Abstract: A catheter system for accessing the central venous system through an occlusion in the neck region.

Abstract: Some of the present methods include, and some embodiments of the present systems are configured for gaining access to a patient's vessel by way of the vessel (i.e. from the inside out). Some embodiments facilitate gaining access to an occluded vessel, where part of the access path is through the occlusion.

Abstract: Some of the present methods include, and some embodiments of the present systems are configured for gaining access to a patient's vessel by way of the vessel (i.e. from the inside out). Some embodiments facilitate gaining access to an occluded vessel, where part of the access path is through the occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of transvascular retrograde access placement and to devices that facilitate these methods. For purposes of the present invention, transvascular retrograde access placement generally comprises the insertion of a vascular catheter into a central blood vessel through the puncturing of the central blood vessel from the inside of the central blood vessel with a needle or other similarly configured device, or a needle-tipped guidewire of the present invention, and exiting that needle from the patient through the skin rather than the traditional approach of inserting a needle from the outside of the skin surface to the inside of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A catheter system for accessing the central venous system through an occlusion in the neck region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of delivering current to a target tissue using a medical instrument, wherein the medical instrument is configured to track and deliver a predetermined current time amount. Also disclosed herein are methods and a system of monitoring for usage of a hemorrhoid treatment instrument and invoicing for such usage.

Abstract: A tissue closure system can include a deployment instrument and a sealing element. The deployment instrument can be slidably mounted to and guided by a tubular medical device. The deployment instrument can be advanced over the tubular medical device to the desired location. The sealing element can then be advanced off of the end of the tool. The sealing element can include tissue engaging elements that are configured to automatically close upon deployment to bring together tissue. A slidably attached guided skin (or other tissue) cutter can also be used if desired to facilitate entry of the deployment instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are probes for use in delivering electrical current therapy to a target tissue. In specifically exemplified embodiments, the probes comprise a base comprised of a degradable material so as to prevent the potentially dangerous reuse of the probes. Also disclosed is a surgical tool for use in rectal examination and surgical removal of hemorrhoid tissue. The tool includes an anoscope having a somewhat conical shape wherein the proximal end is larger in diameter than the distal end. The anoscope has a first slot near the proximal end and a second slot near the distal end. An obturator is included that also has a somewhat conical shape. The obturator is smaller in diameter than the anoscope so that it will easily fit within the anoscope. A cylindrical shaped light cover is included as well, which is adapted to engage the first slot of the anoscope. The light cover further includes a receptacle and a lens in its distal end which receives a light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to be used by a medical provider for treating hemmorhoidal tissue using negative galvanism. The system includes a single-use disposable medical probe, an ergonomically-shaped handle, a power supply, a display, a trigger, a plurality of lights, and a processing unit for activating the lights, and calculating and displaying the amount of electricity delivered to the hemmorhoidal tissue.

Abstract: The teachings are directed to a medical device having a drug-retaining coating that at least substantially delays the initial elution of a drug for a time effective at forming a functional endothelium over a surface of the medical device.

Abstract: A system for the dissection of soft tissue is provided, the system comprising: a dissection tip, the tip having a rigid, non-absorptive, end shell; the rigid end shell having a textured exterior surface configured to purchase soft tissue and having at least one porosity; and the dissection tip being configured to be coupled to a suction source.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device includes a catheter with a window at its distal tip for admitting tissue into a catheter compartment. A cylindrical cartridge in the compartment has a cutting edge that supports an electrically conductive cutting element, e.g. a band or wire. The cutting element and adjacent tissue can be heated to a selected temperature by generating an electrical current through the cutting element. The catheter is maneuverable to position its distal end near the tissue to be cut. The catheter incorporates a dilatation balloon or other feature to urge the catheter against the tissue, so that at least part of the tissue may enter the compartment through the window. Then, the cartridge is manipulated from the catheter's proximal end to move the cutting edge across the window, cutting the tissue. According to alternative embodiments, the cartridge is either rotated or moved axially relative to the catheter and, in either event may be capable of closing the catheter window when the cut is complete.

Abstract: A guiding catheter capable of selective blood perfusion, position detecting, and enhanced contrast media injection. The catheter generally comprises an elongated tubular member for guiding contrast media or medical instruments into a selected blood vessel. The tubular member includes at least one perfusion port in a sidewall thereof for allowing passive blood perfusion of the blood vessel while the catheter is seated in a vascular ostium. The catheter further comprises a closure member positioned adjacent the perfusion port and movable between at least first and second positions to open and at least partially close the perfusion port. An actuating member is operatively connected to the closure member and extends proximally therefrom toward a proximal end of the tubular member, whereby the actuating member is selectably moveable to move the closure member between the first and second positions.