Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall hernia, including an umbilical hernia, and for preventing the occurrence of a hernia at a small opening or weakness in a tissue or muscle wall, such as at a puncture tract opening remaining after completion of a laparoscopic procedure. The prosthesis includes a patch and/or plug having a body portion that is larger than a portion of the opening or weakness so that placement of the body portion against the defect will cover or extend across that portion of the opening or weakness. At least one tether, such as a strap, extends from the patch or plug and may be manipulated by a surgeon to position the patch or plug relative to the repair site and/or to secure the patch or plug relative to the opening or weakness in the tissue or muscle wall. The tether may be configured to extend through the defect and outside a patient's body to allow a surgeon to position and/or manipulate the patch from a location outside the body.

Abstract: A needle assembly including a positive flush mechanism for use with a vascular access port. The needle assembly is configured to supply fluid to the port and to provide a positive flush to overcome negative pressures in the port that can potentially occur during withdrawal of the needle from the port.

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 and an arterial segment. 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 also includes a lateral opening, is separate from the venous segment, and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment. In one embodiment, the distal region is un-split, but includes symmetrically opposed lateral openings, as well as distal openings, in communication with the first and second lumens for providing a functional stagger for blood flow in both forward and reverse catheter flow directions.

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: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector which comprises the male portion of a Luer connector, wherein the male portion is extended axially into a pressure pad having a pressure surface.

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: The present invention relates to a method and device for releasing into the body from a delivery system a medical prosthesis mounted on the delivery system and held by a constraint in a constrained delivery disposition. The device comprises a first hub for the delivery system, a second hub for an elongate element to connect the device to the prosthesis constraint, a track for the second hub to advance along, from a starting point corresponding to constraint of the prosthesis, to a finishing point corresponding to separation of the prosthesis and constraint, ratchet means to advance the second hub progressively, from the starting point to the finishing point, in a plurality of actuation strokes, and a full stroke actuator to advance the second hub all the way from an intermediate point on the track to a finishing point in one single stroke of the actuator, the intermediate point being selectable by the user within a portion of the track which extends over at least half the length of the track.

Abstract: An implantable multi-lumen access port including indicators for ascertaining characteristics of the port is disclosed. In one embodiment, the access port comprises a housing that defines a first reservoir and a second reservoir. A first septum and second septum are respectively coupled with the housing to provide selective access to the first and second reservoirs. Each septum includes a plurality of protrusions defined about a periphery thereof that are palpable after implantation of the port in a patient to determine a relative position of the first septum with respect to the second septum. A radiographically observable indicator is also included on a base of the housing, so as to provide information relating to a characteristic of the dual-lumen port, such as suitability for power injection of fluids. The indicator in one embodiment includes a substantially rigid radiopaque component.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient'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 intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, 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.

Abstract: Two-way, three-position and one-way, two-position slit valves in cardiovascular access catheters with closed distal ends have slit geometries configured to overcome adhesion between opposed abutting slit faces, when pressure differentials are applied between the interior and the exterior of the catheter. Portions of the slit are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter causing shear forces to be generated in abutting slit faces. Shear forces arise from tangential, radial, or longitudinal stresses generated in the catheter body. Slit geometries are planar or curved or include multiple end-to-end connected slit subsections. If a slit partially circumscribes a portion of the adjacent outer wall of the catheter body, restraint to outward and inward movement on that portion is reduced. Slit valves are configured to open inwardly to aspirate fluids, to open outwardly to infuse fluids, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a medicament through an artificial airway connected to a patient ventilation/aspiration system without breaking the ventilation circuit comprises a manifold with an interior chamber communicating with first, second and third ports. The manifold is structured and arranged to maintain an uninterrupted ventilation pathway between the first and second ports and to provide a travel path for a suction catheter between the second and third ports, the second port being adapted for connection to the artificial airway. The apparatus further includes a catheter assembly, including a catheter with a lumen, positioned within a protective sleeve and slidable through a distal end fixture connected to the third port. The catheter assembly is structured and arranged to permit advancement of the distal end of the catheter through the manifold and artificial airway. A syringe and a suction control valve are interchangeably connectable to the proximal end of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes a securement device having an anchor pad with a flexible retainer opening that receives a portion of a medical article, such as a catheter, to hold it securely in place. A locating mechanism in the form of posts positions and holds the catheter in position and limits rotational movement of the catheter. The anchor pad is secured to a patient's skin by adhesive.

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: A securement system for anchoring a medical article to a patient includes a pliant holding device. The device has a body and a plurality of tentacles extending from the body. The tentacles compress and may conform around at least a portion of the medical article to form a secure mount. The holding device may also cushion the medical article and protect the site of attachment on the patient while promoting air circulation. The holding device may include a support and a hinge so that the holding device may be swung away from the medical article to provide easy access for a medical provider.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter, is secured to a patient with a support structure and a plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces that permit the catheter to be reoriented in multiple positions relative to the support structure including rotating the catheter about a longitudinal axis. The support structure may be an anchor pad, strap, or other structure. The plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces may be hook and loop type fasteners that are adhered to the catheter body and to the support structure. The placement of the support structure on the patient is not critical as the catheter position is not fixed relative to the support structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implants having two arms and a support portion configured to support a body tissue, such as a urethra. The implants are anchored in soft tissue with tissue anchors having a plurality of barbs. The tissue anchors contain an aperture through which a portion of arm is maintained. A locking member is disposed within at least one of the arms to facilitate fixation of the arm to at least one of the anchors.

Abstract: A gel pad for use with a retainer for securing a medical article. The gel pad is formed from a soft, tacky elastomer. A first surface of the gel pad is placed in contact with a patient's skin. A second surface that faces in an opposite direction away from the first surface receives the retainer. The retainer has a channel configured to retain at least a portion of the medical article. In some embodiments, a securement member is employed to affix the retainer relative to the patient. A securement system including the gel pad and retainer is further disclosed along with a method of securing a medical article to a patient.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-lumen catheter includes forming a catheter body including a first lumen and a second lumen, and forming a catheter tip having a first channel terminating distally in a first opening on a first side of the catheter tip, and a second channel terminating distally in a second opening on a second side of the catheter tip opposite of the first side. The first and second openings of the catheter tip extend through an outer wall of the catheter tip to a dividing section. The catheter tip is affixed to the catheter body such that the first channel is aligned with the first lumen and the second channel is aligned with the second lumen.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein includes an introducer (16) and a push rod (12C) with a spline (12E) member disposed along the push rod (12C). The spline member (12E) has a main body, first (12D) and second (12A) boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor member (14A1) of the filter (14) during delivery via the introducer (16).