Abstract: The use of implantable bulking materials for the treatment of urinary incontinence and a system for accurate positioning and delivery of bulking materials are described. The implantable materials are biocompatible, non-biodegradable implants which are designed for stabilization in soft tissue through the ingrowth of fibrous tissue after implantation. The positioning and delivery system comprises an injector which is adapted to allow a syringe to be attached and a housing. The housing includes a through cavity adapted to hold a viewing instrument, such as a cystoscope to allow accurate positioning of the injector. The housing also includes one or more injector through cavities, which are adapted to hold the injector at an angle to the viewing instrument. The angle between the viewing instrument and the injector is variably adjustable. The invention embraces the use of the bulking implants with various delivery methods, including the use of the described positioning and delivery system.

Abstract: The use of implantable bulking materials for the treatment of urinary incontinence and a system for accurate positioning and delivery of bulking materials are described. The implantable materials are biocompatible, non-biodegradable implants which are designed for stabilization in soft tissue through the ingrowth of fibrous tissue after implantation. The positioning and delivery system comprises an injector which is adapted to allow a syringe to be attached and a housing. The housing includes a through cavity adapted to hold a viewing instrument, such as a cystoscope to allow accurate positioning of the injector. The housing also includes one or more injector through cavities, which are adapted to hold the injector at an angle to the viewing instrument. The angle between the viewing instrument and the injector is variably adjustable. The invention embraces the use of the bulking implants with various delivery methods, including the use of the described positioning and delivery system.

Abstract: A dilation steerable guidewire for use in the vascular system having an inflatable balloon at the distal end and a bi-directional fluid and/or mechanical pressure operated valve forward of the balloon position. The guidewire construction provides torque and improved flexibility for manipulating the guidewire through the anatomy while the valve regulates fluid emission from the tip of the guidewire for visualization or into the balloon for inflation and deflation. One embodiment provides connection to the distal end via a spring element under the balloon to provide enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: A single lumen catheter used alone or in multiples of various diameters in a coaxial disposition over a guidewire or catheter having a means to occlude the distal opening of the single lumen catheter. Each single lumen catheter includes a flexible tube and a balloon disposed about the exterior of the single lumen catheter near the distal end, and a opening in the tube to permit fluid communication into the balloon from the interior of the single lumen catheter. Alternate embodiments include an interior fluted collar upon which the balloon of the inner catheter abuts, forming an orifice providing a selected fluid flow into the catheter. Thus, the single lumen catheters provide a steerable guidewire system having a greater selection of catheters without requiring an inner lumen.

Abstract: A guidewire arranged to be transported through the vascular system composed of a helically wound tapered spring, a length of tubing attached to the proximal end of the spring, a wire attached to the inner surface of and extending to the tip of the spring for curving the tip to a desired shape, and a tapered core wire moveably disposed in the tubing and spring and or sufficient length to extend to the tip of the spring to vary the stiffness and curvature of the tip.