Abstract: A dilator may include a leading portion that includes a leading end coupled to a leading stem. The dilator may further include a trailing portion that includes a trailing end coupled to a trailing shaft. The dilator may also include a segmented body disposed between the leading end and the trailing end. The segmented body may include a plurality of segments disposed circumferentially around the leading stem. The leading stem may extend through a passageway of the segmented body, an opening of the trailing end and a channel of the trailing shaft. The leading stem and the trailing shaft may be configured to move longitudinally relative to one another to radially outwardly expand the segmented body.

Abstract: An elongate access sheath comprises a proximal portion and a lumen. The proximal portion supports a control handle, a brake pad, a tension gear, and a locking trigger. A deflector filament extends through the lumen and is coupled to the tension gear. The tension gear includes an outside and an inner engagement portion. The brake pad comprises a slot and an outside engagement portion. The locking trigger includes a pin disposed within the brake pad slot. The control handle includes a lever and an engagement portion. Upward movement of the lever engages the engagement portion with the outside engagement portion of the tension gear to rotate the tension gear in a first direction and slides the deflector filament to bend the lumen distal portion. Translation of the locking trigger engages the brake pad and the tension gear to prevent rotation of the tension gear in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus for inserting devices for closing tissue openings are disclosed. Examples may include a handle, sheath and/or sleeve for insertion into a patient and through or adjacent a tissue defect, fistula, or other tissue opening to be closed. Winding mechanisms for operation in or with such inserting devices are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device constructed and arranged for contact with a flow of blood or other bodily fluid of a patient and including an attached binding agent or a roughened surface that binds to pathogenic cells targeted for elimination from the blood or other bodily fluid. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the device.

Abstract: A dilator may include a leading portion that includes a leading end coupled to a leading stem. The dilator may further include a trailing portion that includes a trailing end coupled to a trailing shaft. The dilator may also include a segmented body disposed between the leading end and the trailing end. The segmented body may include a plurality of segments disposed circumferentially around the leading stem. The leading stem may extend through a passageway of the segmented body, an opening of the trailing end and a channel of the trailing shaft. The leading stem and the trailing shaft may be configured to move longitudinally relative to one another to radially outwardly expand the segmented body.

Abstract: An elongate access sheath comprises a proximal portion and a lumen. The proximal portion supports a control handle, a brake pad, a tension gear, and a locking trigger. A deflector filament extends through the lumen and is coupled to the tension gear. The tension gear includes an outside and an inner engagement portion. The brake pad comprises a slot and an outside engagement portion. The locking trigger includes a pin disposed within the brake pad slot. The control handle includes a lever and an engagement portion. Upward movement of the lever engages the engagement portion with the outside engagement portion of the tension gear to rotate the tension gear in a first direction and slides the deflector filament to bend the lumen distal portion. Translation of the locking trigger engages the brake pad and the tension gear to prevent rotation of the tension gear in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device constructed and arranged for contact with a flow of blood or other bodily fluid of a patient and including an attached binding agent or a roughened surface that binds to pathogenic cells targeted for elimination from the blood or other bodily fluid. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the device.

Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus for inserting devices for closing tissue openings are disclosed. Examples may include a handle, sheath and/or sleeve for insertion into a patient and through or adjacent a tissue defect, fistula, or other tissue opening to be closed. Winding mechanisms for operation in or with such inserting devices are also described.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an access sheath for positioning in a patient's body is provided. The access sheath comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a plurality of lumens formed therethrough including a working lumen and a first additional lumen. The first additional lumen is configured to receive an optical system or an irrigation system. The proximal portion has a stiffening section that includes a first coil and one of a braiding and a second coil which are disposed about the working lumen in concentric relationship with each other. The distal portion has a tip and a first deflection section and a second deflection section. The first deflection section is proximal to the tip and distal to the second deflection section. The first deflection section is configured to be actuated to bend at a first angle to position the tip. The second deflection section is configured to bend at a second angle to reposition the tip.

Abstract: A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member, a locking assembly engaged with a proximal end of the tubular member, and a tension member for drawing a distal end of the tubular member into a desired configuration. The locking assembly includes a connector, a locking arm, and a locking mechanism. The connector has an exterior surface profile that corresponds with an interior surface profile of the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably attached to the connector to enable pivoting movement of the locking arm between an unlocked position and a locked position whereby the tension member is secured between the locking arm and the connector when the arm is in the locked position. The locking assembly may alternatively comprise a connector and a sliding sleeve or a connector having a clamping element disposed therein.

Abstract: A guide wire for guiding a medical device within a body lumen is described. The guide wire includes a proximal section, a distal section, and a mid section. The proximal section includes a proximal wire core tapered with contraction towards a proximal end of the proximal wire core. The distal section includes a distal wire core tapered with contraction towards a distal end of the distal wire core. The mid section includes a joint for joining the proximal wire core and the distal wire core. The guide wire also includes a safety wire extending along the mid section, and along at least parts of the proximal and distal sections. Moreover, the guide wire includes an outer tubing enveloping the overlapping joint and at least parts of the proximal and distal sections.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an access sheath for positioning in a patient's body is provided. The access sheath comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a plurality of lumens formed therethrough including a working lumen and a first additional lumen. The first additional lumen is configured to receive an optical system or an irrigation system. The proximal portion has a stiffening section that includes a first coil and one of a braiding and a second coil which are disposed about the working lumen in concentric relationship with each other. The distal portion has a tip and a first deflection section and a second deflection section. The first deflection section is proximal to the tip and distal to the second deflection section. The first deflection section is configured to be actuated to bend at a first angle to position the tip. The second deflection section is configured to bend at a second angle to reposition the tip.

Abstract: A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member, a locking assembly engaged with a proximal end of the tubular member, and a tension member for drawing a distal end of the tubular member into a desired configuration. The locking assembly includes a connector, a locking arm, and a locking mechanism. The connector has an exterior surface profile that corresponds with an interior surface profile of the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably attached to the connector to enable pivoting movement of the locking arm between an unlocked position and a locked position whereby the tension member is secured between the locking arm and the connector when the arm is in the locked position. The locking assembly may alternatively comprise a connector and a sliding sleeve or a connector having a clamping element disposed therein.

Abstract: A disposable access sheath having a deflectable tip is provided. The access sheath is very flexible and allows a physician or other medical professional to provide diagnostic or therapeutic services to a remote body cavity. The access sheath has a deflectable tip that is able to bend at least 90° or 180° or more. This flexibility allows the physician or medical professional to make a very tight turn to visualize or treat the body cavity being treated. The access sheath may include a visualization system, a working channel, an irrigation channel, or other desirable features. The access sheath may include an interface at the proximal end of the working channel for insertion of an instrument for diagnosis or treatment of a human or mammalian patient.

Abstract: A guide wire for guiding a medical device within a body lumen is described. The guide wire includes a proximal section, a distal section, and a mid section. The proximal section includes a proximal wire core tapered with contraction towards a proximal end of the proximal wire core. The distal section includes a distal wire core tapered with contraction towards a distal end of the distal wire core. The mid section includes a joint for joining the proximal wire core and the distal wire core. The guide wire also includes a safety wire extending along the mid section, and along at least parts of the proximal and distal sections. Moreover, the guide wire includes an outer tubing enveloping the overlapping joint and at least parts of the proximal and distal sections.

Abstract: A composite wire guide is formed from a more flexible distal wire guide and stiffer proximal wire guide. The flexible and stiff wire guides are joined by a connector that is tapered to provide a smooth transition between the distal and proximal portions. In other embodiments, wire guides may be joined by a joining ring, which may have a cross-section that is uniform, stepped, or tapered.