Abstract: A magnetic stylet includes a core element and a distal region. The core element may include a proximal end coupled to a tab, the proximal end having a first diameter, a transition region, and a distal region extending from the transition region to a distal end. The distal region may have a second diameter less than the first diameter. The distal section may include the transition region and the distal region of the core element, a magnetic element, a polymer member, and a closure element. The magnetic element may be positioned distal of the transition region of the core element. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about the distal region of the core element, the continuous permanent magnetic element, and at least a portion of the transition region of the core element. The closure element may be an epoxy that forms a rounded end distal of the polymer member.

Abstract: A magnetic stylet includes a core element and a distal region. The core element may include a proximal end coupled to a tab, the proximal end having a first diameter, a transition region, and a distal region extending from the transition region to a distal end. The distal region may have a second diameter less than the first diameter. The distal section may include the transition region and the distal region of the core element, a magnetic element, a polymer member, and a closure element. The magnetic element may be positioned distal of the transition region of the core element. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about the distal region of the core element, the continuous permanent magnetic element, and at least a portion of the transition region of the core element. The closure element may be an epoxy that forms a rounded end distal of the polymer member.

Abstract: An assembly for identifying a power injectable vascular access port, including a vascular access port and an identification feature. The port is structured for power injection and includes a housing and a septum together defining a reservoir. A radiographic feature incorporated into the port is perceivable via x-ray following subcutaneous implantation, the radiographic feature identifying the port as suitable for flowing fluid at a fluid flow rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough. A structural feature of the port is perceivable via palpation following subcutaneous implantation, the structural feature identifying the port as suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The identification feature is separated from the port and confirms that the port is both suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough and suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi.

Abstract: An elongated medical device includes a core element, a polymer member, a closure element, and a permanent magnetic element. The core element may have a distal region including a first region with a diameter greater than a diameter of a second region, the second region distal of the first region and terminating at a core element distal end. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about an entire length of the core element and extending distal of the core element distal end. The closure element may be affixed to a distal end of the polymer member. The permanent magnetic element may be disposed along the second region proximal to the core element distal end, and may include a plurality of permanent magnetic elements spaced apart along the second region.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including a generally cylindrical body enclosing a first and second lumen separated by a generally planar septum. A first and second tip section extend from a distal end of the body. The first and second tip section may each include a generally planar surface. The second tip section may include a first segment extending from the distal end of the body to a transition segment and a second segment extending from the transition segment to a distal end of the second tip section.

Abstract: A tissue tunneler including an expandable attachment mechanism for securing a catheter. In one variation, the tissue tunneler comprises an elongate tunneler with a protrusion extending from the proximal end of the tunneler. An expansion mechanism is provided on the protrusion for insertion into the catheter. An oversleeve slidably disposed over the elongated tunneler may be provided to engage the expansion mechanism and trap the catheter between the oversleeve and the expansion mechanism. In another variation, the expansion mechanism may comprise of an expandable O-ring configured to engage an inner surface within a catheter.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including a generally cylindrical body enclosing a first and second lumen separated by a generally planar septum. A first and second tip section extend from a distal end of the body. The first and second tip section may each include a generally planar surface. The second tip section may include a first segment extending from the distal end of the catheter body to a transition segment and a second segment extending from the transition segment to a distal end of the second tip section.

Abstract: An elongated medical device includes a core element, a polymer member, a closure element, and a permanent magnetic element. The core element may have a distal region including a first region with a diameter greater than a diameter of a second region, the second region distal of the first region and terminating at a core element distal end. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about an entire length of the core element and extending distal of the core element distal end. The closure element may be affixed to a distal end of the polymer member. The permanent magnetic element may be disposed along the second region proximal to the core element distal end, and may include a plurality of permanent magnetic elements spaced apart along the second region.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including a generally cylindrical body enclosing a first and second lumen separated by a generally planar septum. A first and second tip section extend from a distal end of the body. The first and second tip section may each include a generally planar surface. The second tip section may include a first segment extending from the distal end of the body to a transition segment and a second segment extending from the transition segment to a distal end of the second tip section.

Abstract: Methods of performing a power injection procedure are described. One method includes taking an x-ray of a subcutaneously implanted access port in a patient to determine whether the access port includes a radiographic feature indicating that the access port is suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second through the access port, identifying the indicating radiographic feature on the x-ray, and flowing a fluid through the access port at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second.

Abstract: A stylet capable of being at least partially disposed within a lumen of a device is disclosed. This stylet may include an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one magnetic material. In certain embodiments, the elongated body may also include at least one core element, a tubular member circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the core element, and/or at least one support member circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the core element. In addition, a matrix material may be disposed between the core element and the tubular member to retain the magnetic material within the elongated body. A catheter assembly including a stylet and a corresponding method of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter connector for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The connector facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.

Abstract: A valved connector for controlling the flow of fluid having a valve assembly positioned within a connector housing having a first position wherein the valve assembly prevents fluid flow through the connector housing, and a second position wherein the valve assembly permits fluid flow through the connector housing. The valve assembly may be movable from the first position to the second position by a male luer fitting. The valve assembly is configured for multiple and repeated access and also for minimizing fluid flow restrictions. The valved connector may be designed for use with a catheter to provide for “over the guidewire” placement or replacement techniques with little or no bleed-back or air embolism.

Abstract: A multifunction adaptor for an open-ended catheter that allows placement of the catheter without risk of air embolism or blood loss through the open (proximal) end of the catheter body. The present design allows passage of a standard guidewire for “over the guidewire” placement techniques and a connection for catheter flushing using a standard syringe.

Abstract: A catheter connector for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The connector facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.

Abstract: A catheter connector for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The connector facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter defined by at least two separate tip sections distal to a dividing point includes strategic placement of openings in the tip sections to facilitate fluid flow and minimize typical problems associated with catheters. In a multi-lumen catheter having tip sections with a releasably joined or splittable region, the bond strength between the tip sections is varied along their length such that an increasing separation force is required to separate the tip sections from one another distal to the dividing point. Delivery of a multi-lumen catheter is improved with respect to both sheathed and non-sheathed delivery methods, in which a friction reducing structure is provided on either the catheter, delivery sheath or both to provide a buffer for a sheathed delivery and in which a unique guidewire aperture or additional lumen is provided in at least one of the tip sections for a non-sheathed delivery.

Abstract: Catheter valve assemblies and methods for connecting catheters and/or providing fluid access to catheters. In one variation, a device comprises a catheter valve assembly and an extension leg unit. The extension leg unit includes lumen inserts for engaging valves positioned within the catheter valve assembly. In another variation, the valve assembly comprises a depressable plunger which may be engaged by an access cannula. Various connectors with integrated valve assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including a generally cylindrical body enclosing a first and second lumen separated by a generally planar septum. A first and second tip section extend from a distal end of the body. The first and second tip section may each include a generally planar surface. The second tip section may include a first segment extending from the distal end of the catheter body to a transition segment and a second segment extending from the transition segment to a distal end of the second tip section.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including tip sections distal to a dividing point, the tip sections releasably joined by a method that produces a variable separation force between the tip sections along a length thereof. An increasing separation force may be imparted to the tip sections by providing an increasing bond strength in fusion zones from a distal portion of the tip sections toward the dividing point.