Abstract: An aerosolization system includes a container that is configured to deliver a unit dosage of a liquid when squeezed a single time. The system also includes an aerosolizer that is constructed of a housing defining a mouthpiece, and an aerosol generator disposed in the housing. The aerosol generator includes a vibratable membrane having a front face and a rear face, and a vibratable element used to vibrate the membrane. Further, the housing includes an opening that is adapted to receive a unit dosage of the liquid from the container. The opening provides a liquid path to the rear face of the vibratable membrane.

Abstract: A system for generating and inhaling vapor of herbs includes a container, a base, a mouth, and an upper surface. An aperture in the surface displaced from a lip of the mouth. The container shown partially filled with water, and a diffuser positioned upon the water. The region within the container above the diffuser defines a vapor chamber. A diagonally-oriented tube includes upper and lower end secured within the aperture. Herbs are placed in an upper end of an herb-burning bowl and a lower end of the bowl having a filter limiting debris from entering the water. An inhalation cylinder having upper end attachable within an open mouth. A vacuum pump includes vacuum input from cylinder and positive pressure output about a level of the vacuum input. The pump providing pressure from bottom to top of the inhalation cylinder and the water surface diffuser to the mouth.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a powder storage element configured to hold a powdered medicament and an inlet channel receives powdered medicament from the powder storage element that is entrained in an airflow. The inlet channel has a first diameter and defines an opening. The inhaler includes a dispersion chamber that receives the airflow and the powdered medicament from the opening. The dispersion chamber has a second diameter. The inhaler includes an actuator housed within the dispersion chamber. The actuator oscillates within the dispersion chamber when exposed to the airflow to deaggregate the powdered medicament entrained by the airflow passing through the dispersion chamber. A ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is between about 0.40 and 0.60 such that an audible sound is produced as the actuator oscillates. The inhaler includes an outlet channel through which the airflow and powdered medicament exit the inhaler.

Abstract: An inhaler according to an embodiment has a breath operated valve with a valve element biased closed by a spring and a diaphragm arranged to deform when suction is applied to an outlet end generating low pressure above the diaphragm to lift the valve element against the biasing force of the spring allowing composition to flow out of the inhaler. The spring is a strip of resilient material forming a u-shape with a first arm extending from a position adjacent to the valve element along the diaphragm in a direction away from the outlet end so as to support the diaphragm to an apex where it extends away from the diaphragm into a second arm extending back towards the outlet end, the second arm engaging with the housing to generate a biasing force to urge the valve element closed.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering particulate substance to the nasal airway of a subject. The delivery device includes a body assembly including a mouthpiece unit which includes a mouthpiece through which the subject in use exhales, and a substance-supply unit which is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece unit and actuatable to provide particulate substance for delivery to the nasal airway of the subject. The body assembly is configured to receive a replaceable nosepiece unit which includes a nosepiece and contains a container containing particulate substance.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a pressure support ventilator or respiratory monitor, provides operations for a patient, such as a patient with heart failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other respiratory insufficiency. In some embodiments, the apparatus may detect a respiratory condition, such as a decompensation event and/or exacerbation event, from respiratory parameters. A clinical alert message may be transmitted or displayed for a physician based on the results of query presented to the patient in response to an analysis of the one or more respiratory parameters. In some embodiments, the apparatus generates a potential relapse indicator that may provide a prediction of a risk of an oncoming clinical event such as for evaluating whether to release the patient from a hospital.

Abstract: A droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject for pulmonary use is disclosed. The droplet delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, and ejector mechanism, and at least one differential pressure sensor. The droplet delivery device is automatically breath actuated by the user when the differential pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure change within housing. The droplet delivery device is then actuated to generate a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter within the respirable size range, e.g, less than about 5 ?m, so as to target the pulmonary system of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing high flow therapy interfaces for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. A nasal cannula for delivery of respiratory gases includes at least one nasal insert and at least one flange coupled to the at least one nasal insert where the at least one flange extends in a radial direction from the at least one nasal insert is provided. In another aspect of the embodiment, the at least one flange is adapted to fit within the nostril of a patient. In another aspect of the embodiment, the at least one flange is a lobulated flange.

Abstract: A system for preventing cross-contamination in single-limb ventilators is described. In one embodiment, the system includes an airflow generator connected in-line to a humidifier, a first check valve and a patient interface by a gas flow circuit. A controller is electrically coupled to the airflow generator, and a cartridge is connected to the gas flow circuit between a first point downstream of the humidifier and a second point upstream of the patient interface. The cartridge includes a bacteria filter and the first check valve. A method for preventing cross-contamination in single-limb ventilators and a method for providing gaseous flow through a single-limb ventilator are also described.

Abstract: A respiratory assisting device comprising of an expandable bag which has a bilayer that can be inflated in order to give the bag a rigid and predetermined shape. The bag can then be compressed in order to displace inspiratory gas that is in the inner cavity and deliver it to the patient. The bag includes a one-way valve that passes through the bilayer allowing the inner cavity of the bag to fill with ambient air when the air within the cavity has been expended. The bag portion is connected to an air-tight hollow wall prism shape enclosure via a T-connector piece. This t-shaped connecting piece allows the air to pass through two manifold chambers that attach to another t-shaped connecting piece.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for therapeutic gas delivery for personal medical consumption. A hydrogen delivery system herein can include one or more electrolytic cores which use source water to carry out electrolysis-based reactions, and obtain free hydrogen (H2) gas which can be separated using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) or other filter for collection and delivery to a user. In aspects, the electrolytic core or cores can be constructed or scaled to produce a sufficient amount of hydrogen (H2) gas so that the user can ingest that gas directly, immediately, and/or in real-time or near real-time, without a need for storage of the gas. In aspects, the system can be portable, and configured with a vent port to eliminate oxygen (O2) gas that may accumulate during electrolytic reactions, and also a coalescer unit to reduce or eliminate water or water vapor from the output hydrogen (H2) gas.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor used with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor can sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier can also control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold can facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit can provide a more effective temperature profile along its length.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for safely providing NO to a recipient for inhalation therapy. There are many potential safety issues that may arise from using a reactor cartridge that converts NO2 to NO, including exhaustion of consumable reactants of the cartridge reactor. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of determining the remaining useful life of a NO2-to-NO reactor cartridge and/or a break-through of NO2, and providing an indication of the remaining useful life and/or break-through.

Abstract: A nasal EPAP dilator is employed as an intranasal device which effect differing degrees of inhibition/easing for exhalation/inhalation. A nasal dilator incorporates an outer housing that functions as a pair of connected mirror image nasal dilators, combined with a differential-action valve mechanism modulating the airflow through the passages defined by the dilators, when inserted. The valve greatly inhibits exhalation, while opening easily to inhalation which in combination with the dilating effect is thereby eased over the absence of the nasal dilator. The nasal dilator housings include spars or a screen for structural support and a stoppage mechanism for the valves and to moderate the degree of movement of a plurality of valves so that the valves can open for inhalation, and are restrained to mostly close during exhalation.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivering a gas to a patient includes a patient interface device that includes at least one inhalation valve and at least one exhalation valve. The system also includes a venturi device that has at least one port for connection to a gas source. The venturi device has at least one primary air entrainment window and at least one secondary air entrainment window which is downstream of the at least one primary air entrainment window. The inhalation valve is disposed between: (1) the main body and (2) the primary and secondary air entrainment windows of the venturi device. At least one of the primary air entrainment window and secondary air entrainment window includes a means for closing the respective window, thereby changing a degree at which the respective window is open and changing a flow rate of the air flowing through the respective window.

Abstract: An anesthetic administration device comprising an infusion device, which is in fluid connection with a regional anesthetic needle by means of a feed tube. The infusion device comprises one or more anesthetic flow devices capable of triggering forward flow, and optionally backward flow, of the local anesthetic through the regional anesthetic needle. Forward, and optionally backward flow, of the local anesthetic through the regional anesthetic needle is controlled by a controller that comprises one or more actuator switches. The one or more actuator switches are positioned on the device 1 such that they may be operated by hand.

Abstract: This sleep assistance apparatus includes a stimulation generation unit that generates stimulation, a user being capable of receiving the stimulation; a detection unit that detects biological information of the user; and a control unit that decides optimal stimulation on the basis of the detected biological information, and causes the stimulation generation unit to generate the optimal stimulation.

Abstract: A flexible, elongated catheter tube having distal and proximal ends and a laser cut section there between. The laser cut section makes up a majority of the catheter length and is cut in a continuous helical pattern forming interlocking teeth which can be sinusoidal, triangular, square or likes shapes, preferably sinusoidal. The interior of the catheter tube has a polymeric bi-layer of a nylon or like polymer at the interface of the tube interior and a Teflon or like polymer forms the interior lumen of the catheter. The exterior of the tube has a thin polymer coating of nylon or the like. A short portion of the distal end is uncut and is followed by a narrower terminal section which can be tapered for better blockage penetration. The interlocking teeth disengage and reengage in a fish scale manner without undergoing plastic deformation and without substantial polymer separation.

Abstract: A smart obturator assembly includes a hub forming a central passage. The hub is configured to couple to a proximal end of a device that forms a lumen such that the central passage is in fluid communication with the lumen. A collar on the hub includes electronic circuitry in signal communication with remote reception circuitry. An obturator is movably positionable within the lumen. The obturator is movable within the lumen between a first position and a second position. The obturator includes a distal end and a sensor at the distal end. The sensor is configured to sense an environmental characteristic within a patient's blood stream, generate a signal representative of the environmental characteristic, and transmit the signal to the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is configured to receive the signal and transmit the signal to the remote reception circuitry.

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

Abstract: A safety needle assembly of an infusion set is disclosed. The needle assembly is configured to prevent fluid/vapor escape therefrom so as to reduce or prevent fluid exposure to a clinician using the needle assembly. In one embodiment, the needle assembly comprises a handle portion including a needle extending therefrom, the needle defining a lumen for passage of a fluid therethrough. The needle assembly also includes a safety assembly defining a needle hole through which the needle initially extends. The safety assembly is selectively and axially slidable along the needle in order to shield a distal tip of the needle and prevent user contact therewith. A fluid isolation component is included in the safety assembly for isolating fluid escape from the needle. In another embodiment, an interface pad is included on the bottom of the needle assembly and includes an antimicrobial and/or haemostatic agent to protect the needle insertion site.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in one embodiment, to a wire centering sheath system in which wires outwardly extend from a sheath to brace against a vessel wall. The wire centering sheath system may be used to center endovascular devices.

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: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature adjacent to the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also have a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub, generally parallel to the axis, with a pull feature. In the insertion configuration, the needle may be positioned within the cannula and the distal end of the needle hub may be seated in a needle port of the catheter hub. In the fluid delivery configuration, the needle may be positioned outside the catheter hub. The push and pull features may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration to a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: In a sheath device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body, comprising a first sheath (10, 11, 13, 21, 21?, 21?, 41, 43) having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when used as intended the distal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement in the patient's body and the proximal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement outside the patient's body, and wherein the first sheath comprises a tubular section (11, 21, 21?, 21?, 41) and a sheath housing (13, 43), which is disposed at the proximal end of the section and comprises a receiving channel (46) for a catheter, according to the invention the tubular section (11, 21, 21?, 21?, 41) is detachably held in a clamping element (45, 48, 50, 62, 63, 64) of the sheath housing in a non-positive manner so as to be able to easily shorten the tubular section.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt for treatment of hydrocephalus, comprising a valve having an inlet port and an outlet port, which ports are for draining CSF, and a control port for regulating the drainage of CSF through the valve according to a hydrostatic pressure provided to the control port, which hydrostatic pressure is dependent on the body position of the patient. The disclosure further relates to a method for treatment of hydrocephalus comprising regulating drainage of CSF based on a hydrostatic pressure that is dependent on the body position of the patient.

Abstract: A device, a system and a method are provided to accurately apply a medically beneficial substance directly to a laterally or superiorly located paranasal sinus cavity. When the device is assembled with a solution in a reservoir, and inverted such that the reservoir is above an input apparatus and a housing, weight of the solution pushes down on a diaphragm creating a negative pressure on the diaphragm, which prevents air from entering the reservoir and prevents a liquid from flowing out of the reservoir. Applying a positive pressure to a bottom of the diaphragm causes the diaphragm to open and allows air to flow into the reservoir. When a user creates the positive pressure by exhaling air into the device the act of exhaling causes the user's choana to close. Thereby any solution introduced into the user's sino-nasal cavity will remain contained within the user's sino-nasal cavity increasing effectiveness of treatment and decreasing user discomfort including gagging, choking, and inner ear disturbance.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings a method and apparatus for delivering a drug into a nasal turbinate or nasal polyp is described and shown, which can include implanting a drug eluting implant into a nasal turbinate or nasal polyp; and leaving the drug eluting material in the nasal turbinate or nasal polyp for at least one day such that a drug is released from the drug eluting implant over a period of time.

Abstract: Rectal suppositories are used to administer a predetermined drug dosage to treat a variety of diseases and symptoms in a variety of patient populations. Certain medical conditions, such as digestive disorders, may be more effectively treated when the suppository is placed in a particular location of the patient's anal canal or rectum. An apparatus for inserting a suppository can include an applicator having a barrel, such as a hollow cylindrical body, and a plunger, such as a substantially cylindrical elongated body. The apparatus can include features to ensure that beneficial gas flow paths associated with the plunger or the barrel are maintained or that the apparatus can accommodate suppositories of different sizes. Embodiments may include features to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the apparatus for use by patients with limited dexterity. These benefits may encourage patients to maintain a course of treatment, thereby potentially avoiding additional complications, hospitalization, and costs.

Abstract: A microneedle unit includes a microneedle including a facing surface having at least one projection and a support surface opposite to the facing surface, a recessed container having a housing space between an opening and a bottom of the recessed container for housing the microneedle such that the microneedle has the facing surface facing outside of the recessed container through the opening, and an adhering structure having a first contact surface adhered to the bottom of the recessed container and a second contact surface adhered to the support surface of the microneedle. The recessed container is deformable such that the bottom is displaced in the pressing direction, that the at least one projection is displaced in the pressing direction on an outside of the housing space, and that a portion of the second contact surface positioned outside the support surface is pushed toward the outside of the housing space.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays, methods for fabricating microneedle arrays, medical devices, and methods for operating medical devices are provided. A method for fabricating a microneedle array includes providing a sheet blank of material. Further, the method includes stamping the sheet blank of material with a progression of dies, wherein the material is displaced into the microneedle array. A medical device includes a microneedle array, a base member having a first surface supporting the microneedle array and a second surface, and a flexible wall enclosing a chamber between the flexible wall and the second surface of the base member. The flexible wall is biased toward an extended configuration enclosing a first volume in the chamber. Further, the flexible wall is movable to a depressed configuration enclosing a second volume in the chamber less than the first volume.

Abstract: A tattoo machine camera assembly comprises a camera assembly coupled to a tattoo machine. The tattoo machine camera assembly further comprises a camera mount for coupling the camera assembly to the tattoo machine. The camera mount may be formed separately from the tattoo machine or formed integrally with the tattoo machine. The tattoo machine camera assembly may be formed so that the camera is resistant to vibration created by the operation of the tattoo machine. A method of video recording the tattooing process may also be implemented.

Abstract: A system and method of using a high-aspect ratio microdevice for treating, preventing or ameliorating a medical condition is provided.

Abstract: A method for reducing small volume subcutaneous leaks of therapeutic fluids during procedures to refill an implantable medical device includes reducing pressure in a reservoir of the device. A refill needle can be percutaneously inserted into a fill port in communication with the reservoir and therapeutic fluid can be delivered through the needle into the reservoir. Reduced reservoir pressure upon withdrawal of the refill needle from the port can result in reduced subcutaneous leakage of the therapeutic fluid.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatuses, means and methods to promote uptake of fluids into a reservoir of an implantable drug delivery system though a porous membrane. Embodiments of the invention promote fluid uptake by creating a pressure differential between the reservoir of the drug delivery device and the environment of the device after implantation, for instance a subcutaneous pocket.

Abstract: A device for connecting first and second medical fluid flow systems includes a linear movement carriage system that is positioned within a housing. The carriage system includes first and second connector holders configured to hold first and second connectors of the first and second medical fluid flow systems, respectively. A coupler holder is configured to hold a coupler and is positioned substantially between the first and second connector holders. The first and second connector holders and the coupler holder are relatively moveable between a separated configuration, where the first and second connectors and the coupler are located in relatively spaced apart positions, and a joined configuration, where the first and second connectors engage the coupler. An ultraviolet light source is positioned in the housing so as to irradiate first and second connectors and the coupler.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an infusion device and method for preventing infection and microbial ingress in medical device connections. The infusion device comprising a male connector, the male connector comprising a male luer having an antimicrobial agent. In certain implementations the male luer comprises a tapered sealing member further comprising a recess containing chlorhexidine acetate.

Abstract: A medical stopcock comprising a body provided with at least two female connectors and a male connector; a mobile plug which is mounted in the body, is provided with a rotation lever and comprises a fluid circulation channel; and a reinforcement collar rigidly connected to at least two of the connectors; wherein the reinforcement collar is spaced apart from the body in order to form an openworked zone around the central body.

Abstract: An architecture is disclosed for an Implantable Pulse Generator having improved compliance voltage monitoring and adjustment software and hardware. Software specifies which stimulation pulses are to be measured as relevant to monitoring and adjusting the compliance voltage. Preferably, specifying such pulses occurs by setting a compliance monitoring instruction (e.g., a bit) in the program that defines the pulse, and the compliance monitor bit instruction may be set at a memory location defining a particular pulse phase during which the compliance voltage should be monitored. When a compliance monitor instruction issues, the active electrode node voltages are monitored and compared to desired ranges to determine whether they are high or low. Compliance logic operates on these high/low signals and processes them to decide whether to issue a compliance voltage interrupt to the microcontroller, which can then command the compliance voltage generator to increase or decrease the compliance voltage.

Abstract: Digital-to-analog converter (master DAC) circuitry is disclosed that is programmable to set a controlled slew rate for pulses that are otherwise defined as having sharp amplitude transitions. For example, when producing a biphasic pulse, the constant amplitude and duration of first and second pulses phases can be defined and provided to the DAC in traditional fashion. Slew rate control signals control a slew rate DAC within the master DAC, which prescribes a slew rate that will appear at sharp transitions of the defined biphasic pulses, i.e., at the beginning of the first phase, at the transition from the first to the second phase, and at the end of the second phase. The slew rate can vary with the duration or frequency of the pulses, with lower slew rates used with longer durations and/or lower frequencies, and with higher slew rates used with shorter durations and/or higher frequencies.

Abstract: A windowed electrode assembly includes a foam layer having windows. Each window receives a corresponding gel pad that is sized such that it is contained by the window's sidewalls. The windowed electrode assembly includes a foam backing layer that forms a back wall for the windows such that each gel pad is encased by the window's sidewalls and back wall.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electrical stimulation system can include one or more of an electrode assembly including one or more electrodes and an electronics subsystem. In some variations, each of the one or more electrodes can include a hydrophilic layer and a conductive layer. In some variations, the electronics subsystem can include one or more of a control module, power module, and a stimulus generator. In some variations, the electrical stimulation can further include one or more of an electrical attachment system, mechanical attachment system, head apparel assembly, flexible housing, and/or any other suitable component. The electrical stimulation system functions to apply electrical stimulation but can additionally or alternatively function to measure/and or record one or more biosignals from a user.

Abstract: A device receptacle of a catheter resides in a sidewall thereof, which includes a proximal section, a central section extending distally from the proximal section, and a distal section extending distally from the central section. A length of the central section is approximately 30% of an overall length of the sidewall; the proximal and distal sections have approximately the same stiffness; and a stiffness of the central section, formed from a polymer material without any structural reinforcement or any other member embedded therein, is significantly less than that of the proximal and distal sections. When an operator causes the receptacle sidewall to buckle, a distal opening of a chamber of the receptacle becomes aligned with an implanted device so that the operator can bring the implanted device into the chamber to retrieve the device from the implant site.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body; electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the lead body, the electrodes including at least one segmented electrode; and an asymmetric marker disposed along the distal portion of the lead body and including a first ring and a longitudinal band extending longitudinally from the first ring. The asymmetric marker and lead body are formed of different materials that are distinguishable from each other in the radiological images to facilitate radiological determination of the rotational orientation of the lead when implanted. The marker may also include one or more of a longitudinal extension, a second ring, and non-straight longitudinal edges. The marker may also include the longitudinal band and longitudinal extension without a ring.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array is provided that includes a carrier that is flexible. At least one control module is coupled to the carrier. A shell encases the control module. At least one electrode is coupled to the carrier and is electrically connected to the control module.

Abstract: A vestibular electrode is described that is for implantation into a vestibular semi-circular canal. An intra-labyrinthine electrode carrier with a C-shaped cross-section has an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface, and is configured to fit through an electrode opening in an outer surface of the bony labyrinth into the perilymph fluid without breaking the membranous labyrinth so as to fit the inner concave surface of the electrode carrier adjacent to the membranous labyrinth and the outer convex surface adjacent to the bony labyrinth. There are one or more electrode contacts on a surface of the electrode carrier that are configured for electrical interaction with adjacent neural tissue.

Abstract: Electrode systems for transvascular stimulation of target nerves include electrode arrays, elements promoting blood flow between electrode surfaces and surrounding vascular walls, electrodes shaped to promote more even current density than electrodes having angular edges, features for retaining the electrode systems with blood vessels, and features for using electrode-carrying elements to asymmetrically distend blood vessel walls towards target nerve structures.

Abstract: A tip engageable with an elongated sheath member for extracting a cardiac lead from an obstruction in a body vessel of a patient. The tip includes a tip body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending therethrough. The tip body proximal end is engageable with the distal end of the sheath member distal end. The passageway of the tip is aligned with the passageway of the sheath such that the cardiac lead is receivable therein. The tip body distal portion has a plurality of sides extending circumferentially therearound, wherein the sides have respective ends and an inwardly directed radiused portion between the ends.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods for lead, conduit or other medical fixture placement in tissues or organs. The device is configured to permit the placement foot, such as a suction foot, to articulate to a desired position with respect to the target tissue, while the lead, conduit or other medical fixture is releasably attached to the placement foot to permit it to be released from the placement foot after stabilization on the target tissue site. In a preferred embodiment, the invention features an articulating dual suction foot device, an inner lead conduit or guide and foot contained within an outer lead conduit or guide and foot, with the inner conduit or guide configured to extend from the outer conduit or guide, and to be further articulated once extended.

Abstract: Radiopaque markers represent that a lead is suitable for a particular medical procedure such as a magnetic resonance image scan and are added to the lead or related device. The markers may be added after implantation of the lead in various ways including suturing, gluing, crimping, or clamping a radiopaque tag to the lead or to the device. The markers may be added by placing a radiopaque coil about the lead, and the radiopaque coil may radially contract against the lead to obtain a fixed position. The markers may be added by placing a polymer structure onto the lead where the polymer structure includes a radiopaque marker within it. The polymer structure may include a cylindrical aperture that contracts against the lead to fix the position of the polymer structure. The polymer structure may form a lead anchor that includes suture wings that can be sutured to the lead.