Abstract: A method for inserting at least a portion of a dilator and sheath assembly into a patient and for removing the dilator from the patient is disclosed. Initially, the dilator and sheath assembly is received. The dilator includes a radially enlarged dilator bump. At least the distal ends of the dilator and the sheath are inserted in an incision in the patient. A vector force is exerted to the dilator and sheath assembly to push the dilator and sheath assembly further within the patient. The dilator hub is decoupled from the sheath hub. The dilator is removed from the patient through the sheath, where the dilator bump radially stretches at least the circumferentially continuous sheath distal end during removal of the dilator from the patient.

Abstract: An implant and needle delivery system including a needle selectively releasable from a handle assembly is provided. The needle is selectively connectable with an elongate sling and the needle is selectively releasable from the handle assembly an implantation procedure to treat a pelvic disorder or condition, such as incontinence.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus including a cannula defining an internal lumen, the cannula having a connection for receiving insufflation fluid. The apparatus also includes an obturator assembly, the obturator assembly configured to be inserted through a cannula so as to define an interstitial space between the cannula and the obturator assembly. The interstitial space is in fluid communication with the cannula connection so as to convey the insufflation fluid. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft having a hollow interior and a tip member at a distal end of the obturator shaft. The tip member is configured to penetrate and/or dissect through tissue. The tip member has an outer surface that defines a channel, the channel being in fluid communication with the interstitial space to as to convey the insufflation fluid from a proximal end of the tip member to a distal end of the tip member.

Abstract: A puncture needle for an endoscope includes a flexible sheath having a longitudinal axis and deformed to be bent by a raising base, a flexible needle tube having a needle tip and a distal opening section and that is movable in the sheath with respect to the sheath, and a stylet having a distal end surface that is able to advance and retreat in the needle tube and protrude and withdraw from needle tube along the longitudinal axis of the sheath, wherein the stylet retracts the needle tip such that the needle tip of the needle tube is separated from an inner surface of the sheath as the distal end surface of the stylet comes in contact with the inner surface of the sheath formed in the bent shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a craniotomy fixation device and method for fixing a bone flap to the skull following craniotomy. The device may comprise two portions, one portion may be associated with the skull and the other portion may be associated with the bone flap. The two portions are connected in a way to accommodate changes in intracranial pressure.

Abstract: Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined apparatus for compression and distraction of a first physical component having a first bone screw and a second physical component having a second bone screw, said apparatus comprising a connected rod fixedly connected to one of the first and second bone screw heads and slidably connected to the other of the first and second bone screw heads, a rod holder comprising a ramp, and A screw head extension comprising an protruding member and an adjusting means, such that when the protruding member is moved vertically, pressure between said protruding member and progressively wider portions of said ramp force an increase in distance between the rod holder and adjacent bone screw head, resulting in compression or distraction as desired of the physical components.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.

Abstract: A spinal implant detection device comprises at least one detectable marker connected to an implantable longitudinal element and including a capture element configured to facilitate manipulation of the longitudinal element. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.

Abstract: A cervical spine spacer includes a spacer body configured to be disposed between adjacent cervical vertebrae in the cervical spine and to maintain a desired spacing between the adjacent cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine spacer also includes a channel passing completely through the spacer body from a first surface of the spacer body to a second surface of the spacer body and a fastener configured to pass through the channel. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to contact one of the adjacent cervical vertebrae and the channel is sized to accommodate the fastener passing through the channel at a plurality of angles.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for the correction and reduction of bone deformities, such as metatarsus primus adductus, using a tethering technique which does not require drilling into the stable bone. In some embodiments, a bone plate has an elongate plate body and wings extending laterally from the plate body. The wings may be configured to generally follow the circumferential contours of the bone when placed on the bone in use. The bone plate can further include means for positioning cerclage material on the bone plate such that the cerclage material extends circumferentially over the wings rather than on the bone, thereby reducing the total contact area between the cerclage material and the bone.

Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

Abstract: An instrument for limiting torque can include a method for limiting torque that is transferred from a handle of the instrument through a torque transfer member to a shaft that extends relative to the handle. The method can include applying a torque to the handle along a direction relative to the shaft. The method can include transmitting the applied torque from the handle through the torque transfer member to the shaft when the applied torque is less than a limited torque value. When the applied torque is greater than the limited torque value, at least one of the torque transfer member and the handle deforms so as to allow the handle to rotate along the direction relative to both the torque transfer member and the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first jaw and a second jaw serving as grasping parts, a first joining part, a first dissecting part, a second joining part, a second dissecting part, and a tissue preservation part disposed between the first joining part and the second joining part and configured to preserve a non-joining region between the first joining part and the second joining part when the first joining part and the second joining part join living body tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical instrument having at least one electrode configured as a first sensor for measuring a voltage drop therethrough and a temperature sensor for a thermal sensor configured to measure a temperature difference across the at least one electrode; and a generator including an output stage coupled to the at least one electrode, the output stage configured to generate radio frequency energy; and a controller configured to determine actual radio frequency current based on the voltage drop and electrical resistivity of the at least one electrode and radio frequency power based on the measured temperature difference and the thermal conductivity of the at least one electrode.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved precision in finding one or more nerves and then interrupting the transmission of neural signals through the target nerve. The treated nerve can be rendered incapable of transmitting neural signals for a select duration of time, where such a duration can be on a temporarily basis (e.g., hours, days or weeks) or a longer term/permanent basis (e.g., months or years). One embodiment of the apparatus includes a precise energy source system which features energy transfer elements that are capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation with precision.

Abstract: Electrosurgical wands. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands having features that reduce contact of tissue with an active electrode of a wand, decrease the likelihood of clogging, and/or increase the visibility within surgical field. For example, wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may comprise standoffs, either along the outer perimeter of the active electrode, or through the main aperture in the active electrode, to reduce tissue contact. Wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may implement slots on the active electrodes to increase bubble aspiration to help keep the visual field at the surgical site clear. Wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may implement aspiration flow pathways within the wand that increase in cross-sectional area to reduce the likelihood of clogging.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus including a maneuvering mechanism, a conductive element attached to the apparatus, a sensor attached to the apparatus and an output device in communication with the sensor is provided. The sensor senses vibration during the ablation procedure and sends a signal to the output device to reduce power to the conductive element.

Abstract: Systems for detecting when catheter electrodes enter and exit an introducer are disclosed. In one form, a system detects a relative position of a catheter (comprising a marker band and an electrode) and an introducer (comprising a proximity sensor adapted to sense the marker band), while the catheter and introducer are in a human body. The system may comprise an electronic control unit to analyze signals from the catheter and/or the introducer, to determine whether the catheter electrode is within the introducer; and to disregard data collected from the electrode when that electrode is in the introducer. The sensor may be on the catheter and the sensed element may be on the introducer. The sensed element may comprise one or several marker bands. A marker band may be applied during the manufacture of a medical device or during its use and is any element capable of electromagnetic detection.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. A balloon may be coupled to the distal region. An electrode may be disposed within the balloon. A virtual electrode may be defined on the balloon. The virtual electrode may include a region having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer.

Abstract: A catheter tip electrode has a tissue contacting surface which electrically conducts RF energy to the tissue and is more thermally conductive than adjacent non-electrically conductive coating or cover which prevents RF conduction to the tissue contacting that surface. The tip electrode has a shell with a nonablating hollow proximal neck portion and a distal ablating portion defining a fluid chamber, and a plug-like support member which is configured with a fluid channel on its outer surface so a fluid passage is provided between the member and the neck portion for convective or direct cooling of the nonablating neck portion and nonconductive tubing covering it.

Abstract: An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. One of the inner conductor and the outer conductor is movable relative to the other to cause at least a portion of the outer conductor to expand radially relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a power source, a microwave applicator, a switching mechanism, and a controller. The power source is configured to generate microwave energy. The microwave applicator is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue. The switching mechanism includes a housing having input and output ports. The input port is connectable to the power source and the output port is connectable to the microwave applicator. The housing is configured to house one or more switches therein. The controller is in operative communication with the switching mechanism to toggle the switch from a first state, wherein microwave energy generated by the power source is directed to the microwave applicator to a second state, wherein microwave energy is directed to a resistive load operably coupled to the switching mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus facilitating percutaneous delivery of laser energy includes: a hollow needle having a cutting edge at an insertion end thereof; and a laser fiber fixedly embedded within the hollow needle, the embedded laser fiber within the needle being permanently fixed within the hollow needle as one non detachable unit.

Abstract: An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially through an optical fiber end with a conical shaped tip for 360° radial emission. In some embodiments, a conical reflective surface is distally spaced opposite to and faces the emitting tip for enhancing radial emission efficiency by reflecting out any designed or remnant forwardly transmitted energy in radial directions. Other devices include flat emitting faces sealed within protective, radiation transparent covers. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure.

Abstract: A method for sealing surgical instruments, particularly reusable electric surgical instruments sterilized using an autoclave process, is disclosed. The method having the steps of providing at least two body shells having a runner system on the mating surfaces, aligning the body shells, securing the body shells in position relative to each other, inserting an injection device into the runner system, injecting an elastomer material from the injection device into the runner system, removing the injection device from the runner system, and curing the elastomer material. The elastomer material seals the housing chamber of the instrument. The elastomer material may bond the body shells together.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a composition comprising acetic anhydride, a DNP agent and a gadolinium complex and its use for the preparation of hyperpolarised imaging agent for MR diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: Provided are a microscopic surgery system and a navigation method guided by optical coherence tomography. The microscopic surgery system may include: an object lens; a surgical microscope unit configured to perform two-dimensional imaging on an area to operate on via the object lens; an optical coherence tomography unit configured to perform two-dimensional tomography imaging on the area via the object lens, with an imaging field calibrated according to that of the surgical microscope unit; a processor configured to obtain navigation information based on the two-dimensional imaging by the surgical microscope unit and the two-dimensional tomography imaging by the optical coherence tomography unit, the navigation information comprising positional information of a body part to operate on and a surgical instrument for operating on the body part; and an output unit configured to output the navigation information to guide the surgical instrument to the body part.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the placement of a prosthetic heart valve in a structure of interest. The method comprises acquiring one or more depictions of an anatomical region of interest that includes the structure of interest, wherein each depiction shows the structure of interest and/or the blood pool volume of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of the patient's heart. The method further comprises designating one or more positions in at least one of the one or more depictions wherein each position corresponds to a respective position in the structure of interest at which the prosthetic valve may be placed. The method still further comprises predicting, for each of the one or more designated positions, an amount of blood flow obstruction through the LVOT of the patient's heart that would occur if the prosthetic valve was to be placed at a corresponding position in the structure of interest.

Abstract: According to the invention, the process includes the steps of: a) taking a sagittal preoperative x-ray of the vertebral column of the patient to be treated, extending from the cervical vertebrae to the femoral heads; b) on that x-ray, identifying points on S1, S2, T12 et C7; c) depicting, on the said x-ray, curved segments beginning at the center of the plate of S1 et going to the center of the plate of C7; e) identifying, on that x-ray, the correction(s) to be made to the vertebral column, including the identification of posterior osteotomies to make; f) pivoting portions of said x-ray relative to other portions of that x-ray, according to osteotomies to be made; g) performing, on said x-ray, a displacement of the sagittal curvature segment extending over the vertebral segment to be corrected; h) from a straight vertebral rod (TV), producing the curvature of that rod according to the shape of said sagittal curvature segment in said displacement position.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of a between graphical element can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected between graphical element. Selection of a plurality of between graphical elements and graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: An absorbent cleaning device for use during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The absorbent cleaning device may comprise a substantially non-fibrous or non-particulate absorbent material and at least one opening. The opening may comprise a slit or channel and be configured to accommodate a portion of a medical appliance or an elongate medical device. The absorbent cleaning device may be configured to clean the medical appliance or the elongate medical device. The absorbent cleaning device may also be configured to retain or secure a medical appliance or elongate medical device during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention could be a system and a method for attaching a dental implant surgical guide to one or more dental implants, the system comprising an abutment capable of connecting to at least one of the one or more dental implants and to an implant mount; the implant mount having an implant mount body with a first mount end that connects accepts a portion of the abutment and a second mount end that has a rim that cannot pass through the dental implant surgical guide; and a cap that is comprised of a hollow cylinder with an enclosed cap end and an open cap end, the cap being capable of engaging a dental implant surgical guide so to sandwich the rim between the cap and the dental implant surgical guide.

Abstract: A manual device, in particular for dental use, for dispensing a pasty filler, may reduce the viscosity of the filler by the introduction of vibrational energy. The device may include a device housing, a detachable container for the pasty filler that includes an outlet nozzle at a front end thereof, a vibration generator with an oscillating body, and pressure generating means for exerting pressure on the pasty filler, wherein the oscillating body is detachably connected to the container in a middle region thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance may include molding a plurality of green bodies in plurality of molds and coupling the green bodies so as to form an intermediate green body. The orthodontic appliance may be an orthodontic bracket body. The plurality of green bodies may be molded so as to be devoid of any undercut formations. Coupling the plurality of green bodies may form the intermediate green body to include at least one undercut formation. An orthodontic bracket may include an undercut formation not capable of being formed in a single shot molding process and not formed through post-formation processes. The undercut formation may include a guiding track and/or a retaining recess configured to receive a portion of the ligating member. The ligating member may include a flexible ligating portion that overlies the archwire slot and a relatively rigid main body portion.

Abstract: A dental implant system for supporting a cosmetic tooth prosthesis includes an elongated body adapted to be disposed in a jaw bone of a patient. The elongated body includes a distal end and a proximal end and extends along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body includes a tapered outer surface that tapers along the longitudinal axis distally from the proximal end of the elongated body. The outer surface of the tapered elongated body includes a plurality of barbs for securing the elongated body in the jaw bone of the patient.

Abstract: The invention is related to a cartridge adaptor which comprises a first dual-barrel cartridge, a housing, an adaptor and a second dual-barrel cartridge. The first dual-barrel cartridge comprises two openings and is disposed in the housing. The housing comprises a first fastening component. The adaptor has two inlets which opposite to the two inlets. The two inlets are respectively mounted into and communicate with the two openings of the first dual-barrel cartridge. The two outlets communicate with the two inlets. The second dual-barrel cartridge comprises two openings and a second fastening component which is complementary to the first fastening component of the housing. The two openings of the second dual-barrel cartridge communicates with the two outlets of the adaptor. The invention prevents the remaining unmixed component substances from oozing out of the two inlets or the two outlets of the adaptor during the transfer process of the remaining component substances.

Abstract: A probe head for dental confocal imaging, comprises a light-guiding part for guiding a light beam towards a teeth portion, the light-guiding part having an entrance face through which the light beam enters the light-guiding part and an exit face through which the light beam exits the light-guiding part, wherein the light-guiding part is configured, in case of a linearly polarized light beam having two polarization components being perpendicular to each other, to change polarization of the linearly polarized light beam on its path through the light-guiding part in such a way that one of the two polarization components, compared to the other of the two polarization components, is retarded by an odd multiple of a quarter of a wavelength of the light beam along the path from the entrance face to the exit face.

Abstract: A dental milling tool and corresponding method is provided. The dental milling tool includes a ball head portion which is rounded in a semispherical manner and which, at its largest outer diameter, approximately 1-4 mm, transitions into an axial cutting portion that runs in the axial direction with said diameter at the outer circumference in a constant manner, the axial cutting portion being adjoined by a shaft portion which extends axially with a larger or at least equally large shaft diameter. A milling method for producing dental prosthesis parts is provided wherein a dental prosthesis white body which is to be sintered into the completed dental prosthesis part is milled out of a pre-sintered ceramic white body, in particular a zirconium dioxide white body, on a multi-axis CNC milling machine with a milling tool according to one of the preceding claims using 3D freeform milling process along generated travel paths.

Abstract: A variety of medical devices including staples sutures and dental floss with surface treatment on at least one tissue-facing surface to improve biologic function such as to control tissue adhesion are disclosed including heparin surface treatment which provides heparin present in an amount to yield heparin bioactivity of at least one of i) an ATIII binding of at least 2 pmol/cm2, and ii) a thrombin deactivation of at least 0.2 IU/cm2; an acrylic surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment, a collagen surface treatment or both; and an amino-functional polysiloxane surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment.

Abstract: A dental valve device is disclosed having a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bottom having an opening, a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the bore having a tip receiving opening and a hose receiving opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a check valve positioned in the bore and the opening in the bottom.

Abstract: A strainer/filter unit for effectively collecting solid, liquid or gaseous substances at the source and the method of using the strainer/filter unit. The strainer/filter unit includes a housing, a one-way valve at one end of the housing, and a filter having a certain depth and thickness within the housing. The filter is formed from a plurality of layers of material with pores such that pores of one layer partially overlap pores of subsequent adjacent layers. Matters entering the strainer/filter unit are collected in the filter while travelling through filter via a tortuous path.

Abstract: The present dental tool cleaning device generally provides a possibility to clean the burrs and brushes (files) of the remained tooth material on them after operation on patient. An improved dental tool cleaning device includes a container, comprising a lower portion which includes a neck with an opening and a first lid with a first nozzle, and an upper portion which includes a second lid comprising a second nozzle and an inlet fluid connector with the fluid channel.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time measurement of curing energy delivered to a simulated dental restoration from a source of curing energy. The system comprises a detector and a display. The detector measures at a location within the simulated dental restoration the amount of curing energy delivered by the curing energy source. The display displays the measured amount of curing energy in real-time. The system also comprises a temperature detector to measure temperature changes in the oral tissues during curing (teeth and gums). The system also comprises a video camera to record the operator's curing technique.

Abstract: A curing light device includes a body with a tip portion that has a plurality of elements for providing electrical energy to the distal end of the tip and for removing heat from the distal end of the tip. A light engine includes at least one light emitting element operable for emitting light and is positioned on the distal end of the tip portion. A power supply is positioned in the body and is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. Spring electrical contacts are positioned in the body and electrically coupled with the ultracapacitor element. The spring electrical contacts are spaced along the length of the body and configured for electrically engaging the tip portion along its length for delivering power to the light engine and for provide a spring alignment of the tip portion in the body.

Abstract: A teeth whitening appliance (10) such as a tray includes a seal member (18) which is attached to an interior surface (19) of the tray. The seal member comprises a fabric strip or a gecko adhesive strip which extends around the periphery of the interior surface of the tray adjacent the peripheral or boundary edge thereof. The seal member adheres to the teeth, so as to prevent gel from escaping from the tray when the tray is in place, as well as preventing water/saliva in the mouth from entering the tray, while also being convenient to remove.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining patient temperature during an anaesthetic procedure. Patients, particularly small patients, can lose body temperature when undergoing surgery or other procedures where they are anaesthetized. The process of breathing the cool anaesthetic gas contributes to the temperature loss of the patient. An anaesthetic apparatus is arranged to warm the gas being provided for the patient to breathe, to facilitate maintaining body temperature. An inspired limb of an anaesthetic circuit comprises tubing with a heating conductor for heating the inspired gas.

Abstract: A hernia repair prosthesis comprises a segmented frame forming a closed loop where a first segment comprises a helical hollow tube and a second segment comprises a solid strand. Both segments are preferably a metal exhibiting shape memory properties and the two segments are assembled with end portions of the second segment inserted into the lumen at opposed end portions of the first segment with a clearance fit. At manufacture, a covering layer of a bio-absorbable polymer on the end portions of the second strand is sufficiently sized to create a temporary interference fit between the two segments to inhibit relative movement between them. The ability of the intercoupled segment to move relative to one another is restored upon degradation of the polymer due to exposure to body fluids following implantation of the prostheses. A prosthetic fabric is attached to the segmented frame.

Abstract: A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter including ports proximal and distal the filter for fluid infusion and/or pressure sensing and infusion ports in the catheter to permit infusion of bioactive agents, flushing agents and/or contrast agents. The embolic filter may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.