Abstract: Ureteral access sheaths can have a nonuniform axial-stiffness. A nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath can have an inner liner defining a longitudinally extending and generally uniform bore. A non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket can define a longitudinally tapered outer surface, and a reinforcement layer can be encapsulated between the inner liner and the non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket. The reinforcement layer can have a non-uniform axial-stiffness. For example, a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be thicker than a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. A coil of wire can be included in the reinforcement layer, and a diameter of the wire in a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be larger than a diameter of the wire in a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. In some instances, the diameter of the wire tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a flexible, filamentous shaft slideably disposed in a sheath, the instrument including an electronic imaging system comprising an image sensor carried on a distal end portion of the instrument. The shaft may be used as a guidewire for a complementary guided device, or it may be used to carry a functional element for performing a procedure at a target site in a patient's body. In other embodiments, the present invention contemplates a flexible sheath, preferably having a simple tubular construction, with an electronic imaging system at its distal end. The sheath is adapted to slideably receive a shaft, preferably a filamentous shaft, that closely fits the sheath. The shaft carries functional element at its distal end. The instruments according to the present invention may include one or more filaments along their length for deflecting an insertable portion of the instrument.

Abstract: Ureteral access sheaths can have a nonuniform axial-stiffness. A nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath can have an inner liner defining a longitudinally extending and generally uniform bore. A non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket can define a longitudinally tapered outer surface, and a reinforcement layer can be encapsulated between the inner liner and the non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket. The reinforcement layer can have a non-uniform axial-stiffness. For example, a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be thicker than a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. A coil of wire can be included in the reinforcement layer, and a diameter of the wire in a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be larger than a diameter of the wire in a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. In some instances, the diameter of the wire tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: Ureteral access sheaths can have a nonuniform axial-stiffness. A nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath can have an inner liner defining a longitudinally extending and generally uniform bore. A non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket can define a longitudinally tapered outer surface, and a reinforcement layer can be encapsulated between the inner liner and the non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket. The reinforcement layer can have a non-uniform axial-stiffness. For example, a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be thicker than a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. A coil of wire can be included in the reinforcement layer, and a diameter of the wire in a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be larger than a diameter of the wire in a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. In some instances, the diameter of the wire tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a flexible, filamentous shaft slideably disposed in a sheath, the instrument including an electronic imaging system comprising an image sensor carried on a distal end portion of the instrument. The shaft may be used as a guidewire for a complementary guided device, or it may be used to carry a functional element for performing a procedure at a target site in a patient's body. In other embodiments, the present invention contemplates a flexible sheath, preferably having a simple tubular construction, with an electronic imaging system at its distal end. The sheath is adapted to slideably receive a shaft, preferably a filamentous shaft, that closely fits the sheath. The shaft carries functional element at its distal end. The instruments according to the present invention may include one or more filaments along their length for deflecting an insertable portion of the instrument.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath having nonuniform axial-stiffness adapted for proximal pushability needed for placement while also having distal flexibility to minimize trauma to the body lumen and ureter. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating the reinforcement layer with the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer encapsulated between a single axial-stiffness jacket and the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer with the inner liner.

Abstract: Ureteral access sheaths can have a nonuniform axial-stiffness. A nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath can have an inner liner defining a longitudinally extending and generally uniform bore. A non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket can define a longitudinally tapered outer surface, and a reinforcement layer can be encapsulated between the inner liner and the non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket. The reinforcement layer can have a non-uniform axial-stiffness. For example, a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be thicker than a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. A coil of wire can be included in the reinforcement layer, and a diameter of the wire in a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be larger than a diameter of the wire in a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. In some instances, the diameter of the wire tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: Certain features described herein are directed to treatment devices and treatment methods to treat and/or prevent sensation loss. The devices may take many forms including, but not limited to, a footbath, sock, slipper, sandal, insole and the like. Many different types of current and waveforms may be used to effectuate treatment.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided medical devices for providing a fluid passage between two areas in the body. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a stent comprising a tubular member comprising a distal transition region and a proximal transition region adapted to provide the ability for the stent to accommodate the dynamic urinary tract anatomy that stretches and relaxes. The distal transition region and the proximal transition region is adapted to exhibit a physical property that provides both longitudinal elasticity, allowing for stretch and recoil, as well as radial elasticity, allowing for bending and recovery.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprising an elongated tubular member having a body portion and opposed distal end portion and proximal end portion, the elongated tubular member defining a lumen therein; a retention disk comprising a plurality of generally axial, spaced-apart collapsable struts interconnected with a membrane to form a generalized tube with a retention disk lumen therein, the retention disk lumen in fluid communication with the lumen of the body portion, the struts and the membrane couple to the body portion proximal end at a retention disk distal end and terminate at a retention disk proximal end, each strut having a widthwise folding hinge substantially dividing the length of the strut, the struts adapted to have an expanded state wherein the struts are unfolded and substantially straight, as well as a free-resting state wherein each strut folds in upon itself at the folding hinge to form an inverted umbrella-like disk-shaped configuration; and a valve, wherein the inverted umbrella-like configuration pro

Abstract: A guidewire may include opposing tip portions and two mid-shaft portions adjacent each other and the tip portions. The tip portions each may be relatively less stiff than either mid-shaft portion. The outer cross-sectional profile dimension may be generally uniform across the length of mid-shaft portions. The opposing tip portions may have about the same or smaller cross-sectional profile dimension relative to either mid-shaft portion. The guidewire may have a length and stiffness for each mid-shaft portion that enables the guidewire to be reversibly inserted, with one or the other opposing tip portion leading the way, into a predetermined body passage of a patient. The inventive subject matter is further directed to methods of using a reversible guidewire in a procedure conducted on a patient.

Abstract: A needle guiding apparatus includes a base, a guide assembly, and an imaging sight. The base defines an opening that extends through the base. The guide assembly includes at least one passage, and the guide assembly is disposed within the opening of the base. The guide assembly also is rotatable about at least one axis. The imaging sight is disposed adjacent the passage. An entry needle can be inserted through the needle guiding apparatus and into a body. Devices and methods according to the present invention allow a medical professional to accurately and rapidly place a probe, such as a needle, in a patient.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port between its distal and proximal openings and the port is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope is retracted proximal to the suction port, the sleeve's proximal opening is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port between its distal and proximal openings and the port is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope is retracted proximal to the suction port, the sleeve's proximal opening is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a flexible, filamentous shaft slideably disposed in a sheath, the instrument including an electronic imaging system comprising an image sensor carried on a distal end portion of the instrument. The shaft may be used as a guidewire for a complementary guided device, or it may be used to carry a functional element for performing a procedure at a target site in a patient's body. In other embodiments, the present invention contemplates a flexible sheath, preferably having a simple tubular construction, with an electronic imaging system at its distal end. The sheath is adapted to slideably receive a shaft, preferably a filamentous shaft, that closely fits the sheath. The shaft carries functional element at its distal end. The instruments according to the present invention may include one or more filaments along their length for deflecting an insertable portion of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides embodiments of medical devices that provide for fluid drainage while maintaining patient comfort. An embodiment of the present invention provides a stent comprising a body portion and a kidney curl portion, the body portion comprising a tubular member having an axial lumen therein adapted to provide fluid communication from one body location to another. The kidney curl portion comprises an elongated filament that has a three-dimensional configuration that substantially conforms to the three-dimensional randomly convoluting calyx space of a kidney. In another embodiment, the kidney curl portion comprises a plurality of petals adapted to flare outwardly from the body portion distal end when in a free state in the space of a kidney so as to prevent the migration of the kidney curl portion into the ureter.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided medical devices for providing a fluid passage between two areas in the body. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a stent comprising a tubular member at least a portion of which comprises a reinforcement structure. The tubular member includes a wall and an axial lumen therein having a lumen surface. The reinforcement structure extends at least a portion of a length of the body portion adjacent the distal end portion. One advantage of this embodiment of the invention is, for example, that the reinforcement structure increases patient comfort by providing enhanced flexibility. A second advantage of this embodiment of the invention is, for example, that the reinforcement structure improves axial stiffness and radial stiffness allowing for a thinner tubular member wall thickness and larger lumen diameter.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided medical devices for providing a fluid passage between two areas in the body. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a stent comprising a tubular member comprising a distal transition region and a proximal transition region adapted to provide the ability for the stent to accommodate the dynamic urinary tract anatomy that stretches and relaxes. The distal transition region and the proximal transition region is adapted to exhibit a physical property that provides both longitudinal elasticity, allowing for stretch and recoil, as well as radial elasticity, allowing for bending and recovery.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprising an elongated tubular member having a body portion and opposed distal end portion and proximal end portion, the elongated tubular member defining a lumen therein; a retention disk comprising a plurality of generally axial, spaced-apart collapsable struts interconnected with a membrane to form a generalized tube with a retention disk lumen therein, the retention disk lumen in fluid communication with the lumen of the body portion, the struts and the membrane couple to the body portion proximal end at a retention disk distal end and terminate at a retention disk proximal end, each strut having a widthwise folding hinge substantially dividing the length of the strut, the struts adapted to have an expanded state wherein the struts are unfolded and substantially straight, as well as a free-resting state wherein each strut folds in upon itself at the folding hinge to form an inverted umbrella-like disk-shaped configuration; and a valve, wherein the inverted umbrella-like configuration pro