Abstract: A percutaneously-insertable catheter (10) for administering an active agent to a body site, the catheter comprising: a distal portion (22) expandable from a contracted condition of introduction to a deployed administering condition, to stabilize the distal end (2) of the catheter (10) at the body site of administration, and—a flexible tubular element (16) coupled to said distal end (2) of the catheter (10) for receiving the active agent and administering it to the body. The flexible element (16) comprises an outer tubular element (161) and an inner tubular element (167) inserted into the outer tubular element (161), with one (161) of the outer tubular element (161) and the inner tubular element (167) provided with notches (163) which enable its spinal column-like curvature towards the body site of administration.

Abstract: A duct for carrying blood for ventricular-assistance devices (VADs) has a tubular body and an end having associated thereto a valve for enabling the flow of blood unidirectionally in the duct. The valve has an annular reinforcement, and the end of the duct is provided with a slot for receiving the annular reinforcement of the valve with the reinforcement in a retracted position in said slot. The aforesaid end and the aforesaid tubular body of the duct are provided with a continuous coating of haemocompatible material, such as a polyurethane.

Abstract: The device comprises a bag associated to which are actuator means which can be selectively activated so as to enable expansion of the bag, with consequent filling of the bag itself by a mass of blood which flows towards the bag, and to produce contraction of the bag with consequent expulsion from the bag itself of the mass of blood that has flowed into the bag. Associated to the bag is a containment casing to which a duct is connected for enabling inflow and outflow of aeriform with respect to the casing as a result of the movement of expansion and contraction of the bag. A pressure limiter is provided for determining selectively and maintaining in a precise way the value of pressure of said aeriform which determines outflow—and possibly inflow—of the aeriform with respect to the aforesaid casing.

Abstract: A bladder prosthesis having a silicone bag with radiused lower corners and a band of anchoring fabric at the upper side, the fabric being densely looped to allow body tissue ingrowth to hold the artificial bladder in place. For entry of the urine into the bladder and emptying thereof, the bladder has in its lower part a valve communicating with a funnel-shaped conduit. The valve includes an adapter with fittings for connection to nephrostomic catheters, a valve body contained inside the adapter and having urine inlet and outlet openings and a deformable diaphragm-type elastic valve member to open and close the communication between the inside of the artificial bladder and the inside of the valve body.