensioned to establish a substantial seal about the inner member, to minimize entry of the embolic fluids within the first longitudinal lumen of the outer member subsequent to delivery thereof toward the embolization site.

Abstract: A medical device for intracorporeal use formed at least in part from aerographite.

Abstract: An input device for a robotic medical system includes a handle configured to be rotatable about a center axis, and to be longitudinally displaceable along the center axis. The input device also includes a deflection control element disposed on the handle and configured to selectively control deflection of the distal end of a flexible medical instrument electrically coupled to the input device. Longitudinal displacement of the handle may cause or result in a corresponding longitudinal motion or deflection of the flexible medical instrument. Rotation of the handle may cause or result in a corresponding rotation of the deflection plane. Longitudinal displacement and rotation of the handle may be detected or sensed electronically.

Abstract: A catheter balloon with integral non-distending regions having a plurality of layers which wind around the balloon material and overlap to form an angle of between 45 and 90 degrees relative to each other upon inflation, and methods of making the non-distending regions are provided.

Abstract: A microcatheter having a guidewire port that is positioned proximal of the distal end of the microcatheter in order to provide rapid exchange capability. The guidewire port includes provisions that permit guidewire access into a lumen of the microcatheter while providing a relatively fluid tight seal at least when the guidewire is not present in the guidewire port.

Abstract: This invention is generally related to catheters for insertion into a body cavity, duct or vessel, and more particularly to a tip or plug for a catheter. The catheter tip is constructed and arranged to form a seal on the end portion of the catheter tube, while a sleeve secured or formed integrally to the tip cooperates with the catheter tube to form a first balloon that encapsulates the tip of the catheter and a second balloon that positions the catheter within the body cavity, duct or vessel.

Abstract: An improved splittable medical device introducer designed to introduce a medical device such as a lead or catheter, into a patient's vasculature without loss of blood or introduction of air is described. The introducer assembly is designed with a notch provided at the proximal end of the introducer housing. The notch, which may comprise a multitude of cross-sectional geometries, is designed to reduce the force required to separate the housing and the introducer sheath, thereby minimizing the possibility of unintentional dislodgement during separation. The notch also increases the repeatability and consistency of the amount of force required to separate the introducer housing and sheath.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal shaft having a first outer diameter. A distal sheath may be attached to the proximal shaft and may have a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. A trackable tip member may be attached to the distal sheath and extending distally therefrom. The trackable tip member may define a guidewire lumen therein.

Abstract: A distal perfusion sheath (DPS) is provided for cases where blood perfusion is needed for downstream arteries (distal) to the insertion point of the DPS within the target artery. The ability to provide distal perfusion with the DPS allows the DPS to be positioned in the target artery for long periods without causing lack of blood flow (ischemia) to an extremity that the target artery supplies. In embodiments, the DPS can still be used for surgical arterial access while allowing blood flow downstream.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheter having a monolithic elongate tubular shaft member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal length therebetween. The tubular shaft member has an outer cross-sectional dimension that varies along the length of the tubular shaft member. The tubular shaft member has an inner core made of a first material and an outer layer made of a second material. The inner core has a first lumen and a second lumen defined therein, the first lumen having a first lumen cross-section and a length extending at least along a portion of the length of the tubular shaft member. The first lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the first lumen. The second lumen has a second lumen cross-section and a length extending along the length of tubular shaft member. The second lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the second lumen.