Abstract: Balloon catheter, guide catheter and method for dilating openings in paranasal sinuses. A non-removable guide member (e.g., guidewire) extends from the distal end of the balloon catheter. The non-removable guide member initially passes through the opening of the paranasal sinus and is followed by the catheter body on which the balloon is mounted. The balloon is then inflated causing dilation of the opening of the paranasal sinus. In some embodiments, the non-removable guide member may be shapeable so that the operator may place the non-removable guide member in a desired shape prior to insertion of the balloon catheter. In some embodiments, the length of the non-removable guide member may be adjustable such that the operator may adjust the length of the non-removable guide member prior to insertion of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: A needle assembly 10 compromising an infusion needle 11 that includes a needle cannula 13 made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol. The needle cannula is cold-worked or heat annealed to produce a preformed bend 16 that can be straightened within passageway 21 of a coaxial outer cannula 12 for introduction into the body of a patient. Upon deployment from the outer cannula, the needle cannula substantially returns to the preformed configuration for the introduction or extraction of materials at areas lateral to the entry path of the needle assembly. The needle assembly can compromise a plurality of needle cannulae than can be variably arranged or configured for attaining a desired infusion pattern.

Abstract: Devices and systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, a joint or intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a needle extending from its distal end, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medicaments, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to a cassette or other portion of the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration and expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as ureteroscopy or stone removal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anastomosis catheter, for achieving a tissue to tissue or synthetic graft to tissue attachment. The catheter includes a plurality of deployable tissue anchors, which may be laterally deployed into surrounding tissue. The anchors may be used to achieve end to end or end to side anastomoses. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible catheter for insertion into a body lumen, comprises a guide wire lumen extending from a distal port at a distal end of the catheter to a proximal port separated from a proximal end of the catheter and a stiffening member extending from the proximal port to a proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having an elongated shaft and a balloon mounted on the distal portion of the shaft, the balloon having a working section and proximal and distal end portions that extend inwardly with respect to the working section and which are secured to the catheter shaft within the working section. The end portions are therefore inverted recesses on each end of the balloon. A stent may be disposed about the balloon to form a stent deploying system. The proximal and distal end portions may contain a tapered portion, which tapers from the balloon working section to the catheter shaft with decreasing transverse dimension. The end portions may be connected to the working section with connecting fibers. This design allows for improved expansion and stent placement in the vasculature.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering and injecting fluid into heart tissue utilizing high pressure injection to increase injectate (fluid) retention in the heart tissue. The catheter includes a shaft having an infusion lumen extending therethrough, wherein the proximal end of the shaft connected to a pressurized fluid source capable of generating a transient pressure of more than 1000 psi. The distal end of the shaft includes a nozzle having an injection port in fluid communication with the infusion lumen such that fluid from the pressurized fluid source may be delivered to the heart tissue at a sufficiently high exit velocity to partially penetrate the heart tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for total intravenous anesthesia includes at least one supply and infusion pump for an intravenous anesthesia agent carried by the apparatus housing, and at least one monitor for monitoring the characteristics of the patient during the total intravenous anesthesia. The at least one intravenous anesthesia agent preferably includes a first intravenous anesthesia agent, and more preferably, an analgesic, having a relatively quick offset so that the effects wears off relatively quickly upon stopping intravenous infusion. For monitoring the patient, the apparatus preferably includes at least one of an electrocardiogram, a blood oxygen monitor, a blood carbon dioxide monitor, inspiration/expiration oxygen, inspiration/expiration carbon dioxide, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse rate monitor, a respiration rate monitor, and a patient temperature monitor, for example. The first intravenous anesthesia agent may be an esterase metabolized opioid, such as remifentanil.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for the combined conveyance and volume measuring of liquids. The conveyance is performed by imparting an overpressure or, respectively, a negative pressure to the liquid by means of a pressurized or depressurized gas cushion. A piston movable in a cylinder which is connected with a receiver containing the liquid exerts either a constant overpressure upon a gas cushion above the liquid to drive the liquid through a line connected with the receiver, or it exerts a constant negative pressure upon the gas cushion to draw the liquid from the line into the receiver. The transported volumes of the liquid are determined by the volumina covered by the piston in the course of its displacements in the cylinder.

Abstract: A device comprising a reversible negative electrode in contact with a reservoir element containing an electrolyte which contains an active principle such as an anionic oligosaccharide, particularly a pentasaccharide, in at least partially ionised form, a positive electrode alone or in combination with an electrolyte-containing receptacle, and an electrical signal generator connectable to both electrodes. The generator is arranged to apply electrical signals between the electrodes, which signals have an average voltage such that the average current density generated between the electrodes is 0.05-0.25 mA/cm.sup.2. The amount of active principle in the reservoir element combined with the negative electrode is 0.5-12 mg per cm.sup.2. The amount of active principle in the reservoir element combined with the negative electrode is 0.5-12 mg per cm.sup.2 and per mAh of current through 1 cm.sup.2 of the electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herewithin is the method of manufacture and apparatus design of a reinforced and flexible tube or catheter that can be used in a variety of applications. The reinforced and flexible tube comprises a thermoplastic tubular member that is surrounded by a helical coil or braided member which is partially or completely embedded within the outer surface of the tubular member. Alternatively, the reinforced and flexible tube can comprise a thermoplastic tubular member that which has a helical coil or braided member that is partially or completely embedded within the inner surface of the tubular member.The first method of embedding the metallic coil or braided wire comprises the steps of engaging the metallic structure over the outer surface of the tubular member, applying heat through an appropriately sized mold to the outer surface of the tubular member while creating a pressure differential between the inner lumen and the outside surface of the tubular member for a specified period of time.

Abstract: A method for debulking the tongue provides an ablation apparatus including a source of electromagnetic energy and one or more electromagnetic energy delivery electrodes coupled to the electromagnetic energy source. At least one electrode is advanced into an interior of the tongue. Electromagnetic energy is delivered from the electrode to debulk an interior section of the tongue without damaging a hypoglossal nerve. The electrode is then retracted from the interior of the tongue.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided that includes a catheter shaft constructed for insertion into a blood vessel, an inflatable balloon mounted on a distal portion of the catheter shaft, a heating device mounted on the distal portion of the catheter arranged for heating tissue in contact with the balloon while the balloon is inflated, and an ablation electrode. The catheter shaft and the balloon are sized and constructed to permit the distal portion of the catheter shaft to be inserted into an atrium or ventricle of a heart while the balloon is deflated. The distal portion of the catheter is positioned within the atrium or ventricle and adjacent to a wall of the atrium or ventricle. The balloon is inflated with fluid while the balloon is within the atrium or ventricle, and while the balloon is inflated it is engaged in direct contact with a wall of the atrium or ventricle. Tissue surrounding the balloon is heated through use of the heating device while the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A process for detecting obstructions in a perfusion line, wherein a programmable syringe pump uses a selected gradient constant and first and second pressure measurements from the perfusion line to determine whether an obstruction has occurred in the perfusion line.

Abstract: An ingestible capsule and process for delivery, particularly repeatable delivery, of a medicament to the alimentary canal is disclosed wherein an essentially non-digestible capsule contains an electric energy emitting means, a radio signal transmitting means, a medicament storage means and a remote actuatable medicament releasing means. The capsule signals a remote receiver as it progresses through the alimentary tract in a previously mapped route and upon reaching a specified site is remotely triggered to release a dosage of medicament.

Abstract: A pistol-shaped surgical handpiece comprises a pistol-shaped housing including a forward/rearward extending barrel and a handle fixedly depending from the barrel. A motor and control circuit are supported in the barrel. The motor drives a tool carrier at the front end of the barrel. In one preferred embodiment, the housing is of formed sheet metal and the motor, control unit and a drive train for driving the tool carrier, are mounted as a sealed unitary cartridge within the sheet metal barrel. In one embodiment, the battery is inserted upward into the bottom of the handle and telescopes therein for a substantial distance to permit a relatively compact handle arrangement while yet permitting a full size handle rigidly joined to the barrel of the housing.