Abstract: A catheter (100) is disclosed that includes a reinforced hollow fiber (114) and is suitable for insertion- in a body tissue in order to deliver and/or recover fluids to and/or from the tissue. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a combination of catheter body (112), hollow fiber region (114), and reinforcing means (116), to provide a catheter having sufficient structural integrity for the hollow fiber region to be positioned within a body tissue, preferably without the need for ancillary devices such as introducers or protective sheaths, and to there be used for the purpose of delivering and/or recovering fluids from the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for providing convection enhanced delivery of bioactive agent to a tissue site. The apparatus involves the use of semipermeable membranes, typically in the form of one or more hollow fibers, together with a source and conduit of solution containing the bioactive agent to be delivered. The use of hollow fiber technology provides an optimal combination of features, including delivery kinetics and distribution, as compared to conventional (e.g., standard needle) type delivery devices.

Abstract: A system for use in treating a tissue site, e.g., a site exhibiting or at risk for developing compartment syndrome, the system including a monitor for use in controlling the function and operation of one or more apparatuses providing insertable catheters. The system includes at least one apparatus having a catheter portion that includes both a suitably protected, functional device tip, adapted to be positioned and used within the tissue site, and one or more hollow fiber membranes, e.g., an array of such membranes, adapted to be positioned within the tissue site in order to simultaneously collect fluid therefrom. The catheter portion is adapted to be safely inserted and positioned within the tissue site, in a manner that permits it to function there while substantially minimizing direct impingement of the non-fluid tissue on the functional device tip surface.

Abstract: A medical device having incorporated electrodes that can be used for delivering drugs or other therapeutic fluids at a uniform rate over an extended area to an internal anatomical location of a patient's body. The device can also be used for aspirating excess fluid from an internal anatomical location of a patient's body.

Abstract: A catheter (100) is disclosed that includes a reinforced hollow fiber (114) and is suitable for insertion—in a body tissue in order to deliver and/or recover fluids to and/or from the tissue. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a combination of catheter body (112), hollow fiber region (114), and reinforcing means (116), to provide a catheter having sufficient structural integrity for the hollow fiber region to be positioned within a body tissue, preferably without the need for ancillary devices such as introducers or protective sheaths, and to there be used for the purpose of delivering and/or recovering fluids from the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to position a functional device tip, such as a sensor, in a body site having both fluid and non-fluid tissue components, in a manner that substantially mitigates the impingement of non-fluid tissue impingement on the device tip. One such apparatus can be used to both remove fluid from a tissue site, such as a site exhibiting tissue swelling, and to determine tissue pressure, using a single catheter. An apparatus can provide a pressure sensor that is adapted to be positioned and used within the tissue site itself, without substantial impingement by non-fluid tissue, and optionally also provides the ability to concurrently remove and/or deliver fluids or components thereof to or from the tissue site.

Abstract: A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.

Abstract: A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes-a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.

Abstract: A device for loading a self expanding stent into a deployment tool has an outer tube defining a space. The device has a constricting sheath with a stent delivery end and a stent receiving opening opposite thereto. The constricting sheath is open therethrough with the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening aligned along an axis thereof. The stent delivery end is shaped and sized for slipping over the outer tube. The stent receiving opening is shaped and sized to receive a self expanding stent aligned along the axis and in its expanded state. A rest within the delivery end is located for seating the constricting sheath along the axis and in position over the outer tube. A funnel is positioned within the constricting sheath located between the stent delivery end and the stent receiving opening. The funnel is shaped for collapsing the self expanding stent before loading into the space of the outer tube.

Abstract: An instrument places a stent axially and is reusable with different size stents. A loop on an arm extends tangentially so at least one bore aligns axially. A tab extends from the arm axially and from the loop in a plane. A ring on a limb extends tangentially and has an axially aligned hole in a plane. A bracket extends from the tab over and in front of the limb. A tube extends for coaxial deposition axially, into the bore and the hole locating the ring forward of the loop. An end on the tube opposite the bore grips the stent. A sheath coaxial to the tube slides along the end and extends from the hole. A sheath cavity near the end is for the stent. A shaft in the plane attaches to the bracket parallel and axially conjugates with the limb and arm prevents rotation. An axial control in the arm for selective movement relative to the shaft adjusts the position of the shaft to the arm. A latch on the bracket secures the limb axially for loading and delivering the stent.

Abstract: An instrument places a stent axially and is reusable with different size stents. A loop on an arm extends tangentially so at least one bore aligns axially. A tab extends from the arm axially and from the loop in a plane. A ring on a limb extends tangentially and has an axially aligned hole in a plane. A bracket extends from the tab over and in front of the limb. A tube extends for coaxial deposition axially, into the bore and the hole locating the ring forward of the loop. An end on the tube opposite the bore grips the stent. A sheath coaxial to the tube slides along the end and extends from the hole. A sheath cavity near the end is for the stent. A shaft in the plane attaches to the bracket parallel and axially conjugates with the limb and arm prevents rotation. An axial control in the arm for selective movement relative to the shaft adjusts the position of the shaft to the arm.

Abstract: A device and method for loading a self expanding stent into a deployment tool is disclosed. The device includes an outer tube and a constricting sheath having a stent delivery end and a stent receiving opening opposite thereto. The stent receiving opening is shaped and sized to receive a self expanding stent aligned along the axis and in its expanded state. A funnel, positioned within the constricting sheath, is shaped for collapsing the self expanding stent before loading the stent into the space of the outer tube. An inserter is used to engage and urge the expanded stent into the constricting sheath as the inserter moves towards and into the funnel of the constricting sheath.

Abstract: A device for dilating at least an obstructed portion of the urethra, includes a urinary catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a dilation balloon capable of expanding radially outwardly disposed between the proximal and distal portion of the catheter; and a pressure source capable of sequentially contracting under pressure. The pressure source and dilation balloon are in fluid communication through a conduit which enables fluid to flow from the pressure source to the dilation balloon at a predetermined gradual rate when the pressure source is contracting, whereby the balloon expands gradually radially outwardly to effect the slow dilation of the urethra. A method for dilating the obstructed portion of the urethra and for treating prostatic hyperplasia is also provided.

Abstract: A stent for transluminal implantation comprising a single-piece tubular member having a fenestrated side wall exhibiting a pattern of uniformly spaced openings defined by intersecting strands where the strands are integrally joined together at their points of intersection whereby the tubular member can be radially compressed from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter by the application of a uniform inwardly directed radial force and which self-expands to a larger diameter when the radial compressive force is removed. The compression and subsequent self-expansion occurs without an appreciable change in the stent's length. By forming the stent from a thermoplastic material, it may later be resected by carving it up into small pieces preferably using an electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for valving body fluids involving a flexible tubular body with a drainage canal therethrough, including collapsible means for blocking the passageway and thereby preventing the flow of urine. The length of the device is such that one end protrudes into the bladder and the other end terminates interior of the meatus. The device includes a means for anchoring to secure it in place and a plug device for deflating and releasing the anchoring means and for collapsing the blocking means to facilitate removal of the device from the body. The device is manually actuable to an open position and means are provided to delay the closing of the device for a sufficient period of time to allow voiding of the bladder. The collapsible and expandable nature of the device facilitates its insertion and removal, particularly while passing through areas of restricted diameter.

Abstract: An instrument for the deployment or retraction of a self-expanding stent in a body canal, which comprises an elongated tubular outer sleeve having disposed therein an elongated core which is movable relative to said sleeve and has a grip member formed at or near its distal end, which grip member is adapted to releasably hold a self-expanding stent within said outer sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for valving body fluids involving a flexible tubular body with a drainage canal therethrough, including collapsible means for blocking the passageway and thereby preventing the flow of urine. The length of the device is such that one end protrudes into the bladder and the other end terminates interior of the meatus. The device includes a means for anchoring to secure it in place and a plug device for deflating and releasing the anchoring means and for collapsing the blocking means to facilitate removal of the device from the body. The device is manually actuable to an open position and means are provided to delay the closing of the device for a sufficient period of time to allow voiding of the bladder. The collapsible and expandable nature of the device facilitates its insertion and removal, particularly while passing through areas of restricted diameter.

Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthesis for the treatment of penile erectile impotence in male patients. The device comprises at least one elongated cylinder implanted within one of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The flexible, distal end of the cylinder is adapted to rigidize upon being filled with pressurizing fluid. The rear tip or proximal end of the cylinder is formed to provide a chamber which serves as a fluid reservoir. Valve means contained within the flexible, distal end section of the cylinder, for conveniently accessible manual manipulation is utilized to selectively control fluid flow between the rear tip reservoir and the distal end of the cylinder. The prosthesis further includes a manually operable pump means utilized to transfer pressurized fluid from the rear tip reservoir to the distal end of the cylinder in order to achieve an erection. The walls of the rear tip reservoir itself may serve as the pump means, or a separate pump may be implanted within the scrotum.