Abstract: Drug delivery systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to deliver a drug to a patient in coordination with a physiological parameter of the patient (e.g., the patient's natural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation or the patient's heart or respiration rate). In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to use a combination of infusion and aspiration to control delivery of a drug to a patient. Catheters, controllers, and other components for use in the above systems are also disclosed, as are various methods of using such systems.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes circuitry to control a process. The process includes adjusting fuzzy-logic control parameters based on received and retrieved blood glucose-related data, predicting blood glucose levels based on the received blood-glucose-related data, and generating control signals to control dispensing of insulin based on the received blood glucose-related data and the fuzzy-logic control parameters. The process may include predicting blood glucose levels based on the retrieved blood glucose-related data. The process may include transitioning between a post-meal correction protocol and a fasting protocol. The process may include transitioning from a post-meal correction protocol to a fasting protocol when a fasting criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: An injection device comprising a housing in which can be mounted a syringe comprising a barrel for holding a volume of medicament, a needle at one end of the barrel and a plunger axially-moveable in the barrel to a forwardmost position, the injection device further comprising a syringe support means for supporting the barrel at an axial location at or forward of the forwardmost position of the plunger and having a reaction surface for the syringe, whereby in use said reaction surface provides an axial compressive force on said barrel when a forward axial force is applied to the plunger.

Abstract: Drug delivery device adapted to receive a cartridge, comprising a piston driver adapted to expel an amount of drug from a received cartridge, and a base member adapted to engage a cartridge and position the cartridge relative to the piston driver, the base member comprising a main portion with a central passage, a portion of the piston driver being arranged axially displaceable through the passage, the piston driver distal end being arranged distally of the central passage, and flexible centring means adapted to receive the proximal end of a cartridge and centre it relative to the central opening and thereby to the piston driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for transdermal injection includes a collet configured to transition between first and second states. In the first state, the collet receives a cartridge with a predetermined elongate shape. In the second state, an inner surface of the collet substantially conforms to the predetermined elongate shape of the cartridge such that expansion of the cartridge, when the cartridge is pressurized, is substantially uniformly opposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transdermal injection includes a sleeve including a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner wall surface extending along the sleeve from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening at the distal end. The inner wall surface forms a channel in the sleeve, the channel having a first portion with a substantially frustoconical shape. The channel of the sleeve is configured to receive a substantially frustconically shaped injection cartridge, to substantially uniformly support the injection cartridge during a transdermal injection operation, and to prevent movement of the injection cartridge out of the distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A two body syringe carrier assembly for use in an injection device is presented where a force dampener is operatively connected to the two bodies to dissipate spring force at the completion of the penetration and/or injection steps. The injection device has a generally elongated tubular housing, a syringe containing medicament and having a needle, a needle shield slidably arranged to the housing and protruding a distance outside the front end of the housing, a plunger arranged to act on the syringe and a pre-tensioned drive member arranged the drive the plunger.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a reservoir for containing a medical product, a distally projecting end-piece having an outer surface and a total length measured along a longitudinal axis of said end-piece, said end-piece defining an axial passageway for the transfer of said medical product contained in said reservoir, wherein a gripping surface is provided on a portion of said outer surface, said portion being located in a distal region of said end-piece, the length of said portion representing at most 40%, preferably less than 33%, of the total length of the end-piece. An assembly includes such a drug delivery device and an adaptor intended to be mounted onto the end-piece.

Abstract: A filtered needle for use in administering a liquid payload, including a needle and connector portion and a filtering needle cap. The filtering needle cap including a distal open end in fluid communication via an internal channel with a proximal open end of the filtering needle cap. The filtering needle cap proximal end sized to receive the distal end of the hub within the proximal end of the filtering needle cap to reversibly engage the hub when needle distal end is inserted into the internal channel. The filtering needle cap including a filter element and a seal to seal around an outside diameter of the hollow needle so that liquid payload is drawn into the lumen in the hollow needle as liquid payload is filtered and drawn into the fluid fitting. The filtering needle cap is designed to limit a dead volume of liquid payload drawn into the filtering needle cap but not entering into the distal end of the hollow needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a torsion spring operatively connected to a dose setting member being adapted to set a dose to be ejected from the injection device. A rotatably mounted display member adapted to display the dose to be ejected in accordance with a setting of the dose setting member is also provided. The rotatably mounted display member is adapted to be rotated over an angle corresponding to at least one revolution of the display member. The display member may be implemented as a dose indicator barrel having numerals arranged along a helical path on an outer surface thereof, or alternatively, as a counting device having two or more display wheels having numerals arranged on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a mechanism for setting a dose of a medicament for a variable dose drug delivery device, comprising: a housing, a sleeve component configured to rotate relative to the housing during a dose setting operation, and a stop member which is configured to limit a total amount of possible rotation of the sleeve component to a maximum and, thereby, to limit a maximum settable dose, wherein the stop member is configured to allow varying the maximum which determines the total amount of possible rotation of the sleeve component.

Abstract: A portable auto-injector configured to store a liquid component in a first chamber separately from a dry medication in a second chamber, wherein a first actuation mechanism opens a valve allowing for the initiation of a mixing step prior to injection. The first chamber and second chamber are independent and movable with respect to one another. An extendable needle guard is provided over the delivery assembly which prevents premature injection as well as inadvertent sticks or other cross contamination of a needle. The needle guard can also form part of a secondary trigger mechanism which injects the mixed components after the mixing stage is complete.

Abstract: A cap assembly mountable to a rigid shield around a needle of a syringe. The cap assembly includes a gripper component and a base cap. The gripper component includes a support frame and a liner that is deformable when sandwiched between the support frame and the rigid shield. When the base cap is installed to the gripper component during manufacture, and with the rigid shield disposed in a bore of the gripper component in any rotational orientation relative thereto, the liner is held by the support frame so as to be deformed against and grip the rigid shield for shield removal purposes so as to allow for removal of the rigid shield from around the needle.

Abstract: A safety injection needle device for delivery of a medicament from a storage reservoir with longitudinal axis A. The device includes: a device body; a needle; a needle shield device, and a spring. A rear end of the needle shield device is made of a deformable material such that at least a section of the rear end of the needle shield device is deformed such that the radius of the rear end is increased such that the needle shield device is locked in the extracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device for self-administration of doses of a liquid drug. The injection device carries a needle cannula (15) which is concealed by a telescopically movable shield (20). Further a stopping means (30) interconnects the shield with the helical rotatable scale sleeve (25) such that the shield can only be operated proximally when the scale sleeve is rotated away from its zero position. Once the scale sleeve returns to its zero position during expelling of the dose, the shield and the stopping means is allowed to slide distally and thus return to the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsion spring driven injection device for delivering set doses of a liquid drug. The injection device mechanism is encapsulated in a housing which also stores the cartridge containing the liquid drug. A needle cannula which is in liquid communication with the interior of the cartridge and which has a distal tip is shielded by a telescopically movable needle shield is used to inject the set dose. The needle cannula is preferably used for multiple injections and cleaned between subsequent injections. The drive mechanism further comprises a nut member engaging the piston rod and releasable coupled to the housing to operate as a pressure relief mechanism. The telescopically movable needle shield covering the distal tip of the needle cannula is formed to lock the nut member to the housing during injection.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an injection device includes a first end, a second end and a first longitudinal axis extending from the first end and the second end. The adapter also includes a chamber defined by a sidewall between the first end and second end and a nozzle having a passageway extending through the sidewall, the passageway having an input at the chamber, an output at an outer surface of the body and a passageway axis extending from the input to the output, the passageway axis being angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the channel. A cartridge can include such an adapter.

Abstract: System and methods are described herein for generating an injection guide, which include receiving one or more digital images of a body region of an individual, the body region including one or more physical registration landmarks, generating at least one digital representation of the body region using the one or more digital images, the at least one digital representation including one or more digital registration landmarks corresponding to the one or more physical registration landmarks on the body region, adding one or more digitally registered injection sites to the at least one digital representation of the body region in an injection-treatment pattern, the one or more digitally registered injection sites registered relative to the one or more digital registration landmarks, and generating one or more output signals having information for controlling one or more controllable light-emitting elements to illuminate a location on a surface of the body region of the individual corresponding in location to at

Abstract: A skin-patch type large volume drug delivery device (1) comprising a heat exchanger (24) to extract thermal energy from the body/skin surface of the user and to supply the extracted thermal energy to increase the temperature of the medicament. Alternatively or in addition, a Peltier element (35) can be used for the same purpose. The device includes a temperature sensor (31) and a controller (16) for varying the flow rate within the heat exchanger as a function of the drug temperature.

Abstract: A skin-patch type large volume medicament injection device (1) comprising an adhesive surface (21/23) for attachment to the skin and a plurality of contact sensors (24) configured to output a signal representing a degree of detachment of the device from the injection site, and an alarm and control function which outputs an alert to the user based on the signal received from the sensors and stops the injection in case the degree of detachment is too large to guarantee further save injection.

Abstract: A novel nebulizer ruggedized to withstand high pressure and corrosive solutions that cannot be used in commercially available nebulizers. Also, a medication for use in such a nebulizer comprising cannabidiol (CBD) and an essential oil.

Abstract: An automated drug delivery and monitoring system for use on mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit is presented. Medication in the form of respirable particles is transported through ventilator circuitry by a delivery unit. Multiple medications may be delivered into the gas flow of the ventilator, with each medication delivered in a defined dose for a frequency and interval as specified by an operator. The particles mixed into the gas flow of the ventilator are inhaled and ingested by the patent's lungs.

Abstract: An inhalation mask assembly includes a cup shaped first body and a cup shaped second body. The first body is receivable against a facial area for enclosing a respiratory organ, and includes first inhalation members, and an exhalation valve assembly at a frontal midpoint of the first body between the first inhalation members. The second body includes exhalation members and second inhalation members. The first body is nested in the second body, and the first inhalation members of the first body are coupled gaseously to the respective second inhalation members. The first inhalation members are for administering respirable gas into the first body from the respective second inhalation members, the exhalation valve assembly is for exhausting exhaust gas from the first body into a scavenger chamber formed between the first body and the second body, and the exhalation members are for exhausting the exhaust gas from the scavenger chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a supply of air at positive pressure for the amelioration or treatment of a respiratory disorder comprising a housing, a blower structured and configured to produce a flow of air at positive pressure, a flexible connector electrically and physically connected to the blower; and a blower rotation limitation structure configured to reduce rotation of the blower during use. The apparatus may comprise first and second blower suspensions for holding opposite ends of the blower. The blower suspension(s) may be flexible and in tension. The apparatus may comprise one or more connector anchors for anchoring a longitudinal middle section of the flexible connector to another part of the apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging stylet is provided, including a deformable outer housing having a proximal end and a distal end with a longitudinal axis, and an opening provided at the distal end, an imaging device disposed at the distal end of the outer housing, a deformable support member disposed in the outer housing, and an actuator disposed in the outer housing and coupled to the imaging device. The imaging device is movable by the actuator from an inactivated position, in which the imaging device is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the distal end, to an activated position, in which the imaging device extends out of the opening at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end.

Abstract: A mouth seal assembly for use with a nasal mask system includes a mouth seal adapted to form a seal with the patient's mouth. The mouth seal is substantially independent from a supply of pressurized air from the nasal mask system. An anti-asphyxia valve may be provided to either the mouth seal over the patient's lips or the nasal mask system. A strap arrangement may support the mouth seal in a desired position on the patient's face in use.

Abstract: A positioning and stabilising structure for a patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurized air or breathable gas to a patient's airways may include a first fabric layer; a second fabric layer; a central fabric layer between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The central fabric layer, the first fabric and the second fabric may be warp/weft knitted together.

Abstract: Described here are closed-circuit breathing devices and methods for their use. In general, the closed-circuit breathing device is configured to achieve a steady-state equilibrium, whereby therapeutic gas is introduced into the breathing circuit in small, controlled volumes until a steady state concentration of the therapeutic gas is reached. During this time, the closed-circuit breathing device is operated in a true closed circuit, such that the therapeutic gas is not lost to the atmosphere. Safety measures are built into the closed-circuit breathing device so that a hypoxic mixture is not delivered to the subject. The therapeutic gas may be xenon.

Abstract: A small animal anesthesia system is provided, including a compressor, an anesthetizing gas generator and an anesthesia platform. The compressor has a first outlet and a first intake. The anesthetizing gas generator has a second outlet and a second intake. The first outlet of the compressor is connected to the second intake of the anesthetizing gas generator to supply gas, so that an anesthetizing gas is generated. The anesthesia platform includes a bearing plate, an anesthetic mask and a first anesthesia chamber. The anesthetic mask is configured to cover the face of the small animal, and connected to the second outlet of the anesthetizing gas generator, such that the small animal is anesthetized by the anesthetizing gas generated by the anesthetizing gas generator. The first anesthesia chamber is disposed on the bearing plate, and connected to the first intake of the compressor to recycle the anesthetizing gas.

Abstract: Various systems and devices for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a porous solid matrix positioned with the body. The porous solid matrix is coated with an aqueous solution of an antioxidant, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the solid matrix to convert nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow into nitric oxide. The porous solid matrix allows the device to be used in any orientation. Additionally, the porous solid matrix provides a rigid structure suitable to withstand vibrations and abuse without compromising device functionality.

Abstract: A filling system for an anesthetic dispenser has an improved anesthetic-specific code. The adapter neck of the cylinder adapter has polygonally arranged outer surfaces (7, 71) as anesthetic-specific code. A filling device for anesthetics at the anesthetic dispenser has a filler neck for receiving the adapter neck, and polygonally arranged inner surfaces (27, 271) are formed as an anesthetic-specific code at the filler neck, which are designed corresponding to the outer surfaces (7, 71). At least one inner surface (271) has a projection (272) projecting from the inner surface, and at least one outer surface (71) has a depression (72) designed corresponding to the projection (272).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for storing and distributing a gaseous mixture formed of NO/N2, comprising a container (6) containing an NO/nitrogen mixture equipped with an in-built pressure regulator (8) with an internal passage (22) for gas made of stainless steel and means for regulating the expansion of the gas collaborating with an expansion valve (27) and a valve seat (28) made of stainless steel. A first outlet coupling (21a) referred to as a ‘pressure’ outlet delivers the gas at low pressure and a second outlet coupling (21b) associated with a flow meter device comprising calibrated orifices and a flow rate selection member delivers the gas at several different flow rates. The invention also relates to an installation for distributing a gas containing NO to a patient comprising a ventilator (1) delivering a gas containing oxygen and to a system for storing and distributing a gaseous mixture formed of NO/N2 according to the invention.

Abstract: Introduced are methods and systems for an adjustable bed device configured to: gather biological signals associated with multiple users, such as heart rate, breathing rate, or temperature; analyze the gathered human biological signals; and heat or cool a bed based on the analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for slow wave sleep improvement. The method includes recording a biosignal from a skin area of a patient using an electrode system. The slow wave stage of NREM sleep is detected by analyzing an oscillation rate of the biosignal. If the slow wave stage is detected, threshold electrocutaneous stimulation is applied to improve the quality of sleep. The described embodiment relates to an apparatus for slow wave sleep improvement comprising an electrode system, a measuring unit, a therapy unit and a processor. The processor is coupled to the measurement unit for receiving the biosignal corresponding to the electrodermal activity. The processor proceses the biosignal to determine the slow wave sleep stage and activates the therapy unit to deliver threshold electrocuteneous therapy to the patient with the purpose of improving the slow wave sleep stage.

Abstract: A method comprising: (a) obtaining information about a period of a fluctuation cycle in an autonomic nerve of a user; and (b) repeating, in a same period as the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve, a process that includes inducing a point of gaze of the user to move in a direction away from the user and inducing the point of gaze of the user to move in a direction to approach the user, according to the obtained information. The period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve is a period of a fluctuation cycle in a diameter of a pupil of the user, a period of a fluctuation cycle in a heart beat of the user, or a period calculated from the period of the fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil and the period of the fluctuation cycle in the heart beat.

Abstract: A catheter holder includes an attachment section configured to be attachable to a holder tube that accommodates at least a portion of a sheath of an image diagnosis catheter in a wound state, a support section extending from the attachment section in a direction away from the wound holder tube, and a fixing section provided on a second end side of the support section, which is opposite to a first end side of the support section on which the attachment section is provided, and configured to fix a unit connector and a hub of the image diagnosis catheter to hold the outer tube, which is exposed from an opening portion of the holder tube, in a linear shape to be fixed in position.

Abstract: A catheter shaft includes a first tube made of an extrudable copolymer that has reactive groups, and a second tube made of a polymeric material, which is welded to the first tube. A distal balloon is welded to the first tube.

Abstract: A dual guidewire lumen catheter includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member. The first elongated member includes a first integral portion, a first free portion, and a first lumen extending there through. The first lumen is configured to receive a first guidewire. The first free portion has a first distal end and a first aperture configured to receive the first guidewire. The second elongated member includes a second distal end and a second lumen there through. The second lumen is configured to receive a second guidewire and the second distal end has a second aperture configured to receive the second guidewire. The second elongated member is integral with the first integral portion of the first elongated member and the first free portion is moveable with respect to a central axis of the catheter.

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

Abstract: A connector apparatus for a pressure sensing catheter having a pressure-compliant member is disclosed. A first complementary connector has an aligning portion and a charging portion, with the aligning portion having a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of the charging portion. A second complementary connector has a proximal coupler with an alignment section and a charging section wherein, the alignment section having a cross-sectional area complementary to the cross-sectional area of the aligning portion to receive the alignment portion therein, the charging section having a cross-sectional area complementary to receive the charging portion and a resilient member therein. The first complementary connector can displace a volume of fluid from the proximal coupler into the pressure compliant member when the alignment section receives the aligning portion, the charging section receives the charging portion, and the resilient member forms the fluid tight seal within the charging section.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device includes a housing, a needle, a catheter, and a guide wire. The needle has a proximal end positioned in the housing and a distal end extending beyond a distal end of the housing in a first position. The catheter is positioned coaxially over the needle, and may include a flexible tube and a catheter hub on a proximal end of the flexible tube. A proximal portion of the flexible tube and the catheter hub may be positioned in the housing. The guidewire may have a proximal end positioned in the housing and a distal end positioned in a lumen of the needle. The catheter insertion device also may include a handle coupled to the catheter, wherein movement of the handle relative to the housing moves the catheter hub from a position in the housing to a position outside of the housing.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for navigation including a flexible catheter having a proximal portion adjacent a proximal end and a distal portion adjacent a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, the flexible catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis and configured to enable translation of an instrument from the proximal end to the distal end. The flexible catheter defines a compound curve formed on the distal portion, wherein the compound curve includes an elbow bend and a radially curved portion. The elbow bend deflecting the distal portion of the flexible catheter from the longitudinal axis, while the radially curved portion extends from the elbow bend farther deflecting the distal portion about a center point. The catheter guide assembly for navigation includes a control handle disposed at the proximal end of the flexible catheter and is configured to advance and rotate the flexible catheter within a luminal structure.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis or other sclerosis or desired adhesion conditions to treat a patient, while minimizing likelihood of tissue damage from direct application of sclerosis-enhancing materials. A tube device is provided that is configured to elute sclerosis-enhancing material and/or other medicaments including autologous or otherwise patient compatible blood and/or blood component(s) via an assembly including fenestrated drainage tube which may be a multi-lumen assembly allowing simultaneous infusion/elution and drainage. The assembly of tube device with outer (typically drainage) tube may include one or more features configured to enhance delivery of medicament and/or drainage through the same assembly.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an elongated outer sheath and an elongated inner sheath coaxially disposed within the outer sheath. The elongated outer sheath includes an outer sheath wall extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the outer sheath to an extent greater than 180° and less than 360° to define an outer sheath slot. The elongated inner sheath includes an inner sheath wall extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the inner sheath to an extent greater than the difference between 360° and the circumferential extent of the outer sheath wall, and less than 360° to define an inner sheath slot. The inner sheath is rotatable relative to the outer sheath to form an enclosed lumen when the outer and inner sheath slots are not aligned, and to form an open slot along the entire length of the introducer sheath when the outer and inner sheath slots are aligned.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a core shaft, a coil body disposed around an outer periphery of the core shaft, and a joining portion joining a distal end of the core shaft to a distal end of the coil body 3, An outer periphery of the joining portion has, at its proximal end, an uneven shape in a longitudinal direction of the guide wire. The outer periphery may include a protruded portion that protrudes proximally in the longitudinal direction, and a recessed portion that protrudes distally in the longitudinal direction. The guide wire has improved joining strength between the joining portion and the coil body, preventing the joining portion from detaching from the coil body.

Abstract: This invention is a transvascularly placed steerable guidewire, further including internal steerability and the ability to articulate in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis at or near its distal end. The steerable guidewire is generally fabricated from stainless steel and includes an outer tube, an inner tube, hub structures, and a distal articulating region. The steerable guidewire can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature. The steerable guidewire hub can be removed to permit advancement of catheters over its proximal end followed by re-attachment of the hub to permit deflection of the distal end of the steerable guidewire. Removal of the hub can result in a limp guidewire or maintenance of a forced curvature of the distal end of the guidewire.

Abstract: Systems and methods can remove material of interest, including blood clots, from a body region, including but not limited to the circulatory system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cerebrovascular embolism, and other vascular occlusions.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system includes a body, a guidewire, and a dilation catheter having an elongate shaft. The dilation catheter system may include a locking mechanism to prevent the guidewire from moving relative to the elongate shaft or to lock the guidewire to the dilation catheter to form a fixed wire unit. The dilation catheter system may include a stabilizing tube extending from an actuator, to provide rigidity to the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include a grip element having a plurality of grip features disposed thereon. The dilation catheter may include a cap biased toward a first longitudinal position and movable to a second longitudinal position. A guide catheter secured to the cap is prevented from changing angular orientation in the first longitudinal position and is free to change angular orientation in the second longitudinal position.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a one-piece extrusion having inner and outer tubular walls, where the inner tubular wall defines a wire guide lumen, and a clearance extending between the inner and outer tubular walls forms an inflation lumen. A balloon is attached to the outer tubular wall and to the inner tubular wall, such that the inflation lumen is in fluid communication with the balloon and the wire guide lumen extends through the balloon. A method of making the balloon catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A safety balloon catheter includes a catheter having a stretch valve, a connector, a balloon inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon and conveying inflation fluid thereto and therefrom, a hollow second lumen, and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon to the second lumen. The stretch valve has a hollow base fixed in the second lumen at a proximal catheter end and shaped to permit a fluid therethrough and a hollow plug slidably positioned in the second lumen at a given distance from the base to, in a steady state, prevent inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, when actuated, slide within the second lumen to permit inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. The connector connects the base and the plug and has a length greater than the given distance.