Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.

Abstract: A respiratory connector is provided for connecting corresponding ends of a plurality of gas flow lines to a corresponding plurality of ports. The connector comprises first and second connector formations, and a bridge extending between the first and second connector formations. The bridge is actuable to allow a spacing between the first and second connector formations to be varied during use.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP system with an integrated oximeter sensor is disclosed wherein the sensor communicates with an oximeter processor that controls the blower. A nasal air flow sensor may also be incorporated that provides more data to the processor. A unique lightweight, flexible and stretchable hose for CPAP systems is also disclosed. The hose may have a magnetic connection with the blower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for local anesthesia and, more specifically, to an apparatus and a method for local anesthesia, which precisely indicate an anesthesia region and enable injection to be administered around the anesthesia region through a plurality of anesthesia needles. According to the present invention, the fear and pain of a subject to be anesthetized can be reduced since the affected part of the subject to be anesthetized can be anesthetized by injecting a plurality of syringes all at once, and an injection can be precisely administered to a region at which an injection is to be administered since the affected part can be precisely indicated by a provided laser pointer.

Abstract: Provided is a medical tool for disconnection of a medical tubing connection comprising a resilient body forming a pair of open biased opposing jaws joined at a connected end; and gripping elements on an inside surface of each opposing jaws near the connected end to grip the medical tubing when the opposing jaws are moved together, to allow disconnection of the medical tubing connection. Also provided is a use of the medical tool for disconnecting medical tubing connection and a method for disconnecting medical tubing connection using the medical tool.

Abstract: Medical devices useful in the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, kits and methods are described. An example catheter comprises an elongate member having an elongate member proximal end, an elongate member distal end, and an elongate member main body extending between the elongate member proximal end and the elongate member distal end. The elongate member main body defines an elongate member circumferential wall, first, second, and third openings on the elongate member proximal end, a first heating lumen extending from the first opening toward the elongate member distal end, a second heating lumen extending from the second opening toward the elongate member distal end, and a treatment lumen extending from the third opening toward the elongate member distal end. The treatment lumen comprises a blind passage. The elongate member circumferential wall defines a plurality of passageways providing fluid communication between the treatment lumen and an environment external to the catheter.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder.

Abstract: User interface devices, systems, and methods can be used for selectively bending of, altering the bend characteristics of, and/or altering the lengths of catheter bodies, guidewires, steerable trocars, and other flexible structures inserted into a patient during use. Optionally, a housing is coupled to a proximal end of a catheter, and movement of the housing by a hand of a system user is sensed and used as a movement command for articulation of the catheter. Alternatively, a sensor can be coupled to an elongate flexible body flexing outside of the patient so as to alter bending of a catheter within the patient. Movements generated through a combination of manual manipulation and powered articulations are facilitated.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods provide improved control over the flexing of an articulated catheter adjacent a therapeutic or diagnostic tool by laterally bending the catheter so as to anchor an articulated portion of the catheter locally relative to an internal tissue site. Alternative embodiments may be used for a wide variety of non-medical applications, including with borescope systems and for other industrial applications.

Abstract: A cannula stabilization device has two tubing holders located on opposite ends of a bearing platform, a rotational joint fixedly attached to the bearing platform, and a helmet releasably attachable to the rotational joint. The helmet and the bearing platform are independently rotatable around a common rotational axis when the helmet is attached to the rotational joint.

Abstract: Rotatable control handles and methods of using rotatable control handles are described herein. An example embodiment of a rotatable control handle comprises a handle, a compressible member disposed within the handle, a cap attached to the handle, and a cannula rotatably attached between the handle and the cap. The handle comprises a first member and a second member that is releasably attachable to the first member.

Abstract: A urinary catheter is configured for avoiding heat buildup in, or even cooling, surrounding tissues when the prostate is subjected to treatment radiation such as ultrasound. The catheter includes a region transparent to ultrasound, and through which a cooling fluid (e.g., chilled water) may, in some embodiments, be recirculated during treatment. This region spans the prostate when the catheter is fully inserted (with the tip residing in the patient's bladder and a terminal balloon inflated to avoid retraction of the catheter).

Abstract: A dialysis catheter is provided. A first lumen extends through a first tubular member from a proximal portion to a distal portion, and a first orifice at the distal portion provides an opening through the first tubular member to the first lumen. The first tubular member further includes an inflation lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the first tubular member. A balloon is operably connected to an outer surface of the first tubular member proximal to the first opening, is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A second tubular member has a proximal portion connected to the outer surface of the first tubular member. A distal portion of the second tubular member is connected to the balloon wall. A second lumen extends through the second tubular member, and a second orifice provides an opening through the second tubular member at the distal portion.

Abstract: A catheter includes a balloon that has an inner layer and an outer layer having elastic stretching properties, having tubular shapes, and being able to be inflated and deflated in response to a change of internal pressure; and a tubular net-shaped reinforcement member that is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer such that at least a part thereof is movable with respect to the balloon. The reinforcement member has a first sleeve, and second sleeves which respectively surround both end portions of the first sleeve in an axial direction. A maximally inflated diameter of the second sleeve is set so as to be smaller than a maximally inflated diameter of the first sleeve.

Abstract: A method includes blocking a posterior opening of a nasal cavity of a patient and delivering a medical fluid through a catheter to a sphenopalatine ganglion of the patient after blocking the posterior opening of the nasal cavity.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first catheter movably disposed within a first lumen of a second catheter. The first catheter has a first occlusion member disposed at a distal end portion and the second catheter has a second occlusion member disposed at a distal end portion. A third catheter has a third occlusion member disposed at a distal end portion and is moveably disposable within a second lumen of the second catheter. The second catheter has a side port in fluid communication with the second lumen and the third catheter can be extended out of the second lumen through the side port. The first occlusion member, second occlusion member and third occlusion member can collectively isolate a target region including a portion of a first body lumen (e.g., a main vessel) and a portion of a second body lumen (e.g., a branch of the main vessel).

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a carrying support that grasps work tubes different in length and type such that the lower ends are at the same height, is easy for the worker to carry by hand and realize automatic carrying, and is further capable of fixing the tube end portions to be processed in many cases at a constant height, thereby to assure the degree of freedom of designing manufacturing devices when the carrying support is also used as a jig for the devices. The carrying support is provided with a first grasping part (11) and a second grasping part (12) that grasp both end sides of work tubes (W) bent in middle parts at an upper position and extending downward.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A catheter that includes a balloon. The balloon has an elastic inner layer and an elastic outer layer. The inner layer and the outer layer are inflatable and deflatable in response to a change of internal pressure of the balloon. The catheter includes a tubular reinforcement member positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer of the balloon in the radial direction of the balloon. At least part of the reinforcement member is not directly fixed to the inner and outer layers. The reinforcement member includes a wire-shaped member. The first end portion and the second end portion of the reinforcement member include ring-shaped inflation restrictors fused to the wire-shaped member. The inflation restrictors restrict inflation of the first and second end portions of the reinforcement member in the radial direction when the inner and outer layers inflate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating biologic fluids are disclosed. Some disclosed embodiments may be used to filter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a human or animal subject, heat CSF to a target temperature, cool CSF to a target temperature, apply light treatment to CSF, separate cells via their dielectric properties, apply spiral and/or centrifugal separation, introduce additives to target particles, and/or apply combinations thereof. The method may include the steps of withdrawing fluid comprising CSF, treating the fluid, and returning a portion of the treated fluid to the subject. During operation of the system, various parameters may be modified, such as flow rate.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a calcified aortic valve includes introducing a guide wire into a blood vessel. The guide wire is advanced through the aorta to the aortic valve and then through the aortic valve. A balloon dilatation catheter is introduced into the blood vessel over the guide wire. The balloon dilatation catheter includes an elongate body, a distal portion, a guide wire lumen, an inflation lumen, and a dilatation balloon. The balloon dilatation catheter further includes at least one deflection wire lumen, and at least one deflection wire residing in the at least one deflection wire lumen and having a distal end attached to the distal portion. The balloon dilatation catheter is advanced over the guide wire through the aorta, through the aortic valve, and the dilatation balloon is inflated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device, a system and a method for applying a volume of liquid to a treatment surface. The device includes a container for containing the liquid, a pump for extracting liquid from the container, an actuator for operating the pump, and a collapsible receptacle for accommodating extracted liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device, a system and a method for applying a volume of liquid to a treatment surface. The device includes a container for containing the liquid, a pump for extracting liquid from the container, an actuator for operating the pump, and a collapsible receptacle for accommodating extracted liquid.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a solution having two or more components includes a hollow body having a head provided at one end of the hollow body for dispersion of the solution and a breaking mechanism attached to the hollow body. The breaking mechanism includes at least one projection extendable into an interior of the hollow body. The applicator further includes a plurality of ampoules placed in the interior of the hollow body. The plurality of ampoules contains the two or more components. Upon activation of the breaking mechanism, the at least one projection applies a force to the plurality of ampoules such that the plurality of ampoules break and release the two or more components to form the solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for delivering a rheumatoid arthritis drug across a dermal barrier. The devices include microneedles for penetrating the stratum corneum and also include structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The pattern of structures on the surface of the microneedles may include nano-sized structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices that incorporate siRNA. In addition to one or more siRNA constructs, devices include nanostructures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be incorporated on devices. The pattern including nanostructures may be formed on the surface of the microneedles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tattoo machine floating collet apparatus and system comprising a vise receiver, a vise knob, and a vise collet that are configured to receive a tattoo machine grip backstem. These components are configured as follows: vise collet is mechanically captured between the vise receiver and the vise knob such that as the vise knob is tightened onto the vise receiver the collet tightens around an inserted tattoo machine grip backstem. The invention can be used to provide a quick, easy, and sanitary apparatus for tattoo artists to use multiple grips and needle cartridges with the same tattoo machine.

Abstract: An implantable multi-lumen access port including indicators for ascertaining characteristics of the port is disclosed. In one embodiment, the access port comprises a housing that defines a first reservoir and a second reservoir. A first septum and second septum are respectively coupled with the housing to provide selective access to the first and second reservoirs. Each septum includes a plurality of protrusions defined about a periphery thereof that are palpable after implantation of the port in a patient to determine a relative position of the first septum with respect to the second septum. A radiographically observable indicator is also included on a base of the housing, so as to provide information relating to a characteristic of the dual-lumen port, such as suitability for power injection of fluids. The indicator in one embodiment includes a substantially rigid radiopaque component.

Abstract: A fluid line locking device has two enclosing components connected through a hinge and rotatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The fluid line locking device also has a lock configured to secure the two enclosing components in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding at least one tube clamp on a medical tube, the tube clamp including at least one, usually two, clamping section(s) for altering a luminal cross-section of a medical tube during use, includes at least one receiving structure for detachably receiving at least one section of the tube clamp. A medical tube with at least one holding apparatus as well as a method for sterilizing a medical tube are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing the outer and inner surfaces of a working end-site of a medical device such as a catheter hub, luer connector, luer component, needleless access site, and/or access port are discussed. The sterilizing device can include a housing, a sterilizing element including an antipathogenic agent configured for sterilizing the working end-site of a medical device, and a cap hingedly coupled to the housing and configured to hermetically seal the sterilizing element within the housing. One or more features on the cap and housing serve to hermetically seal the cap to the housing prior to use.

Abstract: A device and method for disinfecting a needleless connector, the device including a housing comprising a hub rotationally coupled to a motor, the motor being operably connected to a power source, the hub further comprising a receptacle configured to receive a cleaning head, wherein the device is configured to detect achievement of one or more minimum thresholds which are recommended to achieve proper disinfection of the needleless connector. Various devices and methods are further provided to permit tracking and reporting of disinfection events.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for securing deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads. In one example, among others, a DBS cap for securing a DBS lead includes a base ring adapted to be mounted within a counterbore opening formed in the skull, a lead securing element that mounts to the base ring, and. a top cover that mounts to the base ring. In another example, a method for securing a DBS lead includes forming a counterbore opening in the skull, securing a DBS cap within the counterbore opening, passing a DBS lead through the DBS cap and the counterbore opening and positioning a tip of the lead in brain tissue, and securing the DBS lead to the DBS cap using an adhesive. The skull opening includes a lower bore, a concentric upper bore, and a step positioned at the interface of the upper and lower bores.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array assembly configured to apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. A substantially electrically nonconductive layer of the device has a first portion positionable alongside the spinal cord that includes a plurality of first openings. The layer has a second portion that includes a plurality of second openings. Electrodes and traces are positioned inside a peripheral portion of a body portion of the device and alongside the layer. At least one of the first openings is adjacent each of the electrodes to provide a pathway through which the electrode may provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. At least one of the second openings is adjacent each of the traces to provide a pathway through which the trace may receive electrical stimulation. At least one trace is connected to each electrode and configured to conduct electrical stimulation received by the trace(s) to the electrode.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.

Abstract: An intracardiac capsule comprises a cylindrical body having an atraumatic rounded surface and a helical anchoring screw integral with the cylindrical body. The helical anchoring screw is able to penetrate tissue of a wall of the heart and is configured to provide temporary attachment, in rotation and in translation, of the capsule to an implantation site. The helical anchoring screw surrounds at least a portion of the length of the cylindrical body forming a contact region intended to come into contact with the wall of the cavity of the heart. Over the length of the contact region, the external diameter of the cylindrical body is less than the inner diameter of the helical anchoring screw, so as to leave a free gap there between. The helical anchoring screw is secured to the cylindrical body near the proximal end of the contact region, and extends freely to the opposite distal end.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement, for the temporary stimulation or defibrillation of the heart includes at least one unipolar electrode configured to be secured on the myocardium of the heart. An indifferent electrode is configured to be secured on the inner wall of the thorax via its supply line and be positioned such that direct contact with the heart is prevented. An external pacemaker is in electronic communication with the at least one unipolar electrode and the indifferent electrode such that negative poles of the indifferent electrode are combined into a single cable.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a radiofrequency electrode (RF electrode) for the use in hyperthermia that can be fitted to the shape of a target to be treated (e.g. a patient) and that is also able to reversibly retain the shape it has been fitted to. Thereby, a reliable and close contact between the target to be treated (e.g. a patient) and the inventive RF electrode is established that enables an efficient and safe energy transfer to the target to be treated during a hyperthermia treatment of various medical conditions or for cosmetic purposes.

Abstract: An extra-cardiovascular medical device is configured to select a capacitor configuration from a capacitor array and deliver a low voltage, pacing pulse by discharging the selected capacitor configuration across an extra-cardiovascular pacing electrode vector. In some examples, the medical device is configured to determine the capacitor configuration based on a measured impedance of the extra-cardiovascular pacing electrode vector.

Abstract: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling devices and associated methods are generally described. An FES cycling device may comprise a crank, two or more pedals connected to the crank, one or more sensors adapted to measure position and/or velocity of the crank, and one or more electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a person associated with the cycling device. In some cases, the FES cycling device further comprises a controller configured to receive input signals from the one or more sensors and deliver output signals to the one or more electrodes. In certain cases, the controller may dynamically generate a control signal to deliver an amount of electrical stimulation to a muscle group (e.g., quadriceps femoris, gluteal muscles, hamstring muscles) based on the value of a determined torque transfer ratio between a joint of the person and the crank of the cycling device. The electrical stimulation may, in some cases, cause the person to pedal the cycling device.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a therapy delivery device for treating an obstetric or gynecological disorder other than urinary incontinence in a subject. The therapy delivery device can include a housing, at least one electrode, and a power source. The housing can be configured for implantation in a reproductive system of the subject. The at least one electrode can be connected to the housing and be configured to deliver an electrical signal to an autonomic nervous system nerve target. The power source can be in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremor, and other forms of tremor. The stimulator can have electrodes that are placed circumferentially around the patient's wrist or arm. Specific nerves in the wrist or arm can be targeted by appropriate spacing of the electrodes. Positioning the electrodes on generally opposing sides of the target nerve can result in improved stimulation of the nerve. The stimulation pattern may alternate between the nerves. Improved stimulation algorithms can incorporate tremor feedback, external data, predictive adaptation, and long-term monitoring data.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is configured to control a therapy module to couple a capacitor array comprising a plurality of capacitors to a plurality of extra-cardiovascular electrodes and control the therapy module to deliver a composite pacing pulse to a patient's heart via the plurality of extra-cardiovascular electrodes by sequentially discharging at least a portion of the plurality capacitors to produce a series of at least two individual pulses that define the composite pacing pulse.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for customizing cochlear implant stimulation of a living subject. The cochlear implant includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes implanted in a cochlea of the living subject. The method includes determining a position for each of the plurality of electrodes and spiral ganglion nerves that the electrode array stimulates, determining a geometric relationship between neural pathways within the cochlea and the electrode array implanted therein, and using one or more electrodes of the electrode array to stimulate a group of SG neural pathways of the cochlea based on the location of the one or more electrodes and their geometric relationship with the neural pathways.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for increasing ocular mucin and other tear protein release using intranasally delivered electrical stimulation. Generally, the devices may deliver electrical stimulation to the nasal mucosa. Intranasal stimulation may trigger degranulation of conjunctival goblet cells, which in turn releases secretory mucins into the tear fluid. The intranasal stimulation may also trigger release of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and other tear proteins into the aqueous layer of the tear film. The methods may further comprise obtaining feedback relating to the efficacy of the delivered electrical stimulation by measuring impedance or an electromyogram (EMG) signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for treating epilepsy by stimulating a main trunk of a vagus nerve, or a left vagus nerve, when the patient has had no seizure or a seizure that is not characterized by cardiac changes such as an increase in heart rate, and stimulating a cardiac branch of a vagus nerve, or a right vagus nerve, when the patient has had a seizure characterized by cardiac changes such as a heart rate increase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for applying intermittent multipoint pacing. An implantable cardiac device includes a plurality of electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to cause the plurality of electrodes to alternate between applying multipoint pacing (MPP) and standard biventricular pacing (BiV) to a patient's heart.