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: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a fluid containing sleeve, and a container. The catheter may include a tubular portion between a proximal end and a distal end, a coating on a length of the tubular portion, and at least one drainage opening on the distal end. The fluid containing sleeve is designed for arrangement on the tubular portion to maintain the coating in a hydrated state. The container may have at least one foil inner layer containing therein the catheter and the fluid containing sleeve. Substantially or nearly all fluid contained in the container may be disposed in the fluid containing sleeve.

Abstract: A blood filter extraction system for extracting a blood filter from within a blood vessel. The system includes an extraction wire, or plurality of such wires, positioned within an elongated tubular member. A plurality of extraction wires coupled to the distal end of the extraction member each include a hook for engaging filter members. Alternatively, the extraction wires may be one or more wires configured in a helical shape which engage filter members when the extraction member is rotated. The system may also include an elongated tubular member with the distal end having a conical shape. To extract a filter, the extraction wires are then pushed out of the tubular member and into the filter members. The extraction member is then withdrawn or rotated so the wires engage and draw in the filter members, after which the catheter is pushed over the conical portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: Angioplasty or valvuloplasty balloon catheters with a ripcord for cutting, ripping, or tearing a balloon can achieve faster deflation times. Methods using such catheters can improve patient outcomes in percutaneous transluminal valvuloplasty and angioplasty.

Abstract: A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device, an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device, and an inner catheter extending axially and radially within a lumen of the stent device. The inner catheter provides a stent bed upon which the stent device is located so that a radially inner surface of the stent device engages a radially outer surface of the stent bed. The stent bed may define an inwardly tapering profile, narrowing in radius from a distal portion of the stent device to a proximal portion of the stent device.

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 multi-lumen catheter including an elliptical cross-sectional profile configuration that enhances fluid flow rate while minimizing the average diameter of the catheter body is disclosed. In one embodiment the catheter includes an elongate catheter tube defining a plurality of lumens. At least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube may define an elliptical cross section, in turn defined by a major axis and a minor axis. In one embodiment, a ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical cross section is between about 1.3 and about 1.4. The catheter body can define two, three, or more lumens. In one embodiment, a dual-lumen catheter tube includes an aspect ratio of about 1.1:1, and each lumen thereof includes an inner surface defined by a plurality of radii and an hourglass-shaped septum.

Abstract: Fixation and protective components for use with implantable medical devices, such as access ports and catheters, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve is employed about a catheter so as to distribute compressive loads and ensure patency of the catheter lumen, even in areas prone to pinch-off. A catheter assembly in one embodiment thus comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen. A protective mesh sleeve is disposed about an external portion of the catheter tube so as to cover at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube. The protective sleeve is configured to distribute a compressive load on the catheter tube so as to ensure patency of the at least one lumen of the catheter tube.

Abstract: An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the port includes an internal body defining a fluid cavity that is accessible via a septum. A compliant outer cover including silicone is disposed about at least a portion of the body. A flange is included with the port body and is covered by the outer cover. The flange radially extends about a perimeter of the port body proximate the septum so as to impede penetration of a needle substantially into the outer cover in instances where the needle misses the septum. The flange can further include both an anchoring feature for securing the outer cover to the port body and an identification feature observable via x-ray imaging technology for conveying information indicative of at least one attribute of the access port. The outer cover provides a suitable surface for application of an antimicrobial/antithrombotic coating.

Abstract: A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device, an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device, and a pull member. The outer sheath may include a first layer and a reinforcement layer that are laminated together, a portion of the pull member captured radially between the first layer and the reinforcement layer. At least a partial length of the captured portion of the pull member may be formed with a varying radial profile.

Abstract: A drainage and/or collection system (1) for biological fluids includes at least one conduit (40) for transporting a biological fluid (F) from a catheter (10) to a collection device (50) and a gas pressure source (70) configured to feed a gas (G) into the at least one conduit (40) between the catheter (10) and the collection device (50). The gas (G) causes the biological fluid (F) arranged in the at least one conduit (40) to drain into the collection device (50). A method includes inserting a catheter (10), draining a fluid (F) into a collection device (50) via a conduit (40), and introducing gas (G) into the conduit (40) so as to force fluid (F) remaining in the conduit (40) into the collection device (50).

Abstract: A catheter assembly, includes a catheter body, a tubular structure and a stabilizing cuff around a longitudinal length of the tubular structure. The tubular structure may be affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter body, and may include a tapered outer surface at a first terminal end of the tubular structure. The tapered outer surface may have a first outer diameter at the first terminal end of the tubular structure and a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter at a terminal end of the tapered outer surface opposite the first terminal end. The tubular structure may have a third outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter at a second terminal end of the tubular structure opposite the first terminal end.

Abstract: A cannula arrangement includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner tube. A flexible sealing element is sized to seal the space between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube. The flexible sealing element is connected to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The flexible sealing element has a cantilevered portion that longitudinally extends proximally from the proximal end of the outer tube. The cantilevered portion has an inner surface portion that does not contact the inner tube, and a proximal portion configured to define an interior edge to contact the outer surface of the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for gripping a catheter and methods employing it. The catheter grip can be configured to surround a shaft of a catheter and allow a person to manipulate the catheter without the person touching the insertable length of the catheter. The method includes grasping the gripping apparatus for removing the catheter from its package and for inserting the catheter into an urethra.

Abstract: A stent including a plurality of curved sections and a connector. The curved sections surround a longitudinal axis to define a tube portion and are distributed along the longitudinal axis to form a helix. The connector includes a bioresorbable material and is positioned between two adjacent curved sections. The stent has a spring constant that changes to a different spring constant after exposure to biological material.

Abstract: A closed-ended catheter assembly that includes an electrically conductive pathway is disclosed. The conductive pathway enables electrical ECG signals from a patient's heart to pass through the closed-ended tip of the indwelling catheter while still preventing unintended fluid flow. In one embodiment, a catheter assembly is disclosed and comprises an elongate catheter tube including a closed distal end. The catheter tube defines a lumen and includes a valve defined in the catheter tube to selectively enable fluids to pass therethrough. The catheter tube includes a conductive element that provides an electrically conductive pathway between the lumen and an exterior portion of the catheter. The conductive element includes an electrically conductive sleeve disposed within the lumen and is positioned proximate a hole defined in a catheter tube wall. The hole enables fluids in a vessel of the patient body in which the catheter tube is disposed to contact the sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a packaged urinary catheter assembly and method of using the packaged urinary catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes at least one aperture for receiving fluid from a patient. The conduit is contained within a sleeve having a length, a width, and a size configured to receive the catheter. According to one embodiment, the conduit and the sleeve may be arranged in a helical coil. The outer surface of the conduit may have a lubricious and/or an antimicrobial coating.

Abstract: A filter delivery device for implanting a vessel filter within a blood vessel of a patient's body. The filter delivery device includes a mechanism for preventing hooks and/or legs on a vessel filter from entangling with each other while the vessel filter is loaded within the delivery device. In one variation, the filter delivery device includes a delivery catheter with grooves at the distal end lumen opening. When a vessel filter with radially expanding legs is compressed and inserted into the distal end of the delivery catheter, the hooks on the distal end of the legs are received and separated by the corresponding grooves on the delivery catheter. In another variation, a pusher rod, with a receptacle for receiving the hooks, is positioned within a delivery catheter to prevent the entanglement of the hooks and/or legs of a filter loaded within the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.