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 implantable prosthesis is provided for reconstructing an anatomical feature, such as a breast nipple. The prosthesis may be formed from a biologic and/or synthetic material. The prosthesis may include a body with a shape that is suitable for reconstructing the anatomical feature. A base may be located at an end of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may be provided with openings that allow fluid flow therethrough, tissue ingrowth, revascularization, neovascularization and/or fat or stem cell deposition. The prosthesis may include a plurality of layers of biocompatible material arranged in a stacked configuration. The layers may be in spaced relation relative to each other and secured or fixed in position to maintain the spacing therebetween. Each layer may have one or more openings extending therethrough. The spaced layer arrangement may provide a desired tactile response and/or natural movement for the prosthesis.

Abstract: A low profile adaptor is disclosed to reduce the length of a gastrostomy tube that has been inserted by means of conventional endoscopic procedures or with a replacement feeding tube inserted into the patient's stomach. The gastrostomy tube is cut to the appropriate length by the physician. The adaptor comprises a stem which is inserted into the open end of the gastrostomy tube. The valve assembly contains a seal that functions as a one-way valve to prevent reflux of gastric contents but permits the introduction of feeding solution into the feeding tube. A lock and key mechanism is incorporated into the hub of the gastrostomy tube to prevent disconnection of the feeding tube. A cover is placed over the opening of the adapter to prevent contamination of the lumen of the gastrostomy tube.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy device includes a chamber having a body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes an inlet. The biopsy device further includes a vacuum generator for generating negative and positive pressure and at least one first recessed area and at least one second recessed area. The first recessed area extends along an inner wall of the body, proximate the proximal end of the body of the chamber. The first recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber. The second recessed area extends along the inner wall of the body, proximate the distal end of the body of the chamber. The second recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A catheter connection system and a method of connecting the catheter connection system to a catheter. The catheter connection system includes a hub assembly and a collar. The hub assembly includes a cannula extending from a distal end thereof, and a collet defining an inner surface spaced apart from the cannula to permit passage of a catheter wall between the body and the cannula.

Abstract: A method of using a safety enclosure for a needle, the needle including an aft end and a fore end together forming a right angle, the fore end including a sharp outer end. The method includes providing a safety enclosure including a needle housing and a panel unit, the needle housing having a finger pad, orienting the safety enclosure in a desired location for insertion of the needle, and applying pressure to the finger pad sufficient to cause penetration of the needle at the desired location and to move the panel unit to the installation position.

Abstract: A stent (10) formed by slitting a tube to create a matrix of struts which are separated from each other by no more than the width of the slit and which lie more or less parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the slitted tube being radially expandable to a stenting disposition in which the struts exhibit a zigzag pattern in successive loops around the circumference of the stent, the angle each strut makes with the longitudinal axis increasing as the stent diameter increases the zigzag pattern exhibiting a cusp between any two adjacent struts with selected tied cusps of any one loop being connected by a bridge (12) to a facing cusp of the adjacent loop, the bridge extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and with intervening free cusps (46, 48), between any two bridge of a loop, not being connected to the adjacent loop the zigzag pattern exhibiting a lengthwise staggering of circumferentially adjacent said slits to the extent that the lengths of two circum

Abstract: A method of transfascial suturing may include delivering a suture assembly into an abdominal cavity of a patient, passing a suture anchor, from within the abdominal cavity, through a soft tissue repair prosthetic provided in the abdominal cavity and then through the abdominal wall to a location either above or below the skin, and tightening the suture assembly. An instrument for transfascial suturing may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a drive system for advancing a suture or suture assembly out of the instrument and across the fascia. The instrument may advance a suture anchor and a suture from within the abdominal cavity and across the abdominal wall to present the suture anchor on the opposite side of the fascia. The instrument may be adapted to present the suture anchor either above or below the skin surface for subsequent tightening of the suture assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to surgical articles useful for implanting support members in patients. The articles disclosed herein include a support member, such as a sling for urinary incontinence, tissue anchors, filamentary elements for associating the support member with the anchors, and introducer needles for placing the anchors in a patient. The support members can also be configured for use in pelvic floor repair, such as for treating cystoceles, rectoceles, and enteroceles.

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 aspects for visualizing and manipulating display of the ECG signal data acquired via the present system, together with aspects of various ECG sensor configurations, are also disclosed.

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 sealing element is mounted at the proximal end of the outer tube. The sealing element has a projecting portion that projects proximally from the proximal end of the outer tube. The projecting portion has a projecting end that has an interior edge to contact the outer surface of the inner tube.

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

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a power assist device, and its method of use for deploying surgical fasteners, is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle, and a surgical fastener deployment system including a driveshaft. The driveshaft is actuatable between at least a first proximal position and a second distal position. A striker is movable relative to the driveshaft and an impact surface is associated with the driveshaft. The impact surface is constructed and arranged to be struck by the striker member to displace the driveshaft to the second distal position and deploy the surgical fastener.

Abstract: A medical article securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter hub or a connector fitting in position upon the body of a patient and inhibits movement of the medical article relative to the patient. The medical article includes an elongated body, a pair of outwardly extending wings, and a port. The securement device includes a retainer and at least one anchor pad. The retainer forms a channel into which at least a portion of the medical article is secured. The retainer includes at least one abutment that abuts against a contact point or surface on the port. The anchor pad includes an adhesive layer that is attached to both an epidural layer of a patient and at least a portion of the pair of wings.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and its method of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion with an articulation direction. The elongated shaft assembly may also include a tubular member with a flexible portion with a preferential bending direction and a direction of bending resistance. The tubular member may permit articulation of the elongated shaft assembly when the preferential bending direction is aligned with the articulation direction.