Abstract: Automated injection system disclosed in this application advantageously provides physicians with a simplified interface for selecting fluid sources, such as saline, contrast, or a mixture of both, to inject at high pressures. The injector system may comprise a multi-use subassembly, a single-use subassembly, a fitting to fluidly connect the multi-use and single-use subassemblies, a hand held controller, a user interface, and an injector housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, ancurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: An implantable port includes a bottom portion having a needle-penetrable region running continuously along a majority of a perimeter of the implantable port. A method for customized suturing of an implantable port also includes creating a port pocket, and advancing a suture needle through the needle-penetrable region. The needle-penetrable region could be a self-sealing elastomer, such as silicone. The method could include the step of determining suture locations after the port pocket is created.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a flexible member that can be adhesively attached to a housing of the medical device, allowing implantation of the medical device into a body through an incision of reduced size. The flexible member can be attached to the housing either before or after implantation into the body. The flexible member comprises suture locations, including a permeable membrane or a suture hole, for suturing the medical device to tissue of the body. The suture holes can be filled with a substance penetrable by a suture needle, to minimize tissue ingrowth before or after suturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.

Abstract: An indwelling drainage catheter is disclosed that is configured to include spiral, helical or radial geometry on the external surface that allows the catheter to be introduced and locked into the anatomy via threading, linear indexing or similar action.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.

Abstract: A medical device used for retrieving material from within a body includes an engaging assembly in which at least a portion of the engaging assembly is resistant to laser energy-induced damage.

Abstract: An entry port cuff for providing antimicrobial properties to a medical device having a portion that is insertable into the body of a patient is disclosed. The cuff, which is charged with an antimicrobial agent, is removably attached to the medical device immediately prior to or immediately after insertion of said medical device into the body. The cuff is attached to the medical device in a manner such that the cuff is located outside of the body and in the proximity of the point of entry of the medical device into the body. Also, the cuff is substantially free of an adhesive for adhering the cuff to the body. Methods for using and making the entry port cuff are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: An indwelling drainage catheter is disclosed that is configured to include spiral, helical or radial geometry on the external surface that allows the catheter to be introduced and locked into the anatomy via threading, linear indexing or similar action.

Abstract: A catheter for medical procedures comprises a shaft portion having a distal end insertable into a body lumen, the shaft portion having a wall defining a working lumen extending therewithin and a first strengthening element coupled to the wall to increase a burst pressure of the shaft portion, wherein the first strengthening element cooperates with a base material of the wall to define a flexible region of the shaft portion allowing the shaft portion to be atraumatically inserted into the body lumen.

Abstract: A catheter for medical procedures comprises a shaft portion having a distal end insertable into a body lumen, the shaft portion having a wall defining a working lumen extending therewithin and a first strengthening element coupled to the wall to increase a burst pressure of the shaft portion, wherein the first strengthening element cooperates with a base material of the wall to define a flexible region of the shaft portion allowing the shaft portion to be atraumatically inserted into the body lumen.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly and method for ablating tissue using radio frequency energy. The medical probe assembly includes an elongated shaft, a needle electrode array, and a hinged handle. The handle has a collar, which when in the up position covers the hinge so that the device can be used as a conventional medical probe. When the collar is in the down position the hinge is exposed, and the handle can be bent to reduce its overall height. With this reduced height the probe can be used while a patient is lying in a CT scanner or an MRI chamber. Therefore, the surgeon can monitor the ablation during the procedure, and thus avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding healthy tissue on the one hand, and insufficient ablation of the diseased tissue on the other hand. An alternate embodiment uses a flexible handle instead of a hinged one.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue includes placing substantially spherical polymer particles in the tissue. The particles include an interior region having relatively large pores and a first region substantially surrounding the interior having fewer relatively large pores than the interior region.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.