Abstract: A medical device position guidance system is provided. The system includes at least one reference transmitter and a receiver system configured to receive signals from the at least one reference transmitter. The reference transmitter is configured to maintain a static position on a subject. The system further includes a processor configured to (i) receive signals relating to the location and orientation of each sensor of the receiver system relative to the at least one reference transmitter; and (ii) using the received signals, create an anatomical coordinate system. The system may further include an inserted transmitter configured to be attached to a medical device. The inserted transmitter is adapted to establish the location and orientation of the medical device within the anatomical coordinate system. A method for medical device position guidance is also provided.

Abstract: A medical device position guidance system is provided. The system includes at least one reference transmitter and a receiver system configured to receive signals from the at least one reference transmitter. The reference transmitter is configured to maintain a static position on a subject. The system further includes a processor configured to (i) receive signals relating to the location and orientation of each sensor of the receiver system relative to the at least one reference transmitter; and (ii) using the received signals, create an anatomical coordinate system. The system may further include an inserted transmitter configured to be attached to a medical device. The inserted transmitter is adapted to establish the location and orientation of the medical device within the anatomical coordinate system. A method for medical device position guidance is also provided.

Abstract: A configurable pathway deviation indication system for medical device placement includes one or more user-adjustable pathway boundaries and an indication activated upon reaching or breaching of any of the pathway boundaries. The system may include a medical device configured to be inserted into a patient; a location transmitter configured to transmit a signal related to a position of the medical device; and a detector device configured to receive information related to the patient's body and the location transmitter. The system may be operatively coupled to the location transmitter and the at least one detector device. The system may further include a display and a computing system comprising one or more processors and or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The system can display the position of the location transmitter; determine if the position of the location transmitter reaches any pathway boundaries; and provide the indication when the pathway boundary is breached and/or approached.

Abstract: A medical device position guidance system is provided. The system includes at least one reference transmitter and a receiver system configured to receive signals from the at least one reference transmitter. The reference transmitter is configured to maintain a static position on a subject. The system further includes a processor configured to (i) receive signals relating to the location and orientation of each sensor of the receiver system relative to the at least one reference transmitter; and (ii) using the received signals, create an anatomical coordinate system. The system may further include an inserted transmitter configured to be attached to a medical device. The inserted transmitter is adapted to establish the location and orientation of the medical device within the anatomical coordinate system. A method for medical device position guidance is also provided.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for use with electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and includes a catheter, an ultrasound transducer disposed within the catheter, and an optional additional external ultrasound transducer. The catheter extends in a longitudinal direction and has a proximal end and a distal end defining a lumen therebetween. Further, the catheter is configured for placement within a patient's digestive tract or respiratory tract. The ultrasound transducer can be located within the catheter's lumen, and the optional external ultrasound transducer can be located on or outside the patient's body. Both ultrasound transducers can transmit ultrasound signals as directed by a processor and can communicate with the processor to deliver ultrasound data to a display device. The attenuation of the ultrasound energy at a selected frequency can indicate placement of the catheter in the digestive tract or respiratory tract. A catheter guidance system and method of use are also provided.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and can include a catheter, an internal acoustic transducer and an external acoustic transducer. The catheter extends in a longitudinal direction and has proximal and distal ends that define a lumen therebetween. Further, the catheter is configured for placement within a patient's digestive or respiratory tract. The internal acoustic transducer can be located within the catheter's lumen, and the external acoustic transducer can be located on or outside the patient's body. The transducers can transmit and/or receive acoustic signals as directed by a processor and communicate with the processor to deliver sound data to a display device. The frequency response and/or attenuation of the signals can indicate placement of the catheter in the digestive tract compared to the respiratory tract. A catheter guidance system and method for accurately placing a catheter in the digestive or respiratory tract are also provided.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for use with an electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and includes a catheter and a stimulation electrode assembly, and an electrical connection for delivering a stimulation waveform to the stimulation electrode assembly. The catheter extends in a longitudinal direction and has a proximal end and a distal end that define a lumen therebetween. Further, the catheter is configured for placement within a patient's digestive tract. The stimulation electrode assembly is configured to deliver an electrical stimulation to tissue. A catheter guidance system and method for accurately placing a catheter in the digestive tract are also provided.

Abstract: Cannulation devices and methods are provided. For example, a cannulation device comprises a cannula for disposition within a patient's body and having a distal end with threads disposed at the distal end. In some embodiments, the device is a pyloric sphincter cannulation device comprises a cannula for positioning within an intestine of a patient's body. The cannula has a distal end and threads are disposed at the distal end. The threads are configured to be rotated when disposed adjacent the patient's pyloric sphincter. A method for traversing a pyloric sphincter of a patient may include inserting a cannulation device into the patient's gastrointestinal tract; ascertaining a distal end of the cannulation device is adjacent the pyloric sphincter; rotating threads of the cannulation device into the pyloric sphincter; and advancing the cannulation device through the pyloric sphincter.