Abstract: A miniature drug delivery pump utilizes a shape memory Ni-Ti alloy. A flow restrictor is provided and the pump is refillable.

Abstract: This documents describes among other things a normalizing stage apparatus, tools and methods. One example includes a base that defines a trajectory. A first stage is moveably coupled to the base and the first stage moves along the trajectory. A second stage is moveably coupled to the first stage and moves an instrument coupled thereto with respect to the base and the first stage. Before movement of the instrument, the first and second stages are in first positions desired (e.g. predetermined) distances from a target area in the body. Another example includes the first stage and a guide tube stop coupled with the first stage. A guide tube is coupled with the guide tube stop and extends through a guide tube stop lumen. The guide tubes outer perimeter is dimensioned and configured to snugly couple with the surface defining the guide tube stop lumen.

Abstract: This patent document discusses, among other things, assemblies and methods for retaining a plurality of surgical instruments. In one example, a retaining assembly includes a floating seat having a seat first side and a seat second side. One or both of the seat first or second sides include at least one recessed portion to receive an instrument. In another example, a first clamp member is positioned adjacent the seat first side and a floating second clamp member is positioned adjacent the seat second side. An actuator engaged with an actuator receiving lumen is disposed adjacent the seat second side. Movement of the actuator in a first direction advances the first clamp member, the floating seat, and the floating second clamp member toward one another. In varying examples, the floating second clamp member comprises a rocker configured to pivot in three-dimensions, while the floating seat is configured to pivot in two-dimensions.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a method of manufacture including a mold having at least one pin, and surrounding the pin with a hardenable material to form a first guide layer. The mold and pin are removed from the resulting first guide layer, to define a substantially untapered first instrument passage that corresponds to the geometry of the pin. Optionally, the first instrument passage includes at least five substantially untapered channels including a central channel. The first instrument passage is aligned with a substantially untapered second instrument passage of a stacked second guide layer. In a further example, the first and second guide layers are coupled to a guide coupler that cooperatively aligns the first and second instrument passages. The guide layers can be used with a trajectory guide for image guided surgery.

Abstract: A propel/repel dispenser having one or more features in combination to provide improved manufacture, assembly and use of the dispenser is described. Such features include a wide single lead thread, a “click” feature to provide sound and feel to a user so that propelling and repelling can be controlled, and a retention means involving a single slot extending from a central opening through which a screw structure passes upon assembly of the dispenser.

Abstract: Systems for coupling a catheter to a medical device port and methods for relieving stress on a catheter coupled to a medical device port. Exemplary systems may include both a seal attached at or near a proximal end of the catheter, and a tubular restraint. The restraint may include a first interlocking surface formed on the interior surface at or near the proximal end that engages a second interlocking surface associated with the port. The system may also include a locking sleeve to secure the restraint in the desired position. Exemplary methods may include: coupling the port to the proximal end of the catheter and associated seal; sliding the restraint over the seal; and engaging the first and second interlocking surfaces.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.

Abstract: Sutureless pump connectors are discussed. The sutureless pump connectors include a restraint and a lock. The restraint has a proximal portion capable of engaging a portion of an implantable pump, such as a port. The restraint also has a distal portion capable of engaging a catheter. The lock is configured to secure the restraint to secured position relative to the pump and the catheter. The restraint may have a tab configured to secure the lock on the restraint. The tabs may be configured to releasably secure the lock.

Abstract: An implantable electrode paddle is adapted to receive an electrical signal from a medical device and generate an electrical field to stimulate selected body tissue. The paddle includes a housing including walls that define an interior space and a plurality of windows formed through at least a first one of the walls for transmitting the electrical field to the body tissue, an electrode array including a plurality of electrode groups, each electrode group including at least two electrodes individually secured in a respective window and spaced between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm apart, and a plurality of wires, each of the wires being coupled to a respective electrode and routed within the interior space to receive the electrical signal. A lead assembly and an implantable medical device can include the paddle.

Abstract: An alignment device and method is provided. Higher precision is achieved when fixing an orientation of an insertion axis using alignment devices shown. A symmetric clamping force is provided that reduces or eliminates unwanted displacement after the desired orientation is obtained. Another feature includes increased flexibility to use a variety of primary medical devices. Another feature includes a standoff feature that reduces tissue damage. Another feature includes an orienting fixture for image guided procedures.