Abstract: An apparatus and methods for tracking administering of medication by syringes is provided. The apparatus may include a plunger head for a syringe. The plunger head may include a transducer that sends and receives ultrasonic signals. The plunger may also include an antenna and a microcontroller that interfaces with the transducer and the antenna. The plunger may also include a power source that powers the microcontroller and the transducer. The transducer, the antenna, the microcontroller, and the power source may be at least partially encapsulated in an elastomer housing that fits within a barrel of the syringe. The microcontroller may be programmed with instructions to calculate data representative of the quantity of medication dispensed from the barrel and transmit the data to a remote device via the antenna.

Abstract: A supplemental device for attachment to an injection device including a dosage window covering a sleeve on which dose values are marked is provided. The supplemental device comprises: a main body; an arrangement for supporting the main body of the supplemental device in a predetermined positional relationship with the injection device; a transparent protection window located at a surface of the main body that is aligned with the dosage window of the injection pen when in use; and a sensor arrangement supported in the main body and having a sensor directed at the protection window. The protection window has an optical power. The protection window may be a cylindrical lens or a toric lens.

Abstract: An infusion device includes a housing with an interior chamber sized and configured to hold at least a flange and plunger of a syringe, a trigger held by the housing, and a lever in communication with the trigger and including an upwardly extending cam with a cam path having an upper end. The cam is in communication with the flange of the syringe. In response to actuation of the trigger to dispense fluid from the syringe, the upper end of the cam travels upward above the syringe and longitudinally toward a dispensing end of the syringe to linearly translate the plunger of the syringe in a first direction to dispense fluid from the syringe. To refill fluid into the syringe, the upper end of the cam travels downward and longitudinally away from the dispensing end of the syringe to linearly translate the plunger in a second direction to intake fluid.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a dosing device, in particular for a device for dosing pharmaceutical or therapeutic substances, the setting mechanism including: a controlling assembly for connecting the setting mechanism with a dose setting element of the dosing device; a driving assembly for connecting the setting mechanism with a driving element of the dosing device; a dosing assembly for connecting the setting mechanism with a dosing element of the dosing device. The controlling assembly is coupled with the dosing assembly by a spring element, which can deform from a coupled position to a decoupled position during rotation of the dose setting element. The spring element is configured to allow a displacement of the controlling assembly with respect to the dosing assembly. In the coupled position the spring element is configured to block a rotation of the controlling assembly with respect to the dosing assembly.

Abstract: A syringe includes a barrel with an internal surface defining an internal bore therein, a plunger disposed within the internal bore of the barrel, and a dose divider disposed on the plunger. The dose divider includes a first end, a first abutment surface, and a second abutment surface. The first abutment surface is spaced apart from the first end in the axial direction by a first axial distance, and the second abutment surface is spaced apart from the first end in the axial direction by a second axial distance. The second abutment surface is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the plunger by a first radial distance, and the first radial distance is greater than a radial dimension from a longitudinal axis of the barrel to the internal surface of the barrel near a proximal end of the barrel.

Abstract: A needle assembly for a hypodermic syringe is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the needle assembly includes a hub and a needle. A bond secures the needle to the hub, and the bond is configured to break allowing the needle to be withdrawn entirely from the hub upon application of a selected axial force to the needle, in various aspects. The axial force may be less than the tensile strength of the needle. Related methods of use of the needle assembly apparatus are disclosed herein. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and the related methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: A syringe retaining apparatus may include a syringe having a barrel with a main portion and a transition portion, and a needle extending from the transition portion of the barrel. The apparatus may include a protective cap removably mounted on the syringe and configured to receive the needle of the syringe and at least a portion of the transition portion of the barrel of the syringe. The protective cap may have an open proximal end and a closed distal end, and an interior surface and an exterior surface. The apparatus may have a locking structure configured to permit removal of the protective cap from the syringe when the syringe is inserted to a first depth insertion into the cap and resist removal of the protective cap from the syringe when the syringe is inserted into the protective cap to a second depth of insertion.

Abstract: A removable cap for use with an auto-injector device, whereupon removal of the cap triggers an actuating assembly that can cause an automatic mixing of medicament components in an auto-injector device and/or place the auto-injector in a state to be used.

Abstract: A device is presented for injection of a product into an injection site, comprising: a container provided with a needle, a housing receiving the container, and a needle shield releasably coupled with the container. The device also includes a retaining arrangement provided at or near the distal end of the device, designed for preventing the container from moving distally with respect to the housing until the needle shield is removed from the container.

Abstract: A medical device having a forwardly-projecting needle and a selectively-movable needle cap that can be variously positioned to cover all or a portion of the needle, depending upon whether the device is, for example, being transported, aspirated or used to inject a therapeutic fluid. The device can optionally be configured to enable retraction of the needle into the body for safe disposal following use.

Abstract: Disclosed are applicators and methods injecting of a liquid anesthetic into a dental patient with no or minimal pain. In accordance with one embodiment the applicator is for intraligamentary injection and includes an elongated, thin member having an open distal free formed of a resilient and somewhat conformable material suitable for producing a substantially fluid-tight interface with the anatomic structures at the gingival sulcus to inject the anesthetic therein. In another embodiment the applicator includes a flexible skirt surrounding a sharpened cannula, with the cannula being movable with respect to the skirt. The skirt is arranged to receive the anesthetic to anesthetize the gum, whereupon the cannula can then pierce the gum to inject the anesthetic into the underlying anatomic structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and devices for delivering gaseous Nitrous Oxide (gNO) under therapeutic parameters to reduce infection in a subject. Certain embodiments include devices and systems for delivering pressurized gNO to reduce bioburden and promote healing in the wounds of subjects having various disease conditions, including skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and osteomyelitis. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides portable wound healing devices for delivering pressurized gNO to the site of a wound to treat various disease conditions in a subject.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a series of incremental dose counters for inhalers, which includes manufacturing the dose counters with nominal canister fire and dose count positions of a dose counter actuator relative to a dose counter chassis or inhaler main body, and which includes building the dose counters with an average dose count position in the series being, in canister fire process, at or after an average canister fire position in the series.

Abstract: A method of delivering a substance in aerosol or powder form to the upper respiratory tract is provided. The substance is orally administered into the larynx, through the pharynx, and out from the nose while minimizing inhalation into the lungs, whereby deposition of particles in the upper respiratory tract is achieved with limited deposition in the trachea, lower airways and lungs. Also provided is an oral delivery device having a mouthpiece for oral inhalation of a flow of a substance into the upper respiratory tract and a flow restrictor for enabling arrestment of the flow minimizing inhalation into the trachea, lower airways and lungs, which provides for a deposition of particles in the upper respiratory tract with limited deposition in the trachea, lower airways and lungs. Also provided is an oral delivery device having a mouthpiece for admission of a flow of a substance into the upper respiratory tract and a flow generator for pressuring the substance into travel through the upper respiratory tract.

Abstract: The nasal sprayer with multiple applicators is a liquid dispensing device with two separate applicators. A first applicator is in the form of a spray nozzle, similar to that of a conventional nasal sprayer, which is provided for atomized liquid dispensing to the nasal passages. A second applicator is in the form of a flexible tube, which is adapted for dispensing liquid to deeper regions, such as the Eustachian tube or the adenoid or sinus regions. The nasal sprayer with multiple applicators includes a receptacle for receiving a volume of a liquid medicament for intranasal treatment. A pump assembly selectively transfers a metered dose of the liquid medicament to a dispensing assembly for dispensing through a selected one of first and second ports. A spray nozzle is in fluid communication with the first port and a flexible spray tube is in fluid communication with the second port.

Abstract: A method, an electronic device, a system and an information storage medium for practicing and/or controlling an inhalation process of a patient. The method involves quantifying an airflow in a mouthpiece of an inhaler during an inhalation process of the patient using an inhalation training device, evaluating an airflow signal received from the inhalation training device via an electronic device and providing visual feedback to the patient with the electronic device, the visual feedback varying with one or more time-variant characteristics of the evaluated airflow signal. The electronic device is configured for evaluation of an airflow signal received from an inhalation training device and for provision of visual feedback to the patient, the visual feedback varying with one or more time-variant characteristics of the evaluated signal. The inhalation training system comprises an inhalation training device, an inhaler and the electronic device.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a cricothyrotomy and/or a tracheotomy has an outer cannula. An inner cutting cannula is positioned within the outer cannula. An actuator is coupled to a proximate end of the inner cutting cannula. The actuator keeps the inner cutting cannula in a retracted position within the outer cannula when the actuator is not activated and an extended position where a distal end of the inner cutting cannula extends out of the outer cannula with a force for the distal end of the inner cutting cannula to penetrate one of a cricothyroid membrane or tracheal wall when the actuator is activated.

Abstract: An expandable inter-vivos tube that allows for a single size to be used for adult or pediatric intubation is disclosed. The inter-vivos tube comprises a tube and a slit extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tube. An adjustment means provides for the expansion of the tube to contact the glottis area preventing the back flow of inspired gases from escaping the patient.

Abstract: Nasal cannula devices formed with through air-flow passages and circular membranes anchored centrally to retainers and operative upon inhaling by the patient to raise off the peripheral edges of respective seats for free flow of air into the nasal passages and, further, operative upon exhalation by the patient to seat on the seats. The invention further includes a method introducing the cannula devices with cushioning rings to cushion against the walls of the walls of the nasal passages. In another method the invention includes manufacturing a barrel with proximal and distal glands to friction fit on a shell formed in the body of the cannula and receiving an annular retainer friction fit in the distal cannula to mount a sealing membrane.

Abstract: A catheter with a distal end that rotates through the conversion of linear motion to rotational motion, thus the distal end may be rotated without longitudinally advancing or retracting the distal end. The catheter includes a tube with a single helix or a dual chirality helix cut into the tube, a distal end segment, means for linear displacement of the helix, and means for coupling the junction point of the helix to the distal segment.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for draining and analyzing bodily fluids are disclosed in which a drainage assembly is configured to prevent negative pressure build-up. The drainage assembly generally includes a catheter which may include a drainage lumen, a reservoir, a venting mechanism in fluid communication with the drainage lumen and a positive pressure lumen, and a controller. The venting mechanism may further include a valve which is configured to maintain a closed position, as well as a vent in fluid communication with the valve, where the venting mechanism is configured to inhibit wetting of the vent from fluid within the drainage lumen.

Abstract: A catheter that prevents excessive concentration of stress while providing sufficient flexibility to a distal end portion of the catheter, even when the catheter is inserted and curved in patient's a blood vessel. Thus, breakage of the catheter at a radiopaque marker is prevented/reduced. The catheter includes a catheter tube and the radiopaque marker, which is disposed in the catheter tube. The radiopaque marker is fixed in the catheter so that a gap is provided between the radiopaque marker and the catheter tube in a radial direction of the catheter tube.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for catheterization through angionavigation, cardionavigation, or brain navigation to diagnose or treat diseased areas through direct imaging using tracking, such as radiofrequency, infrared, or ultrasound tracking, of the catheter through the patient's vascular anatomy. A steerable catheter with six degrees of freedom having at least a camera and fiber optic bundle, and one or more active or passive electromagnetic tracking sensors located on the catheter is guided through the vascular system under direct imaging. The direct imaging can be assisted with at least one of MRA imaging, CT angiography imaging, or 3DRA imaging as the roadmap acquired prior to or during 3D stereoangiovision. The system comprises RF transceivers to provide positioning information from the sensors, a processor executing navigation software to fuse the tracking information from the tracking sensors with the imaging roadmap, and a display to display the location of the catheter on the roadmap.

Abstract: With a push device for the axial insertion of an elongate, flexible body, in particular of a flexible tube, a cable or similar elements into a sheath, and axial force introduction unit is provided, which by way of a non-positive fit or a positive fit, applies a push movement onto the elongate body and is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the sheath or is guided on a predefined movement path.

Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.

Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.

Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.

Abstract: Guidewires and related methods for percutaneous crossing of an occlusion in a blood vessel are disclosed. A guidewire can include a core member and a jacket member. The core member can extend from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, with the distal end portion including a first segment, a more distal second segment and a more proximal third segment. The first segment can be configured to encourage prolapse by way of a short taper or a diameter-reduced portion. The jacket member can surround at least the distal end portion of the core member. A method can include advancing a distal end portion of the guidewire through the natural lumen of a blood vessel to a location near an occlusion. A longitudinal pushing force can be applied to a proximal end portion of the guidewire, thereby causing a first segment of the distal end portion to prolapse.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and a stent delivery system are disclosed, which includes a shaft portion of which an axially orthogonal cross section of an outer peripheral surface has a polygonal shape, and a balloon which is foldable on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and in which turned-back portions are formed when folded. Portions formed to linearly extend along an axial direction in the turned-back portions are respectively positioned on sides of the polygonal shape. A stent can be arranged on an outer periphery of a balloon in the balloon catheter and expands in response to dilation of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon coating method and a balloon coating apparatus are disclosed for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on an outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter. The balloon coating method including fixing a connection portion between the balloon and an inner tube passing through an inside of the balloon, and moving a dispensing tube relative to the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon while rotating the balloon about an axis of the balloon and while also dispensing the coating liquid containing the water-insoluble drug from the dispensing tube to apply the coating liquid to the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for minimizing or preventing catheter or other medical device occlusion. Mechanical motion is applied to the inner and outer walls of the catheter to minimize blood clots or other biological substances from obstructing the catheter and to help maintain catheter patency.

Abstract: [Subjects] To provide a biliary tract drainage tube in which both an external drainage tube and an internal drainage tube can be installed in a single endoscopic procedure. [Method to Solve] A biliary tract drainage tube used to drain a biliary tract is provided with long external drainage tube 2 and internal drainage tube 3 that is provided on the tip of the external drainage tube so as to be separable from the external drainage tube. Both external drainage tube 2 and internal drainage tube 3 are placed in biliary tract Cd. Since internal drainage tube 3 can be left behind in the biliary tract by removing external drainage tube 2, another endoscopic procedure is not required when switching from external drainage tube 2 to internal drainage tube 3, and the burden placed on the patient can be lessened.

Abstract: A shunt catheter system and method of use thereof. The system generally includes an open-ended ventricular catheter with drainage apertures and safety flap valves, a reservoir with inline filter, and a peritoneal catheter. After insertion, for example into the ventricles of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid would pass into the ventricular catheter, through the inline filter in the reservoir, and into the peritoneal catheter, subsequently exiting the shunt catheter system. During insertion of the ventricular catheter, a catheter stylet or wire/string and plug stylet can be positioned therein to occlude the open end. The ventricular catheter may be positioned perpendicular to the peritoneal catheter and can be coupled to one another through the reservoir and inline filter or valve.

Abstract: A device for sustained delivery of a poorly water soluble drug is described. A drug reservoir within the device, when in operation, contains an aqueous suspension of the drug mixed with a suspension of an excipient that, in one embodiment, generates acidic groups for a sustained period of time to maintain a desired pH in the aqueous suspension that in turn provides a constant concentration of a soluble form of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin administration system capable of improving the efficiency of skin delivery of an ingredient for controlling release of neurotransmitters and, particularly, to a microneedle containing an ingredient for controlling release of neurotransmitters.

Abstract: A microneedle injection apparatus comprising a dual cover. The apparatus can include a housing having a base and a cavity; a microneedle array comprising a first side comprising a plurality of microneedles; and a microneedle array holder configured to hold a microneedle array and located in the housing. The microneedle array holder can be movable between a retracted position, and an extended position. The apparatus can further include a cover configured to be positioned to cover the opening in the base of the housing. The cover can include (i) a first portion configured to cover at least a portion of the base of the housing adjacent the opening, and (ii) a second portion configured to be received in the cavity of the housing and further configured to cover the plurality of microneedles on the microneedle array when the microneedle array holder is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A needle shell is inserted through skin with a needle insert within the needle shell occluding an insertion end of the needle shell. The needle insert is withdrawn from the needle shell and an implant tube is inserted into the needle shell and below the skin, wherein the implant tube is slid within the needle shell while the needle shell is below the surface of the tissue. Interior surfaces of the implant tube contact and guide sliding movement of the implant. An implant insertion rod is inserted into the needle shell to implant an implant below the skin.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to a medical device for providing a leak-resistant seal for use in a vascular access device. In various embodiments, a device for vascular access hemostasis is included. The device can include an enclosure configured to at least partially receive a medical device, the enclosure defining a cavity. The enclosure can have a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the cavity disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion. The enclosure can include the second seal portion comprising a split, septum seal. The enclosure can include a barrel in structural communication with the second seal portion. The device can include a constriction ring disposed around the barrel, the constriction ring interfacing with the second seal portion to limit movement of the split, septum seal.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to medical connectors with a housing comprising a proximal body member and a base member that form an internal cavity with a proximal abutment surface. A seal member and a rigid, hollow elongated portion are located within the internal cavity such that a proximal tip of the elongated member extends proximally within the internal cavity further than the abutment surface.

Abstract: A capping device for disinfecting an access portion of a medical implement is provided. The device includes a housing for covering the access portion of the medical implement having an opening and a cavity having a surface, a disinfecting pad disposed within the cavity and attached to the surface thereof to disinfect the access portion of the medical implement by bringing the disinfecting pad in contact with the access portion of the medical implement, and a resilient member connecting the housing to the medical implement.

Abstract: Disinfection cap includes housing comprising closed top, essentially cylindrical sidewall, and open bottom formed by the sidewall with opening to inner cavity within the housing for receiving mating feature of needleless connector. Disinfection sponge can be configured within inner cavity, with removable cover sealing opening to inner cavity to seal sponge within inner cavity prior to cap use. Inner cavity includes threads on inner surface of its sidewall that do not correspond to the mating feature of needleless connector. One thread engages with mating feature of needleless connector. Plurality of disinfection caps can be disposed on strip of IV pole hanging device such that each cap can be peeled off the strip unsealed for immediate use, or separated from the strip sealed for later use.

Abstract: A status monitoring function that simplifies the process of collecting status information for medical devices in a medical device system. Matrix codes are used to associate a medical device with a location. A maintenance application transmits the association information to a centralized tracking system. Status information about the medical device is also transmitted to the centralized tracking system from the maintenance application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for treating, diagnosing and/or monitoring a patient having a heart, a heart rhythm comprising periodically repeating Q, R, S and T waves of an electrocardiogram and a peripheral vascular system, said electrocardiogram exhibiting a repeating QRSTQ heart rhythm having a Q-T systole duration, a T-Q diastole duration and an R-R path length, said patient having a pulse rate corresponding to said R-R path length, the apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes attachable externally or internally to the patient for electrically stimulating the patient non-invasively or invasively, in synchronization with the heart rhythm, by trains of pulses applied to the patient, determining, for cycles of the heart rhythm, a time corresponding to the end of an associated T-wave and applying trains of electrical stimulation pulses within a range of ?15% to ?1% corresponding to said R-R path length before the end of the T-wave and having a train duration selected in

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) using electrical energy. In general, the methods and devices can facilitate activation of BAT to increase thermogenesis. The BAT can be activated by applying an electrical signal thereto that can be configured to target sympathetic nerves that can directly innervate the BAT. The electrical signal can be configured to target the sympathetic nerves using fiber diameter selectivity. In other words, the electrical signal can be configured to activate nerve fibers having a first diameter without activating nerve fibers having diameters different than the first diameter. Sympathetic nerves include postganglionic unmyelinated, small diameter fibers, while parasympathetic nerves that can directly innervate BAT include preganglionic myelinated, larger diameter fibers.

Abstract: A tool for inserting an elongate medical device into a body includes a track (e.g. defined by inner surfaces of a base wall and opposing sidewalls), and a deployment assembly for moving the device along the track. A retainer of the assembly, fitted in sliding engagement within the track and limited to move only along a portion of the track, grips a first portion of a proximal length of the device; a slider of the assembly, also fitted in sliding engagement within the track and detachably joined to the retainer, receives a second portion of the device proximal length. When detached from the retainer, the slider is free to move along a distal length of the device, and can be moved along a distal segment of the track to disengage therefrom by separating from a distal terminal end of the guide.

Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to some embodiments includes a body, a coil element coupled to the body, the body configured to cover the coil element during use, the coil element comprising an inner lumen sized to receive an outer surface of a lead, the coil element is movable between a first configuration in which the coil element slides over the lead, and a second configuration in which at least some coils grip the outer surface of the lead; an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the coil element, the actuation mechanism configured to move the coil element between the first and second configurations; and a tether coupled to the lead via the body, the coil element, and/or actuation mechanism, the tether configured to extend further proximally than a proximal-most end of the lead and configured to transfer tension force applied to the tether to the lead.

Abstract: Architectures for implantable stimulators having N electrodes are disclosed. The architectures contains X current sources, or DACs. In a single anode/multiple cathode design, one of the electrodes is designated as the anode, and up to X of the electrodes can be designated as cathodes and independently controlled by one of the X DACs, allowing complex patient therapy and current steering between electrodes. The design uses at least X decoupling capacitors: X capacitors in the X cathode paths, or one in the anode path and X?1 in the X cathode paths. In a multiple anode/multiple cathode design having X DACs, a total of X?1 decoupling capacitors are needed. Because the number of DACs X can typically be much less than the total number of electrodes (N), these architectures minimize the number of decoupling capacitors which saves space, and ensures no DC current injection even during current steering.

Abstract: A device for electrical stimulation of one or more components of the periodontal complex and surrounding tissue of a tooth, for uses such as reducing orthodontic pain and encouraging tooth movement, has electrodes of a rigid, electrically conductive material in a fixed spatial relationship configured for application to oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along a periodontal ligament of, a root structure of a single tooth. An electrical circuit is configured for electrical connection to the at least two electrodes. The electrical circuit has an output providing a subsensory electrical stimulus comprising a waveform in accordance with predetermined stimulation parameters. After the electrodes are applied to the oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along the periodontal ligament of, a root structure of the tooth, a switch, when activated, activates the electrical circuit to output the electrical stimulus through the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: Tips for use on a tunneling tool provide the ability to pull an implantable medical lead extension or catheter body through a subcutaneous tunnel. The tips may include a pin with a barb, where the barb is inserted within a compliant portion of a connector body of the lead extension or a catheter body to create an interference fit that allows the connector body or catheter body to be pulled through the tunnel. The tips may include a carrier that has a cavity for the connector body, where the tunneling is performed with the carrier present on the tunneling tool. A body is positioned within the cavity of the carrier to prevent tissue from snagging on and collecting within the carrier. The body may include a tip portion that performs the tunneling function. The carrier may also provide tunneling and/or may be attached to the tunneling tool during tunneling.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead is provided. The electrical lead comprises an electrically insulative, flexible, elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrical contact carried by the distal end of the lead body, an electrical terminal carried by the proximal end of the lead body, an electrical conductor axially extending within the lead body between the electrical contact and the electrical terminal, and a stiffening tube extending within the proximal end of the lead body from a point proximal to the terminal to a point distal to the terminal and proximal to the electrode. An implantable lead assembly kit comprises the implantable electrical lead, and a connector configured for firmly receiving the proximal end of the lead body. A method of implanting the electrical lead comprises introducing the electrical lead into a patient.