Abstract: Catheter for inserting into a hollow organ, in particular a blood vessel, wherein at least one tube- or balloon-like flexural element (12, 12a, . . . , 12l) which can be filled with a filling medium is provided inside the catheter, which flexural element is flexible in the non-pressurized state and stiffens as a result of pressure buildup internally and assumes a predetermined curved shape.

Abstract: A system and method permit monitoring and location of a route in vivo and a visible image of that route for retrograde perfusion of a tumor with a therapeutic agent. Once the route is located, the path for flow of therapeutic agent to the tumor is confirmed as being a closed loop. The therapeutic agent is then introduced into the closed loop through retrograde perfusion to treat the tumor. The number of types and amounts of treating agents may be adjusted and observed as the treatment is in progress.

Abstract: An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).

Abstract: A sealing stopper or piston for a syringe which includes a skirt part that is capable of serving as a backstop device, and a prefilled syringe using the same. The skirt part provides a backstop function, i.e. it prevents reverse movement of the piston, without increasing production costs.

Abstract: A system for delivering a contrast medium to a treatment site including a delivery device, and a portable power injector. The delivery device includes a guidewire lumen and a contrast injection lumen, the guidewire lumen and contrast injection lumen being at least partially coaxial. The portable power injector includes an injector body and is configured to contain a contrast medium. The injector body has a plunger disposed therein. The portable power injector also includes a pressure generator, the pressure generator being configured to apply a pressure to the plunger to drive the contrast medium from the injector body and through a distal end of the contrast injection lumen.

Abstract: A medical delivery system (10) is provided for delivering a medicament (17) or fluid (17) to a patient. The system comprises a disposable element such as a line set (14) associated with a container (16) containing the fluid (17), an identifier (18) associated with the line set (14) and having identification information associated therewith, and a delivery device (12) configured to engage the line set (14) and deliver the fluid (17) to the patient. The delivery device (12) includes a recognition system (20) that is capable of obtaining the identification information associated with the identifier (18). The identification information may include information regarding the identification of the fluid (17), a type of line set (14), or a type of administration associated with the line set (14). The device (12) can be capable of configuration based on the identification information.

Abstract: An improved sterile docking apparatus for a medical-liquid, male connectors includes a holding member having an opening for matably receiving a nozzle end of a medical-liquid, male connector therethrough, and a deformable member disposed across the opening, wherein the deformable member is deformable to envelop and thereby isolate a nozzle end of a medical-liquid, male connector that is inserted into the opening of the holding member. The deformable member may be resilient, wherein it substantially returns to an initial configuration after removal of a nozzle end of a medical-liquid, male connector from the opening of the holding member. An interconnection surface may be provided on the holding member of the docking apparatus to interface with a complimentary interconnection surface of a medical-liquid, male connector so as to maintain the nozzle end of the medical-liquid, male connector in an enveloped position during docking.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: This invention relates to the placement of nasogastric tubes. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for assisting intubation and insertion.

Abstract: Two renal delivery members have two distal ports that are adapted to be positioned within two renal arteries via their corresponding renal ostia at unique locations along an abdominal aortic wall. A proximal coupler assembly is outside the body and is coupled to deliver material to the two distal ports for bi-lateral renal therapy. One or both of the delivery members may be self-cannulating into the corresponding renal ostium, or may be controllably steered into the respective ostium. Non-occlusive anchors may be coupled with one or both of the delivery members at anchoring positions in the renal artery or abdominal aorta to secure the renal delivery member within the renal artery. Renal-active fluid agents are coupled to the bi-lateral delivery system. Another renal therapy system cannulates a renal vein from the vena cava and controls a retrograde delivery of agents to the respective kidney.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible, corrugated insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument and a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument. A vacuum-activated device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. A corrugated tube transmits torque from the proximal end toward the distal end. A method for transmitting torque and variably flexing an insertion device for receiving an instrument includes providing a hollow body, transmitting torque along the hollow body with a corrugated tube, applying suction to create a vacuum in the hollow body for placing the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition, and relieving the vacuum for placing the hollow body in a relatively flexible condition.

Abstract: A computerized system collects, organizes and stores various sets of data during several phases of treatment relating to monitoring and location of a route in vivo and a visible image of that route for retrograde perfusion of a tumor with a therapeutic agent and for monitoring treatment procedures during such retrograde perfusion. The data obtained from present and past treatment procedures are stored for analysis and also made available real time to treating physicians during treatment procedures.

Abstract: A partially-implantable pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. A tube of the pneumostoma management device is placed through the chest wall into the lung. The tube comprises a plurality of holes in the distal end to allow the entry of gases and non-gaseous discharge from the lung. A contact surface prevents over-insertion of the tube while releasably securing the device to the chest of the patient. The contact surface has features to reduce irritation of the skin of the chest.

Abstract: A catheter may include a multiple lumen catheter tube, a hub attached to the catheter tube, and a first extension leg and a second extension leg attached to the hub. The multiple lumen catheter tube may include a longitudinal axis, an end, a first lumen, and a second lumen. The first lumen and the second lumen extend through the catheter tube along the longitudinal axis and each having an opening. The end of the catheter tube and the openings of the lumen may be disposed within the hub so that the opening of the first lumen is axially spaced with the end of the catheter tube. The first extension leg may be coupled to the first lumen and the second extension leg may be coupled to the second lumen for the separate delivery of fluids to the lumens.

Abstract: The invention includes an assembly having a handle for articulating an articulator in an ergonomically improved manner. The handle can be adapted to articulate a distal portion of the articulator when squeezed. The handle can have at least one accessible attachment mechanism useful for reattachably attaching the articulator and the handle during a medical procedure. The invention also includes methods of making and using such a handle.

Abstract: A medical tubing set sheath is provided which includes a retention portion for attaching the sheath to a collar of a connector attached to the medical tubing set. The sheath may serve as a handle to facilitate torque-locking of the connector to another connector. The sheath may also include a ratcheting mechanism in order to allow for the sheath to ratchet upon application of excess torque, when the tubing set is being attached to a peripheral tubing set. The sheath may also include a needle receiving portion, so that the sheath provides for a needle protector, which may be retained in a position displaced from the needle in order to insure that the needle is exposed when removed from its packaging, and can be quickly and easily inserted in a patient's arm.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inventive apparatus and method for docking of a male luer connector fluidly interconnected or interconnectable to a medical liquid source during one or repeated periods. As such, the invention has particular application to multiple-dose medication therapy procedures. The docking apparatus comprises a holding receptacle having a single access opening and a depressible member disposed in the holding receptacle. The holding receptacle is adapted for retentive engagement with a male luer connector (e.g. via complementary threading), wherein upon docking a nozzle of the male luer connector is isolated within the holding receptacle. An anti-bacterial material may be readily applied to a top surface of the depressible member prior to docking so that the forward edge of the nozzle of the male luer connector contacts the anti-bacterial material when docked. The docking apparatus may be provided with lateral and rearward handling members to facilitate docking procedures.

Abstract: A self attaching injection port has integral moveable fasteners which are moveable from a undeployed state to a deployed state engaging tissue. The fasteners may be disposed radially or tangentially, and rotated to pierce the fascia. The fasteners may be rigid or elastically deformable.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.