Abstract: A catheter pump assembly is provided that includes an elongate body assembly, a shaft, and an impeller. The assembly has a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending therebetween. The shaft is disposed at least partially within the elongate body, e.g., in the at least one lumen, and journaled for rotation. The impeller is coupled with a distal portion of the shaft. The impeller is configured to be rotated to induce flow of blood when the impeller is placed in fluid communication with a source of blood. An inflatable balloon brace is disposed on an outer surface of the catheter pump. The inflatable balloon brace is spaced proximally of the impeller and has a low profile configuration for delivery through the vasculature and an expanded configuration for disposing (e.g., position and/or orienting) the impeller within the source of blood.

Abstract: A blood pump has a hollow body in which an impeller with a spiral blading produces an axial propulsion of blood along the impeller, as well as an at least partly actively stabilized magnetic bearing device and a hydrodynamic bearing device for the impeller. The impeller may be set into a rotation about a rotation axis of the impeller with a motor stator located outside the hollow body. The hollow body has an inlet for the flow of blood into the hollow body in an inflow direction which is essentially parallel to the rotation axis, and an outlet for the outflow of the blood out of the hollow body in an outflow direction which is offset to the rotation axis of the impeller to produce a non-zero outflow angle (?) between the inflow direction and the outflow direction. A total artificial heart can be formed from two such blood pumps.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable power pack. In one implementation, the implantable power pack includes a housing, a power output port disposed on the housing, a resonant network configured to receive a wireless power transfer from an external primary power source, a power transfer secondary electronics component configured to convert alternating current power received from the resonant network to direct current power, and a power management component configured to provide the direct current power through the power output port.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid handling system are disclosed herein. For example, the fluid handling system can include a catheter assembly and a console configured to control the operation of the catheter assembly. A removable interface member can be configured to provide fluid and electrical communication between the catheter assembly and the console.

Abstract: A method of operating an extracorporeal blood treatment includes, prior to commencing an extracorporeal blood treatment, reading from a storage device (4a, 5a) stored values of a patient-specific prescription parameter. These stored values relate to a sequence of previous extracorporeal blood treatments. In addition, the method includes processing the stored values of the parameter read from the storage device (4a, 5a) according to a predetermined algorithm to determine a current value of the patient-specific prescription parameter. The current value is then available for the subsequent extracorporeal blood treatment.

Abstract: A system and method for pairing a dialysis machine with peripheral devices are disclosed. An example system includes first and second memory devices, a first dialysis machine including a first memory device port configured to be connectable to the first memory device, and a second dialysis machine including a second memory device port configured to be connectable to the second memory device. The system also includes an intermediate data transfer unit including a port configured to connect to the first and the second memory devices to enable data transfer with the respective dialysis machines. The intermediate data transfer unit is configured to receive data from a weight sensor, a blood pressure sensor, or a remote exchange device for a patient and store the data to the first or second memory device to communicate the data to the respective first or second dialysis machine.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of water for various uses including blood treatment are described. In embodiments, fluid is passed through a first filtration step which is effective for creating purified water and a pair of ultrafilters placed at the outlet. The ultrafilters are separated by an intervening flow path to prevent grow-through from the outlet end upstream. In embodiments, a recirculation path with an air removing filter helps to eliminate air from the ultimate product water.

Abstract: A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.

Abstract: A vascular device and method for positioning a vascular device within a patient's vasculature for use in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are described that make use of one or more ultrasound transducers supported by the vascular device to visualize the location and orientation of the vascular device. An ultrasound transducer may be provided at a port of the vascular device that infuses oxygenated blood into the patient's vasculature to allow the operator of the vascular device to align the port with a particular structure in the patient's body, such as the tricuspid valve of the heart. Another ultrasound transducer may additionally or alternatively be provided at a distal end of the vascular device to facilitate insertion of the vascular device with minimal injury or trauma to the patient and to allow advancement of the device to the correct location. The imaging may be continuous and may be provided in real-time.

Abstract: An assembly for nasal irrigation for the handheld irrigation of a user's nasal cavity comprising a housing with a refill chamber containing irrigating fluid, an applicator, an actuator for forcing irrigating fluid from the refill chamber through the applicator into the user's nasal cavity during operation, and a solution port for refilling the refill chamber. Some embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a system for nasal irrigation that includes the assembly for nasal irrigation or handheld irrigator, as well as a solution assembly structured for dispensing irrigating fluid to the handheld irrigator, a docking station for removably housing the handheld irrigator, a solution assembly and a refill control, including a check valve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to providing, at the exit from the nozzle of an irrigator, an intermittent gas-liquid jet for enabling effective cleaning, while being easy to use. A bulb (1) has an aerator introduced therein which is in the form of a tubular element (7) with open tips (71, 72) and a perforation region (73) in the side wall of the element (7), said region being comprised of at least one hole. The end of the tubular element (7) on the open-ended side is freely disposed in the cavity of the bulb (1), and the tip (71) is disposed with clearance from the base of the bulb.

Abstract: A suction-irrigation head includes a manifold set, one end extending to form a discharge pipe and an intake pipe, an end of the discharge pipe forming a discharge opening, an end of the intake pipe forming an intake opening; a tube including a circumferential wall, intake bores disposed on one side of the circumferential wall, discharge bores disposed on the other side of the circumferential wall; and a separation wall, the interior of the manifold set and the tube being divided by the separation wall to form an intake chamber and a discharge chamber not communicating with each other, the intake chamber, the intake pipe, and the intake bores communicating with one another, and the discharge chamber, the discharge pipe and the discharge bores communicating with one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in part, to a kit including at least two prefilled syringes. The first prefilled syringe includes a dose of a hazardous agent in a first volume of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ambulatory therapeutic fluid delivery device. The device includes at least one housing connectable to a cannula, the at least one housing retaining a reservoir to hold the therapeutic fluid. The device also includes a mechanically powered pumping mechanism to cause delivery of at least some of the fluid from the reservoir, and a power-transfer mechanism to transfer manually-delivered power provided by a user to mechanically actuate the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: Methods for programming an implantable drug delivery device using a mobile computing device that include establishing a connection with a telemetry unit configured for wireless communication with the implantable drug delivery device, displaying user-selectable drug delivery settings for the implantable drug delivery device, receiving at least one selection of a drug delivery setting, translating the received selection into a signal format readable by the telemetry unit, and sending the translated signal to the telemetry unit to program the implantable drug delivery device. Further embodiments include telemetry units for communication with an implantable drug delivery device, and patient programmers and a method for patient modification to a programmed drug delivery regimen.

Abstract: An injection needle unit includes a plurality of injection needles, a plate-shaped member that has a first surface for holding a proximal portion of the plurality of injection needles, and a lid member that is disposed so as to face a second surface which is a back surface of the first surface of the plate-shaped member. The plate-shaped member has a first groove which connects a supply tube for supplying the liquid to the second surface and a second groove which distributes the liquid to the plurality of injection needles. The lid member has a third groove in a region where the first groove and the second groove face each other.

Abstract: A liquid infusion apparatus includes an infusion needle in which a flow path of a liquid is provided, a supporting member having elasticity and supporting a position between a tip end and a base end of the infusion needle in a longitudinal direction, a regulating member that regulates a movement of the base end of the infusion needle, and a pump that transports the liquid.

Abstract: An infusion needle indwelled within a living body and infusing a fluid into the living body, includes a first flow path that guides a puncture needle to be inserted into and pulled out from the living body and serves as a flow path of the fluid after the puncture needle is removed, and a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path along the first flow path.

Abstract: A device (2) for continuous infusions has a housing (4) in which an infusion appliance seat (6) is provided for receiving an infusion appliance (18) with at least one container (22) that can be pressed empty by means of a ram (20), which infusion appliance seat (6) extends along, a main axis of extent (AA) from a ram-side end (26) to an outlet-side end (28). The continuous infusion device (2) moreover has an actuator (30) for automatically emptying the infusion appliance (18), a drive (32) for moving a ram abutment/actuation element (24) of the actuator (30), and a control arrangement (72) by means of which a speed of advance of the actuator (30) is adjustable. Provision is made here that the main axis of extent (AA) of the infusion appliance seat (6) has a predetermined relief angle (W) in relation to a support plane (E) of the housing (4), and here the outlet-side end (28) is arranged above the ram-side end (26) of the infusion appliance seat (6).

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device and method that includes a sensor device for detecting the motion of a diaphragm of an accumulator over time. Sensor data from the sensor device may enable indirect measurement of the flow conditions of the device. A processor within the implantable drug delivery device may use the sensor data to detect when motion of the diaphragm of the accumulator over time is outside normal or acceptable parameters and take an action in response.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related operating methods. An exemplary device includes a sensing arrangement to provide an output indicative of a characteristic that is influenced by operation of the device, and a control module that is coupled to the sensing arrangement to apply a matched filter corresponding to a condition associated with the operation of the device to the output of the sensing arrangement and detect that condition based on the filtered output. In one example, the device includes a motor coupled to a plunger of a reservoir and operable to displace the plunger, wherein the characteristic is a force opposing displacement of the plunger and the control module detects an occlusion condition in a fluid path from the reservoir based on filtered force measurements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dispensing a fluid using an automated fluid delivery system are disclosed. A pump may be configured to force an aliquot of fluid into a fluid delivery channel. A processor may receive values of a property for the aliquot and the source of the aliquot. The processor may use the values to determine the volume of the aliquot. The determined volume is compared by the processor against an expected volume to establish the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit, such as time or revolutions. The processor controls operation of the pump to dispense a predetermined dose based on the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for use are provided, where the apparatus includes: (a) a first catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein a distal portion of the first catheter includes a first one or more outlets, (b) a first tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the first tubular housing is coupled to the first catheter proximal to the at least one first outlet, (c) one or more pressure sensors coupled to the distal end of the first tubular housing, and (d) a second catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a distal portion of the second catheter includes a second one or more outlets, and wherein the distal end of the second catheter is configured to be positioned substantially within one of (i) the first catheter or (ii) a second tubular housing coupled to one or more of the first catheter and the first tubular housing, when the second catheter is in a first position.

Abstract: A drug infusion system located at least partially external to the patient having a pump and a patient programmer control configured to present to the patient a question and receive patient input information in response thereto. A patient response rule module is configured to apply a rule to the input information provided by a patient. For example, the patient response rule can be used to provide an insulin pump setting according to the patient response rule or to provide a setting, or to provide a setting that is proposed to the user. Other systems and methods are also described such as asking questions related to the adjustment of future therapy settings.

Abstract: An autoinjector having a body to receive a reservoir and an actuator sleeve including a contact end and extending inside the body and movable relative to the body between projecting positions and an actuated position. The actuator sleeve is in a first projecting position before actuation of the autoinjector and in a second projecting position after actuation. The actuator sleeve, in the second projecting position, extends axially further out from the body than in the first projecting position and includes an annular zone that, in the first projecting position, is arranged inside the body and in the second projecting position is arranged outside the body. The annular zone includes a visual indicator that the autoinjector has been actuated. Axially adjacent the annular zone the actuator sleeve includes a shoulder, projecting radially outwards relative to the visual indicator, thereby protecting the indicator against contact with the inside of the body.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the current application is a doorstop to a drug delivery apparatus that encourages a user of the apparatus to perform the proper usage steps in the proper order. For example, a user may be expected to receive an injector in a transport state, open it to an open state, insert a cartridge, and/or close the cartridge before operation. The doorstop may have an obstructing mode, optionally preventing closing of the door. The cartridge may optionally have a non-obstructing mode allowing closing of the door. Inserting the cartridge may optionally cause a doorstop to move from the obstructing mode to the non-obstructing mode. In the non-obstructing mode the doorstop may optionally prevent removal of the cartridge.

Abstract: The operation member (11) has a central opening (17) with a periphery (18) and at least one protruding element (20) arranged on the periphery and extending into the opening, which is surrounded by a protruding rim (21). The protruding rim is interrupted along the periphery by at least one gap (22). If more than one gap is provided, the gaps are arranged such that the pattern of the gaps does not comprise a symmetry that would allow a rotation different from an integer multiple of 360° around a central axis of the opening to map the complete pattern of gaps onto itself. The operation member may be combined with a drive member comprising abutments in positions corresponding to the positions of the gaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a field of drug injection, and discloses a drug information detection device and a drug information detection type injection device. The drug information detection device is configured to detect an injected dose of an injection pen containing drug. The drug information detection device includes a housing, a rotary encoder configured to convert rotational information of the adjusting knob into drug injected dose information, and a control assembly. The rotary encoder includes an encoder body and a rotary block rotatably connected to the encoder body. The encoder body and the control assembly are electrically connected to each other. The housing is configured to cover the encoder body and the control assembly.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a proximal sub-assembly and a distal sub-assembly configured to be connected to each other. The proximal sub-assembly includes a key member, and the distal sub-assembly includes a power pack unit having a lock mechanism for locking the power pack unit such that unintentional activation of the power pack unit during transportation is avoided. The key member is configured to interact with the lock mechanism during assembling of the proximal and distal sub-assemblies such that the lock mechanism is released.

Abstract: Apparatus, e.g. a syringe, for dispensing foam includes means for ensuring that only foam of adequate quality is dispensed. In use, the syringe may be filled from a pressurised canister which generates foam e.g. for therapeutic use in treating varicose veins. An initial quantity of foam dispensed from the canister may be of inadequate quality in which case it should not be used: the syringe includes means to ensure that this initial quantity of foam is diverted to a waste port or to an internal waste chamber e.g. located in the syringe plunger. Foam dispensed after the initial quantity of poor quality foam is stored in the main barrel of the syringe ready for administration to a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injectors, such as pen-type injectors, that provide for administration of medicinal products from a multidose-cartridge and permit a user to set the delivery dose. The injector may include a housing, a piston rod adapted to operate through the housing, a dose dial sleeve located between the housing and the piston rod, and a drive sleeve located between the dose dial sleeve and the piston rod. The dose dial sleeve may have a helical thread of first lead and the drive sleeve may have a helical groove of second lead. The first lead of the helical thread and the second lead of the helical groove may be the same.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a tubular housing having opposite proximal and distal ends; an injection drive configured to exert force on a medicament container to expel medicament; and an injection drive holder configured to releasably hold the injection drive in a pre-tensioned state before injection of the medicament. The injection drive holder includes a tubular extension part for receiving the injection drive to be axially movable therein and a release ring coaxially arranged on the tubular extension part, the release ring being axially movable between proximal and distal positions along the outer surface of the tubular extension part. The tubular extension part is configured to engage with the injection drive when the release ring is at the proximal position and release the injection drive as the release ring moves distally from the proximal position.

Abstract: A needle tip storage and removal device for use with a needle tip includes a needle hub and a needle extending axially therefrom, which includes a storage compartment formed in a given forming step for containing a needle tip in a sterile environment and for being sealed by an openable seal element, and a needle removal housing for receiving a used needle tip, the housing having been formed in a separate forming step, and being connected to or around the storage compartment.

Abstract: An injection needle 1 made of an alloy containing cobalt and molybdenum is manufactured as follows. First, a lancet cut is carried out to a pipe-like metallic material composed of the alloy containing cobalt and molybdenum to form a blade tip 3 and a blade part 5. Then, a distal end part 1A including the blade tip 3 is mechanically polished, and thereafter, the distal end part 1A is immersed in an electrolytic solution and electrolytically polished. Thus, burrs at the blade tip 3 or the like generated during mechanical polishing are removed. Since the injection needle 1 is composed of the alloy containing cobalt and molybdenum, compared to a conventional injection needle made of stainless steel, an injection needle in which the surface roughness of an inner peripheral surface of the injection needle is low and smooth can be provided.

Abstract: An indwelling needle, which injects a liquid into a living body while being caused to indwell the living body, includes a tubular portion which includes a hollow space for transporting the liquid and a non-hollow distal portion which is stuck into the living body. The tubular portion includes a channel for guiding the liquid to the living body from the hollow space.

Abstract: It is known in the art to use an apparatus to enhance the visual appearance of the veins and arteries in a patient to facilitate insertion of needles into those veins and arteries. This application discloses a number of inventions that add additional data collection and presentation capabilities to a handheld vein enhancement apparatus and a set of processes for the collection of blood and the delivery of IV medicines that use the handheld device to mediate the process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sprayer which may include, but is not limited to, a main body with a neck an inner cross section area of which gradually decreases; an air blowing module installed for air in the inside of the main body to be discharged to the outside; a liquid medicine container installed at a lower side of the main body and having air holes at a lid of the liquid medicine container; a nozzle cap having a minimum diameter part at an inner intermediate portion and assembled to the neck of the main body; a nozzle a rear end of which is open and connected to an end of a liquid supply pipe; and a rib which is configured to support in such a way that a central axis of the nozzle can position on a central axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention provides a budesonide/formoterol dry powder inhaler (10) comprising: •a reservoir (14) containing a dry powder medicament and an arrangement for delivering a metered dose of the medicament from the reservoir; •a cyclone deagglomerator (10?) for breaking up agglomerates of the dry powder medicament; •a delivery passageway/34) for directing an inhalation-induced air flow through a mouthpiece (24), the delivery passageway extending to the metered dose of medicament, •wherein the medicament comprises micronised formoterol fumarate, micronised budesonide and a lactose carrier, the lactose carrier having a particle size distribution of d10=20-65 ?m, d50=80-120 ?m, d90=130-180 ?m and <10 um=<10%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dry powder inhaler comprising: a reservoir containing a dry powder formulation and an arrangement for delivering a metered dose of the medicament from the reservoir; a cyclone deagglomerator for breaking up agglomerates of the dry powder medicament; and a delivery passageway for directing an inhalation-induced air flow through a mouthpiece, the delivery passageway extending to the metered dose of medicament, wherein the formulation comprises an inhalable ?2-agonist having a particle size distribution of d10<1 ?m, d50=1-3 ?m, d90=3.5-6 ?m and NLT 99% 10 ?m and a lactose carrier.

Abstract: A head-mountable flow generator is configured to deliver a flow of breathable gas at a continuously positive pressure with respect to ambient air pressure to a patient interface in communication with an entrance to a patient's airways including at least an entrance of the patient's nares, while the patient is sleeping, to ameliorate sleep disordered breathing. The flow generator includes a motor, an impeller assembly and housing that encases the motor and the impeller assembly. The housing is configured to be mounted on the patient's head and comprises an inlet to receive the flow of breathable gas and a pair of opposing outlets to deliver the flow of breathable gas. In addition, the impeller assembly is configured to pressurize the flow of breathable gas received from the inlet, and the housing is configured to convey the pressurized flow of breathable gas through both outlets.

Abstract: An airway catheter (“AEC”) includes a catheter tube having proximal and distal tube end faces in fluid communication with a tube lumen. The distal tube end face and a portion of the tube wall collectively form a distal tube end region. A plurality of side holes extend laterally through the tube wall. An inflatable cuff is secured to the outer tube wall surface with an inner cuff volume in fluid communication with the tube lumen via the side holes. A resistor plug has proximal and distal plug end faces in fluid communication with a plug lumen and is defined laterally by a plug wall. The resistor plug is maintained within at least a portion of the tube lumen in the distal tube end region with an outer plug wall surface being at least partially in compressive contact with the inner tube wall surface.

Abstract: A device for providing ventilatory assist to a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a manifold having an inspiratory port to receive an inspiratory flow from an inspiratory supply line, an interface port connectable to an external end of an endotracheal tube inserted in a patient's trachea and an expiratory port configured to receive an expiratory flow from the endotracheal tube via the interface port. An inspiratory lumen has a distal end insertable in the endotracheal tube. A cross-section of the inspiratory lumen is smaller than that of the endotracheal tube to allow gas flowing in the endotracheal tube. The inspiratory flow is directed to the inspiratory lumen, or to the endotracheal tube, or at once to the inspiratory lumen and to the endotracheal tube. A ventilatory assist system and method using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can be used in the selection of correctly sized respiratory interfaces. The method includes the use of light beams to project sizing markers onto a patient's face, which enables the size of the patient's facial features to be measured relative to a set of interface sizes. A sizing apparatus can include a light source and beam splitters that will refract and project the light source into a series of beams that can be aligned on a patient's face in order to measure the features of the patient.

Abstract: A moisture removal and condensation and humidity management apparatus for a breathing circuit comprises a breathing circuit tubing defining a breathing gas conduit. The breathing gas has a first humidity level and a level of moisture therein. A dry gas conduit is adjacent at least a portion of the breathing gas conduit. The dry gas flow is configured to have a second humidity level lower than the first humidity level. A moisture transmission pathway is provided between the breathing gas conduit and the dry gas conduit, such that humidity in the flow of breathing gas is lowered and moisture is transferred to the dry gas flow. The moisture transmission pathway may be provided by a permeable portion which is permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquid water, or by one or more perforations which permit drainage of liquid water from the breathing gas conduit to the dry gas conduit.

Abstract: A tub is configured to contain a supply of water and is configured to be inserted into a chamber of a humidifier. The tub includes a tub base configured to contain the supply of water. The tub also includes a tub lid and a flow plate provided between the tub base and the tub lid. The flow plate includes a water level indicator configured to indicate a level of the supply of water in the tub base. In addition, the water level indicator includes a generally rectangular portion and a generally triangular portion.

Abstract: A children's soothing device, such as a motorized swing, a motorized glider, a motorized rocker, a motorized bouncer, a playard, a crib, a car seat, a stroller, an infant carrier, or a bassinet, can include one or more speakers, one or more vibrating motors or solenoids, and one or more light attractions or lights for soothing a child. The children's soothing device can include a control system for storing and reading sound and other data files to output music or other sounds through the speakers and to activate and deactivate the vibrating motors in a synchronized pattern with the sound or music. The children's soother device can also evaluate the sound and other data files to synchronize the activation, deactivation, and/or change of state of the light attraction or lights with the sound/music and the vibrating motors.

Abstract: A tip for a medical device includes a hollow body having a window, a sensor positioned within the hollow body and oriented such that its active surface is pointed towards the window, and a membrane positioned within a beam path of the sensor. The membrane passes energy without preventing an outer surface of the hollow body of the tip from coming in contact with tissue, thus allowing the hollow body to deliver therapy to an adjacent tissue and/or diagnose adjacent tissue. The membrane can cover the window or the sensor. The membrane is desirably permeable to an irrigant, such that a suitable level of irrigant outflow from the window is maintained, and thin enough that it minimizes attenuation of energy passing to and/or from the sensor.

Abstract: Various single-part catheter assemblies, multi-part integrated catheter assemblies, and methods for making the same are disclosed. The single-part catheter assemblies include a catheter hub integrally formed with a catheter tube for insertion into the bloodstream of a patient. The multi-part integrated catheter assemblies include a catheter hub integrally formed to a catheter tube for insertion into the bloodstream of a patient. The catheter assemblies of the invention may be injection molded in a single step or in multiple steps by injecting flows of molten plastic into a cavity of molds provided herein such that the flows converge into an even distribution about the circumference of the sleeve. The mold may have a core pin designed to fit into the cavity. Through the use of the even distribution of flows, the core pin may be seated within the cavity in an untensioned manner. The catheter assemblies of the invention may be produced of a single material or of multiple materials.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a catheter includes at least first and second controllable rate material feeders that feed at least first and second materials into a temperature-controlled mixer to form a compound material that varies in flexibility and/or strength with the respective first and second materials and material feed rates. An extruder extrudes the compound material onto a rotating and translating mandrel to thereby form a variable stiffness profile along a length of the catheter that depends on respective rates of rotation and translation of the mandrel.

Abstract: An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of stiff segments, one of the flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are visible under a medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.