Abstract: A removable hub (100) for a catheter (170) including a lower portion (110) having a lower proximal end (114), a lower distal end (112), and a lower channel (116, 118, 120) extending between the lower proximal end and the lower distal end. The catheter hub (100) further includes an upper portion (130) having an upper proximal end (134), an upper distal end (132), and an upper channel (136,138,140) extending between the upper proximal end and the upper distal end. The catheter hub (100) further includes a hinge (150) connecting the lower portion and the upper portion and a lock (152a, 152b, 156a, 156b) for releasably securing the lower portion and the upper portion to each other, distal from the hinge. When the lower portion is releasably secured to the upper portion, the lower channel and the upper channel form a passageway (182, 184, 186).

Abstract: A radially expandable and contractible surgical stent 10 is provided formed from a shape memory material such as a Nickel-Titanium alloy. The stent 10 includes a series of wave-like struts 20 spaced apart by gaps 60. Each gap 60 is spanned by tie bars 70 at a maximum 64 width portion of the gap 60 or by an angled link 80 or a straight link 90 at a minimum 62 width portion of a gap 60. Hence, axial expansion or contraction of the stent 10 is avoided when the stent 10 is radially expanded or contracted. Each strut 20 is formed from a series of substantially linear legs 30 joined together by free bends 40 or attachment bends 50. The legs 30 and bends 40, 50 can be provided with an enhanced thickness 36 to augment resistance of the stent 10 to fracture when radially expanded or contracted. The stent 10 can be radially contracted to a diameter less than one-fourth of its radially expanded configuration when in a martensite phase.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer is includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material.

Abstract: Radiopaque marker elements for attachment to ends of a radially expandable surgical stent are disclosed. Each radiopaque marker element is homogeneously formed from a radiopaque material and attached through an attachment means to ends of the stent. The radiopaque marker elements enhance the visibility of the stent when the stent is viewed with a medical imaging device, such as a fluoroscope. The marker elements extend beyond ends of the stent. The marker elements are attached to the stent before radial expansion and are configured to radially expand along with the stent during surgical implantation thereof within a body lumen, such as an artery. The radiopaque marker elements can either be attached to an unmodified radially expandable surgical stent or to a prepped stent which includes receivers at ends of the stent particularly configured to attach to the radiopaque marker elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing vertebroplasty are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit for performing vertebroplasty having two packs, each pack having the necessary components for performing vertebroplasty via each pedicle of the damaged vertebrae. Each pack is sterilized, so that if the vertebroplasty performed via one pedicle is sufficient, then the second pack can be saved for later used. In another embodiment, each pack within the kit has two cements, each cement having different imaging properties, such that each cement will appear different when viewed with an imaging device in the lateral plane and/or will be viewable when overlapping. A presently preferred embodiment involves two packs having methylmethacrylate powder but each pack has a different amount of opacifier, either as supplied or added by the vertebroplasty professional, such that when each cement is mixed and injected, each cement is visible when exposed to X-ray lateral fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A preformed anchoring wire guide (10) for medical procedures such as renal angioplasty. The wire guide (10) is comprised of a superelastic memory alloy mandril (11), such as a nickel-titanium alloy, and includes a preformed bend (14) having an angle (15) with respect to the longitudinal axis (28) that corresponds with the takeoff angle of the renal artery (23) relative to the aorta (33). This preformed bend (14) allows easier access to the ostium (22) of the renal artery (23) and allows the distal portion (27) of the wire guide to anchor within the artery (23) and resist dislodgement and deformation, thereby improving trackability of a balloon angioplasty catheter (21), reducing the need for a guiding catheter, and reducing the likelihood of vessel damage or thrombus shear due to forces that are normally exerted against the wall of the vessel (33) by a standard wire guide.

Abstract: A back-up retention member drainage catheter (10) for insertion in the bladder and urethra of a patient undergoing a radical prostatectomy surgical procedure. The drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member (11) having a drainage lumen (14) extending longitudinally therein with an external drainage port (15, 16) disposed near the distal end (12) of the tubular member. A back-up retention member (18) and, in particular, a first balloon (20) is disposed on the elongated tubular member near the distal end and proximal the external drainage port. A primary retention member (19) and, in particular, a second retention balloon (22) is also disposed on the elongated tubular member around the first retention balloon. First and second inflation lumens (21, 23) extend longitudinally through the elongated tubular member and communicate internally with the first and second retention balloons, respectively.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus (20) and radiation dosimetry unit indicator (21) for delivery of a prescribed radiation dose to a patient. The catheter is filled with a radiation carrier material such as an inert radioactive gas (12) for the treatment of, for example, restenosis after angioplasty, and malignancies. The inflated catheter includes a plurality of discrete chambers such as balloon sections (22, 24, 26) for transporting the radioactive carrier material, and a plurality of discrete chambers (32, 34, 36) enabling substantial blood flow through the artery during treatment with the prescribed radiation. The inflated catheter can also comprise a one-unit balloon. A specific metal coating enhances the radiation dose delivered to the target. The wall (25) of the inflation lumen attenuates transmission dose to the blood circulating through the hollow inner lumen of the catheter device.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent (10) made from a cannula or sheet of biocompatible material that includes at least one longitudinal segment (14) comprised of a series of laterally interconnected closed cells (13). Each closed cell of a longitudinal segment is defined laterally by a pair of longitudinal struts (15, 16) that are interconnected at each end by a circumferentially adjustable member (19, 20). When the stent is expanded using a balloon (47), the opposing circumferentially adjustable members deform to allow circumferential expansion of the longitudinal segment, while the length of the segment, as defined by the longitudinal struts, is maintained. Self-expanding versions of the stent utilize a nickel-titanium alloy. Adjacent longitudinal segments are joined by flexible interconnection segments (21) that permit the stent to bend laterally. The flexible interconnection segment is comprised of curvilinear struts (22, 23) that form a series of serpentine bends (81) that distribute lateral bending forces.

Abstract: A method for polishing radially expandable surgical stents is disclosed where fluid abrasive media M flows over surfaces of the stent 10 causing the surfaces of the stent 10 to be polished and streamlined. The stent 10 is temporarily provided with cylindrical support ends 20, which are not radially expandable to support the stent 10 during the polishing process. An interior polishing fixture 100 is provided which has cylindrical chambers 135 therein adapted to receive a stent 10 therein. Fluid abrasive media M then flows into bores 108 in the fixture 100 leading to the cylindrical chambers 135 and adjacent the inner diameter surfaces of the stent 10. Surfaces of the stent 10 forming the outer diameter are polished by placing the stent 10 within an exterior polishing fixture 200 which has a cylindrical recess 220 therein.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus and radiation dosimetry unit indicator for delivery of a prescribed radiation dose to a patient. The catheter is filled with a radiation carrier material such as an inert radioactive gas for the treatment of, for example, restenosis after angioplasty, and malignancies. The inflated catheter includes a plurality of discrete chambers for transporting the radioactive carrier material, and a plurality of discrete chambers enabling substantial blood flow through the artery during treatment with the prescribed radiation. The inflated catheter can also comprise a one-unit balloon. A specific metal coating enhances the radiation dose delivered to the target. The wall of the inflation lumen attenuates transmission dose to the blood circulating through the hollow inner lumen of the catheter device. The system also creates increased by-product radiation, from the impact of beta particles and gamma protons traveling toward the lumen wall.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus (20) and radiation dosimetry unit indicator (21) for delivery of a prescribed radiation dose to a patient. The catheter is filled with a radiation carrier material such as an inert radioactive gas (12) for the treatment of, for example, restenosis after angioplasty, and malignancies. The inflated catheter includes a plurality of discrete chambers such as balloon sections (22, 24, 26) for transporting the radioactive carrier material, and a plurality of discrete chambers (32, 34, 36) enabling substantial blood flow through the artery during treatment with the prescribed radiation. The inflated catheter can also comprise a one-unit balloon. A specific metal coating enhances the radiation dose delivered to the target. The wall (25) of the inflation lumen attenuates transmission dose to the blood circulating through the hollow inner lumen of the catheter device.

Abstract: Heart lead removal apparatus for removing an implanted cardiac pacemaker lead from the wall of a heart through a blood vessel leading to the heart. The lead removal apparatus comprises an outer tube sized for insertion into the coiled structure passageway of the pacemaker lead; an anchoring projection positioned proximate the distal end of the outer tube; and a stylet positioned through the passageway of the outer tube for urging the anchoring projection between relaxed and hooked positions. In the hooked position, the projection extends outwardly from the outer tube and when also positioned in the coiled structure passageway, hooks into the coiled structure for facilitating removal of the lead from the heart. In the relaxed position, the anchoring projection is insertable into the coiled structure passageway. The apparatus preferably includes a laterally flexible member constituted by a folded back portion of the stylet.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed for placement within the pancreatic or biliary duct to facilitate drainage therethough, and related instrumentation which facilitates the atraumatic placement of the stent within the duct. The stent is atraumatically placed by means of an instrumentation system which draws or pulls the stent into position and wedges the distal end portion of the stent into the terminating portion of the duct to maintain the stent in place within the duct. As described herein, the stent is made of a soft biocompatible material which is resiliently compliant so as to allow the stent to readily conform to the curvature of the ductal passageway in which it has been placed. When placed, the stent extends along the length of the duct, with the proximal end extending into the duodenum. Perforations in the stent further faciliate drainage along the length of the stent.

Abstract: A method for polishing radially expandable surgical stents is disclosed where fluid abrasive media M flows over surfaces of the stent 10 causing the surfaces of the stent 10 to be polished and streamlined. The stent 10 is temporarily provided with cylindrical support ends 20, which are not radially expandable to support the stent 10 during the polishing process. An interior polishing fixture 100 is provided which has cylindrical chambers 135 therein adapted to receive a stent 10 therein. Fluid abrasive media M then flows into bores 108 in the fixture 100 leading to the cylindrical chambers 135 and adjacent the inner diameter surfaces of the stent 10. Surfaces of the stent 10 forming the outer diameter are polished by placing the stent 10 within an exterior polishing fixture 200 which has a cylindrical recess 220 therein.

Abstract: Retention assembly (10) includes an end section (30,104) at each end of a pair of board-mounted receptacle connectors and defines guide channels (20) for insertion thereinto of a pair of modules (22). A retention cap (14,100) is securable to posts (38,122) of end sections (30,104) and is movable transversely to be wedged against top surfaces (68) of modules (22).

Abstract: An electrical connector which comprises a circular shell (20) in which a dielectric housing (44) having rows of electrical contacts (50) mounted therein is to be positioned, the electrical contacts including receptacle sections (52), matable electrical contacts (63, 81) having contact sections for matable engagement with the receptacle sections (52) and terminating sections for electrical connection to electrical conductors (54) of a cable (12), and dielectric contact-mounting members (67, 85, 87, 89) on which the matable electrical contacts (63, 81) are mounted whereby the matable electrical contacts are arranged in rows so that the contact sections of the matable electrical contacts (63, 81) of each row are electrically connected with the respective receptacle sections (52) of the electrical contacts (50) in the corresponding row of electrical contacts in the dielectric housing (44).

Abstract: A switch (10) is provided that has a housing (12), an actuator (20), a contact blade (18), first and second shape-memory wires (28,30), and first and second contact points (70,71). The actuator (20) has a first end portion (52) pivotally coupled to the housing (12), and a second end portion (22) with first and second generally opposed arm portions (24), (26) extending therefrom. The contact blade (18) has the first contact point (70) positioned thereon, and is coupled to and moveable with the actuator (20). The first and second shape-memory wires (28,30) respectively extend between the first and second arm portions (24,26) of the actuator (20) and the housing (12). The second contact point (71) is coupled to the housing (12) and is electrically engageable with the first contact point (70) in response to movement of the actuator (20).

Abstract: A module guide assembly (10) having end blocks (30) surrounding a receptacle connector (14) on a circuit board (12), and further having guide members (60) to facilitate mating of a circuit card (104) of a card-containing module (100) with the connector. The guide members (60,62) are pivotably mounted to the end blocks (30) to be rotated between an upright orientation for module receipt, and a recumbent orientation parallel to the board when the module (100) is not mated to the connector. Pivot embossments (44) are seated in apertures (72) to permit pivoting, and slots (78) extend from apertures (72) to an edge of a tab section (74) to receive embossments (44) thereinto during assembly.