Abstract: A laryngeal mask includes an airway conduit, and a mask connected to the airway conduit, the mask that includes an inflatable portion. An inflation lumen is coupled to the inflatable portion of the mask as well as an inflation valve. The inflation valve includes an exterior housing that has an exit aperture and a stem that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vent clip is removably coupled to the inflation valve and includes a body portion, an exterior housing interface portion extending from the body portion and a finger extending from the body portion. The exterior housing interface portion includes a gripping surface which is formed to contact at least an approximately 90 degree portion of the inflation valve exterior housing and the finger maintains the inflation valve in an open position.

Abstract: A catheter for carotid artery dilatation that includes a multi-chamber balloon assembly mounted at the distal end of the elongated tube that has at least two tandem chambers. Each chamber communicates with a separate lumen and each separate lumen terminates at the proximal end at a lumen valve head. The chambers have an inflated configuration with a diameter that progressively tapers in a direction from proximal to distal, said taper extends substantially continuously from the proximal end of the balloon assembly to the distal end thereof.

Abstract: The medical device for distributing fluid comprises: a syringe (12) for distributing a contrast product; an actuator (28) which is suitable for acting on the syringe in order to ensure that the contrast product flows at a pressure greater than 30 bar; an injection outlet (14) for injecting the contrast product towards the body of a patient, and being connected to the syringe (12); it further comprises: an inflation outlet (16) for a balloon; a distributor (32) which is connected at the outlet of the syringe (12) and which is suitable for selectively connecting the same syringe (12) to the injection outlet (14) or to the inflation outlet (16); and means (20; 22) for controlling the distributor (32) between a first state which connects the syringe to the injection outlet (14) and a second state which connects the syringe (12) to the inflation outlet (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a respiratory device with a patient is provided, including a breathing tube for insertion into a patient's trachea, an inflatable cuff positioned around the breathing tube, a connection tube connected to the cuff for providing inflating air flow thereto, a pressurized air reservoir, and a valve connected to the pressurized air reservoir and to the proximal end of the connection line. The valve includes an entry port associated with an entry differential force chamber, a first exit port associated with a first differential force chamber and coupled with the connection line, a second exit port associated with a second differential force chamber and coupled with the pressurized air reservoir, and a flexible membrane selectively sealingly separating the differential force chambers. The flexible membrane is configured to selectively connect the first and second differential force chambers to maintain a substantially constant air pressure in the cuff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating bladder emptying dysfunctions of a human, in which a catheter that can be inserted into the urethra is provided with a bladder emptying channel and with a balloon arrangement, which serves to seal the bladder and to hold the catheter inside the bladder lumen and which can be filled with a fluid. In addition, an automatically closing valve having an elastically held closure part is provided in a proximal end area of the catheter and is connected via a connecting channel filled with an actuating fluid to an actuating balloon placed at the distal end section of the catheter. Without the use of mechanical means, the closure part can be lead out of a sealing system solely due to a hydraulic action effected by the actuating balloon via the hydraulic pressure built up in the connecting channel at said proximal end section.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an inflation/deflation system for a dilatation balloon comprising a receptacle, a pressure member, a sensing system and a data processing and display unit. The receptacle is adapted to contain an inflation fluid to be introduced into the balloon during its inflation. The receptacle also has an inlet/outlet port adapted for connection to the dilatation balloon; The pressure member is adapted to be axially displaced within the receptacle to cause the fluid to exit the receptacle via the outlet port. The sensing system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is associated with the pressure member to sense its axial displacement. The second sensor is associated with the interior of the receptacle to sense in a non-contact manner the pressure P of the inflation fluid within the receptacle, and to provide a corresponding data signal.

Abstract: Device and method for treating a vessel including for example the insertion of a catheter toward a target destination using a guidewire. The catheter may include for example a proximal balloon, being shaped to enable the formation of for example a funnel shape when infated, and a distal balloon. The target destination, for example, a thrombosis, chronic total occlusion or myocardial infarction area may be substantially enclosed by the proximal balloon and the distal balloon.

Abstract: A check valve is provided, including a first hose connector housing defining an entry passage and a first valve seat, a second hose connector housing engaging the first hose connector housing and defining an exit passage, a generally flexible, perforate membrane disk positioned between the first and second hose connector housings and pretensioned against the first valve seat to selectively sealingly separate the first and second hose connector housings, and a one-way relief valve fluidly connected with the exit passage and configured to permit venting of the exit passage upon overpressurization thereof.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition, including a hollow guidewire having a central lumen and an inflation hole formed in a sidewall of the hollow guidewire, an occlusion balloon attached proximate to a distal end of the hollow guidewire, and a frictional valve. The frictional valve includes a portion of a core wire positioned within a proximal end of the hollow guidewire, a valve plug attached to the core wire, and at least one frictional plug attached to the core wire proximal to the valve plug. Flow of fluid through the central lumen of the hollow guidewire is controlled by axial translation of the core wire to position the valve plug with respect to the inflation hole, while the frictional plug provides a tailored valve compliance characteristic.

Abstract: A self-retaining catheter that eliminates the problem of residual urine and also of bladder wall irritation caused by continuous contact with a spherical retention balloon which does not rely on a stylet for placement. The system may use an internal control wire that reversibly foreshortens the proximal end of the catheter thus radially displacing longitudinal strips defined in the proximal catheter to form retention wings. Alternatively, a balloon situated between the longitudinal strips is inflated to force open the retention wings once inside the urinary bladder. Radial displacement of the retention wings widens the spaces between the longitudinal strips, these spaces constituting the drainage apertures which permit complete emptying of the urinary bladder. The radially displaced retention wings abut the bladder wall in a non-continuous manner thereby reducing the area of bladder-catheter contact and further reducing bladder wall irritation.

Abstract: A rotary valve for a balloon catheter, including a hollow guidewire with a central lumen and a portion of a rotary shaft disposed within a guidewire proximal end. Rotating the rotary shaft of the rotary valve controls flow of an inflation fluid into and through the guidewire central lumen.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for insertion into a biological passage which contains a first flowing fluid, the catheter including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end; a fluid delivery lumen contained within the tubular member; an inflatable balloon assembly disposed at the distal end of the tubular member, the balloon assembly including an inflatable balloon member having an uninflated state and an inflated state, the balloon assembly including apertures in communication with the fluid delivery lumen; an inflation lumen in communication with the balloon member; and a valve contained within the inflatable balloon assembly.

Abstract: A low profile inflation valve located inside a balloon catheter that enables a user to inflate the balloon and exchange other medical apparatus over the catheter while the balloon remains inflated. The low profile inflation valve of the present invention includes a first tube having a lumen and at least one region of decreased inner diameter, and a structure movably located inside the lumen of said first tube, wherein said region of decreased inner diameter of said first tube forms a seal with a portion of said structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for evacuating material from a body cavity are disclosed. An elongated tubular member constructed and arranged to be inserted through an aperture in a patient's chest is provided. The tubular member is generally L-shaped and has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section includes a plurality of openings for receiving air and liquids from within the patient's body. The proximal section receives and discharges air and liquids to a receiver. The proximal section includes an expandable cuff for positioning the tubular member in the patient's chest for preventing the plurality of openings from being obstructed in whole or in part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ejecting fluid from a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system has a pneumatic assembly that when triggered injects gas into a hydraulic assembly, which in turn ejects fluid through an external interface. An electronic interface displays various measurements, for example, how much fluid has been ejected and if the hydraulic system is closed the pressure of the system. The pneumatic assembly can also be depressurized such that fluid can reenter the hydraulic assembly through the external interface.

Abstract: An intravascular device for venting an inflatable chamber and methods for using the device are disclosed. The intravascular device generally includes three components, namely a catheter or cannula, an inflatable member, and a selective degassing element. The inflatable member is typically a balloon. The catheter or cannula is typically hollow with a first lumen extending between an inflation port and the interior of the inflatable member and a second lumen extending between the interior of the inflatable member and an exhaust port. The selective degassing element is typically positioned between the inflatable member and the exhaust port and occupies the entire cross-sectional area of the second lumen. When in a closed position, the selective element prevents the passage of liquid from the interior of the inflatable member, through the exhaust port. When in an open position, the selective element permits gas entrained within the inflatable member to be expelled from the device, via the exhaust port.

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 low profile catheter valve comprises 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a blood vessel. The blood vessel treatment system includes a hollow guidewire having a central lumen, an occlusion balloon attached proximate to a distal end of the hollow guidewire, and an inflation catheter slidable over the hollow guidewire. An annular inflation lumen formed between the inflation catheter and the hollow guidewire fluidly communicates with the central lumen of the hollow guidewire, allowing inflation fluid to flow through the annular inflation lumen and into a distal portion of the central lumen to inflate the occlusion balloon.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon device adapted to be inserted into the stomach for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume. The intragastric balloon device includes a flexible, inflatable balloon having an interior chamber defining a volume. A portion of the balloon has a self-sealing valve thereon to facilitate the introduction of an insufflation catheter into the interior chamber and to facilitate sealing of the catheter track upon removal of the insufflation catheter. The volume of the interior chamber, and the volume occupied by the balloon within the stomach of a patient, is adjusted by injecting an inflation fluid into the balloon's interior chamber. The balloon further includes a deflation valve in a portion thereof. The deflation valve is a patch that has a bioabsorbable or biodegradable portion. The patch forms a portion of the wall of the balloon and is in leakproof engagement therewith.

Abstract: The balloon catheter comprises a catheter tube (10) provided with a high pressure balloon (14) designed for performing a vessel dilatation. Further provided is at least one low pressure balloon (17) joining the high pressure balloon (14) and expanded with a lower pressure. Thereby, the stress acting on the blood vessel at the ends of the high pressure balloon (14) or a stent (20) is decreased, thus reducing the danger of dissections of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A catheter for the administration of fluid or pharmaceutical agents, or for hemodialysis comprising a proximal control end comprising a housing with a proximal end and a distal end, a distal delivery end, an elongated intermediate portion between the proximal control end and a distal delivery end, one or more than one delivery lumen within the intermediate portion extending from the proximal control end to the distal delivery end; one or more than one inflation balloon in each delivery lumen, and one or more than one inflation lumen in the intermediate portion extending from the proximal control end to the one or more than one inflation balloon in the one or more than one delivery lumen, and connected to the one or more than one inflation balloon through one or more than one fenestration, where the proximal control end further comprises a mechanism for aspiration and injection of fluids through the distal delivery end, and where the proximal control end further comprises a mechanism for controlling inflation

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for controlling pressure in a cuff (2) of an endotracheal tube (3) a pole mountable housing (25) within which an inflating medium supply pump (30) is located for supplying inflating medium to the cuff through a communicating tube (18) integral with the endotracheal tube (3) and a delivery tube (37) from the apparatus (1). A pressure transducer (28) connected to the endotracheal tube (3) by a connecting tube (29) monitors the pressure of the ventilating medium in the endotracheal tube (3) for determining transitions from the inspiratory to the expiratory phases of a breathing cycle. A microcontroller (27) controls the supply pump (30) for supplying the inflating medium to the cuff (2) at a first pressure level during the inspiratory phase of each breathing cycle and at a lower second pressure level during the expiratory phase of each breathing cycle.

Abstract: A device for preparing a pregnant woman to delivery and facilitating the delivery itself, which comprises an entirely expandable stretch body, which is positioned in the expulsion area of the urogenital canal in such a way that it is partly inside the vagina and partly outside. There is also disclosed a preparatory gymnastics method involving the inventive device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for establishing a static column of gas inside a blood vessel and a system for automatically regulating the delivery and removal of the gas from the target blood vessel. The regulated gas delivery system for use with the gas-column angioscopy procedure comprises a gas reservoir, a pair of syringes operated by computer controlled electromotors, a valve system for directing the flow of gas into and out of the system, and a catheter assembly for establishing the gas-column inside the target vessel and for introducing fiber optic and microsurgical devices into the lumen of the target vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring ventricular function in an isolated, perfused heart using an intraventricular balloon connected to a plumbing circuit containing a fluid, the plumbing circuit including (a) a valve for selectively opening the plumbing circuit to (i) atmospheric pressure or (ii) a pressure control circuit of a pressure control apparatus or (b) a pressure control apparatus which can be selectively connected to the plumbing circuit, including the steps of establishing a base pressure by (1) opening the valve to atmospheric pressure or the pressure control circuit or (2) operating the pressure control apparatus, after equalization of the pressure within the intraventricular balloon with the base pressure, closing the valve or stopping operation of the pressure control apparatus, following the closing of the valve, measuring ventricular function as a function of a titrated infusion of fluid into the plumbing circuit and intraventricular balloon, performing an intervention, and repeating at least t

Abstract: A catheter for use in vasculature or other body lumen includes a fluid injection bypass tube, leading to a elastically compressible pump bulb. Upon compression of the pump bulb, fluid such as contrast solution is injected through a one-way valve, into the catheter manifold lumen, and ultimately to the distal end of the catheter lumen, and into the patient vasculature. The one-way valve between the pump bulb and the catheter lumen has a threshold pressure to prevent unintended aspiration of fluid from the pump bulb during aspiration of fluid from the catheter itself.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of volume deficiency disorders of body structures and related syndromes and, more particularly, apparatus that deliver fluid via a catheter at a controlled pressure into a balloon situated within or adjacent a body cavity to effect tissue expansion. A drainage mechanism, especially useful in treating bladder deficiencies, is disclosed which permits drainage of body fluids while the balloon is in its expanded state. The balloon can be adapted to fit within a recess of the catheter, for example, in a folded or rolled state, and the invention also provides means for delivering fluid at a controlled pressure into an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: An endovascular aneurysm occlusion device comprising a detachable balloon assembly. The balloon assembly is comprised of an outer balloon and an inner balloon. The outer balloon is formed from a porous material. The occlusion device is expanded within an aneurysm and adhesive material is injected into and perfused through the outer balloon. The adhesive material forms a bond between the aneurysm, the outer balloon, and the inner balloon. The inner balloon is then deflated, which acts to reduce the size of the aneurysm.

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.

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: 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: A plug system for a low profile hollow catheter or other guidewire or balloon catheter, which catheter has a distal portion and a proximal portion and at least one lumen in fluid communication therebetween. The catheter further has an outer diameter in the range of about 0.01″ to 0.04″ and an inner diameter in the range of about 0.007″ to 0.035″. The plug system comprises an elastomeric plug for engaging and sealing a proximal open end of the catheter in such a way that the maximum outer diameter of the plug does not exceed the outer diameter of the catheter. A low profile fluid delivery and sealing system for a catheter with a lumen comprises a pierceable and self-resealable member sealably coupled to the lumen at a proximal portion of the catheter forming an assembly. The transverse cross sectional area of the assembly as viewed along a longitudinal axis of the catheter does not exceed 150% of the original transverse cross sectional area of the catheter.

Abstract: A low profile device for simultaneous angioplasty and occlusion includes an angioplasty balloon and an occlusion element which adjoin a common catheter. The occlusion element may be either self-expanding (in which case it is deployed with a sheath that surrounds the catheter) or non-self-expanding (in which case it is deployed with a pull wire that passes through the catheter). The angioplasty balloon is inflated with fluid that either passes through the catheter or a separate tube (or lumen) that adjoins the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and methods for differentially perfusing a patient undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. A cardiopulmonary bypass machine is configured to provide hypothermic oxygenated blood and normothermic oxygenated blood to an aortic balloon catheter. The catheter has arch perfusion ports and corporeal perfusion ports and is introduced into a patient's aorta and navigated transluminally until the occlusion balloon is located in the descending aorta. The occlusion balloon is inflated and hypothermic oxygenated blood is perfused to the arch vessels while normothermic oxygenated blood is perfused to the corporeal circulation. This procedure offers the benefit of cerebral protection from embolic events during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.