Abstract: Provided are an intradermal needle having a protector that is movable from an open position near a needle hub to a closed position where a needle tip is covered, a packaged article, and an injection device. The protector has an arm that is supported in a freely pivotable manner by an axle pin positioned on the base end side of the wide diameter part of the intradermal needle, and a lid supported by the arm. With the axle of pivoting of the protector positioned near the needle hub, the lid may be housed compactly near the needle hub when the protector is in the open position.

Abstract: There are provided an intradermal needle, a packaged article, and an injection device. The intradermal needle includes: a tubular needle that has a needle tip capable of puncturing a living body; a needle hub that holds the tubular needle; a flange part that extends in a flange shape from the needle hub; and a ring projection that extends toward a leading end of the flange part and is formed in a cylindrical shape to surround the tubular needle. The flange part has a cut portion formed by partially cutting to achieve downsizing of the flange part.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle protection member and a rotor. The rotor has a rotor body and a restriction portion. When the needle protection member in the initial state is displaced from the protection position to a use position and returns to a protection position, the restriction portion is displaced from the initial position to the lock position by the rotation of the rotor body with respect to the needle protection member. A needle hub has a displacement prevention portion that prevents the needle protection member from being displaced from the protection position to the use position again by contacting the restriction portion at the lock position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a plastic injection syringe recovery and treatment device, which includes a work box and a work chamber located in the work box. A feed port is provided through the upper end wall of the work box, and the front and back wall of the work chamber are rotated. A first rotating shaft is located on the lower side of the feeding port, a first squeeze barrel is fixed on the first rotating shaft, and the front and rear cavity walls of the working cavity are provided with a frontal shaft located on the right side of the first rotating shaft. There are two rotating shafts, and a second squeeze barrel is fixed on the second rotating shaft. The present invention can recycle the used plastic syringes, and the residual gas and water in the used syringes are firstly squeezed by a squeezing device. Squeeze out and compress the plastic syringe to reduce its volume, and then crush the syringe through the crushing device to heat and melt the crushed syringe.

Abstract: An injection apparatus includes a base, an anesthetic holder, one or more vibration motors, and a hollow cylinder. The base includes a bottom surface for placement against a patient's skin, wherein the base includes one or more apertures. The anesthetic holder extends from the base and retains an anesthetic, wherein the holder is in fluid communication with the one or more apertures located on the base. The one or more vibration motors are affixed to the holder. The hollow cylinder includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to receive an injecting pen and the second end is located adjacent to the base and is configured to allow the injecting pen to contact the patient's skin.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a positioning apparatus for guiding an injection device relative to a target surface having a representative plane is provided. The apparatus includes a housing defining a channel configured to receive an injection device, wherein a first angle is formed between a longitudinal axis of the channel and the representative plane of the target surface so as to guide the injection device through the channel to the target surface at the first angle, and wherein the housing comprises a stabilizing surface configured to abut the target surface to stabilize an injection according to the first angle.

Abstract: A compact wearable modular multifunctional inhalation device of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, the device includes a housing with at least one port; a removable cartridge module adapted to seat within the housing, the cartridge including: a source of inhalant mounted within the cartridge for providing inhalant into the port and a heating element mounted within the cartridge for heating the inhalant; a removable modular electronic circuit adapted to seat within the housing to provide electrical current to the heating element; and a mechanism coupled to the housing for wearing the device. The electronic circuit may include a processor and memory. A removable modular electronic display is adapted to seat within the housing and connect electrically with the circuit. Software is stored in the memory for execution by the processor for activating the heating element. The software includes code for monitoring the status of the inhalant and/or the source of electrical potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-dose dry powder inhaler comprising a base assembly comprising a chamber (14) configured for receiving a medication; and a mouthpiece assembly comprising air intake passages (25) for supplying air to the inhaler, a rotation chamber (26) for generating an aerosol of a medication, wherein the rotation chamber (26) is in air communication with the air intake passages (25), a tube (21C) comprising an internal passage in air communication with the rotation chamber (26) for discharging an aerosol of a medication and for administering said aerosol to a patient; wherein the base assembly and the mouthpiece assembly are configured such that the inhaler is capable of assuming an open configuration, in which access to the chamber (14) of the base assembly is provided for inserting therein a medication, and a closed configuration, in which the chamber (14) of the base assembly is in air communication with the rotation chamber (16) of the mouthpiece assembly for transferring a medi

Abstract: A nasal delivery device can include a nasal prong and an activation member. The nasal prong can have an opening at a top and bottom portion of the prong to allow for the passage of an aerosolized treatment agent through the nasal prong. The activation member can be positioned on the nasal delivery device at a location that is spaced apart from the subject's oral cavity when the nasal prong is received into the nostril of the subject. The activation member can detect a desired exhalation state of the subject and upon detection of the desired exhalation state, the activation member activates the delivery of the aerosolized treatment agent.

Abstract: A conduit for communicating a flow of breathing gas from a pressure generating device to the airway of a patient. The conduit includes a first end which is structured to be coupled to the pressure generating device for receiving the flow of breathing gas and an opposite second end which is structured to be coupled to a patient interface device. The conduit further includes an active control element positioned at or near the second end; a first heating wire connected between the active control element and a first connection terminal positioned at or about the first end; and a second heating wire connected between the active control element and a second connection terminal positioned at or about the first end. Each of the first and second connection terminals are structured to be connected to a tube power supply.

Abstract: The present application discloses an anesthesia machine, comprising a learning system and an operating system, wherein the learning system comprises a data input module that comprises an initial parameter setting data input module, a reference parameter data input module, and an adjusting parameter data input module, and a learning module that establishes a correspondence between adjusting parameter data and initial parameter setting data as well as reference parameter data; and wherein the operating system comprises an initial parameter setting module for receiving initial parameter setting according to the actual condition of a patient, a monitoring module for monitoring reference parameters, and an adjusting module for performing adjustment of adjusting parameters according to the correspondence established between adjusting parameter data and initial parameter setting data as well as reference parameter data and recorded by the learning module.

Abstract: A larynx mask is provided that comprises a dorsal cover plate with an inflatable cuff integrally formed thereon and a tube connecting connector having an insertion section for connecting to an insertion tube. Two separate lumens are provided in the region of the insertion section, these being the esophageal lumen and a respiration lumen. These two lumens are separated from each other by a separating and supporting, wall. The separating and supporting wall extends from the insertion section to the tip of the larynx mask. While the esophageal lumen opens into an esophageal outlet at the proximal end of the mask, the respiration lumen opens in the ventral direction and is closed in the proximal direction close to the tip of the mask. Such a larynx mask is produced in one piece by way of injection of molding and is reinforced by the separating or supporting wall to prevent kinking.

Abstract: Intubation devices and methods of intubating a patient are provided. The intubation devices include a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component having a mask portion and a tube portion and an endotracheal tube (ETT) component positioned in the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component having a translatable and/or rotatable endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube can be translated and/or rotated by a manipulation rod extending through the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) component and mounted to the endotracheal tube (ETT). The intubation devices may include inflatable cuffs adapted to manipulate the positioning or orientation of the endotracheal tube and/or to seal openings about the endotracheal tubes. Various ports, passages, and conduits are provided to enhance the use and manipulation of the intubation device.

Abstract: An oro-nasal ventilation face mask worn by a patient includes a first chamber receiving airflow from an air source, a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber, a restrictive element positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a headgear securing the first chamber and the second chamber to the patient. The second chamber includes a vent. Air flows between the first and second chambers through the restrictive element. When the first and second chamber are secured to the patient, the first chamber has a first air pressure, the second chamber has a second air pressure, and the first air pressure is greater than the second air pressure.

Abstract: A mask system includes a cushion adapted to seal with a face of a patient. In one form an unobtrusive full-face masks system is provided which is comfortable and has a wide fit range. The cushion may include a sealing structure and a supporting structure. The supporting structure may include gaps or spacing in a nasal bridge region (NBR) and/or a lip region (CHN).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nasal patient interface arrangement (100) for transporting breathing gas from a pressurised gas supply (111) to a patient (190). The arrangement (100) is adapted to provide a first bidirectional gas passage (130) in contact with ambient air (170) and adapted to receive nasally expired air. The arrangement (100) comprises an inspiratory air conduit (150) for connection to a pneumatic unit (110). The arrangement (100) further comprises a nose adapter (120) for bidirectional gas transport. The nose adapter (120) is arranged to be connected to a patient's (190) nose (199). The arrangement further comprises a valve arrangement (140) for controlling the passage of gas through the first bidirectional gas passage (130). The arrangement (100) is adapted to provide a second bidirectional gas passage (160) which is connected to the inspiratory air conduct (150), to the nose adapter (120), and to the first gas passage (130).

Abstract: A hose is described that includes a braided matrix with an interior lumen. The matrix also includes filaments that intersect each other creating a braid, a longitudinal axis that runs along the lumen and the filaments intersect the longitudinal axis at a braid angle. The braid angle can be varied by compressing or expanding the matrix along the direction of the longitudinal axis. A polymer coating is applied to the matrix such that the matrix is substantially impermeable to air. The hose has two states: (1) a relaxed state where the hose does not experience a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and (2) a stressed state where the hose experiences a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The braid angle is larger in the relaxed state as compared to the stressed state. A method of manufacture for the hose is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for removing liquid from a sample containing both liquid component and gaseous component. In particular, the liquid component may be separated from the sample by flowing the gaseous component of the sample from a lower chamber to an upper chamber through a membrane. The liquid portion of the sample may be drain from the lower chamber via a drainage channel within the bottom wall of the lower chamber. The liquid portion of the sample flows horizontally outward in the drainage channel through capillary action induced by a capillary part positioned within the drainage channel.

Abstract: A passive valve for use as a fixed leak valve. The valve includes a body having an internal chamber, first and second body ports in fluid communication with the chamber with the first port configured for fluid communication with a patient connection and the second body port configured for fluid communication with a ventilator, a body passageway in fluid communication with the chamber and with ambient air exterior of the body, and a check valve seal positioned to seal the body passageway to permit the flow of gas within the chamber through the body passageway to the exterior of the body and to prevent the flow of ambient air exterior of the body through the body passageway into the chamber. In alternative embodiments, the valve is incorporated into the patient connection or constructed as a separate part connectable to the patient connection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a ventilator that includes a first gas path, comprising a first pressurized gas source adaptor and a first flow adjustment device connected in sequence; a second gas path, comprising a second pressurized gas source adaptor and a second flow adjustment device connected in sequence; a third gas path, comprising a third pressurized gas source adaptor; a first inhalation branch for delivering inhalation gas to a patient; a second inhalation branch for delivering inhalation gas to the patient, including a gas compression device; a switching device, including a first mixing mode connecting the first gas path and the second gas path to the first inhalation branch, and a second mixing mode connecting the first gas path and the third gas path to the second inhalation branch; and an exhalation branch for managing exhaled air of the patient.

Abstract: A gas tank arrangement for a breathing apparatus, including: a gas tank; an inlet valve configured to control a flow of gas into said gas tank; an outlet valve configured to control a flow of gas out of said gas tank and towards a patient; and a controller configured to control said inlet and outlet valves to maintain the gas within said gas tank at an overpressure for subsequent delivery to the patient, to control the outlet valve based on a parameter that is indicative of pressure within the gas tank, and to control the inlet and outlet valves to always maintain the pressure in the gas tank between a minimum pressure threshold value and a maximum pressure threshold value, wherein the minimum or maximum pressure threshold value is determined based on preset parameters relating to the dynamics of said outlet valve, or a desired minimum or maximum flow of gas out of the gas tank.

Abstract: Medical techniques include systems and methods for administering a positive pressure ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure, and a vacuum to a person. Approaches also include treating a person with an intrathoracic pressure regulator so as to modulate or upregulate the autonomic system of the person, and treating a person with a combination of an intrathoracic pressure regulation treatment and an intra-aortic balloon pump treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for distributed sensory stimulation, the system comprising a control unit (10) for receiving an electrical audio signal and for distributing said signal into a plurality of sensory signals, and a plurality of actuators (20L, 20R, 21L, 21R, 22L, 22R, 23L, 23R, 24L, 24R) connected to said control unit (10) and configured to receive the sensory signals, acting by providing sensory stimulation in specific regions of a user's body, wherein the regions of the user's body comprise three regions involved in human perception ranging from the ears, the lower limbs and back and the lower back and gluteus; the actuators comprise eight vibration actuators and two auditory actuators producing said sensory stimulation in the three regions of the user; and the control unit (10) performs delivery considering the vibrational capturing capacity of each of said three regions depending on the volume and structural density thereof.

Abstract: A lumen extension member is provided for a catheter having a catheter body and an elongate electrode coupled to the catheter body. The elongate electrode defines an electrode lumen extending therethrough. The lumen extension member is positioned within the electrode lumen and is coupled to the catheter body. The lumen extension member includes a tubular member including a sidewall and at least one opening that extends through the sidewall.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a fluid exchange system, including: an external catheter wall extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the catheter; a fluid column chamber at a distal region of the catheter, with the fluid column chamber including a plurality of fluid exchange apertures disposed in the external catheter wall; a first lumen in fluid communication with the fluid column chamber and adapted for aspirating fluid from the fluid column chamber; a second lumen in fluid communication with the fluid column chamber and adapted for irrigating fluid into the fluid column chamber; and a first sensor positioned to measure a fluid pressure within a fluid column of the fluid column chamber, with the first sensor disposed at a distal end of a lead, and the lead extending through a first dedicated lumen formed within the catheter or on an exterior of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter has a jacket (10, 11, 5) defining a lumen and a helical support (6). The catheter has a proximal portion (1) and a distal portion (3), the distal portion having for at least some of its length a corrugated outer surface. A transition portion has a flexural stiffness which is less than that of the distal portion and more than that of the proximal portion. The transition portion provides an optimum transition in flexural stiffness by way of features of the jacket including geometry of jacket corrugations (15), or overlapping tubular layers (1073, 1074). The distal end of the distal portion may have an extension of liner material folded over (1072, 1082) to provide a particularly soft tip. In other examples the liner is terminated (763) before the distal tip. The catheter is particularly suited to an aspiration device (1350) with a flow restrictor (1353) and the distal portion distal of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A catheter device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a tube to be inserted into a body; a light emitting unit, which is provided on a distal end side of the tube, and includes an infrared light emitting element configured to emit infrared light for verifying a position of the tube; a power supply line configured to supply electric power to the infrared light emitting element; and a conduction detection unit including a visible light emitting element configured to notify a conduction state between the power supply line and the infrared light emitting element by means of visible light. With the catheter device, operation of the light emitting unit can be visually checked before inserting the tube.

Abstract: A system includes an expandable distal-end assembly, a proximal position sensor, a distal position sensor, and a processor. The expandable distal-end assembly is coupled to a distal end of a shaft for insertion into a cavity of an organ of a patient. The proximal and distal position sensors are located at a proximal end and a distal end of the distal-end assembly, respectively. The processor is configured to estimate a position and a longitudinal direction of the proximal sensor, and a position of the distal sensor, all in a coordinate system used by the processor. The processor is further configured to project the estimated position of the distal sensor on an axis defined by the estimated longitudinal direction, and calculate an elongation of the distal-end assembly by calculating a distance between the estimated position of the proximal sensor and the projected position of the distal sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical puncture instrument for the relocation of drains and catheters, in order to initiate and/or channel the fluid in the body, whereby its components are already assembled, so that an immediate usage capable instrument is delivered in a sterile packaging. The puncture instrument consists at least of a puncture tube, a handling medium for maneuvering of puncture tube and a longitudinal movable cylindrical body enclosed in the puncture instrument. In a further arrangement, the puncture instrument consists of a lock chamber for the introducing or rather the suction of the fluid. For the fixation of the cylindrical body in a desired position in the puncture instrument, a braking element can be incorporated. The handling element is open in a section, so that the cylindrical body here lies free and can be suspended.

Abstract: An everting catheter with an expandable inner lumen for the passage of instruments or other devices is described. The catheter can have an inflatable everting balloon. When inflated, the everting balloon can define a channel or passageway, via an inner balloon lumen, into a target site. Instruments can be delivered to the target site through the channel defined by the inflated everting balloon.

Abstract: A medical probe, including a flexible insertion tube having a proximal segment and a deflectable distal segment, and containing first and second lumens running longitudinally through the insertion tube, wherein the first and second lumens are twisted around each other in the proximal segment, and run parallel to each other in the deflectable distal segment. The medical probe also includes first and second wires running respectively through the first and second lumens and having respective first and second distal ends, which are anchored within the deflectable distal segment of the insertion tube.

Abstract: A steerable catheter comprises a mobile tube and an intermediate tube, coaxial with each other, which extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the catheter and are telescopically mounted into each other with possibility of mutual rotation and axial translation. The mobile tube comprises a central lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The intermediate tube comprises, along its whole length, a longitudinal notch radially offset in a direction of offset with respect to the axis of the steerable catheter and extending axially from the proximal end to the distal end. The longitudinal notch contains a cable adapted to undergo a traction exerted from the proximal end, the traction generating a bending of the steerable catheter directed towards the offset direction. The steerable catheter further comprises around the intermediate tube a sealed external sheath surrounding the intermediate tube over its periphery and covering the longitudinal notch over its length.

Abstract: Described and illustrated is a medical probe that includes a generally tubular member with a tip portion coupled to the tubular member. A puller wire is disposed in the tubular member and configured for movement along the longitudinal axis to bend the tip portion with respect to the longitudinal axis. An anchor is disposed within the tubular member and connected to the puller wire such that the anchor has a t-bar. The t-bar includes a generally transverse extension and a ferrule connected to the puller wire. The t-bar has a polymeric member disposed on the generally transverse extension to increase a strength of the anchor with respect to forces applied to the puller wire to deflect the tip of the medical probe.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end. The catheter system may include a connector coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The connector may include a T-connector. The catheter system may include a connector support device, which may be wedge-shaped to support the connector at an insertion angle.

Abstract: An external catheter stabilizer device for stabilizing and retaining a catheter tube includes a base portion configured to adhesively attach at a patient, a retaining element configured to retain a catheter tube thereat, and a pivot element that pivotally attaches the retaining element to the base portion so as to allow for pivotal movement of the retaining element about a pivot axis generally normal to the patient where the base portion is attached. The retaining element includes a guide pin protruding therefrom and spaced from the pivot element. Pivotal movement of the retaining element relative to the base portion is limited to a selected range via engagement of the guide pin of the retaining element with an arcuate slot at the base portion.

Abstract: The present invention has to do with a method and system for peritoneal dialysis catheter weighted anchors. The peritoneal dialysis catheter weighted anchors can be inserted and retrieved using standard techniques and available insertion/retrieval systems. The peritoneal dialysis catheter weighted anchors can be attached and secured to all types of PD catheters as an ancillary anchor device.

Abstract: A ureteral catheter includes a drainage lumen having a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and/or bladder and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's kidney, renal pelvis, and/or in the ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis. The distal portion includes a retention portion for maintaining positioning of the distal portion of the drainage lumen. The retention portion includes a plurality of sections, each section having one or more openings on a sidewall of the retention portion for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen. A total area of openings of a first section of the plurality of sections is less than a total area of openings of an adjacent second section of the plurality of sections. The second section is closer to a distal end of the drainage lumen than the first section.

Abstract: Disclosed catheter insertion systems enable the user to identify the location of the needle based on the electrical properties of subcutaneous tissue relative the electrical properties of other fluids such as blood or air. Disclosed systems can include one or more of the following features: 1) the catheter assembly is modular (e.g., the catheter can be connected and disconnected from the detection unit at will); 2) the detection unit employs an electrical circuit that allows for the discernment between subcutaneous tissue and blood; 3) the system assists the end user with catheter advancement. Some embodiments can be used to insert catheters into a spaces where the needle passes first through subcutaneous fat and muscle before entering fluid or air.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to percutaneous sheaths for medical procedures as well as to related systems and methods. For example, a system for performing a percutaneous assisted medical procedure can include a percutaneous sheath. The percutaneous sheath can include a first conduit for providing aspiration into the kidney and a second conduit for passing a catheter into the kidney. The system can also include an aspiration catheter configured to be inserted into the kidney through the second conduit of the percutaneous sheath. A fluidics system can include an irrigation source comprising a pump and an aspiration source comprising a vacuum. The irrigation source can be connected to a fluid inlet of the percutaneous sheath that is connected to the first conduit. The aspiration source can be connected to the aspiration catheter.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a hollow guidewire, a balloon, and a magnetic position sensor. The hollow guidewire is configured for insertion into a channel of an organ of a patient. The balloon is fixed to a distal end of the hollow guidewire, is configured to be inserted into the channel using the hollow guidewire, and is further configured to be inflated by pumping of fluid through the hollow guidewire. The magnetic position sensor is fitted at the distal end of the hollow guidewire.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A trackable guidewire apparatus and method for use are described. Longitudinally spaced proximal and distal guidewire ends are separated by a guidewire body. A plurality of longitudinally spaced position sensors are configured to provide signals corresponding to a three-dimensional position of at least one position sensor in a coordinate system of an associated tracking system in response to an electromagnetic field/stimulus. At least one retention mechanism is provided for maintaining the medical device in a predetermined retention position longitudinally along the guidewire body. At least one stop structure is provided in a predetermined stop position longitudinally along the guidewire body.

Abstract: A guidewire introducable into a bodily lumen having an obstruction therein is provided. An introducer needle is advanced through tissue and into the bodily lumen. A guidewire is advanced through the introducer and into the lumen. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen until an atraumatic distal tip of the guidewire encounters an obstruction the distal tip cannot pass in a straight forward manner. The distal tip is pressed against the obstruction such that a flexible segment proximal of the distal tip forms a loop distal of the distal tip. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen such that the loop of the flexible segment is pushed past the obstruction and the distal tip is pulled distally past the obstruction. A greater diameter guidewire extension can be coupled to the back end of the guidewire, providing function as a larger diameter guidewire.

Abstract: A tool positioning system for use in a medical procedure is provided which includes a medical tool configured to be navigated to a target tool location within a portion of an organ of a patient. The medical tool includes a sheath having a tube defined by a sheath wall, the sheath extending a length in a proximal-distal direction and an inflatable balloon coupled to the sheath and configured to move along the length of the sheath in the proximal-distal direction. When the inflatable balloon is inflated at a target balloon location along the length of the sheath, the inflated balloon is fixed at the target balloon location. The tool positioning system also includes memory configured to store location of the tool in a three dimensional (3D) space and at least one processor configured to generate mapping information for displaying locations of the tool in the 3D space.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a localized method for treatment of cancer including the steps of providing a drug delivery catheter; navigating the catheter to the bile duct; and delivering a therapeutic agent into the bile duct. According to one aspect of the method, the drug delivery catheter is a multi-occlusion balloon catheter. The multi-occlusion balloon catheter may include at least two balloons. The multi-occlusion balloon catheter may optionally include a pressure transducer between the balloons to optimize delivery technique.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.