Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and methods of use thereof, such as for example, ureteroscopy. In one embodiment, the device is a safety ureteral access sheath and interventional catheter insertion with a force meter and a force disengagement mechanism. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of examination or treatment for a condition in a subject, comprising providing a device comprising a ureteral access sheath (UAS) operably linked to a force meter and a force disengagement mechanism, and using the device to examine or treat the subject.

Abstract: A silicone composition having anti-microbial properties contains well distributed silica and nanoparticles of a noble metal. Silica and nanoparticles of a noble metal are added to liquid vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. A coupling agent is then added to the mixture and heated, the coupling agent comprising trialkoxysilane having a formula R1Si(OR2)3, wherein R1 is vinyl or allyl, and R2 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, trimethylsiloxy terminated polymethylhydrosiloxane is then added to the mixture and heated in the presence of a catalyst so as to cross-link and cure the same into a silicone elastomer. In another embodiment, in place of the trimethylsiloxy terminated polymethylhydrosiloxane, a peroxide is added to mixture and heated to form the silicone. In this later example, no catalyst is needed.

Abstract: A system for soft tissue dissection, the system comprising: an elongate handle, a Doppler crystal, a wire, partially disposed within the elongate handle, for transmitting signals to the Doppler crystal, a Doppler transmitter whereby the signals are generated, and a blunt tissue dissector tip.

Abstract: A medical device for viewing inside a body and for retrieving an object from a location within the body, the medical device comprising an endoscope having a tube defining a working channel and a basket engageable with the object. In one embodiment of the invention, the basket does not require a sheath and is disposed through the working channel such that the endoscope operates to contain or activate the sheathless basket. In another embodiment of the invention, a single push wire with a collar at its end is used in place of a sheath to control the opening and closing of the basket. In another embodiment of the invention, a tapered and funnel-shaped sheath surrounding the basket is used to contain or activate the basket. The invention minimizes the basket crossing profile so as to improve fluid flow in the working channel.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath adapted for insertion into a urethra includes an elongate tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle assembly is disposed at the proximal end and includes enlarged portions which inhibit migration of the sheath into the urethra. The enlarged portions are shaped like the bell of a horn with a concave, distally-facing outer surface and a convex, proximally-facing inner surface. The inner surface functions as a funnel while the outer surface is sized and configured to receive adjacent fingers of a user's hand held in its natural position. In an associated method, this shape of the handle assembly facilitates maintaining the sheath in a stationary position during insertion and removal of instrumentation. The handle assembly can be movable on the tube to facilitate variation of the sheath link in situ.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath adapted for insertion into a urethra includes an elongate tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle assembly is disposed at the proximal end and includes enlarged portions which inhibit migration of the sheath into the urethra. The enlarged portions are shaped like the bell of a horn with a concave, distally-facing outer surface and a convex, proximally-facing inner surface. The inner surface functions as a funnel while the outer surface is sized and configured to receive adjacent fingers of a user's hand held in its natural position. In an associated method, this shape of the handle assembly facilitates maintaining the sheath in a stationary position during insertion and removal of instrumentation. The handle assembly can be movable on the tube to facilitate variation of the sheath link in situ.

Abstract: A high-flow low-pressure irrigation system (10) for directing a fluid to and recovering the fluid from an area within a body, the irrigation system (10) comprising a sheath (37) and a flexible catheter (20) disposed in the sheath (37). The catheter (20) comprises a plurality of apertures (26) at a distal pigtail portion (28). The fluid is directed through the apertures (26) and recovered through the sheath (37). Renal applications include alkaline irrigation for dissolution or uric acid stones, chemo-dissolution of cystine stones, irrigation with chemotherapy drugs after ureteroscopic tumor management, antibiotic irrigation for severe infection (e.g. fungal and bacterial), and irrigation of thrombotic agents (Alum Or direct delivery of Amicar for renal bleeding).