Abstract: An automated fluid control system for controlling fluid flow between a catheter, a saline supply, a contrast supply and an injector is disclosed. Pinch valves are provided in the saline input and output lines and contrast input and output lines. A controller is linked to the pinch valves to sequentially open and close the pinch valves during functions which include contrast injection and saline injection.

Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus and method of injecting fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a control syringe electrically connected to a power-actuated syringe. A sensor is provided proximate the control syringe to monitor the position of the plunger therein, with a signal representative of plunger position then being communicated to a processor for calculation of a corresponding control signal. The control signal is received by an actuator of the power-actuated syringe to move the plunger of the power-actuated syringe in a manner related to movement of the control syringe. The control syringe is provided with a feedback device to provide the operator with an indication as to the pressure of the fluid being injected into a patient.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between a catheter, an injector, a saline supply, a waste dump and a contrast supply. The apparatus includes a valve stem movable within a cavity disposed in a valve body. The valve stem is movable to a plurality of positions including a contrast position where the valve stem provides communication between the injector and a contrast supply, a saline/waste position where the valve stem provides communication between the injector and a saline/waste line and an injection position where the valve stem provides communication between the injector and an outlet port connected to the catheter.

Abstract: A port for implantation within a body, comprises a housing having a proximal surface, a distal surface and a side surface wherein, when the port is implanted within a body in a desired orientation, the proximal surface faces outward toward the skin, the distal surface faces inward away from the skin and the side surface extends between the proximal and distal surfaces and a first well formed within the housing, the first well including a first opening in the proximal surface. A second well is formed in the housing adjacent to the first well and has a second opening formed in the proximal surface. First and second outlet openings formed on the side surface of the port are in fluid communication with the first and second wells, respectively, and are separated from one another by a distance substantially equal to a distance separating lumens of a dual lumen catheter to which the port is to be connected.

Abstract: A fluid control valve is disclosed which, with a single valve, can manipulate flow between a saline supply, a contrast supply, a waste dump and a catheter. The control valve includes three primary positions including a contrast position where the valve provides communication between an injector and a contrast supply while isolating the saline supply and catheter. The valve also can be moved to a saline/waste position where the valve provides communication between the injector and the saline supply and/or the waste dump while isolating the contrast supply and catheter. The valve also can be moved to an injection position where the valve provides communication between the injector and the catheter. A single valve provides all three functions. The valve also may provide communication between a pressure transducer and catheter during the saline loading, waste dumping and contrast loading functions. The valve also provides protection or isolation of the pressure transducer during injection procedures.

Abstract: A fluid management system is disclosed which includes an injection device, a medical device, and a valve. The medical device is in fluid communication with the injection device. The valve is operatively associated with the medical device, and the valve includes a mechanism for slidably opening the valve.

Abstract: An improved vascular introducer sheath having a hemostasis valve assembly which provides tailored distribution of compressive forces along one of the top and bottom edges of each slit to avoid puckering of the slit(s) and to provide balanced performance in terms of bi-directional sealing effectiveness and device movement therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between a catheter, an injector, a saline supply, a waste dump and a contrast supply. The apparatus includes a valve stem movable within a cavity disposed in a valve body. The valve stem is movable to a plurality of positions including a contrast position where the valve stem provides communication between the injector and a contrast supply, a saline/waste position where the valve stem provides communication between the injector and a saline/waste line and an injection position where the valve stem provides communication between the injector and an outlet port connected to the catheter.

Abstract: A fluid injection system is disclosed. The system is adapted to employ first and second injectors which may sequentially, or simultaneously, inject first and second fluids into a patient via a catheter. The first and second injectors may be power actuated. The actuation of the injectors may be controlled via a controller of the system. The user may be provided with an operator interface module to enable the control of the system to be affected during operation. A separate waste line may be provided to drain the system effectively and efficiently. A pressure sensor may be provided proximate the catheter to reduce pressure signal wave dampening and fluid waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of embolic protection and, more particularly, to systems for locking a shaft relative to a hub assembly. In addition, a method for securing a shaft relative to a hub assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivery or retrieval of a distal protection device. A distal protection assembly may comprise an outer sheath, an inner shaft disposed within a lumen of the outer sheath, a distal protection device disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft; and a manifold coupled to a proximal end of the outer sheath that is adapted for moving the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft.

Abstract: A fluid management system is disclosed which includes an injection device, a medical device, and a valve. The medical device is in fluid communication with the injection device. The valve is operatively associated with the medical device, and the valve includes a mechanism for slidably opening the valve.

Abstract: A fluid control valve is disclosed which, with a single valve, can manipulate flow between a saline supply, a contrast supply, a waste dump and a catheter. The control valve includes three primary positions including a contrast position where the valve provides communication between an injector and a contrast supply while isolating the saline supply and catheter. The valve also can be moved to a saline/waste position where the valve provides communication between the injector and the saline supply and/or the waste dump while isolating the contrast supply and catheter. The valve also can be moved to an injection position where the valve provides communication between the injector and the catheter. A single valve provides all three functions. The valve also may provide communication between a pressure transducer and catheter during the saline loading, waste dumping and contrast loading functions. The valve also provides protection or isolation of the pressure transducer during injection procedures.

Abstract: An automated fluid control system for controlling fluid flow between a catheter, a saline supply, a contrast supply and an injector is disclosed. Pinch valves are provided in the saline input and output lines and contrast input and output lines. A controller is linked to the pinch valves to sequentially open and close the pinch valves during functions which include contrast injection and saline injection.

Abstract: An improved vascular introducer sheath having a hemostasis valve assembly which provides tailored distribution of compressive forces along one of the top and bottom edges of each slit to avoid puckering of the slit(s) and to provide balanced performance in terms of bi-directional sealing effectiveness and device movement therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus and method of injecting fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a control syringe electrically connected to a power-actuated syringe. A sensor is provided proximate the control syringe to monitor the position of the plunger therein, with a signal representative of plunger position then being communicated to a processor for calculation of a corresponding control signal. The control signal is received by an actuator of the power-actuated syringe to move the plunger of the power-actuated syringe in a manner related to movement of the control syringe. The control syringe is provided with a feedback device to provide the operator with an indication as to the pressure of the fluid being injected into a patient.