Abstract: A safety enclosure for a Huber needle includes a needle housing and a panel unit. The panel unit includes a series of planar panels assembled in an enclosing arrangement defining an enclosed area and is movable between an installation position where the sharp outer end of the Huber needle projects from the panel unit and a safety position where the sharp outer end is covered by the panels. The Huber needle has an aft end and a fore end connected by a bend with the fore end including a sharp outer end.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including tip sections distal to a dividing point, the tip sections releasably joined by a method that produces a variable separation force between the tip sections along a length thereof. An increasing separation force may be imparted to the tip sections by providing an increasing bond strength in fusion zones from a distal portion of the tip sections toward the dividing point.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent comprising a series of zig-zag stenting rings (A, B, C, D, E, F, D1, D2) spaced along the axis and with adjacent said rings connected by connecting links (12, 14) spaced around the circumference of the rings, the links (12) between any two axially adjacent rings A, B being circumferentially staggered relative to the links (14) between the rings B and C, each ring being constituted by a succession of alternating struts (18) with points of inflection (16, 16?, 16?) therebetween. The points of inflection at one end of at least one of the rings are staggered in their location along the longitudinal axis whereby, with axial withdrawal of a surrounding sheath at a stenting site, to deploy the self-expanding stent, the individual points of inflection at said one ring end escape from the sheath sequentially, with continued withdrawal of the sheath, rather than simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides a delivery system for a prosthesis, said delivery system comprising a catheter shaft with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, a space for a prosthesis with a distal end and a proximal end, the space being at the distal end of the catheter shaft, a sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath being disposed at the distal end of catheter shaft so as to surround the space, a pusher element attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and arranged at the proximal end of the space for abutting prosthesis, a pull element with a longitudinal axis, the pull element running the length of the catheter shaft and having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end for pulling the pull element proximally, thereby retracting the sheath proximally relative to the prosthesis space, and at least one fixation element having a proximal end and a distal end and being disposed within a flexible portion of the length of the shaft that lies betwee

Abstract: An exemplary infusion system for accessing an implanted device is disclosed comprising an insertion assembly, a hub comprising a sealable path configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, a flexible catheter attached to the hub and configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, and an extension tube attached to the hub. The hub may comprise a manifold element configured to provide fluid communication between the flexible catheter and the extension tube. The hub may also comprise a septum configured to seal the sealable path upon removal of the insertion assembly from the flexible catheter. The extension tube may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly. Exemplary methods of providing a fluid communication path to an implanted device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A support device or clamp connects to a soft, flexible tube, such as a medical line, to hold the tube in an open condition. The device includes a flexible body with interengaging structure that biases the body into a desired shape when in a closed position or condition. The desired shape generally matches the outer shape of the medical line. An adhesive is disposed on the support device so as to contact the secured portion of the medical line to inhibit the walls of the line from collapsing or creasing. The support device may include base structure that has an adhesive lower surface for attaching the support device to a patient's skin.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter, e.g., a coronary sinus catheter, for insertion into a cardiac vessel, such as the coronary sinus, includes a handle and a catheter shaft coupled at one end to the handle. The catheter shaft has a distal end and an anchor is associated with the catheter shaft and is movable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. In the deployed position, the anchor extends radially outward from an outer surface of the catheter shaft for contacting a wall and temporarily anchoring the catheter shaft within the coronary sinus. The catheter also includes an actuator for causing deployment and collapsing of the anchor upon manipulation of the actuator.

Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft with kink resistance is described. The vascular graft includes a substrate that can be ePTFE, having a self-sealing region that may include several layers of material. The central section of the vascular graft may be constructed differently from surrounding self-sealing regions, in order to provide kink resistance following the clamping of the graft. Also described is a graft with a flared cuff attached to one or both ends, the attachment or transition region including reinforcement beading.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein includes an introducer and a push rod with a spline member disposed along the push rod. The spline member has a main body, and first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor member of the filter during delivery via the introducer.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly of an infusion set for infusing fluids into a subcutaneously implanted access port is disclosed. The needle assembly is configured to prevent fluid/vapor escape therefrom so as to reduce or prevent fluid exposure to a clinician using the needle assembly. In one embodiment, the needle assembly comprises a handle portion including a needle extending therefrom, the needle defining a lumen for passage of a fluid therethrough. The needle assembly also includes a safety assembly defining a needle hole through which the needle initially extends. The safety assembly is selectively and axially slidable along the needle in order to shield a distal tip of the needle and prevent user contact therewith. A fluid isolation component is included in the safety assembly for isolating fluid escape from the needle to prevent exposure to a clinician.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning device may comprise an elongated member, a cleaning member at a first end of the elongated member, and a collection member. The cleaning member may include a shaving region about a periphery thereof. The elongated member may extend through the collection member, and the elongated member and cleaning member may be slidable relative to the collection member.

Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinal spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading end of the filter to form a first filter basket and to center a hub at the trailing end of the filter within the vessel. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof to form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end. The ends of these legs include hooks to bend and straighten in response to withdrawal force.

Abstract: A delivery device (12) for delivering a stent device (3) in a reduced profiled delivery configuration is provided. A distal region (9) of the stent device is axially anchored to an inner catheter (2) by annular rings (5, 6) about the inner catheter. A remaining portion (10) of the stent device is spaced radially from the inner catheter. A proximal stop (4) is spaced axially from a proximla end of the stent device. The stent device is maintained in the reduced profile delivery configuration by a retractable outer sheath (1).

Abstract: A tunneler for producing a subcutaneous tunnel in connection with the placement of a catheter within a body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tunneler comprises an elongate tunneler member and a sheath. The tunneler member includes a handle on its proximal end and a tapered distal end. The sheath defines an elongate lumen inside which the tunneler member is initially received. The tunneler member is configured to define a tunnel through subcutaneous tissue while disposed in the sheath, then is removable from the sheath lumen thereafter. The sheath is configured to remain within the tunnel so that a catheter can be inserted through the sheath within the tunnel. The sheath is splittable in one embodiment so as to enable its removal from the tunnel while leaving the catheter in place.

Abstract: A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment that defines a distal portion of the first lumen and an arterial segment that defines a distal portion of the second lumen. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment is separate from the venous segment and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment such that it “nests” therein. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening in fluid communication with the second lumen.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter, including an elongate body with an outer wall enclosing an arterial lumen and a venous lumen, and a method of making same. The catheter includes a first continuous loop and a second continuous loop formed from a distal extension of the outer wall, the first continuous loop beginning at a first side of the distal end of the body to define a first enclosed opening, and the second continuous loop beginning at a second side of the distal end of the body to define a second enclosed opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting pelvic implants (10) In one embodiment, an anterior implant (10) has multiple arms (14, 16, 18, 20) that extend outwardly from a body portion (12) of the implant (10) in opposite directions In one embodiment, a posterior implant (10) has multiple arms (14, 16, 18, 20) that generally extend in the same direction In one embodiment, an anterior introducer (170) includes a needle (178) having a curved section (182) that is sized and configured for implanting an anterior prolapse implant (78) In one embodiment, a posterior introducer (170) includes a needle (178) having a curved section (182) that has a first curved portion (184 and a second curved portion, (186) the two curved portions having radii of curvature that are different from each other.

Abstract: A medical balloon with a variable diameter that is reinforced with continuous fibers woven to form a fabric with a varying number of layers and fiber densities. Portions of the balloon having a relatively smaller diameter are reinforced with a fabric having a reduced fiber density and an increased number of layers to facilitate the placement of the layers. The fabric also includes a braiding pattern that facilitates the transition from a single layer fabric to a multiple layer fabric. Also described is a manufacturing method for the braiding and layering.

Abstract: Reconfirmation of the position of a catheter intravascularly placed with the assistance of ECG signals of the patient is disclosed, thus assisting in determination of subsequent catheter displacement within the patient vasculature. In one embodiment a method for reconfirming a position of an indwelling medical device within a body of a patient comprises first placing the medical device within the body of the patient using ECG signals of the patient. A first ECG signal profile relating to an initial position of the indwelling medical device after initial placement of the medical device is stored. A second ECG signal profile relating to the position of the indwelling medical device at a time subsequent to initial placement of the medical device is then acquired. The first ECG signal profile is compared with the second ECG signal profile to determine whether displacement of the indwelling medical device has occurred.

Abstract: A catheter tube for insertion into a body of a patient is disclosed. The catheter tube includes a distal portion that remains stable during fluid infusion into the patient, thus reducing or eliminating whipping of the catheter distal tip, even during power injection. In one embodiment, the catheter tube defines at least one lumen and is formed from a tube material that defines a proximal portion and a distal portion of the catheter tube. The catheter tube is configured such that the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for at least a portion of the distal portion of the catheter tube defined by the catheter tube material is greater relative the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for at least a portion of the proximal portion of the catheter tube.