Abstract: A catheter includes: a body comprising a body side wall, a proximal end and a distal end; a septum extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a first lumen and a second lumen separated by the septum, each lumen forming a mouth at the distal end; first and second slots formed in a portion of the body side wall at the distal end and in fluid communication with the first and second lumens respectively. The first and second slots extend linearly along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. The distal end of the body and the septum terminate in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distal end of the body has a substantially round cross section, while the first and second lumens each have a substantially D-shaped cross-section at the distal end. The two slots each have a width that is between 30% and 60% of a longer dimension of the D-shaped cross-section of a corresponding lumen.

Abstract: A catheter includes: a body comprising a body side wall, a proximal end and a distal end; a septum extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a first lumen and a second lumen separated by the septum, each lumen forming a mouth at the distal end; first and second slots formed in a portion of the body side wall at the distal end and in fluid communication with the first and second lumens respectively. The first and second slots extend linearly along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. The distal end of the body and the septum terminate in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distal end of the body has a substantially round cross section, while the first and second lumens each have a substantially D-shaped cross-section at the distal end. The two slots each have a width that is between 30% and 60% of a longer dimension of the D-shaped cross-section of a corresponding lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient, the apparatus comprising: a hemodialysis catheter comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end of the elongated body to the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the first and second lumens terminate on the substantially planar distal end surface in first and second mouths, respectively, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the first and second lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the first and second lumens, respectively, the first and second longitudinal slots opening on the substantially planar distal end surface; wherein the first and second longitudinal slots each has a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the first and second lumens and th

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient, the apparatus comprising: a hemodialysis catheter comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end of the elongated body to the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the first and second lumens terminate on the substantially planar distal end surface in first and second mouths, respectively, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the first and second lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the first and second lumens, respectively, the first and second longitudinal slots opening on the substantially planar distal end surface; wherein the first and second longitudinal slots each has a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the first and second lumens and th

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for anchoring a medical implant device within a blood vessel or other body passageway are described herein. An anchor delivery system houses one or more expandable anchors connected to the medical implant device. The anchors remain housed in a non-expanded configuration until the medical implant device has been placed in a desired position within the body, and then the anchors are propelled through a body wall where each anchor expands outwardly from an anchor shaft. In one configuration, each anchor is formed as a compressible closed loop which extends outwardly from an anchor shaft and loops back to cross over and extend beyond the anchor shaft. To propel the anchors, a drive shaft is connected to a triggering unit which, when activated, causes the drive shaft to drive the anchor shafts in a direction such that the anchors are propelled through the body wall.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for anchoring a medical implant device within a blood vessel or other body passageway are described herein. An anchor delivery system houses one or more expandable anchors connected to the medical implant device. The anchors remain housed in a non-expanded configuration until the medical implant device has been placed in a desired position within the body, and then the anchors are propelled through a body wall where each anchor expands outwardly from an anchor shaft. In one configuration, each anchor is formed as a compressible closed loop which extends outwardly from an anchor shaft and loops back to cross over and extend beyond the anchor shaft. To propel the anchors, a drive shaft is connected to a triggering unit which, when activated, causes the drive shaft to drive the anchor shafts in a direction such that the anchors are propelled through the body wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: A catheter device has an elongate body and a chamber positioned within the elongate body. The chamber has a chamber opening, and a barrier, such as a gate, moves over the chamber opening. The barrier moves between an uncovered position uncovering the chamber opening and a covered position covering the chamber opening. The catheter has at least one cutting edge by the chamber opening. In particular, the at least one cutting edge may be on the barrier, where the at least one cutting edge is guided over the chamber opening with movement of the barrier between the uncovered position and the covered position. The cutting edge cuts away a fibrin sheath blocking the chamber opening. The catheter may have multiple chambers connected by channels that allow the chambers to be flushed to prevent microbial colonization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring a medical implant device after the device has been brought to rest at a desired position within a blood vessel or other body passageway. An anchor delivery system is provided which houses one or more uniquely configured expandable anchors which are connected to the medical implant device. The anchors remain housed in a non expanded configuration until after the medical implant device has come to rest in a desired position within the body, and then the anchors are positively propelled through a body wall from a first side to a second side where each anchor expands outwardly from an anchor shaft. In one configuration, the anchors are each formed in the shape of a compressible closed loop which extends outwardly from an anchor shaft and loops back to cross over and extend beyond the anchor shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring a medical implant device after the device has been brought to rest at a desired position within a blood vessel or other body passageway. An anchor delivery system is provided which houses one or more uniquely configured expandable anchors which are connected to the medical implant device. The anchors remain housed in a non expanded configuration until after the medical implant device has come to rest in a desired position within the body, and then the anchors are positively propelled through a body wall from a first side to a second side where each anchor expands outwardly from an anchor shaft. In one configuration, the anchors are each formed in the shape of a compressible closed loop which extends outwardly from an anchor shaft and loops back to cross over and extend beyond the anchor shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen. The prosthesis includes a biocompatible elongate intraluminal liner in the form of a graft, with a biocompatible adhesive being disposed on an exterior surface of the graft. The adhesive is active in an intraluminal environment so as to bond the exterior surface of the graft to an intraluminal surface of said body lumen, such as the interior of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A catheter device has an elongate body and a chamber positioned within the elongate body. The chamber has a chamber opening, and a barrier, such as a gate, moves over the chamber opening. The barrier moves between an uncovered position uncovering the chamber opening and a covered position covering the chamber opening. The catheter has at least one cutting edge by the chamber opening. In particular, the at least one cutting edge may be on the barrier, where the at least one cutting edge is guided over the chamber opening with movement of the barrier between the uncovered position and the covered position. The cutting edge cuts away a fibrin sheath blocking the chamber opening. The catheter may have multiple chambers connected by channels that allow the chambers to be flushed to prevent microbial colonization.

Abstract: An improved implant device is deployed a vessel, or passageway, in a body with an attachment mechanism that permits stable and secure positioning of an implant device while also permitting easy removal without damaging the vessel. In particular, clip-like structures are used to engage the wall of the passageway. A tether that works in cooperation with the attachment mechanism may be used to facilitate removal of the implant device after an indicated period. The tether is removable from the implant device to convert the implant device into another configuration, which can remain permanently or be removed at a later time. Moreover, a centering mechanism may be employed to ensure that the implant device is properly oriented within the passageway when deployed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen. The prosthesis includes a biocompatible elongate intraluminal liner in the form of a graft, with a biocompatible adhesive being disposed on an exterior surface of the graft. The adhesive is active in an intraluminal environment so as to bond the exterior surface of the graft to an intraluminal surface of said body lumen, such as the interior of a blood vessel.