Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods are configured to enhance retention of a therapeutic agent delivered at a treatment site, for example, via impeding agent backflow. A device may include sheath having a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end. The sheath may include an outer diameter and an inner channel between the first end and the second end, and at least one penetrating member configured to form a channel at the treatment site. The device may include an elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end, the elongate member being configured to move relative to the sheath. The elongate member may be configured to control the movement of the penetrating member with respect to the sheath.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods are configured to enhance retention of a therapeutic agent delivered at a treatment site, for example, via impeding agent backflow. A device may include sheath having a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end. The sheath may include an outer diameter and an inner channel between the first end and the second end, and at least one penetrating member configured to form a channel at the treatment site. The device may include an elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end, the elongate member being configured to move relative to the sheath. The elongate member may be configured to control the movement of the penetrating member with respect to the sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic agents use a movable sheath member to deliver a therapeutic agent with little or no shear stress. The delivery device may include an outer body being configured to move away from a distal end of the delivery device. The movable sheath member may have a first section and a second section opposing the first section, the second section being configured to hold the therapeutic agent. The movable sheath may be configured to deliver the therapeutic agent by increasing the first section by moving the outer body away from the distal end.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods are configured to increase the retention of the therapeutic agent, and thereby increase the dose of the agent delivered. The delivery device may include a delivery body and a retractable member configured to move with respect to the delivery body. The retractable member may include a puncture member configured to create a delivery channel at the treatment site. The body may include an opening through which an agent may be delivered after the retractable member has been retracted within the device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic agents use an inverted member to deliver a therapeutic agent with little or no shear stress. The inverted member may have a movable continuous surface, the movable continuous surface having a first section and a second section opposing the first section, the second section surrounding an inner cavity that is configured to hold the therapeutic agent, the inverting member being configured to deliver the therapeutic agent by inverting at least a portion of the second section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a puncture aid comprising a housing in which a lancet holder with a lancet is displaceably mounted, the lancet holder being connected to a spring element. The lancet holder has at least one bearing element and the housing has a support surface arranged such that the bearing element rests on the support surface in a first position of the lancet holder. A trigger unit is provided, actuation of which transfer the lancet holder to a second position by means of a relative rotational movement of the bearing element and the support surface, so that the bearing element falls from the support surface in the second position of the lancet holder, and the tensioned spring element at least partially relaxes and moves the lancet holder such that the tip of the lancet emerges from the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device having an outer housing, a lancet holder that engages a lancet and constrains the lancet along a controlled and pre-defined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off-axis torsion springs working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Abstract: A lancing device has a carousel of lancets removably received in a housing. In exemplary embodiments, the lancing device includes a sterility cap positioning mechanism that removes sterility caps from the lancets for actuation and afterwards replaces the sterility caps onto the lancets. Preferably, the lancing device includes a lancet advancing mechanism that automatically advances sequential lancets of the lancet carousel for charging and actuating, and a drive mechanism for actuating the lancets. Also provided are replacement lancet carousels, which include a cylindrical carrier with axial openings and a plurality of the lancets axially oriented in the openings.

Abstract: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device having an outer housing, a lancet holder that engages a lancet and constrains the lancet along a controlled and pre-defined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off-axis torsion springs working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Abstract: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device (10) having an outer housing (12), a lancet holder (32) that engages a lancet (30) and constrains the lancet along a controlled and predefined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off axis torsion springs (80,82) working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Abstract: Various ocular fixation devices are disclosed. One ocular fixation device includes first and second rings, where at least one of the rings includes means for fixating ocular tissue of an eye. The means for fixating are arranged to grasp the ocular tissue of the eye and to release the ocular tissue of the eye based on rotation of at least one of the first and second rings. The ocular fixation device may also include one or more structures on which a surgical tool can be mounted on the ocular fixation device at one or more locations. For instance, a dome of the ocular fixation device could include one or more holes that are configured to receive one or more projections from the surgical tool. As another example, a base of the ocular fixation device could include one or more notches configured to receive a projection from the surgical tool.

Abstract: One example scleral prosthesis includes a first free end and a second free end, each wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Multiple first portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis. The first portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. Multiple second portions may form the second end of the scleral prosthesis, and the second portions may be separated along less than a quarter of the length of the scleral prosthesis. An implantation device can be used to facilitate implantation of a scleral prosthesis. The implantation device includes a first end portion configured to be inserted into a scleral tunnel of an eye. The implantation device also includes a second end portion configured to receive the scleral prosthesis. A rod with a tapered and rounded end can be partially inserted into the first end portion of the implantation device.

Abstract: A tip portion or endcap for a lancing device having a non-circular opening to provide tension and pressure upon the patient's skin before and/or during lancing of the skin for sample collection. In example embodiments, the endcap is shaped to prevent the lancet body from sticking within the hole or passing through the hole. The endcap may also be shaped to allow it to be used at various lancing sites on the body without changing the endcap.

Abstract: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device (10) having an outer housing (12), a lancet holder (32) that engages a lancet (30) and constrains the lancet along a controlled and predefined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off axis torsion springs (80,82) working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a puncture aid comprising a housing in which a lancet holder with a lancet is displaceably mounted, the lancet holder being connected to a spring element. The lancet holder has at least one bearing element and the housing has a support surface arranged such that the bearing element rests on the support surface in a first position of the lancet holder. A trigger unit is provided, actuation of which transfer the lancet holder to a second position by means of a relative rotational movement of the bearing element and the support surface, so that the bearing element falls from the support surface in the second position of the lancet holder, and the tensioned spring element at least partially relaxes and moves the lancet holder such that the tip of the lancet emerges from the opening of the housing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed employing ionizing radiation for forming lines of ablation or lesions in cardiac tissue to treat atrial fibrillation or other electrophysiological problems with the heart. The apparatus may include a catheter in which the radiation source is advanced hydraulically after the catheter is in place within the heart. Various fixation devices are also disclosed for fixing the location of the catheter within the heart.

Abstract: An endcap for a lancing device having an opening formed therein for passing a lancet tip, and a contact face surrounding the opening, with at least one spaced rib, dimple or projection thereon. In various embodiments, multiple ribs are spaced around the opening in a helical, circular or radial array. The contact face can be planar, concave or convex. The endcap increases the surface area in contact with the skin around the sampling site to enhance blood flow and prevent premature wound closure during sample collection.

Abstract: Intravascular devices are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. These devices advantageously can be implanted via a catheter, thereby eliminating the need for a more invasive implantation procedure when the stretching is to be done in vivo. The implantable medical device for distending a blood vessel to induce axial growth of the blood vessel includes an intravascular stretching mechanism securable to an interior luminal surface of a blood vessel in vivo, and a means for operating the intravascular stretching mechanism in vivo to cause the vessel to stretch and grow axially. The stretching mechanism can include a pair of wires or stents that engage the blood vessel wall, and components of the stretching mechanism may include a shape memory material.

Abstract: A guidewire steering device includes a gripping member and a compression member. The gripping member includes opposed first and second gripping surfaces positioned for selective engagement of a guidewire positioned therebetween. The first gripping surface includes a first end and a second end and the second gripping surface includes a first end and a second end. The first and second gripping surfaces being oriented to permit selective gripping of a guidewire positioned therebetween. The second end of the first gripping surface and the second end of the second gripping surface are spaced apart in a manner defining a lateral access slot through which a guidewire may be passed for positioning between the first and second gripping surfaces.

Abstract: An anastomotic connector for biological conduits comprises a bio-compatible body having an inner surface contour for attaching an outer surface of a biological conduit therein. In another aspect, the present invention is a method of extravascular anastomosis of at least one biological conduit. The method comprises attaching an exterior surface of the biological conduit to an inner surface of an anastomotic connector. In yet another aspect, the invention is a tool for anastomosis and connection of biological conduit(s). The tool comprises a shaft having a sharp tip for penetrating tissue of a biological conduit and an expanding portion for engaging the biological conduit.