Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters with improved tip configurations, including a triple-lumen catheter which may be useful for apheresis. In one variation, the catheter has three lumens with distal openings angularly spaced apart and staggered axially with respect to one another. In another variation, the catheter has two lumens exiting distally and one centrally positioned lumen exiting proximally. A third variation is a catheter with a single distal opening and two proximal openings. The staggered lumen openings along the axial length of the catheter may decrease recirculation while maximizing flow rates.

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. Various means for establishing a conductive pathway between a sterile field of the patient and a non-sterile field to enable passage of ECG signals from the catheter to the tip location sensor are also disclosed.

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: An ultrasonic device having a tri-axial configuration including an ultrasound transmission member, a dilator, and a sheath is disclosed. The ultrasound device may be used in a procedure to treat an occluded blood vessel. The ultrasound transmission member can transmit ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic transmission member into the subintimal space of a blood vessel. The sheath may articulate to aid in the process of re-entering the central lumen of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis, including a generally tubular substrate and a continuous shape memory member disposed over the outer surface of the substrate. The shape memory member may include a series of zig-zag struts alternating between a first strut with a first length and a second strut with a second length different from the first length. A graft member may be positioned over the substrate and shape memory member.

Abstract: A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filament, the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.

Abstract: A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. In particular, a resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, wherein the key indicates the source of the resource information. In one example embodiment, therefore, an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), is disclosed and comprises: an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient, and a portion external to the patient. The exterior portion of the PICC includes a resource information key that is positioned at a predetermined key location. The resource information key indicates a website where a user can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

Abstract: An anchoring system secures a catheter to the body of a patient and arrests axial movement of the catheter without meaningfully impairing fluid flow through the catheter. The anchoring system includes an anchor pad that adheres to the patient's skin and supports a retainer. The retainer includes interengaging structure that moves the retainer between an open and a closed position. When in the open position, the retainer can receive a portion of the catheter and be subsequently moved to the closed position. Advantageously, the interengaging structure allows the retainer to receive catheters of various sizes. The retainer may further include one or more retention mechanisms to further inhibit axial movement of the catheter relative to the retainer when the catheter is secured therein. The anchoring system may include a mount that allows the retainer to rotate relative to the anchor pad.

Abstract: A deployment device and an associated surgical fastener as well as their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the deployment device includes a restraining mechanism constructed and arranged to temporarily limiting movement of a surgical fastener back span. The surgical fastener includes two legs extending in a distal direction from opposing ends of the back span. The legs are in a first closed position with a first shape. The deployment device also includes a spreader configured and arranged to engage the legs of the surgical fastener in the first closed position. When the spreader is moved in a distal direction relative to the back span, the spreader spreads the legs of the surgical fastener from the first closed position to a second open position as the back span is limited from distally moving by the restraining mechanism.

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. Stylets and catheters including various multiple bipolar and monopolar electrode configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft, including a substrate with a sealant layer and several optional additional layers, is described. The substrate can be ePTFE and the material used for the sealant and additional layers can be polyurethane. The sealant layer and additional layers may include one or more base layers, one or more foam layers, beading of different sizes and shapes, and ePTFE tape. A flared cuff may be integral to one or both ends of the substrate or may be attached to one or both ends. Various methods of making a self-sealing vascular graft are also described, including methods of disposition, methods of forming, methods of bonding and methods of attaching.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a vacuum source, and an elongate member having a lumen and a sample receiving notch. The sample receiving notch has a proximal hole, a distal end wall, and a floor. The proximal hole is separated from the distal end wall along the longitudinal axis. The proximal hole is in fluid communication with the lumen. A tissue anchor has a cantilever portion with a free end. The cantilever portion is configured to extend in a direction from the distal end wall toward the proximal hole. The free end has a tip portion configured to extend toward the floor. The tissue anchor and the proximal hole are collectively configured to place tissue received in the sample receiving notch in a state of tension between the tip portion and the proximal hole when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source to the proximal hole via the lumen.

Abstract: A stent device (10) comprises a first graft member (20), a second graft member and a stent frame (12) defining a central axis. The frame has an abluminal surface engaged with the first graft member and a luminal surface engaged with the second graft member such that the first graft member and the second graft member encapsulates the stent frame along the length of the central axis. The stent frame includes a configuration where the stent frame is disposed on a curvature such that the abluminal surface has a radius of curvature of approximately 20 millimeters about a center of the curvature and the luminal surface defines a substantially constant effective cross-sectional area at any portion generally transverse to the central axis of the stent frame disposed about the curvature.

Abstract: A hernia repair device is provided which may include a soft tissue repair prosthesis and an expandable device configured to be removably connected with the soft tissue repair prosthesis. When expanded, the expandable device may be configured to position the soft tissue repair prosthesis adjacent a hernia defect. The soft tissue repair prosthesis may include at least one loop or slit configured to receive a portion of the expandable device. The prosthesis may include a tether to hoist, locate or position the soft tissue repair prosthesis. The expandable device may include indicia for positioning the prosthesis relative to the edge of the hernia defect.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a separate head that is attached to the coil body. The head may include an internal thread that is threadably attached to the coil body. The head may also be further secured to the coil body with a compression fit therebetween. A locking feature may prevent back-out of the coil body from the head. The surgical fastener may be assembled by threading the coil body through the head.

Abstract: A blood filter includes a hub, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of arms. Each of the legs includes a hook at a distal end thereof, a first linear segment extending substantially parallel to a hub longitudinal axis, a second linear segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a first angle, and an intermediate linear segment coupled to the first and second segments, the intermediate segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. Each of the arms has a free end closer to the longitudinal axis than the hook of each of the legs. The free ends of the arms are spaced radially transverse to the longitudinal axis at substantially the same radial distance.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient during renal replacement or other therapies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen.

Abstract: A sacrificial catheter assembly and method of use for placing a functional catheter within the body of a patient, such as into the patient's vasculature, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sacrificial catheter assembly comprises a sacrificial catheter including an elongate body that defines a longitudinally extending lumen. A stylet is removably received within the lumen of the sacrificial catheter such that the catheter and stylet can be advanced together to a target destination within the body of the patient. The sacrificial catheter is configured so as to then be proximally slid over the stylet to remove the sacrificial catheter from the body while the stylet remains in place at the target destination. A functional catheter can then be distally slid over the stylet to place the functional catheter at the target destination. The stylet can then be removed from the body of the patient.

Abstract: An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.

Abstract: A retainer comprises a first member and a second member. The first member can define at least a portion of a channel. The channel can have a longitudinal axis and be configured to receive at least a portion of a medical article. The second member can be moveable with respect to the first member, between locked and unlocked positions. The second member can contact the portion of the medical article received by the channel at least when in the locked position so as to inhibit longitudinal movement of the medical article relative to the retainer.