Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument including an actuation lockout system as well as its method of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a driveshaft coupled to the trigger such that actuation of the trigger causes the driveshaft to move from a first position to a second position, thereby resulting in deployment of a surgical fastener. An actuation lockout system restrains distal movement of the driveshaft until a force greater than or equal to a threshold force is applied to the trigger.

Abstract: A method of making an access port, includes providing a port body defining a fluid cavity, positioning a septum over the fluid cavity, and securing the septum to the port body. The septum includes a lower portion having a first diameter, an upper portion joined to the lower portion at a juncture, the upper portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter at the juncture, and a plurality of palpation features joined to the upper portion. Each of the palpation features includes a first end adjacent a central axis of the septum, and a second end extending radially outward, overlapping the juncture.

Abstract: An adjustable vascular graft with a user-customizable reduced inner diameter is provided. The graft includes a flexible tubular body having open ends and a plurality of receivers in a sidewall thereof, which may be arranged in two circumferentially spaced rows of receivers. The receivers may take the form of ringlets, eyelets, loops, or holes, which may be provided in a reinforced region of the graft sidewall, and which may be radiopaque. A suture passes through the plurality of receivers, the suture having first and second free ends capable of being pulled, and which suture may also be radiopaque. Tensioning or tightening the first and second ends of the suture reduces an inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the tubular body of the graft, thereby allowing for the custom reduced inner diameter and a resulting flow restriction to be provided. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic repair system includes a prosthesis for repairing a defect in a tissue or muscle wall. A material delivery device is provided for delivering a material, such as an adhesive material, to a surface of the prosthesis and/or to particular locations between the prosthesis and the tissue or muscle wall to attach the prosthesis to the wall. The delivery device may be coupled to the prosthesis and configured to distribute the material from one side of the prosthesis to an opposite side that is to face the defect. The delivery device may include a manifold and conduits for delivering the material from the manifold to one or more desired locations. The conduits may penetrate into and/or through the thickness of the prosthesis. After delivery and distribution of the material, the delivery device may be removed from the prosthesis and withdrawn from) a patient.

Abstract: A catheter includes a wave guide for transmitting ultrasonic energy from a transducer, and which is also rotated to facilitate enhanced disruption of the concerned obstruction in a transverse direction. Embodiments of waveguide include distal anchors that help focus the energy transmitted to a treatment site, and may also include a deployable filter that may open distal of the obstruction to capture any dislodged debris. Selectively inflatable balloons may cordon off a treatment site, and the wave guide may comprise a tube that may serve the dual purposes of inflating the balloon(s), as well as to transmit ultrasonic energy to an obstruction. A portion of an ultrasonic catheter may include plural curved portions to space an exposed portion of the wave guide away from the catheter body to enhance the vibratory action provided.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. Iconic representations for depiction on the display of the system and relating to positional and other characteristics of the catheter or medical device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical fastener deployment system may include a plurality of coil fasteners having a head and coil body. In some embodiments, the head is comprised of a bioabsorbable polymer. In one embodiment, the coil body may be comprised of a shell and a core and one of the shell and the core may be comprised of one of a magnesium alloy or a bioabsorbable polymer, and the other of the shell and core is formed of the other of the magnesium alloy and the bioabsorbable polymer. The coil body may also include an internal channel which may have a support coil disposed within.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter hub or extension set, is stabilized on a patient with a retainer and a dressing integrally attached to an anchor pad supporting the retainer. The catheter hub or extension set may be integrally formed with the retainer. The retainer may comprise a channel and an integral strap. The channel may include an abutment. One or more of the anchor pad, dressing, and catheter may comprise an antibacterial or antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A needle assembly to prevent fluid/vapor escape so as to reduce or prevent fluid exposure to a clinician during use of the needle assembly. The needle assembly may include a handle portion with a needle extending therefrom, and a base portion releasably coupled to the handle portion. The base portion may include a safety assembly to shield a distal tip of the needle and prevent user contact therewith. The base portion may further include a self-sealing pad covering a bottom external surface thereof. The self-sealing pad may include an upper surface designed to mate with the base portion and a raised portion compressively positioned in the opening of the bottom external surface. The needle assembly may further include a fluid isolation component.

Abstract: A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.

Abstract: A surgical fastener and a related deployment device as well as their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the deployment device includes one or more surgical fasteners including a head and a distally extending coil body attached to the head. The head includes a through hole with an internal thread. The deployment device also includes a mandrel including a threaded portion located at a distal end of the mandrel. The threaded portion is engaged with the internal thread of the one or more surgical fasteners. A rotator is associated with the one or more surgical fasteners such that the rotator can selectively rotate the one or more surgical fasteners relative to the mandrel to displace the one or more surgical fasteners in a distal direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position.

Abstract: A patch for repairing a hernia defect including a patch body that is reducible into a small configuration for delivery through a narrow incision or cannula into a patient. A support member assists in unfurling the patch body from the small configuration into an expanded configuration. A sleeve releasably mounts the support member to the patch body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a medical system for utilizing of an intravascular ECG signal for central venous catheter placement. The medical system is capable of detecting the position of a catheter tip and assessing its location relative to the cavoatrial junction. The detection and assessment are performed by a multiscale analysis of the complexity of the intravascular signal data points.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component. Guidewire and catheter locking systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional valve assembly, including valves for use in closed-ended catheters or other elongate tubular devices, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter assembly for insertion into a body of a patient is disclosed and comprises an elongate catheter tube including an outer wall that at least partially defines at least one lumen that extends between a proximal end and a closed distal end thereof. The catheter tube includes a valve assembly that in turn includes a linear slit valve defined through the outer wall of a distal segment of the catheter tube, and a deformation region. The deformation region includes a compliant segment disposed in the outer wall of the catheter tube and a thinned portion of the outer wall. The compliant segment and thinned portion of the deformation region cooperate to preferentially deform the outer wall and open the slit valve during aspiration through the catheter tube.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter, is secured with respect to a patient with a securement device. The securement device may include a retainer and anchor pad. Certain devices may further include, for example, straps, flaps, dressings, slots, and recesses for securing the medical article to the patient. The retainer may include a recess and/or a channel. At least one surface of the retainer may be coated with an adhesive. A support member may be coupled to the retainer. The support member may include a channel configured to receive a proximally extending portion of the medical article.

Abstract: A repair prosthetic for repairing a hernia is disclosed. In some embodiments, the repair prosthetic includes a patch body, a frame that assists in spreading the patch body from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration, and a plurality of tethers attached to the patch body at locations between the frame and a periphery of the patch body. In various embodiments, the tethers can be tensioned to mitigate curling or creasing in the patch body to flatten the patch to facilitate attachment to tissue.

Abstract: A catheter assembly package includes a hydrating sleeve and a catheter disposed in the hydrating sleeve, the hydrating sleeve and the catheter enclosed in a sealed package. A coating can be disposed on an outer surface of the catheter and in contact with an inner surface of the hydrating sleeve. The hydrating sleeve can include a fluid and an outer foil layer, and the fluid can be confined to the hydrating sleeve. The sealed package can enclose the hydrating sleeve in a first compartment and the catheter in a second compartment.