Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of flexible catheters comprising one or more flexibility regions. In one embodiment, a catheter comprises an elongate body having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first lumen defined by the elongate body and configured for drainage of a liquid from a bodily region; and a plurality of flexibility regions on or in the distal segment of the elongate body. The plurality of flexibility regions, collectively, is configured to passively bend anteriorly. Further, at least one of the plurality of flexibility regions has a defined percent volume of material removed and a defined cut depth percentage. The features and arrangement of the flexibility regions described herein result in the catheter requiring reduced force during insertion into a bodily lumen.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of flexible catheters comprising one or more flexibility regions. In one embodiment, a catheter comprises an elongate body having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first lumen defined by the elongate body and configured for drainage of a liquid from a bodily region; and a plurality of flexibility regions on or in the distal segment of the elongate body. The plurality of flexibility regions, collectively, is configured to passively bend anteriorly. Further, at least one of the plurality of flexibility regions has a defined percent volume of material removed and a defined cut depth percentage. The features and arrangement of the flexibility regions described herein result in the catheter requiring reduced force during insertion into a bodily lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for perfusing ischemic myocardium, and optionally, for reducing the load on a patient's left ventricle, are provided using a inlet conduit having an inlet end configured for insertion into an oxygenated blood source, including without limitation, the left atrium, left ventricle, aorta, pulmonary vein, subclavian artery, brachiocephalic artery, radial artery or femoral artery, coupled to an outlet conduit having an outlet end configured for insertion into the coronary venous vasculature via the coronary ostium. The inlet conduit may include a stylet or elastomeric sleeve that facilitates placement, while the outlet conduit may include a valve for limiting a peak pressure attained in the coronary venous system. A motor-driven or hydraulically-actuated pump optionally may be coupled in the flow path, and control circuitry provided to control the pump with a user selected duty cycle.

Abstract: A physiologically acceptable composition comprises a plurality of physiologically acceptable hydrogel particles which have been swollen in a water solution containing a low molecular weight water soluble organic compound, the solution having the ability to swell the particles. The concentration of the organic compound is such that the resulting particles can be inserted, without use of a carrier liquid utilizing a hand driven hypodermic syringe. The swollen hydrogel particles are substantially insoluble in body fluids. The composition is useful for treating urinary tract disorders.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for perfusing ischemic myocardium are provided using a tubular member having an end region adapted to be disposed in a portion of a patient's venous vasculature. The end region includes a lumen and a valve in communication with the lumen that controls pressure within an occluded portion of the vasculature by venting excess blood at a location proximal of a point of occlusion of the vasculature via the valve. An occlusion element optionally may be provided in the end region that retains the tubular member within the patient's venous vasculature and occludes the flow of blow around the lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing the load on a patient's left ventricle while perfusing ischemic myocardium are provided using a first conduit having an inlet end configured for insertion into the left atrium, left ventricle or aorta coupled to a second conduit having an outlet end configured for insertion into the coronary venous vasculature via the coronary ostium. A motor-driven or hydraulically-actuated pump may be coupled between an outlet end of the first conduit and an inlet end of the second conduit to direct flow between the first and second conduits. Control circuitry is provided for use with the motor-driven pump to control the pump with a user selected duty cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical device such as a stent in the form of an expandable mesh with an expandable polymer layer thereon. The mesh is metal or plastic. The polymer may be any of a variety of expandable polymers, which either expand upon hydration, or expand without significant resistance. The invention may be used, for example, as an expandable biliary, vascular, endotracheal, esophageal, or prostatic device.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided medical devices with incorporated shape memory systems that allow a polymeric medical device to be inserted in a first conformation or configuration and revert to a second conformation or configuration. The invention is useful in allowing the easy insertion or implantation of a device followed by expansion of the device in order to be retained without expulsion from a body cavity, for example. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a medical device, such as a ureteral stent, that includes comprising an elongated member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion joined by a body portion. The elongated member has an initial outer diameter. A retention construction serves for retaining the member within a bodily cavity. The member is formulated of a physiologically acceptable polymer capable of hydrating and expanding from the initial member outer diameter to form a final member outer diameter.

Abstract: A synthesis method is set forth for forming a physiologically acceptable composition comprising a plurality of physiologically acceptable hydrogel particles which have been swollen in a water solution containing a low molecular weight water soluble organic compound, the solution having the ability to swell the particles. The concentration of the organic compound is such that the resulting particles can be inserted, without use of a carrier liquid utilizing a hand driven hypodermic syringe. The swollen hydrogel particles are substantially insoluble in body fluids. The method comprises contacting not fully swollen hydrogel particles with the organic compound and with water.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary disorders utilizing a physiologically acceptable composition including a plurality of physiologically acceptable hydrogel particles which have been swollen in a water solution containing a low molecular weight water soluble organic compound, the solution having the ability to swell the particles. The concentration of the organic compound is such that the resulting particles can be inserted, without use of a carrier liquid utilizing a hand driven hypodermic syringe. The swollen hydrogel particles are substantially insoluble in body fluids.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical device such as a stent in the form of an expandable mesh with an expandable polymer layer thereon. The mesh is metal or plastic. The polymer may be any of a variety of expandable polymers, which either expand upon hydration, or expand without significant resistance. The invention may be used, for example, as an expandable biliary, vascular, endotracheal, esophageal, or prostatic device.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprising an elongated member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion joined by a body portion. The elongated member has an initial outer diameter. A retention construction serves for retaining the member within the ureter. The member is formulated of a physiologically acceptable polymer capable of hydrating and expanding from the initial member outer diameter to form a final member outer diameter. The stent can assume differing shapes and can exhibit different degrees of softening at different places along its length.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a prostate dilation balloon disposed on a urethral catheter, a fixation balloon also disposed on said catheter, wherein said catheter is partially or completely transparent, and a fiber optic endoscope disposed within said catheter. The scope is arranged so that it can visualize the area outside the catheter in order to determine whether the dilation balloon and fixation balloon are properly located within their respective targets within the urethra and/or bladder. The scope is also capable of focusing on objects which may be present in and along the urethra.

Abstract: A scope and stent system, the scope providing visibility not only through the urethra but also through the ureter during the insertion and placement of a ureteral stent. The scope is in the form of a fiber optic bundle having an appropriate provision for lighting and lensing thereof, and preferably having a video camera and monitor responsive to the image formed at the opposite end of the scope for viewing during the scope insertion process. The fiber optic bundle itself is made sufficiently small so that the entire scope may be fabricated with the appropriate dimensions of a typical stent guide wire and made sufficiently flexible for negotiating a tortuous path as required.

Abstract: A fetal shunt is disclosed which comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is provided with openings which extend into a lumen which forms a fluid-flow passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends. Either flanges or inflatable cuffs, which can be inflated to form a balloon extending around the tubular body, are provided intermediate the length of the tubular body. The outwardly projecting flanges or the inflated cuff portions form projections which maintain the position of the fetal shunt after it is implanted. The distal end of the tubular body of the shunt is provided with a valve for permitting fluid flow outwardly of the tubular body. The shunt provides a method for transferring cerebral spinal fluid from the fetal cranium to the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.