Abstract: An infusion pump assembly is disclosed. The infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: A spindle device for a piston, held in a reservoir containing a medicament fluid. The spindle device includes: a first displacement stage with a thread, a second displacement stage with a thread, a drive stage between the displacement stages and having two threads, with one thread engaging the thread of the first displacement stage forming a first spindle drive, and the second thread engaging the thread of the second displacement stage forming a second spindle drive. The first displacement stage and the drive stage move simultaneously in the direction of advance. The first and second displacement stages are connected in a rotationally fixed manner by an element axially surrounding the drive stage for the rotational securing, and the drive stage can be coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to an entrainment rod of a drive device, with the entrainment rod insertable into an axial hole on the drive stage.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir assembly configured to contain an infusible fluid. A motor assembly is configured to act upon the reservoir assembly and dispense at least a portion of the infusible fluid contained within the reservoir assembly. Processing logic is configured to control the motor assembly. A primary power supply is configured to provide primary electrical energy to at least a portion of the processing logic. A backup power supply is configured to provide backup electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic in the event that the primary power supply fails to provide the primary electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic.

Abstract: A precision syringe pump employing a syringe comprises a motor, a lead screw and a syringe driving head connected to the lead screw. The syringe comprises a cylinder and a plunger. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to drive the syringe driving head and push the plunger to move within the cylinder. The syringe pump further comprises: a magnetoresistive sensor, at least one permanent magnet and an MCU, the at least one permanent magnet being located on the lead screw and rotating therewith; the magnetoresistive sensor can sense the magnetic field generated by the at least one permanent magnet; the input end of the MCU is connected to the magnetoresistive sensor, and the output end of the MCU is connected to the motor; the MCU receives signals from the magnetoresistive sensor and controls, according to the signal feedback, the direction and velocity of the lead screw rotated by the motor.

Abstract: A metering device for delivering a pharmaceutical fluid, includes a reusable part and a consumable part. The reusable part includes a housing, a control unit, a driving device, and a coupling member driven by an output wheel for transmitting a drive output to a spindle device. The consumable part includes the fluid reservoir and a piston which can be advanced by the spindle device, with the spindle device disposed on the consumable part and having a spindle, and the spindle device coupled by the coupling member to the reusable part. A force sensor disposed on the reusable part is provided for indirect pressure measurement. The metering device is configured such that after partial or complete filling, the spindle device is in the retracted state. The coupling member is axially slidably mounted and the output wheel is supported by the force sensor on a fixed base.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods that can be used for the practice of regenerative medicine. For example, this document provides devices and methods for injecting stem cell material into tissue, such as heart tissue.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: A disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle includes a needle assembly having a needle cannula slidably disposed within a safety enclosure. An angular orientation to the needle within the enclosure maintains an insertion angle allowing the safety enclosure to remain substantially flush with a dermal surface during and while the needle is inserted. The safety enclosure also includes an internally disposed flexible safety member. The flexible safety member has face portion transversely situated and having a safety feature disposed to the needle and that slides thereon. Retracting the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle. As a result, the safety feature receives the sharp tip of the needle.

Abstract: Medical fluid-flow regulating devices are provided. Such medical fluid-flow regulating devices typically include a rotor and a flow-regulator element engaged or engageable with each other via a coupling that below a torque and/or fluidic-pressure threshold value allows the flow-regulator element to move upon rotation of the rotor and thereby regulate fluid flow. The medical fluid-flow regulating devices also include a blocking unit that above the torque and/or fluidic-pressure threshold value irreversibly blocks the rotor or the flow-regulator element or the coupling between the rotor and the flow-regulator element resulting in irreversible inactivation of the medical fluid-flow regulating device. Systems incorporating such medical fluid-flow regulating devices are also provided. Methods for detecting inactivation of such devices are also provided.

Abstract: A valve device (1) for a medical system comprises a valve housing (10), an inlet port (102) arranged on the valve housing (10), an outlet port (103) arranged on the valve housing (10), a flow duct (12) extending through the valve housing (10) connecting the inlet port (102) and the outlet port (103) to allow for a fluid flow (P) through the valve housing between the inlet port (102) and the outlet port (103), and a closure element (11) ranged on the valve housing (10) for selectively opening and closing the flow duct (12).

Abstract: A fluid infusion device including a housing that receives a sealed fluid reservoir is presented here. The fluid infusion device includes a drive motor assembly, an actuation mechanism, a force sensor, and at least one processor in the housing. The processor detects insertion of the fluid reservoir and incrementally rewinds the drive motor assembly to achieve an equilibrium state. The processor advances the drive motor assembly and obtains at least one measure of force using the force sensor until the at least one measure of force indicates that the fluid reservoir has reached an initial seated state. The processor performs a stabilizing cycle with the drive motor assembly. The processor advances the drive motor assembly and obtains at least one subsequent measure of force using the force sensor until the at least one subsequent measure of force indicates that the fluid reservoir has reached a subsequent sealed state.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.

Abstract: A technique for treating diabetes that recognizes patient insulin sensitivity is a time-varying physiological parameter. The described techniques for treating diabetes include measuring interstitial fluid glucose concentration, reading insulin delivery data, determining patient insulin sensitivity based on the interstitial fluid glucose concentration and insulin delivery data, and a time-varying physiological parameter, and dispensing an insulin dose from an insulin delivery device based on the determined patient insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is presented having a housing, and a medicament container holder arranged movable in a longitudinal direction in relation to the housing. The medicament container holder is arranged to accommodate a medicament container, is arranged as a multi-chamber container having a medicament and a diluent in different chambers, a plunger rod operably arranged to act on the medicament container, a retaining element capable of releasably retaining the plunger rod to the housing, actuation force elements capable of, upon activation, moving the medicament container holder in relation to the housing such that the plunger rod acts on the medicament container for mixing the medicament and the diluent.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided with a cartridge holder having at least one guide track, and a body having at least one interaction member adapted and arranged to mechanically cooperate with the at least one guide track. The guide track has a first section and a second section, wherein the path which is defined by the first section encloses an angle with the longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the angle which is enclosed by the path defined by the first section with the longitudinal axis is smaller than the angle which is enclosed by the path defined by the second section with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A syringe mechanism for the auto-regeneration of the dermis is provided. The syringe mechanism includes: a liquid syringe filled with liquid in a cylinder thereof, a piston inserted into a top of the cylinder, a discharge portion formed at a bottom portion of the cylinder, and screw threads formed around the discharge portion; and an injecting member having a cylindrical body portion, an inlet portion formed to be inserted and coupled with the discharge portion at a top end of the cylindrical body portion, and a coupling portion formed to be coupled with the screw threads around the inlet portion, the screw threads and the coupling portion rotated and inserted so as to be fastened to the liquid syringe so that liquid is injected into the top portion of the body portion via the liquid syringe.

Abstract: A flush syringe assembly comprises a barrel including a cylindrical side wall having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A plunger including an elongate body portion having a stopper at its distal end is provided. The stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel for driving fluid out of the chamber through the passageway. The stopper includes a distal portion and a proximal portion separated by a spring element and configured to compress when fluid is being driven through the passageway by motion of the plunger and to continue to drive fluid through the passageway after motion of the plunger has stopped.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided comprising a container, a first product and a second product. The device is configured to mix the first product and the second product with each other within the container for forming a drug mixture. The device is further configured for dispensing the drug mixture. The device comprises a mixing member. The device is switchable from a first state, in which the first product and the second product are separated, into a second state, in which the first product and the second product are mixed. The mixing member is configured to exert a force onto the container in order to move the container to mix the first product and the second product with each other. Furthermore, a method for maintaining a predetermined property of a drug mixture to be dispensed from a drug delivery device is provided.

Abstract: A mechanism in the body is used to drive a piston rod and comprises means for guiding the movement of the piston rod relatively to the body while delivering the drug. Further means are provided for releasing the piston rod from the means for guiding the movement, thus enabling a reset of the piston rod to a start position, especially after the receptacle has been emptied and is to be refilled. The device is constructed in such a manner that a reset of the piston rod is facilitated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dose setting mechanism that may be used with a drug delivery device. The dose setting mechanism may include an inner body having a helical thread along an outer cylindrical surface of the inner body, and a drive sleeve for driving a piston rod in an axial direction, the drive sleeve positioned within at least a portion of the inner body. The dose setting mechanism may further include a dose dial sleeve rotatably engaged with the helical thread of the inner body and a dial grip connected to the dose dial sleeve and releasably connected to the drive sleeve. Further when a dose is set, the dial grip is rotated so that both the dose dial sleeve and the drive sleeve rotate with respect to the inner body.

Abstract: An elastic cap detachably mountable to a barrel tip portion of a barrel so as to seal a tip of a needle hole includes a cylindrical receiving hole configured to receive at least part of a barrel tip portion and a puncture needle of a barrel. The receiving hole includes a first inner diameter portion having a smaller diameter than an outer diameter of the annular head; a stopper portion provided at an end of the first inner diameter portion; and a second inner diameter portion that is formed from the stopper portion to a bottom wall provided at an end of the second inner diameter portion, the second inner diameter portion having a smaller diameter than the first inner diameter portion.

Abstract: A needle guard device mountable to a pre-filled syringe in its ready-to-fill state. The device includes a device shield interconnected to a lock collar with flexible member and biased to move relative to the lock collar. The lock collar interfaces with the syringe neck to attach the device to the syringe. As the device shield moves proximally, rotation arms of the lock collar interact with angled cutouts in the device shield, causing the device shield to rotate relative to the lock collar and disengaging one or more keys on the device shield from one or more keyways in the lock collar triggering the device shield to move from a first configuration in which the device shield is retractable to expose a syringe sharp to a second configuration in which the device shield is fixedly positioned to cover the syringe sharp.

Abstract: A needle assembly (1) includes a cover (5)(7) provided to be movable to a first position where a cannula (2)(3) is exposed and a second position where a distal end projects further than the cannula. In the cover, circumferential-direction locking sections (25)(43) or front-back-direction grooves (24)(42) continuing to the circumferential-direction locking sections or engaging protrusions (5a)(33a) movable along the circumferential-direction locking sections and the front-back-direction grooves are provided.

Abstract: Implants are placed in turbinate mucosal tissue using a surgical device having a proximal grip portion and a distal hollow sharp needle portion that is manipulated using the grip portion and inserted submucosally into mucosal turbinate tissue. One or more biodegradable, drug-eluting solid implants are disposed within the needle. The implants have one or more implant withdrawal-discouraging, mucosal tissue-engaging surface features along their length. An actuator disposed within the device is used to deliver one or more of the implants from the needle into the mucosal turbinate tissue and submucosally bury at least one such tissue-engaging feature therein.

Abstract: A fluid injection system and a fluid verification system for confirming that a syringe, containing a fluid for injection, is fully filled with fluid and neither has free space (i.e., air) near the distal end thereof when the syringe is provided in an upright position nor contains air bubbles. Imaging processing techniques and systems are also provided to determine various injection parameters and to verify the type and certain properties of fluid that is present within a syringe.

Abstract: A fluid injection system and a fluid verification system for confirming that a syringe, containing a fluid for injection, is fully filled with fluid and neither has free space (i.e., air) near the distal end thereof when the syringe is provided in an upright position nor contains air bubbles. Imaging processing techniques and systems are also provided to determine various injection parameters and to verify the type and certain properties of fluid that is present within a syringe.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical injecting device comprises a main body case, a piston, a drive mechanism, a display component, and a controller. The body case has a cartridge holder in which a pharmaceutical syringe is installed. The piston is provided movably with respect to the pharmaceutical syringe that is installed in the cartridge holder. The drive mechanism drives the piston. The controller is electrically connected to the drive mechanism. The display component is connected to the controller. The controller has a display controller. The display controller causes the display component to display a plurality of injection sites and to display at two or more injection sites selectable displays indicating that those injection sites are suitable for injection.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a fill adapter device including a heat exchanger which includes a heating element and a fluid pathway, the fluid pathway fluidly connected to a filling needle input, whereby fluid enters the heat exchanger through the filling needle input and flows through the fluid pathway and whereby the fluid is heated by the heating element. The system also includes a reservoir including a plunger and a plunger rod and a filling needle configured to be removably attached to the reservoir, wherein the fill adapter is configured to be attached to a vial of fluid and wherein fluid from the vial flows through the fluid pathway and is heated and loaded into the reservoir through the filling needle.

Abstract: A system for filtering vaporized medicinal compounds includes a vaporizer configured to release one or more volatilized medicinal compounds in gaseous form, together with solid or semi-solid particulate byproducts, and one or more removable filters for efficiently removing at least a portion of the particulate byproducts while allowing passage of medicinally active volatilized compounds. The vaporizer includes a mouthpiece through which one or more volatilized medicinal compounds may be drawn. The filter is made of a chemically inert material (e.g., polypropylene or other polyolefin) and may be configured to detachably interface with an exposed surface of a vaporizer mouthpiece. The filter acts to remove solid or semi-solid particulate matter passing through the mouthpiece with minimal chemical and/or physical interference with volatilized medicinal compounds, which pass through the filter. The removable filter can also prevent cross-contamination by multiple users of the vaporizer.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler (1) for pulmonary or nasal use, employing capsules (6) containing a dose of powder for inhalation, comprising four components: a capsule tray (2), a cover (4) and a mouthpiece (8) and an inhaler body (3). Air is drawn by the patient via the mouthpiece (8) which is in communication with the capsule (6) and travels via air paths through the device (1) and through the capsule (6) thereby dispersing and entraining the dose of powder. The capsule (6) is cut by cutting means (18, 19) located on the body (3). The inhaler body (3), the mouthpiece (8) and the cover (4) are provided with hinge segments (20, 35, 42) which when assembled together and the mouthpiece (8) is locked into the body (3), form a single hinge (5) and which allows the cover (4) to freely pivot around the body (3) and the mouthpiece (8).

Abstract: The present invention provides for an enhanced eductor element that significantly increases the amount of pressure generated at the siphon tube without significantly increasing the flow resistance through the eductor. The invention further provides for breath-actuated inhalation devices comprising the enhanced eductor element as an actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A system for collecting an anaesthetic agent, having at least one anaesthetic gas scavenging system (AGSS) for receiving exhaust gas from a plurality of sources, the exhaust gas including the anaesthetic agent to be collected, each AGSS comprising at least one power source for providing suction of the exhaust gas from the plurality of sources under negative pressure, and a central collection system for receiving the exhaust gas, the central collection system comprising at least one collector for collecting the anaesthetic agent from the exhaust gas, wherein the at least one collector is configured to adsorb the anaesthetic agent from the exhaust gas. The central collection system may be configured to received the exhaust gases from the at least one AGSS, with the central collection system being located downstream of the at least one AGSS.

Abstract: A mask system for delivering air to a user includes a suspension mechanism to allow relative movement between a face-contacting cushion and a mask shell. The suspension mechanism also provides a predetermined force to the cushion that is a function of mask pressure, displacement of the cushion or both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resuscitating a patient suffering from cardiac arrest or another condition in which normal circulation has been interrupted. A ventilator is used for delivering a gas mixture to the patient. The ventilator is configured to adjust the partial pressure of CO2 to one or more partial pressures high enough to slow expiration of CO2 from the patient's lungs and thereby maintain a reduced pH in the patient's tissues for a period of time following return of spontaneous circulation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated and humidified mixture of oxygen and air are provided. The apparatus includes an air compressor and oxygen concentrator enclosed in the housing of a vapor transfer system. The air compressor supplies air at a first pressure to a gas inlet. The oxygen concentrator provides oxygen at a second pressure to the gas inlet. The oxygen concentrator and the air compressor are in fluid communication and are configured such that the first pressure of the compressed air and the second pressure of the oxygen are about equal. The apparatus includes a vapor transfer system having a gas passage, a liquid passage having heated liquid and vapor, and a membrane that separates the gas passage and liquid passage. The membrane is positioned to transfer vapor from the liquid passage to the gas passage.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for inhaling an aroma. The apparatus to inhale an aroma includes a cylindrical tube, an aroma dispensing member, and a filter. The cylindrical tube is elongated in a lengthwise direction, extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the cylindrical tube is in fluid communication with an exterior of the cylindrical tube. The distal end of the cylindrical tube is also in fluid communication with an exterior of the cylindrical tube. The aroma dispensing member is positionable within an interior of the cylindrical tube between the proximal end of the cylindrical tube and the distal end of the cylindrical tube. The filter is also positionable within the interior of the cylindrical tube between the aroma dispensing member and the proximal end of the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus comprising a method of recording natural sounds with a matched microphone array, recording the signal on a high resolution recording device including creating an audio bed, and playing back the recording on a tuned playback system. The method and apparatus is used to create or duplicate an ambient sound space for ambient therapy.

Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agent delivery catheter, comprising a first hollow tube and a second hollow tube 2 which protrudes from a distal opening of the first hollow tube 1 and defines an agent delivery lumen 3 extending along the entire length of the catheter, wherein: the distal end of the first tube 1 is coupled to the second tube 2 to form an annular cavity 4 between the first tube 1 and the second tube 2, the annular cavity 4 being configured to accommodate a retractable stylet shaft 5; a ceramic member 6 which is disposed at the distal end of the first tube 1, in particular distally with respect to the distal opening of the first tube 1, encompasses the second tube 2 and couples the first tube 1 to the second tube 2, in particular via a third hollow tube 23 which encompasses the first tube 1 and the ceramic member 6; and a protective shrink-fit tube 7 is disposed radially on the outside of the ceramic member 6 and extends over at least the length of the ceramic member 6.

Abstract: A system of topographic patterns for the prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The patterns may be provided on the surfaces of certain devices that are prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, such as urinary catheters. To reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, and to remove existing biofilms, the patterns are induced to transform from a first topography to a second topography. For example, the surface patterns may be formed from a shape memory polymer and then heated to transform the patterns from the first topography to the second topography to dislodge bacteria and prevent fouling.

Abstract: A neuromodulation catheter includes an elongate shaft and a neuromodulation element. The shaft includes two or more first cut shapes and two or more second cut shapes along a helical path extending around a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first cut shapes are configured to at least partially resist deformation in response to longitudinal compression and tension on the shaft and torsion on the shaft in a first circumferential direction. The second cut shapes are configured to at least partially resist deformation in response to longitudinal compression on the shaft and torsion on the shaft in both first and second opposite circumferential directions.

Abstract: A kit for connecting a hollow cannula 40 to a hollow organ of a patient's body may include a sheath 70 having a tapered surface defined by a plurality of flaps at its distal end. A delivery tube 50 is slidably positioned within the sheath so that the sheath and delivery tube form a sealed enclosure that entirely contains the cannula. The enclosure and the cannula may be completely purged of air. An elongated dilator 10 may project through the sealed assembly in slideable engagement with the sheath and delivery tube. After advancing the liquid-filled enclosure into the organ, the distal end of the sheath is opened by advancing the delivery tube, and the cannula is advanced until an anchor 48 at the distal end of the cannula exits the delivery tube inside the organ and opens to anchor the cannula in place.

Abstract: Methods for treating inflammatory pulmonary diseases by administering to the patient an effective amount of one or more pharmaceutical agents are disclosed. The pharmaceutical agents administered can include antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDs, DMARDs, growth factor receptor inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, neurotransmitter receptor inhibitors, or protease inhibitors. The dose administered is effective to suppress or prevent initiation, progression, or relapses of disease, including the progression of established disease. The pharmaceutical agent is administered to a patient determined to have the disease and at an amount effective to suppress or prevent activity of the disease. The pharmaceutical agent is administered using a transtracheal, transbronchial, or transvascular drug delivery catheter. The pharmaceutical agent can be administered to the patient's pulmonary tissue to suppress reactions in response to bronchial thermoplasty either before, during, or after bronchial thermoplasty.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a protective tip defining an interior chamber between its proximal and distal ends. A protective lubricious sleeve is positioned within the interior chamber. A catheter of the assembly is configured to be advanced proximally into and through the interior chamber to position at least a portion of the catheter within the protective sleeve, with the protective sleeve being retained upon the catheter as at least a proximal portion of the catheter exits the proximal end of the protective tip and is advanced through a body lumen. A second sleeve may be associated with the protective tip and configured to extend distally from the protective tip to remain outside of the body lumen during use and receive a more distal portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter is responsive to external and internal magnetic field generators for generating signals representing position and pressure data, with a reduced number of sensing coil leads for minimizing lead breakage and failure. The catheter includes a flexible joint with pressure sensing and position coils, at least pair of a pressure sensing coil and a position coil are serially connected. Methods of calibrating a catheter for position and pressure sensing, and detecting magnetic field interference with one catheter by another catheter or other metal or ferrous object advantageously use signals between two sets of sensors as a “back up” or “error check”.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device (10) comprising a friction member (30, 48) configured to assist in controlling and/or limiting unintentional and/or undesirable movement between two releasably secured components (18, 28) of the medical device. The releasably secured components may be part of a resistance assembly for holding a medical device actuator (20) in a particular position and/or to improve the ease of which the activator moves into one position versus another position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of transvascular retrograde access placement and to devices that facilitate these methods. For purposes of the present invention, transvascular retrograde access placement generally comprises the insertion of a vascular catheter into a central blood vessel through the puncturing of the central blood vessel from the inside of the central blood vessel with a needle or other similarly configured device, or a needle-tipped guidewire of the present invention, and exiting that needle from the patient through the skin rather than the traditional approach of inserting a needle from the outside of the skin surface to the inside of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a balloon with a shape for treating a vessel at a bifurcation, includes an oblique proximal end of the balloon, and a catheter shaft which is at least partially eccentric to a central axis of the balloon. Markers used for longitudinal and rotational alignment are included on the catheter shaft. A torque transmission element may be used for transmitting torque from the stiff proximal segment of the catheter to the distal flexible balloon segment of the catheter.