Abstract: A medical urology device for drug delivery to the lining and deeper tissues of the ureter and kidney. The present invention features an electromotive drug administration (EMDA) catheter device for deploying a fluid to deep tissues of a patient. The device includes a catheter body with fenestrations along its distal length. The device may further comprise a multiport component for allowing access to the catheter body. The device may further comprise a conductive wire removably disposed through the multiport component within the catheter body. Fluid may be directed through the multiport component and the plurality of fenestrations to the body structure of the patient. Electrical stimulation directed through the conductive wire enhances the penetration of medications with the same polarity to electrical stimulation into a body structure of the patient to allow the fluid to penetrate deep tissues.

Abstract: The present technology relates to endoscope devices and methods of use for said endoscope devices. In one embodiment, the device comprises a semicircular aspiration channel with a blocking bar disposed at an outlet of the semicircular aspiration channel to prevent clogging of said channel. The endoscope devices of the present invention may further comprise a plurality of working channels, an image sensor, and a light source. In addition, for work within the ureter, a force sensor is incorporated to ensure safe passage of the largest flexible ureteroscope.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating nephrolithiasis and protecting the urothelium and inner lining of the kidney from thermal damage during lithotripsy by use of a thermosensitive bio-adhesive hydrogel. The described method dramatically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of stone clearance compared to conventional techniques while providing protection to the urothelium from potentially damaging temperature spikes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating nephrolithiasis and protecting the urothelium and inner lining of the kidney from thermal damage during lithotripsy by use of a thermosensitive bio-adhesive hydrogel. The described method dramatically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of stone clearance compared to conventional techniques while providing protection to the urothelium from potentially damaging temperature spikes.

Abstract: The present technology relates to ureteroscopy, laser ablation of ureteral and renal stone, capture and removal of stone fragments. In one embodiment, the device includes an optical instrument operably connected to a large vacuum channel that is about 1.5 mm to about 8.0 mm in width. In another embodiment, the device includes two single-time use disposable or potentially reusable units, such as a large vacuum endoscope removal tip and a wireless and modular battery-powered handpiece.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein comprise a handheld load sensing device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a force sensor (e.g., a mechanical spring or an electromechanical load cell) adapted to receive a force, an input/output interface, and an adjustable attachment mechanism adapted to reversibly attach a surgical device. In another embodiment, the force sensor detects the amount of force applied during the deployment of the surgical device in a patient and outputs a force value representative thereof via the input/output interface. Also provided herein are methods of making and using load sensing devices.

Abstract: The present technology relates to ureteroscopy, laser ablation of ureteral and renal stone, capture and removal of stone fragments. In one embodiment, the device includes an optical instrument operably connected to a large vacuum channel between 1.5 mm and 8.0 mm in width. In another embodiment, the device includes two single-time use disposable or potentially reusable units, such as a large vacuum endoscope removal tip and wireless and modular battery powered hand piece.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices related to the removal of uroliths, including kidney, ureteral and/or bladder stones. In one embodiment, the device comprises a mesh or sponge that is removably connected to a catheter, adapted for the removal of urolith fragments of the size 2 mm or less. In one embodiment, the device includes a catheter that is either solid or hollow, the latter for the irrigation of various types of fluid (either standard irrigation fluid (e.g. saline or water) or a material (e.g. blood, fibrin glue, etc.) that would form a clot like substance within the interstices of the device thereby increasing its ability to entrap fragments within the interstices of the basket or nearby.

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: Provided herein is a load sensing device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a load cell adapted to receive a force, an input/output interface, and an adjustable attachment mechanism adapted to reversibly attach a surgical device. In another embodiment, the load cell detects the amount of force applied during the deployment of the surgical device in a patient and outputs a force value representative thereof via the input/output interface. Also provided herein are methods of making and using load sensing devices.

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 length.

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 length.

Abstract: A high-flow low-pressure irrigation system for directing a fluid to and recovering the fluid from an area within a body, the irrigation system comprising a sheath defining a sheath lumen and a flexible catheter disposed in and through the sheath lumen. The catheter defines a catheter lumen and comprises a plurality of apertures at a distal portion that curls in a pigtail configuration. The fluid is directed and outputted to the body area through the catheter lumen and the apertures, and the outputted fluid is recovered and returned through the sheath lumen.

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 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 stent for assisting movement of urine along a patient's ureter and into the patient's bladder. The stent includes an elongated tubular segment extending toward the bladder from a kidney end region for placement in the renal cavity to a bladder end region. A central lumen connects at least one opening at the first end region to at least one opening in the bladder end region. Thin flexible tail(s) are attached to the bladder end region of the tubular segment at a point outside the bladder so as to receive urine from the opening in the bladder end region and to transport urine from there across the ureter/bladder junction and into the bladder. The tails include an elongated external urine-transport surface configured to transport urine. The transporting surface(s) are configured to extend along at least part of the ureter, across the ureter/bladder junction, and into the bladder.

Abstract: A ureteral stent for assisting movement of urine along a patient's ureter and into the patient's bladder. The stent includes an elongated tubular segment extending toward the bladder from a kidney end region for placement in the renal cavity to a bladder end region. A central lumen connects at least one opening at the first end region to at least one opening in the bladder end region. Thin flexible tail(s) are attached to the bladder end region of the tubular segment at a point outside the bladder so as to receive urine from the opening in the bladder end region of the tubular segment and to transport urine from there across the ureter/bladder junction and into the bladder. The tails include an elongated external urine-transport surface sized and configured to transport urine along the ureter. The urine transporting surface(s) are sized and configured to extend along at least part of the ureter, across the ureter/bladder junction, and from there into the bladder.

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 urological guidewire includes a core formed of a first metallic material and extending toward an end of the guidewire. A coil having a plurality of convolutions is disposed around the core at the end of the guidewire, the coil being formed of a second metallic material different than the first metallic material. A mechanical interlock is formed to inhibit separation of the different materials forming the coil and the core. The mechanical interlock may include an enlargement at the end of the core and a bonding material fixing the enlargement to the coil. The convolutions may include a penultimate convolution with a first radius of curvature and an ultimate convolution having a second, shorter radius of curvature to form a bridge. In this case, portions of the core can be bent back on themselves and directed over or around the bridge to form the mechanical interlock.