Abstract: A catheter configured for delivering an agent to a patient's vessel wall is described. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon substantially covered by a expandable cage such that when the inflatable balloon is inflated the expandable cage substantially surrounds an outer surface of the inflated balloon. The inflatable balloon is configured to be deployed within a lumen against a lumen wall and separated from the lumen wall by the expandable cage in an expanded state, and is adapted to provide an agent delivery to a treatment site, and the expandable cage is further collapsible and is removable from said lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for delivery of therapeutic substances to a depth within the heart muscle via the venous side of the heart, with a primary focus on delivery through the coronary sinus. The devices and methods may be combined with percutaneous access catheters in order to provide for right heart delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Fluid is pressurized and supplied to a fluid chamber with a fluid pressurizing and supplying unit. The pressurized fluid within the fluid chamber is ejected through an injection nozzle by reduction of the volume of the fluid chamber caused by applying a driving voltage to a volume varying unit. In applying the driving voltage to the volume varying unit, the effect imposed on fluid injection by pressure fluctuations of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber is compensated by changing the voltage waveform of the driving voltage. When the pressure of the supply flow amount is decreased to a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure, the time intervals of the driving waveform are corrected. The maneuverability of a fluid injection device does not deteriorate even when the pressure of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber fluctuates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable, self-powered medical device for preventing or reducing reperfusion injury, comprising a galvanic cell, the galvanic cell comprising: a first biodegradable electrode member; and a second biodegradable electrode member comprising a biodegradable conductive polymer and an electrode-releasable therapeutic agent, wherein the galvanic cell generates an electric force sufficient to cause the electrode-releasable therapeutic agent to be released from the biodegradable conductive polymer and elute to a target location. The device may further include a reservoir material containing a burst-release therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A filter device of the present invention includes a hydrophilic filter located in a vertical space in a filter housing to filter off solid impurities in an introduced liquid, at least one hydrophobic filter located corresponding to at least one gas discharge hole provided in the filter housing, the hydrophobic filter allowing gas in the introduced liquid to be discharged to the outside before and/or after the liquid passes through the hydrophilic filter, and a blocking member for preventing gas in the liquid passing through the hydrophilic filter from flowing into the outlet tube, the blocking member being installed in the filter housing to block the outlet tube, the blocking member having a longitudinal passage formed in a center portion thereof so that the liquid is introduced into the outlet tube through the passage and discharged therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides devices useful for the delivery of active agents to the eye in a controlled manner. In the devices of the invention, the active agent is present within the device in a continuous or discontinuous concentration gradient.

Abstract: A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as catheters, including shape memory materials, are provided, as well as related methods of making and using such medical devices.

Abstract: A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.

Abstract: A connector for enclosed, drip-free, and safe transfer of fluids, comprising an opening and a closure means adapted to close the opening and to establish a tight joint with another connector for transferring fluid between the connectors, further comprising a tube section arranged inside the connector and adapted to be advanced through the opening and out of the connector.

Abstract: A medical fluid infusion system including: a fluid pathway for transporting a pulsatile flow of fluid; a dampening element in communication with the fluid pathway, the dampening element configured to actively dampen pressure fluctuations of the pulsatile flow to smoothen the pulsatile fluid flow, the dampening element operable in any orientation; and a fluid flow sensor disposed along the fluid pathway downstream of the dampening element to measure the flow rate of the smoothened fluid flow.

Abstract: A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing material into an injection site of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a carrier. The cannula is inserted into an injection site of a patient. The carrier is connected to an injector containing a volume of material. Material may be pre-loaded into the carrier so that the material is delivered to a distal end of the carrier from the injector and the carrier is thus pre-loaded with material. A portion of the distal end of the pre-loaded carrier is inserted into the cannula and material is delivered to an injection site. The supply section can be rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner section.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A regenerative peritoneal dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid loop; a filter located in the dialysis fluid loop, a first portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter rejected by the filter and returned upstream of the filter, a second portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter forming permeate, the permeate being rich in urea; and a urea removing apparatus located in the dialysis fluid loop downstream from the filter to receive the permeate and absorb urea from the permeate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic substance to a patient are provided. Embodiments include infusion sets that include an active agent. Also provided are systems and kits.

Abstract: To perform treatment by readily introducing a device causing minimal invasion even where approach from the body surface is difficult, a medical device includes a guide that is inserted into a lumen; a first balloon at a distal end of the guide, connected to a first flow path extending to a proximal end of the guide; a second balloon on the guide, separated from the first balloon on the proximal-end side and connected to a second flow path extending to the proximal end of the guide; a third balloon extending along the guide from a point between the first balloon and the second balloon to the proximal end and having a port for supplying or discharging fluid at the proximal end; and a cleansing flow path having a discharge port between the first balloon and the second balloon and extending to the proximal end of the guide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable fluid dispensing device for infusing a fluid into the body of a user and/or for sensing an analyte within the body. The device includes at least one housing to retain a source of energy to energize the device, the source of energy comprising at least one electrochemical cell to produce electrical energy upon exposure of the cell to air, and a seal to prevent exposure of the at least one cell to air when the source of energy is not in use and to enable exposure of the at least one cell to air prior to energizing the device with the source of energy. The at least one housing includes an opening to provide access to the seal to enable actuation of the seal to control exposure of the at least one cell to air.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body, housing, neck, and a septum with a substantially non-gaseous cross section. A method of operating a septum of a vascular access device may include providing a vascular access device in an external environment and actuating the septum without transferring a substantial amount of gas from within the device to the external environment of the device.