Abstract: A stent is provided that includes a body extending between a distal and a proximal end. The body is defined by a plurality of elongated members, with each elongated member extending between a distal end that is coterminous with the distal end of the body and a proximal end that is coterminous with the proximal end of the body. Each of the plurality of elongated members are arranged so as to define a lumen extending along the length of the respective plurality of elongated members, the lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the body so as to form a lumen length. Each of the plurality of elongated members are configured to permit drainage of a fluid from within the lumen to an environment external the stent along the entire lumen length.

Abstract: Drainage catheters configured to be visible by echogenicity and/or echopacity are provided. Drainage catheters including layers or marker bands configured to be visible by echogenicity and/or echopacity are further provided.

Abstract: A stent is provided that includes a body extending between a distal and a proximal end. The body is defined by a plurality of elongated members, with each elongated member extending between a distal end that is coterminous with the distal end of the body and a proximal end that is coterminous with the proximal end of the body. Each of the plurality of elongated members are arranged so as to define a lumen extending along the length of the respective plurality of elongated members, the lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the body so as to form a lumen length. Each of the plurality of elongated members are configured to permit drainage of a fluid from within the lumen to an environment external the stent along the entire lumen length.

Abstract: A medical device for repositioning tissue within an animal has a main body with a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The first end portion defines a series of passageways and the second end portion defines a bulbous shape, a slot, and a tab portion. Methods of treating obstructive sleep apnea are also described.

Abstract: A postpartum balloon system includes a flexible elongate catheter, an inflatable balloon, and a suction member attached to the distal end of the catheter. The system can be delivered into the uterus, where suction is applied to the suction member to anchor the balloon to the internal wall of the uterus. The catheter may include drainage ports both proximal and distal from the balloon. The system may include a stiffening stylet inserted into the drainage lumen of the catheter for aiding in delivery of the balloon. The stiffening stylet can be removed after placement of the balloon. The stiffening stylet can include side passageways that match the drainage ports and a lumen that allows for drainage through the stylet, as well as for administering drugs or other compounds through the drainage ports while the balloon is in place.

Abstract: A stent is provided that includes a body extending between a distal and a proximal end. The body is defined by a plurality of elongated members, with each elongated member extending between a distal end that is coterminous with the distal end of the body and a proximal end that is coterminous with the proximal end of the body. Each of the plurality of elongated members are arranged so as to define a lumen extending along the length of the respective plurality of elongated members, the lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the body so as to form a lumen length. Each of the plurality of elongated members are configured to permit drainage of a fluid from within the lumen to an environment external the stent along the entire lumen length.

Abstract: A stent is provided that includes a body extending between a distal and a proximal end. The body is defined by a plurality of elongated members, with each elongated member extending between a distal end that is coterminous with the distal end of the body and a proximal end that is coterminous with the proximal end of the body. Each of the plurality of elongated members are arranged so as to define a lumen extending along the length of the respective plurality of elongated members, the lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the body so as to form a lumen length. Each of the plurality of elongated members are configured to permit drainage of a fluid from within the lumen to an environment external the stent along the entire lumen length.

Abstract: A tissue ablation device is provided including an inflatable balloon with a cavity. The tissue ablation device further includes a catheter with a lumen in fluid communication with the cavity of the inflatable balloon. The lumen of the catheter is configured to deliver a fluid to the cavity thereby causing the inflatable balloon to inflate and expand. The device also includes a heating element connected to the balloon, wherein the heating element is further connected to an electrical source. The heating element is configured to receive an electrical current from the electrical source. Further, the heating element is configured to raise the temperature of the inflatable balloon and the fluid when an electrical current is passed through the heating element.

Abstract: A postpartum balloon system includes a flexible elongate catheter, an inflatable balloon, and a suction member attached to the distal end of the catheter. The system can be delivered into the uterus, where suction is applied to the suction member to anchor the balloon to the internal wall of the uterus. The catheter may include drainage ports both proximal and distal from the balloon. The system may include a stiffening stylet inserted into the drainage lumen of the catheter for aiding in delivery of the balloon. The stiffening stylet can be removed after placement of the balloon. The stiffening stylet can include side passageways that match the drainage ports and a lumen that allows for drainage through the stylet, as well as for administering drugs or other compounds through the drainage ports while the balloon is in place.

Abstract: An external uterine compression wrap has a sheet like structure with an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The sheet is configured to be wrapped around the uterus and secured in the folded configuration to provide external compression to the uterus to treat postpartum hemorrhage. The wrap may include securement members attached to the sheet at one end that extend through corresponding passageways at the opposite end, such that the sheet when folded may be retained in the folded configuration after the securement members have been secured. The wrap may include a securement member in the form of a suture that extends along at least a portion of the perimeter of the sheet through spaced apart holes, and the suture may be pulled to cinch the sheet around the uterus in a folded configuration.

Abstract: A medical device for repositioning tissue within an animal has a main body with a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The first end portion defines a series of passageways and the second end portion defines a bulbous shape, a slot, and a tab portion. Methods of treating obstructive sleep apnea are also described.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates generally to injectable compositions. In one embodiment, the compositions include 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and a dimethacrylate crosslinker. Another aspect of the invention relates generally to methods of using such compositions for thermal ablation and for the occlusion of body vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimicrobial barrier device and methods of manufacture. The antimicrobial barrier comprises one or more antimicrobial drugs that inhibit biofilm formation and bacterial and/or fungal growth. The antimicrobial barrier is suited for use with insertable devices (e.g., catheters) to reduce the incidence of infection at and around the insertion site.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates generally to injectable compositions. In one embodiment, the compositions include 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and a dimethacrylate crosslinker. Another aspect of the invention relates generally to methods of using such compositions for thermal ablation and for the occlusion of body vessels.

Abstract: A stent is provided that includes a body extending between a distal and a proximal end. The body is defined by a plurality of elongated members, with each elongated member extending between a distal end that is coterminous with the distal end of the body and a proximal end that is coterminous with the proximal end of the body. Each of the plurality of elongated members are arranged so as to define a lumen extending along the length of the respective plurality of elongated members, the lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the body so as to form a lumen length. Each of the plurality of elongated members are configured to permit drainage of a fluid from within the lumen to an environment external the stent along the entire lumen length.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides a stent-graft for insertion into a body vessel that comprises hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel cuffs and an elongated cylindrical body. This stent-graft exhibits an enhanced ability to maintain its original position when placed into a patient and resist the potential of migration without causing excessive discomfort to the patient. Upon exposure to bodily fluids, the cuffs of the stent-graft expand to exert a sealing or anchoring force against the wall of the body vessel. Such a stent-graft overcomes many of the problems associated with conventional stent-grafts as currently used in many different applications, for example, endovascular repair and ureteral drainage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dialysis device for peritoneal dialysis. The device comprises a proximal tubular portion comprising a plurality of proximal lumens and a distal tubular portion comprising a plurality of independent tubes. Each independent tube has a distal lumen that is in fluid communication with one of the proximal lumens for delivery and retrieval of dialysis solution. The independent tubes are individually flexible and positionable with in the patient's body to aid in enhanced retainment of the device. The device also comprises one or more coatings. The coatings may be disposed on the entire device or a portion of the device to aid in reducing inflammation, irritation, leaking, or infection experienced during peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: An occlusion device comprising a plurality of expandable hydrophilic foam elements is described. When the device is deployed to a body vessel or a body cavity, it expands radially due to uptake of liquid from the body fluids with which it is in contact. The device may optionally have a surrounding meshwork, an inner spring, and a screw-type deployment mechanism. A method of deploying the device is also provided.

Abstract: A guide wire may include a core member and an outer coil disposed about the core member. The outer coil may be longitudinally movable relative to the core member between retracted and advanced positions. An anchor member may include an elongate wire having proximal and distal ends attached to the distal ends of the outer coil and the core member, respectively. In response to longitudinal movement of the outer coil relative to the core member, the anchor member may be movable between delivery and deployed configurations. A retaining mechanism may include a tubular member removably positionable about the core member and in abutting contact with a proximal end of the outer coil. The retaining mechanism may be engageable with the core member to inhibit longitudinal movement of the outer coil proximally relative to the core member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimicrobial barrier device and methods of manufacture. The antimicrobial barrier comprises one or more antimicrobial drugs that inhibit biofilm formation and bacterial and/or fungal growth. The antimicrobial barrier is suited for use with insertable devices (e.g., catheters) to reduce the incidence of infection at and around the insertion site.