Abstract: A catheter for use in the extracorporeal treatment of bodily fluids comprises a catheter body having a withdrawal port, an infusion port, and a plurality of lumens therein. One of the lumens comprises a withdrawal lumen for transport of fluids withdrawn from a body vessel through the withdrawal port to an extracorporeal treatment unit, such as a dialyzer. Another lumen comprises an infusion lumen for infusion of treated fluids from the extracorporeal treatment unit through the infusion port into the vessel. The withdrawal port is positioned proximally from the infusion port along a length of the catheter body, and includes a generally helical profile.

Abstract: A bolster assembly for use in aligning a tubular interventional device along an outer epidermal layer of a patient. A base portion of the assembly has a first surface for contacting the epidermal layer at an exit site of the tubular interventional device from the body of the patient, and has a second surface generally opposite the first surface. An elongated member is engaged with the base portion second surface and extends therefrom at a first angle. The elongated member and the base portion are structured and aligned to define a passageway to enable passage therethrough of the tubular interventional device. The elongated member is capable of flexure relative to the base portion from the first angle to a second angle generally parallel to the epidermal layer. A retaining member is provided for releasably retaining the elongated member at the second angle.

Abstract: An assembly and method for continuous blockage of a nerve in a patient. The assembly includes a needle comprising a hollow needle conduit having a shaft portion and a tip portion, a generally non-conductive layer disposed along a length of the conduit shaft portion, and an echogenic surface extending along at least a portion of the needle. A catheter having a bore for transmittal of an anesthetic to the nerve is receivable in the shaft portion of said needle. Following insertion of the needle tip in the vicinity of the nerve by electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasound visualization, the catheter is passed through the needle conduit such that the distal end of the catheter extends beyond the distal tip of the needle. The catheter has an echogenic portion, such as a ribbon wrapped around the distal end of the catheter, and the catheter echogenic portion is guidable in the vicinity of the nerve under ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A central venous catheter comprises a catheter body having a plurality of lumens extending longitudinally therein. At least one of the lumens extends longitudinally through the catheter body from its proximal end to an exit port at its distal end, and at least one other lumen extends longitudinally through the catheter body to a closed distal portion of the catheter body. The catheter body further includes a sideport positioned to establish communication between the closed-end lumen and an area exterior to the catheter body. The catheter body further includes a flexible member, such as a coiled spring, in the closed-end lumen in a space between the sideport and the closed end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blockage of a peripheral nerve of a patient utilizes simultaneous continuous electrical nerve stimulation and visualization of the nerve using 2D ultrasound. A hyperechoic stimulating block needle is provided for insertion into the patient. The needle includes a hollow metal conduit, and a generally non-conductive covering extending along the shaft of the conduit. An echogenic surface capable of scattering and reflecting ultrasound waves for enhanced visualization extends along at least a portion of the length of the needle. The needle is inserted into the patient, and the needle tip is optimally aligned in proximity with the nerve by simultaneous visualization with 2D ultrasound and by electrical nerve stimulation. Once the needle is optimally placed with regard to the nerve, a drug may be injected through a bore of the needle into the patient.

Abstract: A nebulizer uses air or preferably oxygen to aerate and transport an anesthetic for providing topical anesthesia to the airway passages of a patient undergoing analysis or treatment by any of several medical instruments used to traverse the airway passages. The nebulizer is preferably applied in connection with fiberoptical diagnostic and therapeutic instruments, such as bronchoscopes, endoscopes and laryngoscopes, and many variations of these instruments. Other liquid, aerosol, and gaseous drugs may also be administered with the nebulizer.

Abstract: A method and a stent/graft device for intraoperative repair of a damaged portion of a body vessel. The stent/graft device has a length at least as long as the length of the damaged portion of the vessel undergoing repair, and is positioned within the vessel such that the device at least spans the length of the damaged vessel portion. The stent/graft device is securely engaged with the vessel at the site of the damage in a manner such that migration of the device in said vessel is inhibited.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods for selectively and alternately isolating one of a pair of bronchi or lungs are provided. A main body has proximal and distal ends defining a lumen, a side port and opening formed near the distal end. An insert having first and second ends, and an aperture located near the second end, is configured to have the second end placed in the main body lumen. The insert aperture permits passageway to at least one of the main body side port or distal opening, while an exchangeable insert permits passageway to the other main body side port or opening, or optionally one insert moves between first and second positions to selectively and alternately permit passageway to the one or other main body side port or opening. Kits and methods are provided for selectively and alternately isolating one of a pair of bronchi or lungs.

Abstract: An endobronchial blocker catheter for use in blocking a selected mainstem bronchus under guidance of a bronchoscope. The endobronchial blocker catheter comprises a tubular assembly and an elongated body that receives the tubular assembly. The tubular assembly comprises a tubular member and a loop disposed at a distal end of the tubular member. The loop is sized such that the bronchoscope is passable through the loop. The elongated body has a plurality of lumens therein, and an inflatable blocker balloon disposed about a distal portion of the elongated body. One of the lumens extends to an interior of the balloon to accomplish inflation of the balloon for retaining the blocker catheter in the mainstem bronchus, and another lumen is sized for receiving the tubular assembly in a manner such that the loop extends from a distal end of the elongated body. The blocker catheter is guided by the bronchoscope to the desired inflation site via the loop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a percutaneous tracheostomy procedure utilizing dilatation means that do not require entry into the trachea by downward pressure, in order to minimize the risk of posterior tracheal trauma. In addition, the apparatus is structured to facilitate entry of the tracheostomy tube into the dilated entry site without permitting any significant shrinkage or reduction in diameter of the dilated opening.