Abstract: A method of peritoneal removal of electrolytes and inflammatory mediators. The method begins with infusing a treatment solution into the peritoneal cavity of a patient by way of a catheter. The treatment solution is drained from the peritoneal cavity by way of the catheter. During the draining, the treatment solution is filtered for removing electrolytes and inflammatory mediators.

Abstract: Guide extension catheters and related methods are disclosed. A guide extension catheter can comprise an elongate tube member, a push member, and an external manipulation member. The push member can be eccentrically coupled relative to the tube member and extend proximally therefrom for slidably positioning the tube member within and partially beyond a distal end of a guide catheter. The manipulation member can be coupled to a proximal end of the push member, where the manipulation member can be configured to secure the guide extension catheter in place during use by attaching to an external object such that the tube member and push member remain stationary without user engagement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating microneedle arrays that includes electrospun fibers preferentially disposed within the microneedles of the array. Providing the electrospun fibers preferentially in the microneedles allows for more of a drug or other substance present in the fibers to be deposited into tissue or to provide other benefits. A mold for forming the microneedle arrays includes an insulating surface layer. The insulating surface layer affects the electric field during electrospinning such that electrospun fibers are deposited preferentially within the microneedle cavities of the mold relative to the surface of the mold. A bulk material can then be applied to the mold to form the bulk of the microneedles with electrospun fibers embedded within and a backing layer to which the microneedles are attached.

Abstract: In general, medical sheath systems that include a curved support sheath are described. In one embodiment, the support sheath includes a curved tube includes a distal portion fixed in an orientation perpendicular to the proximal end during advancement of an interventional tool through the support sheath.

Abstract: A fluid sensing apparatus and a method for detecting pressure and a presence of bubbles within a fluid tube. The fluid sensing apparatus comprises a housing configured to receive a portion of the tube and to house a pressure sensor and an ultrasonic transmitter. The pressure sensor is positioned adjacent the tube and is configured to receive a pressure sensor signal, which correlates to a detected pressure differential within the tube. A controller transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic transmitter, which emits ultrasonic waves through the portion of the tube and to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor receives both the ultrasonic waves and the pressure sensor signal, and subsequently transmits an output signal to the controller. In a presence of a pressure differential or a bubble within the tube, the output signal will exhibit a DC shift or a distortion of signal characteristics of the output signal, respectively.

Abstract: A data collection device comprises: a first portion having one or more features configured for attaching of the first portion to a dosage knob of an injection device; a second portion rotatably coupled with the first portion, wherein at least part of the second portion is movable axially relative to the first portion; a sensor arrangement configured to detect rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion; and a processor arrangement configured to, based on said detected movement, determine a medicament amount expelled by the injection device, wherein the coupling arrangement is configured to provide a non-permanent coupling between the first portion and the dosage knob of the injection device.

Abstract: A system for aspirating thrombus and delivering an agent includes an aspiration catheter having a supply lumen having a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall, and an aspiration lumen having a proximal end, an open distal end, and an interior wall surface adjacent the open distal end, and at least one orifice at or adjacent the distal end of the supply lumen, in fluid communication with the aspiration lumen and located proximally of the open distal end of the aspiration lumen, wherein the at least one orifice is configured to create a spray pattern that is caused to impinge on the interior wall surface of the aspiration lumen such that the spray pattern upon impinging on the interior wall surface is caused to transform into at least a substantially distally-oriented flow capable of exiting the open distal end of the aspiration lumen.

Abstract: Methods of colon cleansing and/or inspection are described which safely maintain a colon in an uncollapsed state. Balanced replacement of a volume of fluid, gas and/or solids evacuated during cleansing of the colon is described. Replacement volume comprises, for example, cleansing fluid, jetting gas, and/or inflation gas. In some embodiments, balancing of evacuated and replacement volume is achieved under automatic control, based on monitored volume of material exchange, and/or measurement of resulting pressures.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating a condition of the heart. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of treating a subject in need thereof, wherein the method comprises ablating at least one nerve of the renal artery of the subject; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cells.

Abstract: Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: An infusion coupling allows administration of IV drugs to a patient through an IV fluid line, and ensures that successive courses of medication are fully passed or flushed from the line to prevent mixing of incompatible drugs in the IV line. The infusion coupling includes a vessel body, and a plurality of branch inlets to receive medication through IV tubing connected to the inlets. The vessel body has a generally cylindrical shape such that each of the branch inlets is in fluidic communication with the interior volume for receiving the IV fluids for transport. The inlets are angled on the body of the infusion coupling. A transverse bar or obstruction extends across an interior diameter of the infusion coupling for disrupting a circular flow that can result in a vortex. Formation of a vortex can retain the infused medication in the infusion coupling and result in mixing with successive medication courses.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar housing that defines a working chamber, and a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the cannula is coupled to the trocar housing at the proximal end to facilitate communication between the cannula and the working chamber. A plurality of radial support members are arranged at or near the distal end and comprise a plurality of keystones arranged side by side to form a ring within the cannula. Each radial support member extends radially inward toward a centerline of the cannula to center a surgical tool within the cannula and thereby minimize unintended oscillation and vibration of the surgical tool.

Abstract: An auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament includes an elongate housing arranged to contain a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper for sealing the syringe and displacing the medicament, the housing having a distal end and a proximal end with an orifice intended to be applied against an injection site. The syringe is slidably arranged with respect to the housing. A spring capable of, upon activation: pushing the needle from a covered position inside the housing into an advanced position through the orifice and past the proximal end (P), operating the syringe to supply the dose of medicament (M), and retracting the syringe with the needle into the covered position. After delivering the medicament, an activator arranged to lock the spring in a pressurized state prior to manual operation and capable of, upon manual operation, releasing the spring for injection.

Abstract: Methods and breast pump devices for simultaneous pumping and feeding breastmilk in the nursing position and quantification of breastmilk consumption are provided. A breast pump device includes a nipple shield for receiving a nipple, a housing having a throughput aperture and a fluid path, the fluid path extending from the nipple shield to the throughput aperture, and a negative pressure source. In some embodiments, the housing further includes a gate to control the quantity of breastmilk displaced to a baby. In some embodiments, the gate operates to respond to the amount of breastmilk displaced to the baby, and thereby allows for quantification. In some embodiments, the quantity of breastmilk displaced is also recorded.

Abstract: An aspiration catheter is provided including a proximal section and a distal section extendable through the proximal section. A vacuum transfer tool may be coupled to a proximal end of the proximal section. The vacuum transfer tool may include a proximal transfer tube and a distal transfer tube, each having an aspiration port in communication with a vacuum source. The proximal transfer tube may be removably received within a proximal end of the distal transfer tube. The proximal transfer tube may maintain a vacuum around the proximal end of the distal section of the catheter such that when the distal section is removed by decoupling the proximal and distal transfer tubes, the vacuum within the distal transfer tube and proximal section of the catheter is maintained, preventing the escape of any clots.

Abstract: A microcatheter comprising an inner layer, a strike layer and an outer layer and a braided skeleton located between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the inner layer is made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and has a thickness of 0.0015 inch or less, wherein the strike layer includes a polyether block amide and has a thickness of 0.001 inch or less, and wherein a distal portion of said outer layer is made of polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethane having a shore of 90A or below.

Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient. The access port can include a set of receiving cups which can be placed in fluid communication with a catheter. The set of receiving cups can provide a greater skin surface with which to access the port to avoid repeated penetrations at a single locus, such as during consecutive dialysis treatments. The access port can alternatively include needle penetrable arms or elongate chambers that also have a slim, low profile. The access port can include a needle guide to direct subsequent needle access to different insertion points to permit healing at the previous insertion points. The access port can be formed of a modular construction with a first conduit, a second conduit, and an outer shell. The outer shell can include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The access port can include a stem assembly and a locking member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for providing a triggering mechanism which lowers the trigger force to activate the trigger mechanism to a comfortable range of while still preserving or increasing the speed at which the triggering mechanism accelerates or imparts velocity to a device attached to the triggering mechanism. The present invention further relates to improved applicators for administering microprojection arrays to skin and methods of administering microprojection arrays. In particular, the present invention relates to compact stable self-contained mechanical energy storage for delivery of a medical device such as a microprojection array.

Abstract: A dermal delivery device includes a film having first and second outwardly facing major surfaces; at least one liquid reservoir contained within the film; at least one microfluidic channel having a transverse dimension between about 100 nm and 0.5 mm disposed within the film and in fluid communication with the at least one liquid reservoir; and at least one outlet port operatively connected to the first outwardly facing major surface of the film in fluid communication with the at least one microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices (e.g., needles (e.g., hollow needles), hollow staples, articles, apparatuses, and systems), kits, and methods for treating skin and skin conditions, for example, by promoting skin tightening, such as by reducing skin laxity and reducing tissue area or volume.