Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable device, in particular for wall repair comprising a reinforcing textile implant having first and second surfaces, a bioadhesive coating to coat said first surface at least in part, said coating comprising at least one ionic, cross-linked bioadhesive polymer selected from among the following polymers: an acrylic acid polymer, methacrylic acid polymer, itaconic acid polymer, maleic acid polymer or maleic anhydride polymer having an adhesive function that can be activated in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery system may have a plurality of components with interior surfaces that cooperate to define a fluid pathway through which fluid flows into a body of a patient. One or more anticoagulant coatings may reside on one or more of the interior surfaces to restrict blood clot formation in the fluid pathway. Manufacture of the intravenous delivery system may commence with provision of the components and preparation of an anticoagulant solution. The one or more interior surfaces may be exposed to the anticoagulant solution to form the anticoagulant coating. The anticoagulant coating may be caused to adhere to the one or more interior surfaces. The anticoagulant solution may be prepared by dissolving a triblock copolymer, such as PEO-PPO-PEO or PEO-PBD-PEO, in water. Irradiation may be applied to the anticoagulant coatings and interior surfaces to form covalent bonds.

Abstract: A stand-alone system for assessing wound exudates from the wound of a patient is described. The system contains functionality to detect, process and report various wound parameters. The system also may make treatment determinations based on these findings. The system may detect one or more physiological values of the wound exudates from the wound of the patient. The system may also compare detected physiological values to predetermined physiological values, in order to obtain a comparison result in real time. The system may include a processor (15) which provides an electronic signal based on the comparison result in which the electronic signal may corresponds to guidelines for treating the wound (3). The system described may be an accessory, which may be used on its own, or in conjunction with other wound treatment devices (9).

Abstract: A device for removing objects from an in vivo subject includes vacuum tube adapted to be associated with a sheath sized to be inserted into a passageway of the subject. The vacuum tube provides a suction channel extending therethrough. A navigation mechanism is designed to guide the vacuum tube through the passageway. The removal device is designed to remove debris having an approximate diameter of between about 0.0001 mm to about 8 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biologically inspired, either manual or electronic, portable fluid expression system to be used for, but not limited to, breast milk expression from nursing women and other milk expression from any species of mammal. The fluid expression systems can be configured to mimic the anatomy of a suckling infant and the biomechanics and fluid dynamics associated with this behavior. The fluid expression system can be used by nursing mothers to express breast milk efficiently, painlessly, and discreetly. The systems can include a single, contiguous flexible structure designed to resemble the lips and oropharyngeal cavity of a newborn infant of the mammalian species of interest. Rigid external housings or stiffening structures can be used to mimic the bony anatomy of the infant or mammalian species of interest.

Abstract: An implantable heart help device adapted for implantation in a human patient is provided. The device comprising a fixating member adapted to fixate said device to a part of the human body comprising bone. Further a method of fixating an implantable heart help device in a human patient is provided. The method comprises the steps of: cutting the skin of said human patient, dissecting an area of the body comprising bone, and fixating said implantable heart help device to said part of the body comprising bone.

Abstract: A molded interconnect device can carry a Hall sensor for transducing a position of a rotor of the implantable blood pump. The molded interconnect device includes one or more integrated electronic circuit traces configured to electrically connect the hall sensor with a printed circuit board of the implantable blood pump, and the molded interconnect device is configured to be mounted to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on the heart muscle, said device comprising at least one pump device comprising: a first part having a first surface, and a second part having a second surface. The first part is displaceable in relation to the second part and said first and second surfaces abut each other, at least partially. The second part exerts, directly or indirectly, force on an external part of said heart muscle.

Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a microphone and a component that provide voice recognition capabilities to the machine. For example, in some implementations, the component is configured to identify and/or authenticate voice commands that are issued by a user. The voice command may cause the dialysis machine to carry out a dialysis function. Alternatively, the voice command may cause a user interface of the dialysis machine (e.g., a display, such as a touchscreen display) to be adjusted. A dialysis machine can also include a speaker for providing spoken information to a user. For example, in some implementations, the speaker can provide spoken instructions to assist the user in machine set-up, calibration, and/or operation. Such spoken instructions can be particularly useful in a home dialysis setting. In some implementations, the speaker can provide spoken alarms that are related to alarm conditions.

Abstract: An electrical heating device for medical equipment is provided. The electrical heating device includes a conducting body forming a channel therethrough for fluid travel, a base dielectric layer disposed on the conducting body, a heater surrounding the base dielectric layer and the conducting body, a top dielectric layer disposed on the heater, and a protection housing that is preformed and that defines a cavity to receive the top dielectric layer and the heater in the cavity. The base dielectric layer and the top dielectric layer jointly enclose the heater. At least one of the base dielectric layer and the top dielectric layer has a radial portion at a side of the heater such that the radial portion surrounds a portion of the base layer dielectric that is sandwiched between the heater and the conducting body and no portion of the heater is exposed from the base dielectric layer and the top dielectric layer.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a fluid line fluidly communicating with a fluid source, a peritoneal dialysis unit configured to be placed in fluid communication with the fluid line, the peritoneal dialysis unit including a first user interface and a first control unit, the first user interface configured to receive first user inputs related to a peritoneal dialysis treatment, the first control unit configured to operate the peritoneal dialysis unit in accordance with the first user inputs to perform the peritoneal dialysis treatment, and a blood treatment unit configured to be placed in fluid communication with the fluid line, the blood treatment unit including a second user interface and a second control unit, the second user interface configured to receive second user inputs related to a blood treatment, the second control unit configured to operate the blood treatment unit in accordance with the second user inputs to perform the blood treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a treatment unit (2) having a first chamber (3) and a second chamber (4) separated from one another by a semipermeable membrane (5), a blood removal line (6) connected in inlet with the first chamber (3) and a blood return line (7) connected in outlet with the first chamber; an infusion line (9; 9a, 9b) of a replacement fluid and a fluid evacuation line (10) connected in outlet from the second chamber.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis machine configured to control fluid loss or ultrafiltration (“UF”) volume over a treatment; a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows selection of a prescription entry for the treatment; and a processor operating with the GUI, the processor programmed to (i) receive a plurality of prescription entries via a local or wide area mode of data communication, each prescription entry including at least one prescribed parameter for operating the dialysis machine to control the fluid loss or UF volume, and (ii) enable an operator to choose between the prescription entries provided at the GUI, and select one of the prescription entries for the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and uses for recycling at least a part of water lost during various renal replacement therapy processes, e.g. in the preparation of a fresh dialysate solution or fresh reconstitution fluid for kidney disease dialysis and hemofiltration by utilizing water from the spent fluids. The system of the invention is useful in hemodialysis and in peritoneal dialysis as well as in hemofiltration for reuse of water from filtrates and spent fluids. In addition, the system of the invention is useful in the development of a renal assist device or artificial kidney.

Abstract: A universal adapter for connecting a syringe to an injector is provided. The universal adapter for connecting a syringe to an injector includes: a body having a proximal end configured to connect to an injector; at least one radial support connected to the body and biased in an inward direction; and at least one axial support biased to position the syringe in an axial direction toward a distal end of the adapter. The at least one radial support defines a notch positioned to contact and engage a portion of a barrel of the syringe. A fluid delivery system and system for identification of a syringe, which include a universal adapter for connecting a syringe to an injector, are also described herein.

Abstract: A neural probe structure has a probe having a microfluidic channel. The probe is inserted into an inside of a subject. A body to which the probe is fixed has a fluid entrance communicating with the microfluidic channel. A cover element is fixed to the body to cover the fluid entrance. The cover element has a connecting opening to which an external conduit is connected, and a fluid delivery channel extending such that the connecting opening and the fluid entrance are in fluid communication. A fluid fed from the external conduit flows along the fluid delivery channel, goes into the fluid entrance, and is delivered to the subject through the microfluidic channel.

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 mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for producing a sterilized subcutaneous access device, the method comprising: producing a device carrier unit, comprising providing a carrier, producing a subcutaneous access part on the carrier, the subcutaneous access part being provided with at least one of a sensor device for detecting an analyte present in a bodily fluid and an infusion device for infusion of a substance, and producing an electronic assembly on the carrier, the producing comprising printing a battery on a carrier material, and sterilizing the device carrier unit by radiation sterilization, the sterilizing comprising exposing the printed battery to the radiation applied for sterilization. Furthermore, the application relates to a sterilized subcutaneous access device.

Abstract: The invention is related to a dispense interface (402) for a drug delivery device for delivering at least two drug agents, wherein the dispense interface (402) is configured to be coupled to a cartridge holder of the drug delivery device, wherein the cartridge holder is configured to hold at least two cartridges (416, 418), wherein the dispense interface (402) comprises at least two inlet channels (404, 406), each comprising a fluid inlet opening (408, 412), wherein each fluid inlet opening (408, 412) is configured to receive fluid from a respective cartridge of the at least two cartridges (416, 418) when the dispense interface (402) is axially coupled to the cartridge holder, an outlet channel (424) comprising a fluid outlet opening (426), a valve structure (420) configured to be selectively moved into any one of a plurality of positions, wherein in at least one position the valve structure (420) selectively permits or prevents fluid flow from any of the at least two inlet channels (404, 406) to the outlet c

Abstract: A method for injecting a substance through a biological body surface includes providing a needle-free transdermal transport device configured to inject the substance through the surface. The substance is injected into the biological body with the transport device while a parameter of the injection is sensed and a servo-controller is used to dynamically adjust at least one injection characteristic based on the sensed parameter. The substance is injected for (i) a first time period during which a first portion of a volume of the substance is injected at a first injection pressure, and (ii) a second time period during which a remainder of the volume of the substance is injected at a second injection pressure. A viscosity of the substance may be determined, and a pressure calculated for injecting the substance based on the viscosity. The substance may be injected with the transport device by using the calculated pressure.

Abstract: A bladder syringe for a fluid delivery system includes a cylindrical body, a cap-bladder assembly, a plunger element disposed in the cylindrical body, and a mounting assembly to secure the cap-bladder assembly to the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a throughbore. The cap-bladder assembly is adapted for connection to the distal end of the cylindrical body, and includes a cap body and a bladder. The cap body defines an interior cavity and a distal discharge conduit and is adapted to engage the distal end of the cylindrical body. A disc-shaped bladder is disposed within the interior cavity and typically includes a central membrane portion. The plunger element is disposed in the throughbore of the cylindrical body and is vented to enable evacuation of the space between the plunger element and the cap-bladder assembly in the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A drug capsule and a method for making a drug capsule for a drug delivery device, such as an auto injector or needle-free injector, with improved stability and container closure integrity. The injector comprises a drug capsule sealed by a piston fabricated from PTFE modified by the inclusion of a co-polymer of PPVE, preferably in an amount less than 1% by weight, resulting in better performance while the device is stored and subjected to temperature cycling.

Abstract: A segmented safety cover may include: a) a proximal segment combined with a needle hub; b) a needle cannula that extends from the proximal needle hub to a distal sharpened end; c) a distal end cap with a hollow bore through which the cannula shaft passes; d) a centrally mounted toggle locking mechanism, separating the proximal needle hub from the distal end cap; e) the toggle locking mechanism is torsion spring assisted; f) a proximal cover segment is connected to the hub via a proximal hinge and a distal cover segment is connected to the end cap via a distal hinge; g) said proximal cover segment and said distal cover segment of said toggle locking mechanism being configured with abutting faces when the segmented safety cover is in a safety mode; and h) wherein the proximal hinge, abutting faces and distal hinge are in line in the safe mode.

Abstract: A device that is used in conjunction with a needle-based medication injection device (e.g. a prefilled syringe) that prevents needle stick injuries. The used needle is shielded by a needle guard that surrounds and extends beyond the needle tip. In a preferred embodiment, before the needle is inserted into the patient, the needle guard projects forward to substantially hide visibility of the needle for safety and to reduce patient anxiety.

Abstract: A syringe assembly configured to urge soft tissue out of a surgical path includes a syringe, an elongate support member and a securing member. The syringe includes a barrel, a needle with a needle tip and a plunger movably mounted in the syringe barrel. The syringe defines a longitudinal axis. The elongated support member has a proximal end, a distal end and an arcuate-shaped cross-section. The securing member is fixed near the proximal end of the elongate support member. The securing member is configured to attach the elongate support member to the syringe. A support length is defined between the securing member and the distal end and a tip length is defined between the securing member and the needle tip when the support member is mounted to the syringe. The tip length is greater than the support length when the syringe assembly is in an injection configuration.

Abstract: A connector mountable to a syringe barrel has a proximal barrel-engaging portion, a distal luer fitment portion, and a fluid aperture therethrough. The barrel-engaging portion of the connector includes an axial ledge configured to abut the axial distal edge of a glass syringe barrel. The connector facilitates mounting a luer assembly to the barrel. The luer assembly may be a tip cap having a complementary luer fitment for connection to the luer fitment portion of the connector. The luer assembly may be a luer needle assembly having a complementary luer fitment for connection to the luer fitment portion of the connector. The connector and syringe may further include an immobile, compressible needle seal. The needle seal is adjacent to or engageable with the barrel-engaging portion of the connector. The syringe may be configured with a plunger capable of engaging a retractable needle.

Abstract: A novel device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts is disclosed having a vaporization element for being fluidly coupled with an input port of a waterpipe. The vaporization element having a resistive heater for heating of phyto material extract for vaporization thereof and for inhalation of vapor from an inhalation aperture of the waterpipe. The device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts having an adjustable clamping mechanism and a plurality of batteries for powering of the resistive heater.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a pharmaceutical medium, including a sensor for sensing a dispensing operation and an electronic processing circuit for sensing and further processing a signal caused by the sensor. In order to simplify the design, the sensor is part of a sensor unit, which has a radio transmitter for producing a radio signal, and the processing circuit has a radio receiver, which designed to receive the radio signal produced by the radio transmitter.

Abstract: An inhaler is provided that includes a controller, a driver, an atomizer and one or more sensors for detecting information about a velocity of inhalation of a user of the inhaler. The controller is configured to dispense an inhalant from the inhaler during an inhalation of the user based on information about the velocity of inhalation of the user. Such information can include a duration of maximum inhalation velocity or an increase or maximum in the acceleration in inhalation velocity. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to enhance the delivery of drugs and therapeutic agents for those patients having a weakened respiratory system who are unable to take a deep or full breadth, e.g., patients having asthma or COPD. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to deliver a variety of drugs and therapeutic agents including agents for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and device for dispersing powders and, in particular, to a method of dispersing inhaling powders in which a powder is positioned in a passage wherein the passage has one or more exits, one or more inlets and one or more obstructions to block the movement or to contain the powder within the device before use, whereupon a breaching pressure differential between the one or more exits and the one or more inlets of the passage is applied to breach the one or more obstructions so as to generate a flow through the passage which fully or partially aerosolizes the powder by means of the generated flow thus releasing a fully or partially aerosolized powder from the device.

Abstract: A compact single-nostril atomizer for the inhalation of active ingredients is presented. The atomizer has an elastic U-shaped housing, a first end of which can be introduced into the nostril and a second end of which is formed as a clamping element. In the first end of the housing a cavity for receiving a reservoir is disposed. A reservoir containing an active ingredient can be inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: An inner cannula (20) for a tracheostomy tube is made by extruding tubing (41) and cutting into separate lengths or preforms (42). Each preform (42) is placed in a mould (50, 51, 52) and blow moulded to expand the preform into contact with an inner surface (53, 54) of the mould which is shaped to produce a pattern on the outside of the preform of two intersecting diagonal corrugations (211, 212) that act to strengthen the blow moulded preform against lateral forces. The inner surface of the mould may also be textured so that the blow moulded preform is given a texture (213) to reduce friction with the outer tube (1).

Abstract: A device (1) for the ventilation of a human being or animal which comprises a dome (2) having a cavity (2a), which dome (2) is attached to a laryngeal ring (3) for sealing the human being or animal's internal airways, at least one oxygen tube (4) that connects to the cavity (2a) of the dome (2), for allowing oxygen or gases to enter or leave the human being or animal's internal airways and at least one laryngeal aspiration tube (5), different from the oxygen tube (4), that also connects to the cavity (2a) of the dome (2), for allowing air and/or secretions to leave the human being or animal's internal airways.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus in which the swing in pressure at the patient interface is adjusted by regulating the air flow from the flow generator through an air delivery conduit taking into account a pressure drop representative of the inertance of the airflow in the air delivery conduit during the increase of air flow from the flow generator.

Abstract: A respiratory mask can include one or a plurality of force sensors configured to detect a force imparted to a user's skin. Output from the one or more sensors can be represented in a way useful to the patient or healthcare provider for adjusting the mask to achieve a desired fitment. A representation of the detected forces can be displayed on a separate display device or on the mask.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide cushioning to the tubing of a user-worn nasal cannula delivery system to mitigate the potentially negative effects of direct tubing-to-skin contact in the area around the user's ears. An apparatus may include multiple shaped straps individually connected to shaped hold pieces. The apparatus securely holds the cannula tubing in place while shielding the tubing from the tissues around the user's ears. In some embodiments, multiple straps may be connected to create a single headgear piece that protects both ears while resting snugly against the user's head.

Abstract: A diffuser element for use over a vent opening of a breathing assistance apparatus. In some configurations, the diffuser element is formed by knitting or weaving one or more threads together into an interlocking pattern. In some configurations, the diffuser pad has a first surface and an opposing second surface and at least the first surface includes a surface texture. Arrangements for coupling the diffuser element to a structure that defines or carries the vent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivery of a supply of air at positive pressure to the entrance of a patient's airways for treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an air delivery tube connected to a flexible portion of a plenum; a vent structure having sufficient rigidity to support its own weight under gravity and/or not to block or fold under tube movement or tube drag; and a patient interface structure. The patient interface structure includes a seal forming structure arranged on a top portion of the plenum; and a seal positioning and stabilizing structure connected to a flexible portion of the plenum. The seal-forming structure is substantially decoupled from a tube drag force.

Abstract: A medical joint and a check valve module thereof are used in a connection tube having a communicating opening. The check valve module includes a first membrane and a second membrane. The first membrane is assembled to the communicating opening to seal the same. The first membrane includes a first slit. The first membrane and the second membrane are disposed overlappingly. The second membrane includes a second slit. Accordingly, it facilitates inserting a detector into the connection tube to detect gas pressure, MDI, gas, temperature, or inserting a suction tube to remove sputum, and prevents the gas inside the connection tube from leaking out from an intersection of a first slit and a second slit, thereby achieving handiness and a gas-leak-proof effect of the medical joint and the check valve module.

Abstract: A Tee piece that functions as device to direct dual, alternating respiratory therapies to a patient. It has a centrally located low pressure actuated one way valve that connects the inhalation and exhalation paths to the specific therapy devices. The gravity hung valve has a low pressure activation and an offset, angled seat that allows the valve itself to be completely removed from the path of the medicated aerosol particles so as to minimize the potential for particle condensation by collision with the valve. The valve forms a holding chamber for the medicated aerosol increasing the efficiency of the nebulizer cycle. The physical design of the Tee piece's outside surface prevents reverse connection, which is a common problem and the oval shape of the PEP port eliminates blow-off of the PEP device by excessive back pressure.

Abstract: A gas demand device includes a primary chamber, a slave chamber, a secondary slave chamber, a timing gas flow path and a demand gas flow path all formed in a main body. The device cycles through five successive phases of operation in which: 1) a main diaphragm and a slave diaphragm are closed to disallow gas to flow through the timing gas and demand gas flow paths, 2) a main diaphragm is open while a slave diaphragm is closed to allow gas to flow through the timing gas flow path and disallow gas to flow through the demand gas flow path, 3) the main and slave diaphragms are open to allow gas to flow through the timing gas and demand gas flow paths, 4) the main diaphragm is closed while the slave diaphragm is open to disallow gas to flow through the timing gas flow path and allow gas to flow through the demand gas flow path, and 5) the main and slave diaphragms are closed to disallow gas to flow through the timing gas and demand gas flow paths.

Abstract: A CPAP device including tubular bodies for insertion in the nasal passages and formed with through-airflow passages. The bodies are formed with interior chambers configured on their distal ends with proximally facing valve seats and at their proximal extremities with retainer stops to retain rounded poppets in the passages to be seated against the respective seats to partially block exhalation of air. The method of the present invention includes selecting a tubular body formed with a distal radial flange circumscribing an inlet and proximally facing seat and formed proximally with a male gland, selecting a cap formed with a female gland for friction fit over the male gland and an outlet configured with radially inwardly projecting stops cooperating to maintain a poppet captive between such stops and the seat, and selecting a harness including a pair of elastic barrels for fitting over the tubular housing end caps when connected together, and including a bridge strap connected therebetween.

Abstract: The method for optimizing light and sound programs for a falling asleep phase and for an awakening phase of a first user, in a system comprising, for the first user and other users, a bedside device, a bio parameter sensor, a smartphone, and additionally for all users a central server, with: /a1/ collecting, with regard to the first user, sleep data and sleep context data, said sleep data comprising at least light and sound program played for the falling asleep phase and for the awakening phase, bio parameters and sleep patterns sequence deduced therefrom, said sleep context data comprising at least previous daytime activity such as, sending this data to the central server, /a2/ repeat /a1/ for other users, /b1/ building a user-specific model of each user sleep behavior, /c/ comparing user-specific models to define groups of similar users, each group of users being allocated with a group meta-model with decision rules and preferred playlist of sound tracks, /d/ sending the group meta-model from the server to

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an elongated body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and defining an inner lumen, an outer body wall having a wall cross-sectional diameter, and a distal aperture at the distal end. A distal portion of the elongated body including a taper section that tapers from the outer body wall of the distal portion to the distal aperture, with the distal portion defining a plurality of slits open to the distal aperture. The distal aperture has an aperture diameter greater than zero and less than the wall cross-sectional diameter. The distal portion defining the plurality of slits is configured to substantially center the distal end around a guide member when the guide member is introduced in the inner lumen and extends through the distal aperture.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus including a body having an open end and a closed end; a first channel and a second channel within the body, the first and second channels sharing a sidewall and the first channel defining the open end; and a wire disposed within the first and second channels. This disclosure also discloses a dispensing apparatus including a body having an open end and a closed end and a first layer and a second layer; a first channel and a second channel within the first layer and a third channel and a fourth channel within the second layer, the first channel defining the open end; a transitional segment providing fluid communication between the first and second layers; and a wire disposed within the first, second, third, and fourth channels.

Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced balloons for medical devices are prepared by applying a web of fibers to the exterior of a preformed underlayer balloon, encasing the web with a matrix material to form an assembly, and inserting the assembly into a preformed outer layer balloon to form the composite balloon.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device is capable of being applied to an outer surface of an elongated medical instrument, such as a catheter or a balloon (e.g., an angioplasty balloon, etc.). The exoskeleton device includes a sleeve or another element that is configured to be placed over a distal portion of the elongated medical instrument, one or more features on the sleeve or other element for performing a procedure within the body of a subject, and one or more elements that communicate with the sleeve or other element and/or the features carried thereby to enable performance of the procedure within the body of the subject. Methods of applying exoskeleton devices to elongated medical instruments and methods of using exoskeleton devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable length dilatation balloon catheter that includes a balloon catheter, a sheath that is slidably disposed around the balloon catheter, and an inverting tethering system that permits the selective adjustment of the exposed balloon length.

Abstract: A safety balloon catheter includes a flexible, multi-lumen balloon catheter and a hollow barbell-shaped stretch valve. The balloon catheter has a proximal catheter end, a balloon defining a balloon interior to be inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon interior and shaped to convey the inflation fluid to and from the balloon interior, and a hollow second lumen parallel to the inflation lumen; and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon interior to the second lumen. The stretch valve is shaped to permit a fluid to pass therethrough and positioned in the second lumen to at least partially slide therein such that, in a steady state, a distal barbell end of the stretch valve prevents the inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, in an actuated state, the distal barbell end slides within the second lumen to permit the inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen.