Abstract: Several embodiments of an endourethral prosthesis, assembly, and attendant methods are provided for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or urinary retention. The endourethral prosthesis includes a reversibly expandable element disposed circumferentially about, and longitudinally along a tubular member adapted to receive urine. The tubular member is positionable within a lower urinary tract such that the reversibly expandable element operatively engages a structure of the lower urinary tract so as to prevent migration of the prosthesis so positioned. The reversibly expandible element is in non-reversible fluid communication with the tubular element for selective expansion thereof, the reversibly expandible element is further operatively engagable so as to discharge fluid non-reversibly received from the tubular member exterior to same.

Abstract: An aspiration baffle comprises an outer tube and an inner core wire. Microholes are provided in the outer tubular member to permit passage of gas but inhibit the passage of liquids. The aspiration baffle is used in a catheter having a balloon or other inflatable structure to assist in priming of the structure. After evacuating the inflatable structure by applying a vacuum, the aspiration baffle can collect and trap residual gas which remains during the priming of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising a fluid dispensing device. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber for retaining, in use, balloon inflation fluid. An outlet attaches, in use, to a catheter inflation lumen, and dispensing means dispenses fluid, in use, from the chamber via the outlet into the catheter lumen. An indicator indicates when a predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed from the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a means for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, means for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a means for introducing a sealing member into the open end of said tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. In one embodiment, the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire is maintained by utilizing an apparatus to crimp the end of the tubular guide wire, effectively sealing the inside bore of the tubular guide wire. Here, a deflation tool might be employed to sever the crimp from the rest of the tubular guide wire, unsealing the bore of the tubular guide wire. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary.

Abstract: A gas inflation/evacuation system and sealing system for use with occlusive devices such as occlusive balloons in vascular procedures. The gas inflation/evacuation system is removably connectible to a proximal portion of a guidewire assembly and includes an evacuation system to evacuate the guidewire assembly and an inflation system for introducing a biocompatible gas under pressure into the guidewire assembly to inflate an occlusive device a plurality of times. A sealing system is also removably connectible to the proximal portion of the guidewire assembly and selectively seals an extended sealable section at the proximal portion of the guidewire assembly at one of a plurality of separate locations to form an airtight seal of the guidewire assembly.

Abstract: A guidewire occlusion system for use in vascular procedures includes a repeatably inflatable gas-filled occlusive device proximate a distal end of a tubular guidewire assembly having an extended sealable section proximate a proximal end. A gas inflation/evacuation system is removably connectable to the proximal end of the guidewire assembly and includes an evacuation system to evacuate air from the guidewire and an inflation system for introducing a gas under pressure into the guidewire to inflate the occlusive balloon a plurality of times. A sealing system is also removably connectable to the proximal end of the guidewire assembly and selectively seals the extended sealable section at one of a plurality of separate locations along the extended sealable section to form an airtight seal of the tubular guidewire.

Abstract: An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a mechanism for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a sealing member into the open end of the tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable and growth controlled inflatable member formed by adding a multifunctional agent to a soft polymer to form a compound, extruding an inflatable member from the compound, and crosslinking the compound. The inflatable member is configured to be formed-in-place with a body lumen. Preferably, the inflatable member is blown to a working diameter prior to use and then heated to the glass transition temperature of the polymer to shrink the diameter of the blown inflatable member back to about the nominal diameter of the tubing. In another embodiment, the invention is a dimensionally stable and growth controlled inflatable member comprising longitudinal zones of crosslinked material symmetrically spaced about the circumference of the inflatable member and a uniform working diameter. Preferably, there are three or more longitudinal zones that run the working length of the inflatable member.

Abstract: A catheter useful for non-surgical entry into a uterus to dispense a diagnostic fluid therein. The catheter includes a tubular body having a lumen extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. The lumen includes an external opening adjacent the first end for dispensing a diagnostic fluid into the interior of a subject uterus, and a balloon disposed marginally adjacent to the first end of the body for fluid sealing the interior of the subject uterus. The lumen further includes a second opening in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon for inflation thereof with the diagnostic fluid. In most applications, the catheter can be combined with a syringe to form a catheter apparatus.

Abstract: An intravascular occlusion balloon catheter having a removable hub, a profile sized to approximate a guidewire, and a means for venting air from the balloon. The removable hub and the small profile allow the occlusion balloon catheter to be used as a guidewire. The venting means allows air to be easily and reliably removed from the balloon prior to use.

Abstract: A tracheal tube by which the trachea is closed watertight by a fixation cuff blocking the trachea below the glottis, through which a ventilation cannula passes, and, situated cranially to it, above the cuff, a tampon-bladder made of flexible material expansible through the influx of fluid, which when filled differs in shape from the shape of the cuff, would represent an improvement by means of which a patient could be intubated in the gentlest way over a long period with minimal risk of infection. In the invention this is accomplished by situating the tampon-bladder immediately against the cuff and constructing it of foil-like material and so designing it that when fully distended in size it fills the subglottal space.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a feedback loop for controlling an extent of a gap between a wall of a balloon mounted on a catheter and a wall of a lumen into which the catheter is inserted. The apparatus includes a radiation detector mounted within the balloon for generating a feedback signal having information indicative of whether the extent of the gap is greater than or less than a desired value. The feedback loop receives the feedback signal and controls a size of the balloon to cause the extent of the gap to approach the desired value.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. It is highly preferable that the balloon or inflatable member be situated in a recess in the outer wall of the inventive catheter. Additionally, the distal end of the catheter past the balloon is preferably tapered. The catheter has a very low profile as compared to other catheters of the neurovascular balloon catheter genre. It may include other features such as variable stiffness along the axis of the device and anti-kinking components. The balloon is preferably compliant in nature.

Abstract: Pressure in a cuff on an endotracheal tube is controlled by a fluid circuit that includes a port on the endotracheal tube, a moisture absorbent barrier covering that port, a one-way valve, a pressure manometer as well as a pilot balloon fluidically connected to the cuff. A thumb wheel is included in one form of the invention to control operation of the one-way valve.

Abstract: A device for folding a balloon of a balloon catheter during balloon deflation includes a band and a plurality of elongated fingers that are attached to the band. The band includes a midsection and a pair of overlaps with each overlap extending from the midsection to a respective end of the band. The band is folded into an annulus wherein the overlaps are juxtaposed and can be joined together by soldering, welding or adhesive bonding. The annulus is attached to the catheter tube of the balloon catheter with the fingers extending over the balloon in a substantially same axial direction. In operation, the fingers are moveable between an unstressed configuration, when the balloon is deflated, and a stressed configuration, when the balloon is inflated. In a stressed configuration, the fingers urge against the balloon and are biased toward the stressed configuration to return to an unstressed configuration.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon device includes a flexible bladder, a relatively rigid reservoir coupled to the bladder and adapted to hold a bladder inflation fluid, and an inflation/deflation system adapted to move or permit movement of the fluid from the reservoir and into the bladder. The intragastric balloon device is sized such that it may be positioned, in its entirety, into the stomach cavity. Various systems may be used to move or permit movement of the fluid. A control system is provided to automatically activate the inflation/deflation system. The automatic activation may be activated by a combination of one or more of a timer, the temperature of the stomach, the pressure in the stomach, the mechanical stress in the stomach, or another sensed condition, at which the control system is programmed or otherwise configured to activate.

Abstract: Apparatus for arresting bleeding in a body cavity comprising a delivery means (29) and an inflatable non-elastomeric balloon (27) connectable to the delivery means (29), wherein the apparatus includes at least one pressure control means for automatically controlling inflation of the balloon (27) so that the balloon (27) can be inflated to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved drug-delivery endoprosthetic device for insertion at a vascular site via catheter placement at the site, comprising:

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter having an elongated cannula with an infusion lumen and a pressure-sensing lumen, and a portion of the cannula which tapers to form a distal end which is narrower than the more proximal portions of the cannula. The distal end of the cannula has a rounded tip and forms at least one infusion lumen opening and a pressure-sensing opening. A balloon is attached to and surrounds the cannula near the distal end while being in fluid communication with the infusion lumen through one or more inflation openings. The infusion lumen openings are smaller than the inflation openings so as to make the balloon self-inflating. Also disclosed is a method for using such a catheter to perform cardioplegia by the retrograde infusion of a cardioplegic fluid into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A device for folding a balloon of a balloon catheter during balloon deflation includes a band and a plurality of elongated fingers that are attached to the band. The band includes a midsection and a pair of overlaps with each overlap extending from the midsection to a respective end of the band. The band is folded into an annulus wherein the overlaps are juxtaposed and can be joined together by soldering, welding or adhesive bonding. The annulus is attached to the catheter tube of the balloon catheter with the fingers extending over the balloon in a substantially same axial direction. In operation, the fingers are moveable between an unstressed configuration, when the balloon is deflated, and a stressed configuration, when the balloon is inflated. In a stressed configuration, the fingers urge against the balloon and are biased toward the stressed configuration to return to an unstressed configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a feedback loop for controlling an extent of a gap between a wall of a balloon mounted on a catheter and a wall of a lumen into which the catheter is inserted. The apparatus includes a radiation detector mounted within the balloon for generating a feedback signal having information indicative of whether the extent of the gap is greater than or less than a desired value. The feedback loop receives the feedback signal and controls a size of the balloon to cause the extent of the gap to approach the desired value.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for providing extracorporeal pneumoperitoneum. One embodiment provides a reversely turned fluid and gas impermeable fingerless sleeve (14) with a quick connect and disconnect assembly around the cuff of the sleeve (14) for sealing around an abdominal incision to allow hand-assisted minimally invasive surgery under conditions of pneumoperitoneum. A dome shaped enclosure (62) is provided for use with the quick connect and disconnect assembly to seal around an abdominal incision and maintain pneumoperitoneum during interruptions in a surgical procedure. Another embodiment incorporates a fingerless sleeve (14) which is adhesively secured directly to a patient's skin around an incision. The sleeve is applied over a pre-gloved surgeon's hand, and an outer surgical glove (18) is applied over the sleeve (14) in the region where the fingers and thumb protrude before the sleeve (14) is reversely turned on itself for connection to a patient.

Abstract: A manifold system allows for the movement of a radioactive fluid from a container to a treatment balloon or other device, and the withdrawal of the radioactive fluid from the treatment device. The system allows for the convenient movement of the fluid, with minimal radiation exposure for those using the system. The manifold system is particularly useful in the use of radiation to prevent restenosis of arteries.

Abstract: A device for folding a balloon of a balloon catheter during balloon deflation includes a band and a plurality of elongated fingers that are attached to the band. The band is formed with a tab and a notch and the length of the band corresponds to the diameter of the catheter tube. The band is folded into an annulus to interlock the tab with the notch. The annulus is attached to the catheter tube of the balloon catheter with the fingers extending over the balloon in a substantially same axial direction. In operation, the fingers are moveable between an unstressed configuration, when the balloon is deflated, and a stressed configuration, when the balloon is inflated. In a stressed configuration, the fingers urge against the balloon and are biased toward the stressed configuration to return to an unstressed configuration.

Abstract: The apparatus is characterized in that it comprises, in a single, transportable body provided with a handle, a support for a motor-driven impelling syringe unit connected to a pressure tube, forming a single-use, replaceable element, driven by means of a motor and helical-screw unit the motor of which is operated by means of a control board which receives information relating to the force of the piston of the motor-driven syringe, its positioning, and also acoustic (or phonetic) instructions from a microphone, and electronic instructions from a touch screen which can display the parameters indicative of the progress of the operation for the correction a lesion of an organic duct (artery, vein, bile duct, urological duct, etc.) as well as receiving instructions from the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low profile catheter valve comprising a movable sealer portion positioned within the inflation lumen of a catheter. The sealer portion forms a fluid tight seal with the inflation lumen by firmly contacting the entire circumference of a section of the inflation lumen. The sealer portion may be positioned proximally of a side-access inflation port on the catheter, to establish an unrestricted fluid pathway between the inflation port and an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the catheter. As desired, the clinician may move the sealer portion to a position distal of the inflation port, thereby preventing any fluid from being introduced into or withdrawn from the balloon via the inflation port. Also disclosed herein is an inflation adaptor for moving the sealer portion within the catheter to establish or close the fluid pathway between the inflation port and the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: The invention is based on the intention of creating a stomach probe with which a watertight closure of the oesophagus is possible.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic occlusion for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially occlude aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The methods can also be used to partially occlude the renal arteries to reduce renin secretion in hypertensive patients. Partial occlusion of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter, a distally mounted expandable occluder, a variable flow mechanism, and a manometer. The occluder may comprise two conical shells or an inflatable ring-shaped balloon disposed about a cylindrical sleeve. Other medical devices, such as an atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the occluder to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vessel employs one of a number of different expansion members joined to one or more elongate members. The expansion member may include a braid, one or more coils, ribs, a ribbon-like structure, a slotted tube, or a filter-like mesh. If the expansion member is enclosed by a suitable membrane, the device seals with the vessel wall to partially or completely occlude the vessel. A perforated membrane may be used to permit the perfusion of blood. The expansion member may be self-expanding, or it may be expanded by engaging it with one of the elongate members. Alternatively, the expansion member may be expanded by heating it.

Abstract: Enabled or activated closure and sealing devices in the form of closure balloons, and related methods, are disclosed, which substantially preclude entry and clotting of blood at the distal end of a lumen of an indwelling catheter tube during times when flow therein is not occurring. The closure and sealing balloon is disabled or deactivated to accommodate flow, without clotting, through the lumen of the catheter tube when flow therein is resumed.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump includes a balloon, a catheter having a relatively small diameter lumen and an extender having a relatively large diameter lumen connected in series. A valve is positioned in the extender adjacent the end of the extender connected to the catheter. The valve enables the extender to be pressurized with a working gas prior to inflation of the balloon and to be evacuated prior to deflation of the balloon. A second valve adjacent the opposite end of the extender permits the intra-aortic balloon pump to commence a pre-inflation step or a pre-deflation step without affecting the pressure in the extender. Separate positive pressure and negative pressure extenders may be provided to reduce the movement of the working gas during inflation and deflation cycles, thereby increasing pneumatic efficiency.

Abstract: An integrated inflation/deflation device provides easy, precise delivery of a small amount of fluid for proper inflation of a low volume surgical balloon and similarly provides easy and fast deflation of the balloon. A preferred embodiment includes a low volume syringe and large syringe mounted together within a housing. A port in the low volume syringe is in communication with the large syringe barrel. The low volume syringe plunger is controlled by a knob disposed on the housing. The large syringe is used to prime the surgical balloon system, including a catheter, and the low volume syringe delivers a precise, predetermined volume of fluid to inflate the balloon. The low volume syringe is also used to deflate the balloon. Preferably, indicia on the housing adjacent the knob direct the required rotation of the knob to deliver the correct volume of fluid to be injected to match a balloon of a given size and shape so that the balloon is properly inflated.

Abstract: Trans-esophageal cardiac compression is performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation by introducing into the esophagus a tube (12) having a distal inflatable member, such as a balloon (20). The balloon (20) is positioned in the esophagus (48) at the level of the ventricles of the heart (50). A rapidly cycling pump (16) (such as a compressible bag) is attached to the tube (12), and used to inflate and deflate the balloon (20) on the tube (12). As the balloon (20) inflates, it compresses the ventricles against the sternum (54), increases the transmural pressure across the ventricular wall, and propels blood out of the heart (50) into the aorta and pulmonary arteries. The balloon (20) is inflated and deflated at a rate of approximately 60 cycles to 80 cycles per minute to maintain perfusion of the heart, brain and other vital organs until more definitive therapy can reestablish the contractile activity of the heart.

Abstract: A catheter for isolating a segment of blood vessel has a guiding catheter (10) with proximal and distal ends. The guiding catheter (10) has major and minor lumens (12, 14). A first balloon (16) is attached to the guiding catheter (10) at the distal end thereof. The first balloon (16) is connected via the minor lumen (14) to a first inflation port (18) such that as fluid is injected into the first inflation port (18) the first balloon (16) expands. A proximal assembly (20) connected to the major lumen (12) at the proximal end of the guiding catheter (10) has an aspiration port (24) for evacuating the major lumen (12). A guidewire (30) extending through the major lumen includes a hollow tube (32) having proximal and distal ends. A wire (34) with a shapeable core is attached to the distal end of the hollow tube (32) forming a seal therewith. A plug (52) is selectively inserted into the proximal end of the hollow tube (32) forming a seal therewith.