Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic fluid to the tissue of a mammal using pulsatile flux to prevent fluid backflow.

Abstract: A stylet has a proximal end a distal end and an outer surface. The stylet is substantially cylindrical. The outer surface of the stylet is treated, or roughened, preferably by a glass peening or a bead blasting operation, such that its maximum profile peak height is greater than 30 ?m, its roughness average is greater than 5 ?m, and its root mean square roughness is greater than 8 ?m. This results in reducing the removal force of the treated stylet from a silicone catheter.

Abstract: An anchor system for securing a lead to a patient's skull is disclosed. The lead is of the type that passes through a burr hole created in the patient's skull and includes a distal end which is implanted within the patient's brain at a target site. The anchor, according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a stem, an integrally formed rim plate, and a peripheral clamping structure. The clamping structure is adapted to receive and snugly hold a portion of the lead. The stem is sized and shaped to fit within the burr hole, leaving the rim plate positioned flush with the patient's skull. A flared passage is provided within the stem and rim plate so that the lead may pass through the stem and into the rim plate, at which point the lead follows the contours of the flared passage and communicates with the peripheral clamping structural.

Abstract: A hydrophilic coated stylette is pre-loaded in an implantable catheter. The hydrophilic coated stylette is wetted with saline to activate the hydrophilic coating. The stylette loaded catheter is tunneled, typically through muscle and tissue, to a desired target site within the body. The hydrophilic coated stylette is then removed from the catheter while maintaining the catheter intact. The proximal end of the catheter can be connected to an outlet of an implantable infusion pump so that medicament can be delivered directly to the target site.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic fluid to the tissue of a mammal using pulsatile flux to prevent fluid backflow.

Abstract: An anchor system for securing a lead to a patient's skull is disclosed. The lead is of the type that passes through a burr hole created in the patient's skull and includes a distal end which is implanted within the patient's brain at a target site. The anchor, according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a stem, an integrally formed rim plate, and a peripheral clamping structure. The clamping structure is adapted to receive and snugly hold a portion of the lead. The stem is sized and shaped to fit within the burr hole, leaving the rim plate positioned flush with the patient's skull. A flared passage is provided within the stem and rim plate so that the lead may pass through the stem and into the rim plate, at which point the lead follows the contours of the flared passage and communicates with the peripheral clamping structural.

Abstract: A stylet has a proximal end a distal end and an outer surface. The stylet is substantially cylindrical. The outer surface of the stylet is treated, or roughened, preferably by a glass peening or a bead blasting operation, such that its maximum profile peak height is greater than 30 ?m, its roughness average is greater than 5 ?m, and its root mean square roughness is greater than 8 ?m. This results in reducing the removal force of the treated stylet from a silicone catheter.