Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a medical device deployment system into the vasculature of a human body and then using the deployment system for placing a medical device at a preselected position within a vessel, and an apparatus and method for introducing a medical device deployment system into the vasculature of a human body and then subsequently retrieving the deployment system, where the apparatus and method include an introducer having a detachable and reattachable sheath disposed about a deployment catheter.

Abstract: A three-in-one instillation aspiration device configured for (i) instillation of a sampling fluid from a sealed body, (ii) aspiration of the sampling fluid from a target site with collected material into the sealed body, and (iii) transport, without external exposure, of the collected sample to a diagnostic site.

Abstract: A bronchoalveolar lavage instillation/aspiration system which includes (i) a needleless bronchoalveolar lavage instillation/aspiration device with a barrel member including a barrel lumen having a distal aperture and a self-sealing member configured for maintaining a fluid-disruptable, resealable barrier to the distal aperture; and (ii) a catheter assembly configured to provide a patent path of fluid communication between the instillation/aspiration device and a patient bronchial passage, where the catheter includes a wedging structure configured to engage a patient bronchial passage. In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention may include one or more methods of making and using a system or component described herein.

Abstract: A catheter assembly configured for use in a non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage procedure. The catheter assembly may include an inner catheter member having an inner catheter lumen and an outer catheter member having an outer catheter lumen, where the inner catheter member is disposed longitudinally and coaxially through at least a lengthwise portion of the outer catheter lumen, a distal end portion of the outer catheter includes an atraumatically-shaped disruptable seal—which seal includes at least a pair of overlapping slits that extend at least partially through an internal distal end wall portion of the outer catheter—and where a distal end portion of the inner catheter includes a wedging structure configured to at least partially sealingly contact an inner circumference of a passage in a lower portion of a patient lung.

Abstract: An external foot/ankle fixation device has a one-piece frame component and a positionable cross bar that allows the attachment of generally anterior/posterior directed fixation wires or rods emanating from the foot/ankle of a patient. The external fixation device provides a stable fixation platform both in-plane and out-of-plane of the object of fixation (e.g. foot or ankle). The fixation device through the cross bar also provides various degrees of angulation of anterior/posterior directed wires in two planes. Posterior angulation components may be provided to the posterior portion of the frame component that provide additional fixation wire/rod angulation variations. Compression rails may also be provided. An optional elevator component may be attached to the bottom of the frame component that does not obstruct access to the soft tissues on the bottom of the foot. The elevator component protects the bottom of the foot from contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus system (38) and method for introducing and retrieving a medical device deployment system (50) into the vasculature of a human body at a preselected position within a vessel. The apparatus (38) includes an introducer (10) having a detachable and re-attachable sheath (12) disposed about a deployment catheter (42).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a medical device deployment system into the vasculature of a human body and then using the deployment system for placing a medical device at a preselected position within a vessel, and an apparatus and method for introducing a medical device deployment system into the vasculature of a human body and then subsequently retrieving the deployment system, where the apparatus and method include an introducer having a detachable and reattachable sheath disposed about a deployment catheter.

Abstract: An external foot/ankle fixation device has a one-piece frame component and a positionable cross bar that allows the attachment of generally anterior/posterior directed fixation wires or rods emanating from the foot/ankle of a patient. The external fixation device provides a stable fixation platform both in-plane and out-of-plane of the object of fixation (e.g. foot or ankle). The fixation device through the cross bar also provides various degrees of angulation of anterior/posterior directed wires in two planes. Posterior angulation components may be provided to the posterior portion of the frame component that provide additional fixation wire/rod angulation variations. Compression rails may also be provided. An optional elevator component may be attached to the bottom of the frame component that does not obstruct access to the soft tissues on the bottom of the foot. The elevator component protects the bottom of the foot from contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus system (38) and method for introducing and retrieving a medical device deployment system (50) into the vasculature of a human body at a preselected position within a vessel. The apparatus (38) includes an introducer (10) having a detachable and re-attachable sheath (12) disposed about a deployment catheter (42).