Abstract: A valve comprises a first housing including a first lumen extending therethrough and defining a first disk-facing surface and a second housing including a second lumen extending therethrough and defining a second disk-facing surface, the second housing being mated to the first housing so that the second disk-facing surface faces the first disk-facing surface in combination with a flexible disk gripped between gripping portions of the first and second disk-facing surfaces, the disk including a slit extending therethrough which, when acted upon by a fluid pressure of at least a predetermined threshold level opens to permit fluid flow between the first and second lumens and which, when acted upon by a fluid pressure less than the threshold level remains sealed preventing fluid flow between the first and second lumens and a relief well between opposing portions of the first and second housings radially outside the gripping portions, a width of the relief well exceeding a width of a radially outer portion of the f

Abstract: A flow control tip for a catheter comprises a partition dividing the catheter into first and second lumens, a first orifice fluidly connected to the first lumen and a second orifice fluidly connected to the second lumen, the first orifice being proximal to the second orifice, an elongate protrusion extending along a portion of the partition substantially along a centerline of the elongated body and a deflecting surface extending at an angle relative to the protrusion to direct flow from the first orifice away from the centerline.

Abstract: A catheter shaft including a metallic tubular member including a plurality of apertures formed in the tubular wall of the metallic tubular member to provide a desired degree of flexibility to the metallic tubular member. The metallic tubular member includes a tapered region intermediate a region and a second, reduced diameter region relative to the first region.

Abstract: Described is a catheter which includes a reinforced polymer shaft. The polymer includes nano particles having a dimension of less than about 6 nm. Described is also a method of forming a medical device. Granules of a selected polymer are prepared. Reinforced granules of the selected polymer are prepared. The reinforced granules include nano particles. The granules and the reinforced granules are then mixed in a ratio selected to obtain a desired concentration of the nano particles. The granules and the reinforced granules are extruded to form a substantially tubular element.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of asthma are provided, which comprise: (a) providing an implantable or insertable medical device that comprises an asthma treatment agent; and (b) inserting or implanting the medical device within the lungs (e.g., the trachea or the bronchial tree) of a patient, whereupon the therapeutic agent is delivered to the patient in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of asthma. Also disclosed herein are medical devices and kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an indwelling catheter is provided which comprises a catheter shaft. The catheter either comprises a light source or is adapted to receive light from a light source, and is configured such that light is transmitted from the light source into the catheter shaft. Moreover, the catheter shaft is formed of a polymeric material that transmits a quantity of light from the light source that is effective to inactivate microorganisms on a surface of the catheter shaft upon activation of the light source. For example, the light may inactivate the microorganisms directly or in conjunction with a photosensitizer. According to another aspect of the invention, a sterilization method is provided, which comprises activating the light source while the catheter is inserted in a subject.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as catheters, ports, and stents, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to multi-layer medical balloons. In one aspect, a medical device includes an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon includes a first layer including a material having a first modulus of elasticity, and a second layer adjacent the first layer, the second layer including a material having a second modulus of elasticity that differs from the first modulus of elasticity by at least about 2,000 psi. A cutting element is carried by the balloon.

Abstract: A catheter shaft and methods for making and using the same. The catheter shaft may include a core portion, a cap portion, and one or more lumens. The cap portion may be disposed on or over a section of the core portion and define a region with a different exterior or interior surface characteristic. For example, the cap portion may define a lubricious region along the catheter shaft. Manufacturing the catheter shaft may include a modified co-extrusion process that incorporates a flow valve on at least one of the material supply lines so that the supply line can be regulated by a user.

Abstract: A catheter for medical procedures comprises a shaft portion having a distal end insertable into a body lumen, the shaft portion having a wall defining a working lumen extending therewithin and a first strengthening element coupled to the wall to increase a burst pressure of the shaft portion, wherein the first strengthening element cooperates with a base material of the wall to define a flexible region of the shaft portion allowing the shaft portion to be atraumatically inserted into the body lumen.

Abstract: Implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which comprises: (a) a biocompatible polymer; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an analgesic agent, an anesthetic agent, and an antispasmodic agent. The medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion at a site associated with pain or discomfort upon implantation or insertion. In many embodiments, the therapeutic will be selected from at least one of (i) ketorolac and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., ketorolac tromethamine) and (ii) 4-diethylamino-2-butynylphenylcyclohexyl glycolate and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., oxybutynin chloride). Also provided are uses for the implantable or insertable medical devices, which uses comprise reducing pain or discomfort accompanying the implantation or insertion of such devices. Further uses may comprise reducing microbial buildup along the device.