Abstract: An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

Abstract: An expandable venous valve having a support structure that configured to enlarge the area adjacent to the valve structure such that the flow patterns of retrograde flow are modified in a way that facilitates the flushing of the pockets at the base of the valve area to prevent stagnation of bodily fluid, which in the venous system, can lead to thrombus formation. The enlarged pocket areas can be created by forming an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure in an unsupported section of vessel wall between two support frame section or the support frame can comprise an expanded-diameter intermediate or proximal section that forms an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure.

Abstract: A pressure injection syringe with an actuator that includes a plunger for pressurizing viscous fluid material within a chamber. The plunger distal tip includes a high pressure seal defined by a seal member within a seal seat. The high pressure seal is viscoselective to permit air passage therepast for aspiration, and to prohibit viscous material passage therepast during actuation of the actuator wherein high pressure is applied to the material within the chamber. The viscoselective seal may be defined for example by small axial openings in the seal seat that permit aspiration of air therepast during initial plunger insertion into the chamber, but fluid escape is prohibited by the seal member when the seal member is pressed firmly against a collar of the plunger proximally adjacent the seal seat by initial engagement of the seal member with the viscous material, thus completely sealing the chamber at the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame using heat or pressure welding crimping, adhesive, or other techniques to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame using heat or pressure welding crimping, adhesive, or other techniques to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.

Abstract: A catheter for use in extracorporeal treatment of a bodily fluid includes an elongated tubular member having a pair of lumens extending therein, and a septum separating the lumens. A first lumen comprises a withdrawal lumen, and a second lumen comprises an infusion lumen. A withdrawal port disposed along a length of the tubular member communicates with the withdrawal lumen for receiving fluid from a body vessel for transport to a treatment unit, such as a dialyzer. An infusion port disposed along a length of the tubular member communicates with the infusion lumen for returning treated fluid to the vessel. A passageway is formed in an outer wall of the tubular member adjacent the infusion lumen and extends through the septum. A generally tubular conduit extends through the passageway such that the withdrawal lumen communicates with an environment exterior of the tubular member outer wall.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.

Abstract: A loading dilator for positioning a medical apparatus across a stoma formed in a body wall of a patient. The medical apparatus, such as a tracheotomy tube, is sized to fit over a portion of the loading dilator during positioning of the apparatus across the stoma. The loading dilator includes an elongated dilator body having a tapered distal end for facilitating entry into the stoma. The dilator body has an inflatable balloon disposed along an outer surface at the distal end. The balloon is inflatable to a configuration such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is formed between the elongated dilator body and a leading end of the medical apparatus when the medical apparatus is fit over the loading dilator.

Abstract: A feeding device configured for insertion into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and dynamic movement through the gastrointestinal tract toward the jejunum. The device includes an elongate tubular member having a plurality of distal projections disposed on an exterior surface thereof. The projections extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the tubular member a distance sufficient to engage an interior surface of the gastrointestinal tract during peristaltic contractions therein, and are configured to promote ingress of the device in response to the contractions. At least some of the projections are soluble under bodily conditions at the gastrointestinal tract, thereby facilitating removal of the feeding device.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating a vascular condition by restoring patency to a vessel while reducing the likelihood that emboli become dislodged into the bloodstream. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a graft having proximal and distal regions, a first support member attached to the distal region of the graft, and a second support member attached to the proximal region of the graft. The first and second support members may comprise first and second stents, respectively. The first stent is deployed distal to a vascular condition, and the second stent is deployed proximal to a vascular condition, such that the graft spans the length of the vascular condition to entrap emboli during treatment of the vascular condition.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel are provided. A medical device according to the invention comprises a support structure and one or more graft members comprising a valve portion and a constraining portion. The support structure has a first, unexpanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The constraining portion is adapted to substantially prevent the support structure from achieving the second, expanded configuration. The valve portion is adapted to permit fluid flow through a body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevent fluid flow through the vessel in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a percutaneous tracheostomy procedure utilizing dilatation means that do not require entry into the trachea by downward pressure, in order to minimize the risk of posterior tracheal trauma. In addition, the apparatus is structured to facilitate entry of the tracheostomy tube into the dilated entry site without permitting any significant shrinkage or reduction in diameter of the dilated opening.

Abstract: A pressure injection syringe (10) with an actuator (100) that includes a plunger (102) for pressurizing viscous fluid material within a chamber (14). The plunger distal tip (112) includes a high pressure seal (110) defined by a seal member (118) within a seal seat (116). The high pressure seal (110) is viscoselective to permit air passage therepast for aspiration, and to prohibit viscous material passage therepast during actuation of the actuator wherein high pressure is applied to the material within the chamber (14).

Abstract: A wire guide includes a mandrel that has a proximal portion and a distal portion. A coating having a low coefficient of friction is disposed on at least part of the proximal portion and the distal portion of the mandrel, where a part of the proximal portion and distal portion of the mandrel without the coating indicates a marking on the wire guide. This marking on the wire guide allows a user to determine a trimmable length of a catheter, and the low friction coating enables the user to easily advance the catheter over the wire guide.

Abstract: An expandable venous valve having a support structure that configured to enlarge the area adjacent to the valve structure such that the flow patterns of retrograde flow are modified in a way that facilitates the flushing of the pockets at the base of the valve area to prevent stagnation of bodily fluid, which in the venous system, can lead to thrombus formation. The enlarged pocket areas can be created by forming an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure in an unsupported section of vessel wall between two support frame section or the support frame can comprise an expanded-diameter intermediate or proximal section that forms an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a percutaneous iracheostomy procedure utilizing dilatation means that do not require entry into the trachea by downward pressure, in order to minimize the risk of posterior tracheal trauma. In addition, the apparatus is structured to facilitate entry of the tracheostomy tube into the dilated entry site without permitting any significant shrinkage or reduction in diameter of the dilated opening.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Each medical device comprises a main body, a valve, and a vessel engaging member. The vessel engaging member is disposed on an outer surface of the main body. Kits including a plurality of vessel engaging members for use with one or more valve members are also provided. The vessel engaging members have varying radial dimensions, allowing assembly of medical devices having varying radial dimensions. Methods of treating a patient using medical devices according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel are provided. A medical device according to the invention comprises a support structure and one or more graft members comprising a valve portion and a constraining portion. The support structure has a first, unexpanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The constraining portion is adapted to substantially prevent the support structure from achieving the second, expanded configuration. The valve portion is adapted to permit fluid flow through a body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevent fluid flow through the vessel in a second, opposite direction.