Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using a photocatalytic method to activate a reaction on the catheter surface that generates oxidizing agents in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (“ROS”) and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter, a light source, and a source of power operably connected to the light source. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using a photocatalytic method to activate a reaction on the catheter surface that generates oxidizing agents in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (“ROS”) and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter, a light source, and a source of power operably connected to the light source. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo.

Abstract: A selectively rigidizable endoscopic device is described. In one aspect, an endoscopic medical device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: A medical device intended for use in performing minimally invasive procedures is provided. The device is intended for performing a pyloromyotomy in pediatric surgery, laparascopically. A key aspect of embodiments of the device is the dual-purpose functionality of the device as it combines both spreading of tissue and cutting of tissue, using mono- or bi-polar electric energy or a knife, with the same medical device. The use of the device requires fewer tool changes during surgery, improving safety and ease of use, as well as reducing surgery time. The devices lend themselves to torelatively cheaper manufacturing processes and lower overall cost compared to existing devices. They would also require less training time compared to current laparoscopic tools.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: A selectively rigidizable endoscopic device is described. In one aspect, an endoscopic medical device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.