Abstract: An embolization agent for use with a therapeutic drug solution for treating diffuse diseases in a targeted tissue vessel of a patient and a process thereof is presented. This embolization agent comprises an inner core of a fast dispersing material having a diameter less than a predetermined size for the opening in the targeted tissue vessel; and an outer sphere of an embolization material encompassing the inner core and having an initial diameter to occlude the initial opening in the targeted tissue vessel. During the treatment of the disease, the outer sphere of embolization material erodes at a predetermined rate, enhancing penetration of the embolization agent into the opening in the targeted tissue vessel. The inner core disperses into the targeted tissue vessel after becoming exposed by the erosion of the embolization material of the outer sphere.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly is provided including an inner catheter member, where that inner catheter member includes a plurality of inner catheter lumens, and an outer sheath with at least one patent sheath lumen. The inner catheter is slidably disposed through a length of the at least one patent sheath lumen in a manner providing a substantially sealing contact between an exterior surface of the inner catheter and an inward surface of the at least one patent sheath lumen. A first of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes a plurality of apertures to the exterior surface of the inner catheter, and a second of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes at least one distal end-tip opening. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly is provided including an inner catheter member, where that inner catheter member includes a plurality of inner catheter lumens, and an outer sheath with at least one patent sheath lumen. The inner catheter is slidably disposed through a length of the at least one patent sheath lumen in a manner providing a substantially sealing contact between an exterior surface of the inner catheter and an inward surface of the at least one patent sheath lumen. A first of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes a plurality of apertures to the exterior surface of the inner catheter, and a second of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes at least one distal end-tip opening. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An embolization agent for use with a therapeutic drug solution for treating diffuse diseases in a targeted tissue vessel of a patient and a process thereof is presented. This embolization agent comprises an inner core of a fast dispersing material having a diameter less than a predetermined size for the opening in the targeted tissue vessel; and an outer sphere of an embolization material encompassing the inner core and having an initial diameter to occlude the initial opening in the targeted tissue vessel. During the treatment of the disease, the outer sphere of embolization material erodes at a predetermined rate, enhancing penetration of the embolization agent into the opening in the targeted tissue vessel. The inner core disperses into the targeted tissue vessel after becoming exposed by the erosion of the embolization material of the outer sphere.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning foreign material from a fluid reservoir of an implantable medical device, the fluid reservoir being substantially enclosed in an interior portion of the implantable device and accessible from an environment exterior of the implantable device through a penetrable septum. An elongated member having a first end and a second end is engaged with a source of ultrasonic energy capable of imparting vibrations to the first end. The septum is penetrated by the elongated member in a manner such that the first end extends into the fluid reservoir, and the second end does not extend into the reservoir. The ultrasonic energy source is activated to impart vibrations into the reservoir via the elongated member first end, in an amount sufficient to break up the foreign material into particulates, which can then be removed from the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning foreign material from a fluid reservoir of an implantable medical device, the fluid reservoir being substantially enclosed in an interior portion of the implantable device and accessible from an environment exterior of the implantable device through a penetrable septum. An elongated member having a first end and a second end is engaged with a source of ultrasonic energy capable of imparting vibrations to the first end. The septum is penetrated by the elongated member in a manner such that the first end extends into the fluid reservoir, and the second end does not extend into the reservoir. The ultrasonic energy source is activated to impart vibrations into the reservoir via the elongated member first end, in an amount sufficient to break up the foreign material into particulates, which can then be removed from the reservoir.

Abstract: A surgical cutting device comprises a cannula attached to an actuation mechanism that moves the cannula from a cocked position to a cutting position, a stylet including a distal portion having a sharp distal end, a sample collection region, a vacuum port, and a lumen extending from the vacuum port to the sample collection region such that the sample collection region is in fluid communication with the first vacuum port. When the cannula is in the cocked position, the sample collection region of the stylet is disposed distal of the cannula. The device also includes a fixed volume vacuum source. When cannula is in the cocked position, the vacuum port is not in fluid communication with the fixed volume vacuum source, and when said cannula is in the cutting position, the vacuum port is in fluid communication with the fixed volume vacuum source.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly is provided including an inner catheter member, where that inner catheter member includes a plurality of inner catheter lumens, and an outer sheath with at least one patent sheath lumen. The inner catheter is slidably disposed through a length of the at least one patent sheath lumen in a manner providing a substantially sealing contact between an exterior surface of the inner catheter and an inward surface of the at least one patent sheath lumen. A first of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes a plurality of apertures to the exterior surface of the inner catheter, and a second of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes at least one distal end-tip opening. A method of using the assembly is also provided.