Abstract: An invasive medical device assembly includes an invasive medical device and a hub housing configured to surround a portion of the invasive medical device. The invasive medical device may be a needle or other invasive medical device, and the hub housing may be configured to surround a hub of the invasive medical device. In one aspect, the invasive medical device may include a transducer. The hub housing can include at least one integrated circuit embedded therein that is configured to contact the external surface of the needle to electrically connect the transducer to a power source. The hub housing can be configured to provide an ergonomic handle for a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ultrasonic catheter assembly. More specifically, the catheter assembly includes a catheter and one or more piezoelectric or echogenic components. The catheter has a side wall that extends from a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the lumen is configured to deliver a treatment fluid from the proximal end to the distal end. In addition, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured with the side wall of the catheter and/or embedded at least partially within the side wall of the catheter. As such, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter, e.g. when activated by a stimulator assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ultrasonic catheter assembly. More specifically, the catheter assembly includes a catheter and one or more piezoelectric or echogenic components. The catheter has a side wall that extends from a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the lumen is configured to deliver a treatment fluid from the proximal end to the distal end. In addition, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured with the side wall of the catheter and/or embedded at least partially within the side wall of the catheter. As such, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter, e.g. when activated by a stimulator assembly.

Abstract: A multi-headed catheter for fluid delivery and a method of placing a multi-headed catheter for fluid delivery are provided. The multi-headed catheter includes a first tube extending along an axis, wherein the first tube has at least one exit hole provided at a distal end of the first tube to define a perfusion section of the first tube; and a second tube extending along the axis, wherein at least a portion of the second tube is disposed within the first tube, wherein the second tube has at least one exit hole provided at a distal end of the second tube to define a perfusion section of the second tube. The distal end of the second tube is configured to exit said first tube at an opening provided along a wall of the first tube. The perfusion sections of the first tube and the second tube can be independently placed to deliver fluid to distinct anatomical areas within a surgical wound site.

Abstract: An elastomeric pump having at least one sensor for sensing changes in elongation of a bladder of the pump is provided. Also provided is an infusion assembly including an elastomeric pump having a bladder, at least one sensor for sensing changes in elongation of the bladder, and an indicator for providing one or more outputs of the sensor. The sensor may be a flexible sensor positioned in contact with the bladder of the pump, or a dielectric material may be incorporated into the material the bladder is made from such that the dielectric elastomer material of the bladder forms the sensor.

Abstract: A needle assembly for use with an ultrasound imaging system includes a needle having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is adapted to be inserted into a patient. The needle assembly also includes a transducer mounted to an exterior surface of the needle at the distal end. Further, the needle assembly includes a flexible printed circuit board mounted on the exterior surface of the needle from the proximal end to the distal end. As such, the flexible printed circuit board electrically connects the transducer to a power source.

Abstract: An invasive medical device assembly includes an invasive medical device and a hub housing configured to surround a portion of the invasive medical device. The invasive medical device may be a needle or other invasive medical device, and the hub housing may be configured to surround a hub of the invasive medical device. In one aspect, the invasive medical device may include a transducer. The hub housing can include at least one integrated circuit embedded therein that is configured to contact the external surface of the needle to electrically connect the transducer to a power source. The hub housing can be configured to provide an ergonomic handle for a user.

Abstract: A catheter placing instrument is provided. The catheter placing instrument includes an elongated body that extends in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body has a top surface configured to receive a catheter extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The elongated body includes a catheter insertion section and a grip section. The catheter insertion section includes a catheter locking clamp located at the distal end of the elongated body, and the grip section includes a catheter guide. The catheter placing instrument can be used to place or implant any tubular medical device within a patient's body. A method of placing a tubular medical device at a deep location within a patient's body is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for automatic detection, localization, and semantic segmentation of at least one anatomical object in a parameter space of an image generated by an imaging system. The method includes generating the image via the imaging system and providing the image of the anatomical object and surrounding tissue to a processor. Further, the method includes developing and training a parameter space deep learning network comprising convolutional neural networks to automatically detect the anatomical object and the surrounding tissue of the parameter space of the image. The method also includes automatically locating and segmenting, via additional convolutional neural networks, the anatomical object and surrounding tissue of the parameter space of the image. Moreover, the method includes automatically labeling the identified anatomical object and surrounding tissue on the image. Thus, the method also includes displaying the labeled image to a user in real time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an echogenic catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Further, the catheter assembly includes a coil member configured with at least a portion of the lumen of the catheter. The coil member forms a plurality of outwardly extending projections. One or more of the outwardly extending projections define a cross-sectional shape having at least one non-arcuate edge. As such, the non-arcuate edges of the outwardly extending projections are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter when inserted into a patient.

Abstract: A patient compliance system is provided that includes a patient monitoring material for determining movement activity associated with a joint of the patient. The patient monitoring material includes at least one sensor for sensing the movement activity and a transmitter. The system also includes a device having a receiver and a processor. The transmitter transmits the movement activity to the receiver, and the processor determines parameters associated with compliance with a rehabilitation/physical therapy program based on the movement activity. A method for monitoring movement activity of a patient is also provided. The method includes sensing movement activity associated with a joint of the patient via at least one sensor embedded within or attached to a patient monitoring material that surrounds the joint; transmitting the movement activity to a device; and determining parameters associated with compliance with a rehabilitation/physical therapy program based on the movement activity via a processor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an expandable sleeve for a catheter assembly. The expandable sleeve includes a body configured to fit coaxially around an outer diameter of a catheter of the catheter assembly at a transition location between a hub and the catheter. Further, the body of the sleeve includes a length extending from a first end to a second end. As such, the sleeve is expandable between a compressed position and an expanded position so as to prevent the catheter from collapsing along the length of the sleeve. In addition, when in the expanded position, at least a portion of an interior surface of the sleeve contacts an outer diameter of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for locating an object of interest (e.g., an anatomical region such as a muscle, nerve bundle, etc.) is provided. The catheter assembly includes a catheter having a catheter body defining a proximal end and a distal end; a transducer located at the distal end of the catheter; one or more transducer wires extending from a proximal end of the transducer towards the proximal end of the catheter; and a length of tubing surrounding the catheter, the transducer, and the one or more transducer wires, wherein the length of tubing has a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion surrounds the one or more transducer wires and the distal portion surrounds the transducer, wherein the proximal portion includes a conductive filler.

Abstract: A needle assembly for an ultrasound imaging system includes a needle defining a lumen from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The needle includes an outer wall defined by an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Further, the needle assembly includes an ultrasound transducer mounted to the outer wall of the needle at the distal end. Moreover, the ultrasound transducer does not increase the outer diameter of the needle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an echogenic member assembly for use with a catheter assembly. The echogenic member assembly includes at least one echogenic member having a cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end. Thus, the body defines a longitudinal length between the first and second ends. Further, the cylindrical body has an exterior surface extending from the first end to the second end. The exterior surface includes a plurality of discontinuities arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to enhance ultrasonic imaging. In addition, the longitudinal length of the echogenic member is less than a total length of a catheter of the catheter assembly. As such, the echogenic member provides enhanced ultrasonic imaging to the catheter assembly without compromising the inherent flexibility of the catheter.

Abstract: A multi-headed catheter for fluid delivery and a method of placing a multi-headed catheter for fluid delivery are provided. The multi-headed catheter includes a first tube extending along an axis, wherein the first tube has at least one exit hole provided at a distal end of the first tube to define a perfusion section of the first tube; and a second tube extending along the axis, wherein at least a portion of the second tube is disposed within the first tube, wherein the second tube has at least one exit hole provided at a distal end of the second tube to define a perfusion section of the second tube. The distal end of the second tube is configured to exit said first tube at an opening provided along a wall of the first tube. The perfusion sections of the first tube and the second tube can be independently placed to deliver fluid to distinct anatomical areas within a surgical wound site.

Abstract: A catheter placing instrument is provided. The catheter placing instrument includes an elongated body that extends in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body has a top surface configured to receive a catheter extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The elongated body includes a catheter insertion section and a grip section. The catheter insertion section includes a catheter locking clamp located at the distal end of the elongated body, and the grip section includes a catheter guide. The catheter placing instrument can be used to place or implant any tubular medical device within a patient's body. A method of placing a tubular medical device at a deep location within a patient's body is also provided.

Abstract: A needle assembly for use with an ultrasound imaging system includes a needle having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is adapted to be inserted into a patient. The needle assembly also includes a transducer mounted to an exterior surface of the needle at the distal end. Further, the needle assembly includes a flexible printed circuit board mounted on the exterior surface of the needle from the proximal end to the distal end. As such, the flexible printed circuit board electrically connects the transducer to a power source.

Abstract: An active needle assembly for use with an ultrasound imaging system includes a needle having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is adapted to be inserted into a patient. The needle assembly also includes a needle transducer mounted to an exterior surface of the needle. Further, the needle transducer has an area that is less than about two (2) square millimeters (mm2). Moreover, the needle assembly includes an electrical connection for connecting the needle transducer to a power source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an echogenic coil member for a catheter assembly and methods of manufacturing same. The catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the echogenic coil member is configured within the lumen of the catheter. Further, the coil member includes a plurality of outwardly extending projections that contain a plurality of discontinuities. As such, the discontinuities are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter assembly.