Abstract: A steerable catheter driven by a robotic controller comprises: a catheter body having a tool channel extending from a proximal to a distal end; and a positioning mechanism configured to be coupled with an imaging device and to be slidably inserted into and/or withdrawn from the catheter body through the tool channel. The positioning mechanism and/or the catheter body include an anti-twist feature configured to interlock the catheter body to the imaging device at the distal end of the catheter body so as to prevent rotation of the imaging device within the tool channel. Anti-twist features include bumps or recesses formed in the tool channel inner surface to be interlocked with one or more features formed on the positioning mechanism outer surface. Position and/or orientation of the imaging device remain substantially unchanged with respect to the tool channel when the catheter body is steered by an actuating force.

Abstract: The subject apparatus and methods include a bendable catheter having a tapered body allowing for advancement of the catheter deeper into the anatomy, while retaining adequate fluid flow through the catheter.

Abstract: A steerable catheter driven by a robotic controller comprises: a catheter body having a catheter tip and tool channel which spans from a proximal end of the catheter body and through the catheter tip along a catheter axis. The catheter tip includes a ramp-like surface formed inside part of the tool channel diameter. The ramp-like surface is an inclined flat surface formed at an angle with respect to a plane parallel to the catheter axis, such that the angle increases as the ramp-like surface spans from distal end towards the proximal end of the catheter tip. A housing mechanism permanently attached to an imaging device is configured to lock the imaging device to the ramp-like surface so as to prevent rotation of the imaging device with respect to the tool channel and/or prevent twisting of the catheter tip with respect to the imaging device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a device comprise a tubular flexible body that includes a channel though a longitudinal axis; a first sensor that is located in a distal end of the tubular flexible body; a second sensor that is located in the distal end of the tubular flexible body; and wiring that connects to the first sensor and the second sensor and that extends to a proximal end of the tubular flexible body, wherein a sensed orientation of the first sensor is oriented opposite to a sensed orientation of the second sensor.

Abstract: A catheter sheath comprises: a central lumen extrusion having an inner layer defining a central lumen, a reinforcing structure surrounding the inner layer, and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing structure; a plurality of rings are arranged on the outer layer of the central lumen extrusion at a predetermined distance from each other in a distal section of the sheath; and an outer jacket encloses the rings and central lumen extrusion. The reinforcing structure includes one or more of a braid, a coil, and a laser-cut tube embedded between the inner layer and the outer layer; the central lumen extrusion is bonded with an adhesive or laser welded or pressure fit to one or more of the rings. The reinforcing structure is offset towards the inner or the outer surface; and the rings have chamfered or beveled or rounded inner edges.

Abstract: A steerable catheter driven by a robotic controller comprises: a catheter body having a tool channel extending from a proximal to a distal end; and a positioning mechanism configured to be coupled with an imaging device and to be slidably inserted into and/or withdrawn from the catheter body through the tool channel. The positioning mechanism and/or the catheter body include an anti-twist feature configured to interlock the catheter body to the imaging device at the distal end of the catheter body so as to prevent rotation of the imaging device within the tool channel. Anti-twist features include bumps or recesses formed in the tool channel inner surface to be interlocked with one or more features formed on the positioning mechanism outer surface. Position and/or orientation of the imaging device remain substantially unchanged with respect to the tool channel when the catheter body is steered by an actuating force.

Abstract: A stent delivery system, which includes a catheter and a stent stabilizer and pusher mechanism to capture and deploy a braided stent. The stabilizer pusher mechanism has a reinforced polymer shaft with two ends, a hub, a marker band and a braided mesh sock. The stent stabilizer and pusher mechanism further possesses a reinforced polymer shaft, which is constructed to have a low friction lumen. The low friction lumen may be guide wire compatible.

Abstract: An articulated medical device having a hollow core, capable of large degrees of maneuverability through small spaces of a patient to reach a target with minimal invasiveness, and once the medical device has reached the target, allowing a medical tool to be guided through the hollow chamber for facilitating medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, and bendable medical devices, at the target.

Abstract: A stent delivery system, which includes a catheter and a stent stabilizer and pusher mechanism to capture and deploy a braided stent. The stabilizer pusher mechanism has a reinforced polymer shaft with two ends, a hub, a marker band and a braided mesh sock. The stent stabilizer and pusher mechanism further possesses a reinforced polymer shaft, which is constructed to have a low friction lumen. The low friction lumen may be guide wire compatible.

Abstract: Delivery systems for a polymeric tubular implant, kits that include such delivery systems, and methods of treating patients by implanting tubular implants using the delivery systems. The delivery systems include an inner shaft, an expandable member slidably disposed about the inner shaft and configured to receive the tubular implant, and a tubular outer shaft disposed about the inner shaft.

Abstract: Delivery systems for a polymeric tubular implant, kits that include such delivery systems, and methods of treating patients by implanting tubular implants using the delivery systems. The delivery systems include an inner shaft, an expandable member slidably disposed about the inner shaft and configured to receive the tubular implant, and a tubular outer shaft disposed about the inner shaft.

Abstract: A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module, a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

Abstract: Delivery systems for a polymeric tubular implant, kits that include such delivery systems, and methods of treating patients by implanting tubular implants using the delivery systems. The delivery systems include an inner shaft, an expandable member slidably disposed about the inner shaft and configured to receive the tubular implant, and a tubular outer shaft disposed about the inner shaft.

Abstract: A valve system is provided having a housing including a first end, a second end and a first passageway. The housing has a first port and a second port. A valve member is disposed within the housing and movable relative thereto. The valve member defines a portion of the first passageway that includes a first opening configured for alignment and sealed fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The portion of the first passageway further includes a second opening having a greater relative dimension than the first opening. The valve member is manipulable to establish sealed fluid communication between the first opening and the first port or the second port while maintaining continuous sealed fluid communication between the second opening and the first passageway adjacent to the second end of the housing. The valve member can be disposed within the housing for rotation relative thereto.

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 valve system is provided that includes a valve connector that has a portion of a first passageway. The valve connector includes a suction port and an introduction port that are spaced apart and in substantially parallel alignment. The suction port and the introduction port are manipulable to establish fluid communication between the portion of the first passageway and the suction port or the introduction port. The valve connector may have a rotatable outer cap that includes the suction port and the introduction port. The cap being configured to facilitate manipulation of the suction port and the introduction port for establishing fluid communication with the portion of the first passageway. The introduction port may include a normally closed valve. The valve connector may be attached to a dual lumen nasogastric tube. In an alternate embodiment, the valve connector further includes a portion of a second passageway that includes a relief port. The relief port can include a one-way valve.

Abstract: A valve system is provided having a housing including a first end, a second end and a first passageway. The housing has a first port and a second port. A valve member is disposed within the housing and movable relative thereto. The valve member defines a portion of the first passageway that includes a first opening configured for alignment and sealed fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The portion of the first passageway further includes a second opening having a greater relative dimension than the first opening. The valve member is manipulable to establish sealed fluid communication between the first opening and the first port or the second port while maintaining continuous sealed fluid communication between the second opening and the first passageway adjacent to the second end of the housing. The valve member can be disposed within the housing for rotation relative thereto.

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: 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.