Abstract: An ultrasonication apparatus is provided for improving catheter function. The ultrasonication apparatus includes a transducer configured to produce ultrasonic waves for ultrasonication and a chamber for containing a fluid having a passage for receiving a catheter. The chamber is adapted to receive the ultrasonic waves from the transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonication apparatus is provided for improving catheter function. The ultrasonication apparatus includes a transducer configured to produce ultrasonic waves for ultrasonication and a chamber for containing a fluid having a passage for receiving a catheter. The chamber is adapted to receive the ultrasonic waves from the transducer.

Abstract: A magnetic stereotactic system for treatment delivery includes a plurality of magnetic coils arranged to at least partially to surround a body part and generate a changeable magnetic field to guide a magnetic object within the body part; and at least one x-ray source and at least one x-ray detector on opposite sides of the body part, and outside the magnetic coils but aligned with the magnetic coils to provide images of the body part that is partially surrounded by the coils. According to one embodiment, the medical treatment device has a thin elongate portion, and after moving the medical treatment device within the body to the specific location in the body by applying a magnetic field to move the magnetic object coupled to the medical treatment device, and leaving the thin elongate portion in the path through the body; the medical treatment device is removed from the body by pulling the thin elongate portion to pull the medical treatment device from the body.

Abstract: A treatment delivery apparatus comprises a metallic object and a treatment carrier device which is connected by a heat-sensitive biodegradable connector link to the magnetic object. This carrier device contains the treatment, i.e. the drug, to be transported. An electromagnet is positioned outside of the body part for producing a magnetic field which captures the magnetic object. This electromagnet may be either a simple coil system attached to a robotic arm which moves the electromagnet adjacent the body part, or a multicoil electromagnet system surrounding the body part. In either case, the robotically moved electromagnet or multicoil electromagnet system moves the magnetic object within the body part to a desired location. A computer controls either the robotic arm or multicoil current magnitudes and directions. This computer also provides visualization for observing the location and movement of the magnetic object and carrier device.

Abstract: A treatment delivery apparatus comprises a metallic object and a treatment carrier device which is connected by a heat-sensitive biodegradable connector link to the magnetic object. This carrier device contains the treatment, i.e. the drug, to be transported. An electromagnet is positioned outside of the body part for producing a magnetic field which captures the magnetic object. This electromagnet may be either a simple coil system attached to a robotic arm which moves the electromagnet adjacent the body part, or a multicoil electromagnet system surrounding the body part. In either case, the robotically moved electromagnet or multicoil electromagnet system moves the magnetic object within the body part to a desired location. A computer controls either the robotic arm or multicoil current magnitudes and directions. This computer also provides visualization for observing the location and movement of the magnetic object and carrier device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in human patients. More particularly, the present invention provides means for accurate and safe placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts from a posterior approach.

Abstract: A treatment delivery apparatus comprises a metallic object and a treatment carrier device which is connected by a heat-sensitive biodegradable connector link to the magnetic object. This carrier device contains the treatment, i.e. the drug, to be transported. An electromagnet is positioned outside of the body part for producing a magnetic field which captures the magnetic object. This electromagnet may be either a simple coil system attached to a robotic arm which moves the electromagnet adjacent the body part, or a multicoil electromagnet system surrounding the body part. In either case, the robotically moved electromagnet or multicoil electromagnet system moves the magnetic object within the body part to a desired location. A computer controls either the robotic arm or multicoil current magnitudes and directions. This computer also provides visualization for observing the location and movement of the magnetic object and carrier device.