Abstract: The catheter comprises a catheter tube formed of two superposed tubular layers of materials which differ from one another. A tubular mediator layer is arranged between the layers to provide an adhesive anchorage for the layers.

Abstract: Filter device comprising a filter housing, a filter disposed in the filter housing, an inlet, and an opposed outlet spaced from the inlet, wherein the outlet comprises an extension from the housing, the extension extending longitudinally in the direction of fluid flow and comprising at least a first section having a minimum outer diameter and a second section downstream from the first section and having a terminal end having a maximum outer diameter, the maximum diameter of the second section terminal end being smaller than the minimum diameter of the first section.

Abstract: An automatic pullback catheter system (2) includes a disposable catheter assembly (6) mountable to a drive assembly (4). The drive assembly includes a body (8) to which a drive chassis (14) is mounted for movement along a longitudinal path (16) by a motor (20) which rotates a longitudinal drive screw (22) selectively coupled to the drive chassis by a threaded clamp (24). A rotary drive motor (30), mounted to the drive chassis, rotates a first combined connector (34). The catheter assembly includes a hollow sheath (38) housing a rotatable and axially movable cable assembly (44). The sheath includes a proximal hub (42) mountable to the body. The cable assembly includes an elongate imaging cable (46) with a second combined connector (36) at its proximal end. The first and second combined connectors are blind matable connectors and provide for the longitudinal movement coupling, the rotary movement coupling and the data/information connection of the two connectors.

Abstract: An injection syringe including a device for preparation of an injection in situ, useful to the injection which is liable to suffer chemical changes if left for a long time in the state of solution or dispersion ready to inject. The injection syringe is portable by a patient who may prepare a necessary injection in situ with the use of a device included in the syringe which will automatically perform an injection with a prescribed dosage. The injection syringe includes a device for preparation of an injection, whereby mechanical impacts affecting the medicine and consequently, chemical changes with a medicine would be minimized during the step of dissolving the medicine. The syringe as noted is especially useful for preparation of injection and injection of human growth hormones, interferon and various polypeptides which are of an environmentally sensitive nature and liable to suffer chemical changes if left for a long time in the state of solution or dispersion.

Abstract: Devices for injection of medicines into a human body are designed for one-time use during inpatient or outpatient treatment. The reuse of an injection device having a bellows 3 as an injection container is prevented by providing a locking attachment which prevents backward motion of a bottom 4 of the bellows 3 and which is mounted on elements of the device brought together during the injection (the bottom 4 of the bellows 3 and the housing/needle holder 1). A locking attachment is made in a form of a pair of interacting elastically deformable hooks 6 with a beveled catch and a female part in the form of a hole 7 with a ledge 8. At the instant the injection is completed, the sharpened end 10 of the needle 2 punctures a partition 9 in the bottom 4 of the bellows 3, further preventing reuse.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter is used to avoid ischemia in case of failure of a conventional balloon angioplasty procedure on a stenotic blood vessel and a resulting partial or complete occlusion of the vessel. The balloon catheter is first removed from the vessel while the guide wire and the guide catheter are left in place. The perfusion catheter is immediately inserted into the guide catheter and run past the stenosis using the guide wire already in place. Blood is drawn from a side port in the sheath introduced at the point of entry into the vascular system of the patient under normal arterial pressure or after passing through an exterior pump for pressurization and re-injection in the perfusion catheter. Thus, blood flow to the part of the vessel past the occlusion can be reestablished within minutes of angioplasty failure and the patient can be stabilized in preparation for heart surgery.

Abstract: A fluid supplying apparatus having a rubber elastic film (11) with fluid contained therein, an upstream tube (30), an intermediate station (40) disposed at a distal end of the upstream tube (30) and a downstream tube (27) connected to the intermediate station (40) is provided. The upstream tube (30) has two flow paths (31A and 32A) formed in a predetermined length extending in a longitudinal direction. The intermediate station (40) has a case (41), the case (41) having a fluid outlet (51) to which the downstream tube (27) is connected, a first communicating channel (52) for intercommunicating the fluid outlet (51) and one of the flow paths (31A), a reservoir (53) in communication with the other flow path (32A), a second communicating channel (55) having a check valve (54) at an intermediate portion thereof and intercommunicating the reservoir (53) and the fluid outlet (51), and a pressing member (56) for discharging the fluid stored in the reservoir (53) to the second communicating channel (55).

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating an aneurysm. The method includes providing a biocompatible polymeric string and transporting the string to an aneurysm. The aneurysm is filled with the string. The string is cut when the aneurysm is substantially filled.

Abstract: A device (10) for generating a pulsatile fluid drug flow comprises a housing (11) containing an expandable-contractible chamber (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (15), a valve (16) associated with the outlet (15) which is actuated by the expansion and contraction of the chamber (12), and means (13, 23) for biasing the chamber (12) to its contracted state. When the inlet (14) is connected to a pressurised fluid drug supply the chamber (12) is expanded by the drug, and this expansion of the chamber (12) actuates the valve (16) to open, thereby allowing release of the drug from the chamber (12), following which the chamber (12) contracts under the influence of the biasing means (13, 23), this contraction in turn actuating the valve (16) to close thereby allowing the chamber (12) to refill. By this mechanism, a constant supply of liquid, such as from an osmotic or elastomeric drug delivery pump, can be converted to a pulsatile flow, which may provide a more suitable delivery of certain drugs.

Abstract: A probe and nozzle assembly for reducing the pressure at which a needleless injector must deliver medicament for proper delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment of the probe, the probe is retractably located within an injector nozzle assembly. Upon activation of the energy source a portion of the probe extends past the nozzle assembly to deliver the medicament through a discharge channel. After activation the probe retracts back into the nozzle assembly. In another embodiment, the probe is fixed to the end of the nozzle assembly. In both embodiments the ratio of discharge channel length to diameter is greater than 6/1. The present invention also relates to nozzle assemblies with a discharge channel length to diameter ratio greater than 6/1.

Abstract: A modular drug delivery system for use by cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists for delivery of molecular and cellular therapies that target genes, molecules and peptides. The regulated drug delivery devices comprise a modular mechanically actuated drug delivery module (DDM) that can be attached to either a surgical viewing endoscope hand-piece or specialized catheter for interventional procedures. The DDM provides metering of drugs to treatment sites and allows for quick interchangeability with other component parts such as a viewing scope end portion for MIS or other surgical procedures or a flexible catheter shaft for percutaneous procedures.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and a method of use for delivering fluid flow to a surgical site. The irrigation apparatus includes a refillable fluid reservoir with an inlet for receiving fluid via first tubing from a fluid source, and an outlet for second tubing leading to a surgical site. A sensor monitors the fluid contained within the reservoir. The sensor sends a signal to a controller, which operates a pump. The pump transports fluid from the fluid source to the refillable reservoir via the first tubing.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for dispensing a biologically active compound. The medical apparatus includes a sleeve, wherein (1) the sleeve has a working channel defined therein through which medical instruments may be advanced, (2) the sleeve includes a fluid delivery channel which is distinct from the working channel, (3) the fluid delivery channel has an exit, and (4) the sleeve includes a housing having an interior cavity defined therein. The medical apparatus also includes an insufflation valve in fluid communication with the working channel. The insufflation valve is positionable between an open position and a closed position such that (i) when the insufflation valve is located in the open position an insufflation gas can be advanced into the working channel and (ii) when the insufflation valve is located in the closed position the insufflation gas is prevented from being advanced into the working channel.

Abstract: The need for a venous reservoir in a heart-lung machine is obviated by using a vacuum-purged negative-pressure air filter in the venous return line ahead of the main blood pump. The purging vacuum for the venous air filter can also be used to purge air from the cardiotomy reservoir if a backflow-preventing valve is used on the venous air filter.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer is includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device is disclosed herein. The device allows an operator to insert a catheter within a vessel with a single hand enabling the operator to keep a grip on the patient's skin and vessel. The device also includes a needle tip sheath that protects operators from accidental needle punctures by contaminated needles.

Abstract: Implantable ports and other devices are cleansed by the injection of a washing solution into a region in the device or in a tissue pocket surrounding the device. In a first embodiment, the washing solution is injected through an aperture in the device to flush internal regions of the device before infusing the tissue pocket and flushing outwardly through a tissue tract leading to the device. In other embodiments, the washing solution is injected directly to a target site on the exterior of the device. Implantable devices may include special, usually hardened, target regions for receiving the sharpened end of a needle used to inject the washing solution. Kits will include devices, syringes, access devices, and instructions for cleansing according to the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using the apparatus for injecting an agent into a tissue, particularly into thin tissues such as the sclera of the eye. The invention provides an apparatus and method for effectively imbedding a needle into a tissue at a predetermined penetration approach angle and penetration distance thereby reducing the risk of penetrating the full thickness of the tissue. The invention includes a support element and a needle guide platform disposed on the support element with an external support surface and a channel extending therethrough and terminating in an aperture at the support surface. A needle disposed in the channel is axially movable along an axis of injection through the channel. The needle is movable from a first retracted position to an extended position corresponding to the penetration distance, along the axis of injection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixating an eye during ocular surgery, including inserting a two-pronged tool through an incision in the cornea into the anterior chamber. The two prongs prohibit movement of the eye in all directions. An alternate embodiment provides for use of two such two-pronged tools which are coupled together and each of the two-pronged tools is inserted in the incision and help to prohibit movement of the eye.

Abstract: The endoluminal device delivery system and method for delivering an endoluminal device within a body lumen uses shape memory material in the form of a tubular collar to engage the endoluminal device during delivery to the desired location. The endoluminal device is engaged internally within the tubular collar either mechanically by crimping the tubular collar around a portion of the endoluminal device, or through an adhesive bond. The tubular collar can be crimped about a rounded portion of the stem of the endoluminal device. Once the endoluminal device is maneuvered through the body lumens to the desired location, it is decoupled from the delivery system by applying heat to the tubular collar of shape memory material.