Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a catheter tube and an inflatable balloon. The ends of the balloon are attached to the catheter tube. The outside surface of the balloon in an uninflated state is provided with a relief structure which in an inflated state of the balloon is substantially disappeared. A method for producing such a relief structure is by winding a wire helically around the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A probe cap for use with an ultrasound probe including a head portion and an acoustic surface is disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe cap includes a body that defines a cavity sized for releasably receiving the head portion of the probe therein. The probe cap body further defines a hole that is proximate the acoustic surface of the head portion. A compliant spacer component is disposed in the hole. The spacer component can include a hydrogel and provides an acoustic path between the acoustic surface and a tissue surface of a patient. The spacer component includes a skin contact surface that defines a concavity and is deformable against the tissue surface. Additional embodiments disclose various probe cap and accompanying needle guide designs for use in assisting a clinician with ultrasound probe use and needle insertion into a 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. In one embodiment, an identification feature is engraved or otherwise defined by the access port, so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member, a first section having a lumen in fluid communication with a lumen of the collection member, and a second section having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the first section, the second section including a flush lumen disposed along a length thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic suturing system for joining internal body tissues in a variety of procedures. The system comprises a suturing capsule releasably mountable to the distal end of an endoscope and capable of forming multiple stitches in tissue at a plurality of locations without requiring withdrawal of the capsule from the patient between stitches. Also enclosed is a suture lock to secure the placed stitch that is delivered by a device introduced through the working channel of the indwelling endoscope. Suitable control handles for the suturing capsule and for the suture lock delivery device positioned at the proximal end of the endoscope are provided to facilitate operation by the user.

Abstract: A delivery device is provided for delivering a stent device. The stent device (2) is radially expandable from a radially reduced, delivery configuration to a radially expanded, deployment configuration. A restraining sheath (4) is mounted coaxially over the stent device for maintaining the stent device in the delivery configuration. The restraining sheath has a line of weakness (6) extending axially therealong. A pull member is provided, which is to be pulled so as to split the restraining sheath at the line of weakness and withdraw the restraining sheath from over the stent device. The pull member and the line of weakness are located on opposing sides of the restraining sheath. The pull member (5) is wrapped around a distal end of the restraining sheath. The wrap around portion may be formed by a hook of a metal pull member. The wrap around portion may be formed by an open loop of polymer thread.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device, a waste collection device, and an insertion device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, and a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member. The insertion device is positioned about the collection member and retention cuff to retain the collection member and retention cuff in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. The needle can include a donut-shaped magnet disposed about the needle cannula, or a removable stylet with a magnetic element and a strain gauge for detection of the needle distal tip.

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 self-sealing vascular graft with kink resistance is described. The vascular graft includes a substrate that can be a PTFE, 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 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 demonstration mannequin for simulating insertion of a catheter or other medical device into the body of a patient is disclosed. The mannequin is useful for training clinicians in the placement of a catheter into the patient's vasculature and includes the ability to provide a malposition scenario in which the catheter is deviated from an intended path within the vasculature, resulting in a simulated malposition thereof. In one embodiment, the mannequin comprises a torso body portion and a simulated vasculature disposed within the body. The simulated vasculature is accessible by a medical device, such as a catheter, which can be advanced within the simulated vasculature. The mannequin further includes at least one diversion element that selectively obstructs a portion of the simulated vasculature to block advancement of a distal end of the catheter along an intended path and instead causes diversion of the catheter, thus simulating a catheter malposition scenario.

Abstract: A septum for use in sealably covering a fluid cavity of an implantable medical device, such as an access port, is disclosed. The septum is resilient and includes a reinforcement structure that bolsters septum placement over the fluid cavity so as to inhibit unintended separation of the septum from the medical device when the fluid cavity is under pressure, such as during power injection of fluid into the fluid cavity. In one embodiment the septum comprises a resilient septum body that includes a flange disposed about a perimeter thereof. A reinforcement component is disposed in the flange for reinforcing engagement of the flange with a corresponding groove defined about an opening to the fluid cavity of the medical device so as to inhibit unintended detachment of the septum from the medical device. The reinforcement component in one embodiment includes an annular cord disposed in the flange.

Abstract: A system and device for assisting with the cleansing of a medical component with a scrub brush is disclosed. In one embodiment, an assistive device for use with the scrub brush is disclosed. The scrub brush includes an insert disposed therein, the insert including a cleansing substance such as CHG or alcohol. The assistive device comprises a housing, a motor, a head removably supporting the scrub brush, and an interface interconnecting the motor and the head. The interface is a shaft that enables back-and-forth rotation or other movement of the head and scrub brush relative to the medical component so as to cleanse the medical component.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle defect, that promotes tissue of muscle ingrowth into the prosthesis and subsequently strengthens the area of the defect. The prosthesis is easy to manipulate and may be designed to minimize the incidence of postoperative adhesions between a portion of the prosthesis and surrounding tissue or organs. The prosthesis may include one or more layers of biologically compatible material that is suitable for repairing a defect. The prosthesis may include a support assembly to facilitate manipulation and deployment of the prosthesis. The support assembly may include a stiffening member that is surrounded by material that separates the stiffening member from the layer of material. The stiffening member may be located in a sleeve of material, such as mesh fabric. The stiffening member may be formed from a resorbable material.

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, 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: Tissue markers, systems for marking tissue, and methods of using tissue markers. A tissue marker may have a body with a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of coupling sites, and a plurality of elongate members. The tissue marker may include a remotely visible material. The tissue marker may have a delivery configuration that is different from a deployed configuration.