Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow within a blood vessel. In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices deployable through the lumen of a conventional catheter such that when deployed, said embolic devices remain resident and occlude blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel. Such embolic devices comprise either mechanical embolic devices that become embedded within or compress against the lumen of the vessel or chemical vaso-occlusive agents that seal off blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises utilization of a vacuum/cauterizing device capable of sucking in the lumen of the vessel about the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where there is then applied a sufficient amount of energy to cause the tissue collapsed about the device to denature into a closure.

Abstract: An environmental seal for a fluid delivery device may include a 2-shot molded cap including a carrier and a low durometer silicone plug. The seal also may include a cap receptacle that applies compressive force to the plug displacing the plug material and forming a seal between the cap, the plug and the cap receptacle. A cannula may be slidably received in the plug and may move freely through the plug without compromising the seal.

Abstract: An environmental seal for a fluid delivery device may include a 2-shot molded cap including a carrier and a low durometer silicone plug. The seal also may include a cap receptacle that applies compressive force to the plug displacing the plug material and forming a seal between the cap, the plug and the cap receptacle. A cannula may be slidably received in the plug and may move freely through the plug without compromising the seal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow within a blood vessel. In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices deployable through the lumen of a conventional catheter such that when deployed, said embolic devices remain resident and occlude blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel. Such embolic devices comprise either mechanical embolic devices that become embedded within or compress against the lumen of the vessel or chemical vaso-occlusive agents that seal off blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises utilization of a vacuum/cauterizing device capable of sucking in the lumen of the vessel about the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where there is then applied a sufficient amount of energy to cause the tissue collapsed about the device to denature into a closure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving directed placement of guidewires or other flexible rails over which other catheters or other devices may be introduced to a targeted location. A guidewire directing device includes a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal peripheral opening for directing a guidewire laterally from the device, and may have a deflecting member with a predetermined deflection angle in the lumen adjacent the peripheral opening. A snaring device is also provided that includes one or more lumens through which a snare or other grasping member is directed for releasably capturing or coupling to a guidewire. The snaring and target guidewire devices may include cooperating end effectors for releasably coupling or securing the devices together.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a person including a reservoir for containing a fluid to be delivered to the person, a fluid transport device for dispensing fluid from said reservoir to the person, said fluid transport device including a proximal end in fluid communication with said reservoir and a distal end having a penetrating member for piercing the skin of the person to facilitate the delivery of fluid to the person through the fluid transport device, a housing containing said reservoir and said fluid transport device, said housing including an exit port for receiving said distal end of said fluid transport device upon injection of said distal end into said person and means for securing a first wall of said housing to the skin of the person, a injection activation device including a driving mechanism contacting said fluid transport device for driving said penetrating member from a first position within said housing, through said exit port to a second position, external to said housing and into the skin

Abstract: A control system for controlling an infusion pump, including interface components for allowing a user to receive and provide information, a processor connected to the user interface components and adapted to provide instructions to the infusion pump, and a computer program having setup instructions that cause the processor to enter a setup mode upon the control system first being turned on. In the setup mode, the processor prompts the user, in a sequential manner, through the user interface components to input basic information for use by the processor in controlling the infusion pump, and allows the user to operate the infusion pump only after the user has completed the setup mode.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly, a reservoir including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly, a threaded lead screw received at least partly in the reservoir and longitudinally extending towards the outlet, and a plunger secured to the lead screw and having an outer periphery linearly slideable along the side wall of the reservoir. A tube is coaxially received on the lead screw and includes a longitudinal slot, a pin extending through the lead screw and the slot of the tube, and a gear is secured to the tube for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a housing, a reservoir positioned within the housing, and a transcutaneous access tool positioned within the housing and including, a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir and linearly moveable along an axis of the transcutaneous access tool through a port in a wall of the housing, a deployment member secured to the cannula and movable along the axis of the transcutaneous access tool against the wall of the housing defining the port, and an annular seal coaxially positioned about the cannula and positioned between the deployment member and the wall of the housing defining the port, so that the seal provides a substantially fluid-tight seal between the deployment member and the wall of the housing when the deployment member is moved against the wall of the housing.

Abstract: A chassis for a fluid delivery device provides mechanical and/or electrical connections between components of the fluid delivery device. The chassis includes a framework of structural members that mechanically interface components, such as a batteries, electrical contacts, fluid reservoirs, tubing, drive wheels, pivoting actuator components, sensors, control circuitry, alarms or indicators, sliding assemblies, springs, cams and latching members. The chassis may also include one or more electrically conductive paths along selected portions of the framework to provide electrical connections between the components.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid, such as insulin for example, to a patient. The device includes a flow path having an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, and a reservoir connected to the exit port assembly. The device also includes a flow restriction system having an air removal filter communicating with the flow path and allowing air to exit the flow path and preventing fluid from exiting the flow path, and a flow restrictor positioned within the flow path between the air removal filter and the exit port assembly. Among other features and advantages, the flow restriction system of the present invention allows the flow path of the fluid delivery device to be purged of air, or “primed” prior to operation, such that desired volumes of fluid can be accurately delivered by the device.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a person includes a reservoir for containing a fluid to be delivered to the person; a fluid transport device for dispensing fluid from the reservoir to the person, the fluid transport device including a proximal end in fluid communication with the reservoir and a distal end having a penetrating member for piercing the skin of the person to facilitate the delivery of fluid to the person through the fluid transport device; a housing containing the reservoir and the fluid transport device, the housing including an exit port for receiving the distal end of the fluid transport device upon injection of the distal end into the person and means for securing a first wall of the housing to the skin of the person; and an injection activation device including a driving mechanism contacting the fluid transport device for driving the penetrating member from a first position within the housing, through the exit port to a second position, external to the housing and into the skin of the perso

Abstract: A fluid delivery device may include a fluid driving mechanism for driving fluid out of a reservoir and an actuating mechanism for actuating the driving mechanism. The fluid delivery device may also include one or more sensors for monitoring operation of the fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device may also include a chassis providing mechanical and/or electrical connections between components of the fluid delivery device.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a person including a reservoir for containing a fluid to be delivered to the person, a fluid transport device for dispensing fluid from said reservoir to the person, said fluid transport device including a proximal end in fluid communication with said reservoir and a distal end having a penetrating member for piercing the skin of the person to facilitate the delivery of fluid to the person through the fluid transport device, a housing containing said reservoir and said fluid transport device, said housing including an exit port for receiving said distal end of said fluid transport device upon injection of said distal end into said person and means for securing a first wall of said housing to the skin of the person, a injection activation device including a driving mechanism contacting said fluid transport device for driving said penetrating member from a first position within said housing, through said exit port to a second position, external to said housing and into the skin

Abstract: A control system for controlling an infusion pump, including interface components for allowing a user to receive and provide information, a processor connected to the user interface components and adapted to provide instructions to the infusion pump, and a computer program having setup instructions that cause the processor to enter a setup mode upon the control system first being turned on. In the setup mode, the processor prompts the user, in a sequential manner, through the user interface components to input basic information for use by the processor in controlling the infusion pump, and allows the user to operate the infusion pump only after the user has completed the setup mode.

Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving directed placement of guidewires or other flexible rails over which other catheters or other devices may be introduced to a targeted location. A guidewire directing device includes a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal peripheral opening for directing a guidewire laterally from the device, and may have a deflecting member with a predetermined deflection angle in the lumen adjacent the peripheral opening. A snaring device is also provided that includes one or more lumens through which a snare or other grasping member is directed for releasably capturing or coupling to a guidewire. The snaring and target guidewire devices may include cooperating end effectors for releasably coupling or securing the devices together.

Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving directed placement of guidewires or other flexible rails over which other catheters or other devices may be introduced to a targeted location. A guidewire directing device includes a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal peripheral opening for directing a guidewire laterally from the device, and may have a deflecting member with a predetermined deflection angle in the lumen adjacent the peripheral opening. A snaring device is also provided that includes one or more lumens through which a snare or other grasping member is directed for releasably capturing or coupling to a guidewire. The snaring and target guidewire devices may include cooperating end effectors for releasably coupling or securing the devices together.