Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating conditions using antithrombin-heparin conjugates are disclosed. For example, medical devices can be coated with antithrombin-heparin (ATH) resulting in reduced thrombogenicity. Various conditions can likewise be treated with ATH.

Abstract: An insert for a catheter system can include an insert housing which defines a portion of a fluid pathway of the catheter system, a cartridge positioned within the insert housing in a manner to allow fluid flow along the fluid pathway such that fluid contacts the insert during the fluid flow, and an active agent associated with the cartridge. The active agent and the cartridge can be adapted to release active agent from the cartridge during the fluid flow.

Abstract: An insert for a luer-type catheter connection includes a fluid pathway connecting a female end and a male end. The male end is configured for slidable insertion into a female luer fitting of a catheter, and the female end is configured to receive a male luer nozzle of a fluid delivery device. The insert also includes a threaded collar having internal threading faced for coupling with the female luer fitting and external threading faced for coupling with a locking collar on the fluid delivery device. A cartridge located in the fluid pathway is configured to hold a patency agent and further to release the patency agent into the catheter when fluid is passed through the cartridge.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing thrombogenesis can include antithrombin and heparin. In one example, a conjugate of antithrombin and heparin where at least 50 wt % of the heparin is conjugated to antithrombin can be present. Furthermore, in one example, at least 98 wt % of the heparin in the composition has a molecular weight greater than 3,000 Daltons.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating conditions using antithrombin-heparin conjugates are disclosed. For example, medical devices can be coated with antithrombin-heparin (ATH) resulting in reduced thrombogenicity. Various conditions can likewise be treated with ATH.

Abstract: An insert for a catheter system can include an insert housing which defines a portion of a fluid pathway of the catheter system, a cartridge positioned within the insert housing in a manner to allow fluid flow along the fluid pathway such that fluid contacts the insert during the fluid flow, and an active agent associated with the cartridge. The active agent and the cartridge can be adapted to release active agent from the cartridge during the fluid flow.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing thrombogenesis can include antithrombin and heparin. In one example, a conjugate of antithrombin and heparin where at least 50 wt % of the heparin is conjugated to antithrombin can be present. Furthermore, in one example, at least 98 wt % of the heparin in the composition has a molecular weight greater than 3,000 Daltons.

Abstract: A method of tuning the release of an active agent from a cartridge disposed in a catheter and related cartridges are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of tuning the release of an active agent from a cartridge disposed in a catheter convector is provided. The method can include establishing a desired release profile for an active agent to be delivered into a catheter, and disposing a cartridge having the active agent associated therewith into a fluid pathway of a catheter connector of the catheter. Thus, when an aqueous solution contacts and passes by the cartridge, the active agent is released from the cartridge at the desired release profile.

Abstract: An insert for a luer-type catheter connection includes a fluid pathway connecting a female end and a male end. The male end is configured for slidable insertion into a female luer fitting of a catheter, and the female end is configured to receive a male luer nozzle of a fluid delivery device. The insert also includes a threaded collar having internal threading faced for coupling with the female luer fitting and external threading faced for coupling with a locking collar on the fluid delivery device. A cartridge located in the fluid pathway is configured to hold a patency agent and further to release the patency agent into the catheter when fluid is passed through the cartridge.

Abstract: An exemplary medical device for subcutaneous disposal at least partially within a patient is disclosed, comprising an antimicrobial material comprising at least one metal and an agent that inhibits diffusion of the at least one metal from the antimicrobial material. The antimicrobial material comprises a coating formed over at least a portion of a surface of the medical device. Methods for preparing medical devices and methods of using the medical devices having the antimicrobial material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary medical device for subcutaneous disposal at least partially within a patient is disclosed, comprising an antimicrobial material comprising at least one metal and an agent that inhibits diffusion of the at least one metal from the antimicrobial material. The antimicrobial material comprises a coating formed over at least a portion of a surface of the medical device. Methods for preparing medical devices and methods of using the medical devices having the antimicrobial material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Two-way, three-position and one-way, two-position slit valves in cardiovascular access catheters with closed distal ends have slit geometries configured to overcome adhesion between opposed abutting slit faces, when pressure differentials are applied between the interior and the exterior of the catheter. Portions of the slit are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter causing shear forces to be generated in abutting slit faces. Shear forces arise from tangential, radial, or longitudinal stresses generated in the catheter body. Slit geometries are planar or curved or include multiple end-to-end connected slit subsections. If a slit partially circumscribes a portion of the adjacent outer wall of the catheter body, restraint to outward and inward movement on that portion is reduced. Slit valves are configured to open inwardly to aspirate fluids, to open outwardly to infuse fluids, or both.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring recirculation of blood in a catheter designed for implantation in a human is described. In one variation, the system comprises an artificial circulatory system and an ultrasonic detection device for measuring and comparing the density of a circulated blood simulant with a later introduced bolus saline. The system may be configured to simulate a human heart by providing the flow, pressure and dimensions of a typical human heart. In addition to simulating the circulatory system of a normal human heart, the system may also be configured to simulate particular negative conditions of a patient, such as stenotic condition, which would affect the recirculation measurement.

Abstract: A catheter tip designed to reduce the outflow velocity and/or directional momentum of fluid being infused by a catheter having such a tip. In one variation, a plurality of channels is provided at the distal portion of the catheter to increase the outflow cross-sectional area. In another variation, the diameter of the catheter at its distal portion where the fluid exits is increased. In yet another variation, a bullet-shaped nose is implemented which may decrease turbulence at the distal end of catheter tip. The low velocity outflow catheter tip may also be implemented on a dual lumen catheter, such as a hemodialysis catheter, to reduce recirculation rate. Various device configurations and methods for such implementations are also disclosed.

Abstract: Catheter valve assemblies and methods for connecting catheters and/or providing fluid access to catheters. In one variation, a device comprises a catheter valve assembly and an extension leg unit. The extension leg unit includes lumen inserts for engaging valves positioned within the catheter valve assembly. In another variation, the valve assembly comprises a depressable plunger which may be engaged by an access cannula. Various connectors with integrated valve assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for delivery of fluids to and/or withdrawal of fluids from a blood vessel in a body includes a catheter having at least two lumens and a sheath attached to the proximal end of the catheter. The sheath is positionable over an entire length of the catheter while the catheter is within the blood vessel and is adapted for direct attachment to the body. The sheath may provide protective and/or sterilization functions for the multi-lumen catheter.

Abstract: An improved multi-lumen catheter with tip configurations for the simultaneous injection and withdrawal of fluids. The multi-lumen catheter includes an outer catheter and an inner catheter. The inner catheter is contained within the outer catheter, extends throughout its length and is bisected by a septum to create two parallel lumens. The inner catheter is secured to the outer catheter and may extend beyond the distal end thereof to promote separation between fluids. The multi-lumen catheter can be supplied with a protective sheath to maintain a sterile environment.