Abstract: An electrically conductive transmission cable for supplying a DC signal safely to an electrical device in the presence of radio-frequency (RF) fields in a magnetic resonance (MR) is disclosed herein. The transmission cable comprises a transmission line (STL) comprising at least a first segment (S1) and a second segment (S2), wherein the first and second segments are electrically connected to each other by a reactive coupling unit (103), and a rectifier unit (101) connected to the transmission line and configured to extract the DC signal (203) from the modulated DC signal (201). The extracted DC signal may be supplied to an electrical device or used for cardiac pacing. The transmission cable finds application in auxiliary devices used in an MR environment, for example an interventional catheter with or without an active tracking circuit (301).

Abstract: A system and method for navigating a medical instrument in a branched structure of a body employs a tracking system, for collecting positional information for the medical instrument, and data, which defines a geometrical model of the branched structure, in particular, coordinates for predetermined points defining a pathway extending along branches of the model. Coordinates are identified for each Euclidean distance of the instrument, from an anchor point of a coordinate system for the tracking system, that corresponds to a Euclidean distance of a designated point, of the predetermined points, from a reference point of a coordinate system for the model, wherein the anchor point of the tracking coordinate system has been established to correspond to the reference point of the model coordinate system. The two coordinate systems are registered to one another using the identified coordinates of the instrument and the corresponding coordinates of each designated point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device for performing atherectomy, comprising an atherectomy catheter, an IVMRI sensor, position sensors and an image-processing unit which is fashioned for generating combined 2D and/or 3D image recordings based on the data from the sensors.

Abstract: A fracture mobility testing system is provided for use in surgical procedures for augmenting vertebral bodies having collapsed due to compression fractures. The testing system is utilized to determine if the cortical shell of the vertebral body has begun to heal over the fracture lines to the point at which height restoration is not possible. Depending on the feedback provided by the testing system, the surgeon may elect to proceed with any of a variety of known height restoration techniques if the fractured portions of the vertebral body are still mobile, or may elect for a simple vertebroplasty procedure without height restoration if the feedback from the testing system determines that the cortical outer portions of the fractured vertebral body have fused to one another to the point at which height restoration is no longer an option.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of transvascular retrograde access placement into a central blood vessel and to devices that facilitate these methods. The method includes positioning a vascular catheter within the vessel such that its distal end faces a desired exit site on the vessel wall, passing a penetrating device from the catheter through the vascular exit site and skin of the patient; and passing a secondary vascular catheter through the exit site and into the central blood vessel. In another aspect, the method includes penetrating outward from within the vessel to form a pass-through site on a wall of the vessel that exits the patient; and placing the vascular access device into the vessel through the pass-through site. Typical vessels that may be accessed include central veins, but may include other veins as well as arteries.

Abstract: A guidewire can include a shaft or core wire that has a distal section configured for access to a vascular treatment site and a proximal section configured for intervention at a vascular treatment site. At least a portion of the distal section of the shaft or core wire can have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the proximal section.

Abstract: Provided herein are robotic or automated multimodal tissue scanning or imaging systems and methods. The systems comprise a robotic delivery device configured to mechanically scan one or more zones of a tissue by co-registering at least two modalities, i.e., one or more of each of a sensor modality and an imaging modality and acquiring sensor modality data at one or more positions in the zone(s) as the sensor modality is dimensionally translated along the device axes. The system also comprises a computational core of a plurality of interlinked modules for planning, processing, tissue-sampling, visualization, fusion, and control of the delivery device and the system. The methods provided herein utilize the automated systems to produce spatial maps based on the analyzed sensor modality data.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: In a method and system for administering a dispersible medical agent to a subject, a volume of medical agent is delivered in vivo to a subject in a substantially non-dispersed state, at a localized site in tissue of the subject. Contemporaneously with administration of the medical agent to the localized site, energy from an energy source is introduced into only adjacent tissue surrounding the localized site. The energy produces a cellular modification of the adjacent tissue that makes the adjacent tissue substantially impermeable to passage of the medical agent therethrough, so the medical agent is encapsulated and is prevented from dispersing into tissue outside of the encapsulation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for generating and providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts and cavities. The invention provides for creation of a contrast medium comprising detectable acoustic variations between two phases, for example, a gas and a liquid. Sonography is the primary means of imaging but other conventional detection means may also be employed with the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of substances or apparatus to target sites within the body of a human or animal patient. A vessel wall penetrating catheter is inserted into the vasculature, positioned and oriented within a blood vessel near the target extravascular site and a penetrator is advanced from the catheter in the direction of the target site. Thereafter, a delivery catheter is passed through a lumen of the penetrator to the target site. A desired substance or apparatus is then delivered to or obtained from the target site.

Abstract: A system and method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system and method provide for adjustability of the length of the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element and an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating or deterring injuries to or disorders of the brain or spinal cord of a subject. A heat exchange catheter device is inserted into the subject's body and used to cause heating or cooling the subject's cerebrospinal fluid. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger may be positioned within the subject's vasculature so as to heat or cool the flowing blood, thereby resulting in heating or cooling of the cerebrobpinal fluid.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port and at least one delivery catheter for placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.

Abstract: Methods and devices for introduction of an agent to a vascular physiological site are provided. Aspects of the methods include employing an agent delivery device and an aspiration device to introduce and remove agent from a vascular site in a manner sufficient to minimize agent loss. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis system and strain distribution display method utilizing an ultrasonic probe for performing transmission/reception of ultrasonic signals to/from a subject, a storage arrangement for storing the properties of signals detected with the ultrasonic probe, a correlation computer for calculating a correlation coefficient between the properties with and without pressure applied to the subject, and a phase difference between the received signals with and without application of pressure, based upon the properties stored in the storage arrangement with and without pressure applied to the subject, a computer for calculating a displacement of each measurement point, and a strain distribution of tissue of the subject due to application of pressure, based upon the correlation coefficient and phase difference calculated by the correlation computer, and a display for displaying the strain distribution.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and method of using the catheter assembly is provided herein. The catheter assembly has a catheter shaft having an elongated body extending about a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion, an outer surface, and at least one lumen extending therethrough the elongated body at least one means for sealing at least a portion of the lumen of the bronchial vessel. At least a portion of the catheter assembly is configured for insertion into at least a portion of a bronchial vessel of a target lung region. The means for sealing is moveable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. At least a portion of the vessel can be sealed by inflating the means for sealing. The catheter assembly can then be used to infuse a dialysate solution into the target lung region.

Abstract: An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue that separates a first body cavity from a second body cavity of a patient includes a catheter having a longitudinally extending catheter lumen and adapted to provide access to the first body cavity. A framing member has a collapsed condition in which the framing member is adapted for insertion into the first body cavity through the catheter lumen and an expanded condition in which the framing member is adapted for placement within the first body cavity. The framing member has a framing member body. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. At least one target wire is attached to at least one target point. At least a portion of the target wire extends through the catheter lumen. The target wire is substantially spaced apart from the framing member body. A method of using the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A system to allow registration of a patient to image space is disclosed. The registration can be performed without touching a plurality of fiducial points on the patient or in the image data. The registration process can eliminate manual steps of image to patient registration and image to image registration.

Abstract: A marker delivery device includes an elongated delivery cannula which has a distal end section, an inner lumen and a discharge opening in the distal end section in communication with the inner lumen. At least one elongated fibrous marker body is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of the elongated delivery cannula. The at least one elongated fibrous marker body includes a plurality of bioabsorbable polymeric strands. The strands are compressed to a compressed configuration and bound together in the compressed configuration with a polymer binding agent prior to insertion into the elongated delivery cannula. A releasable plug is disposed within a distal portion of the inner lumen and distal to the at least one elongated fibrous marker body so as to at least partially occlude the discharge opening in the distal end section.

Abstract: A catheter for magnetic navigation in the human body, has a magnet arranged in the catheter tip in order to move a catheter to the desired position in the body by interaction with an external magnetic field, and has a number of separated electromagnets, that can be controlled independently of one another, distributed along the length of the catheter body.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely guided by positioning sensors near moveable portions of the instruments. Electrical sources may be electrically isolated from the patient.

Abstract: Catheter for inserting into a hollow organ, in particular a blood vessel, wherein at least one tube- or balloon-like flexural element (12, 12a, . . . , 12l) which can be filled with a filling medium is provided inside the catheter, which flexural element is flexible in the non-pressurized state and stiffens as a result of pressure buildup internally and assumes a predetermined curved shape.

Abstract: An infusion media delivery device includes a housing having a base adapted to be secured to a user's skin. An infusion media reservoir is supported by the housing. A moveable hollow needle is selectively engageable with the reservoir to communicate infusion media from the reservoir. The needle is supported for movement relative to the housing base between a first position and a second position. The needle is spaced apart from a user's skin when in the first position and the base is secured to the user's skin, and the needle is arranged to pierce the user's skin when in the second position and the base is secured to the user's skin.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of treating a medical device. The method includes providing the medical device. The medical device has an opening defined by two contacting surfaces in a polyalkylsiloxane based portion of the medical device. The method further includes irradiating the medical device free of externally applied lubricant to sterilize the medical device.

Abstract: A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.

Abstract: Methods for determining the size, pathology, and volume of embolic debris captured in an embolic protection filtering device. The methods may include providing an embolic protection filtering device and scanning the filtering device with a computed tomography scanner. The methods may also include analyzing digital images produced during the scanning step.

Abstract: It is a specially conceived catheter to perform a coronary catheterization by the femoral route with a prior punction and placing of 2 mm introductors, using the “Judkins” catheter curves but without the need of first advancing the JL catheter and then the JR. It comprises a “Judkins” JR right coronary catheter, which contains in its interior a “Judkins” JL left coronary catheter that distally protrudes, disposing the section, defining the primary and secondary curves projecting from the distal end of the JR catheter of the right coronary, which is tapered and blunt in its own distal end section. It is emphasized that the JR catheter has incorporated a haemostatic valve hand in hand with its proximal end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for marking a body cavity. In one embodiment, a system includes means for inspecting a body cavity, and means for visibly marking the body cavity so as to convey visual information regarding the body cavity. In one embodiment, a method includes inspecting a body cavity and marking the body cavity with a marking material to provide a visual indication regarding the cavity. In one embodiment, a marking material for marking a body cavity includes a radiopaque contrast agent that is viewable through fluoroscopy and a colored dye that is viewable using an internal viewing device.

Abstract: Improved methods of administration of thiol-based agents, such as NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and STS (sodium thiosulfate), are provided that protect against renal and other organ injury caused by diagnostic or therapeutic intra-arterial procedures which employ radiographic contrast agents.

Abstract: A catheter assembly provided with a wire arranged therein to form a loop extending from near the effective end of the catheter for bypassing an occlusion in a vein/artery. This loop consists of two wire ends, one of which wire ends extends through the catheter to the control end thereof, while the other wire end is attached thereto, in close proximity to the effective end of the catheter. By varying the relative position of the loop wire end extending from the control end and the control end, the size of the loop and the pushability thereof at the effective end of the catheter can be determined. In this manner, the occlusion can be removed with precise control by the physician using two hands. In addition, the catheter is formed not only for the loop wire end extending through the catheter, but also for incorporating a guide wire and/or for contrast fluids.

Abstract: A photodynamic mapping device includes a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, at least one optical electrode at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one optical fiber positioned inside the shaft. In embodiments, the at least one optical fiber extends from the distal end of the shaft and is coupled to the at least one optical electrode provided at or about an outer surface of the device. In an embodiment, at least one optical fiber is coupled, at or about the proximal end of the shaft, to a light source coupled and an optical sensor. An analyzer can be coupled to the optical sensor. Embodiments of such devices can be configured to deliver substances, such as photodynamic therapeutic substances.

Abstract: A combination catheter enables performing an angiogram and an angioplasty (and repetitions of one or both) with the same catheter instrument, without removal from and re-insertion into an artery until the procedure is completed.

Abstract: A medical device with improved flexibility characteristics and methods of using the same. The medical device may include a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate region. In at least some embodiments, the column strength or flexibility of the intermediate portion is generally greater than the column strength or flexibility at the distal end.

Abstract: A method of sealing a network of veins which provide drainage to the testes, comprising: (a) inserting a catheter into a main vein of said network; and (b) causing said vein to seal over at least a length, with a single application of vein irritant such that no forward movement of the catheter is required.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely guided by positioning sensors near moveable portions of the instruments. Electrical sources may be electrically isolated from the patient.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining and compensating for the effect of a field influencing object on a field sensor, preferably a coil, that is within a navigational domain. The system includes a first and second transmitter to create signals. A signal processor is able to process the created signals. The method can include determining interference and/or a correct signal based on the two signals. Also, a shield can be provided to limit transmission of selected fields.

Abstract: A medical device includes a body, a member in the body, and a contrast agent in the member. The device can be visible by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A medical instrument such as a guidewire that is designed to have controlled torque transmission along its length. Specially treated areas are placed in selected and equal areas along the entire length of the elongated shaft of the medical instrument, and are separated from one another by untreated areas. This process ensures that any torque is transmitted distally, in a smooth manner, regardless of the guidewire position, thus resulting in a substantial reduction in whipping. In one embodiment, a stainless steel guidewire is utilized, and is subjected to annealing heat treatment in selected areas. This annealing process creates a mandrel that has repeated temper properties along its length. Torque applied at one end of this mandrel is transmitted to the opposite end in an even and controlled manner, even when the mandrel is formed into a loop.

Abstract: A functionalized tip is incorporated into catheters for the cytometric delivery of cells into the brain and other body parts. For use in the brain, the tip forms part of a neurosurgical probe having a proximal end and a distal end. In addition to the functionalized tip, the probe has at least one cell slurry delivery lumen and a plurality of optical fibers configured along the probe, terminating in the tip to provide the photo-optical capability needed to monitor the viability and physiological behavior of the grafted cells as well as certain characteristics of the cellular environment. Details are also presented of the use of a neurocatheter having a cytometric tip of the type disclosed in the invention, as employed within the context of a feedback and control system for regulating the number of cells delivered to the brain of a patient.

Abstract: The present technique provides a novel method and apparatus for magnetic resonance device tracking. In one aspect of the present technique, a plurality of magnetic resonance tracking signals are acquired in response to a corresponding plurality of pulse sequences, wherein the plurality of magnetic resonance tracking signals are acquired from a tracking coil mounted in a device. A location value is also determined for each pulse sequence to produce a plurality of location values. Further, a candidate location value of the plurality of location values for replacement, an off-resonance error value for the plurality of magnetic resonance tracking signals, and a replacement location value based on the off-resonance error value are determined. The location of the device is also determined based on the plurality of location values, wherein the candidate location value was replaced in the plurality of location values with the replacement location value.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, methods and kits for assessing and/or enhancing the accessibility of a subvalvular space of a heart, accessing the subvalvular space of the heart (e.g., to provide access for one or more other devices), and/or positioning one or more devices in the subvalvular space of the heart. The devices described herein may, for example, comprise catheters that may be used to manipulate one or more chordae tendineae, diagnostic catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), guide catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), and visualization catheters. In some variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to visualize a target site, such as a subannular groove of a heart valve. In certain variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to manipulate chordae tendineae to provide additional space in a ventricle of a heart (e.g., enhancing the accessibility of the ventricle).

Abstract: A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for visually monitoring, detecting, and/or determining the presence, absence, and/or growth of harmful or potentially harmful bacterial microorganisms beneath a wound dressing, in one example used to cover an indwelling central venous catheter or other catheter. A bacteria detection apparatus includes a barrier membrane, a permeable membrane for placement proximate a wound or a catheter insertion site, and an indicator between the barrier membrane and the permeable membrane for indicating the presence of bacteria proximate the permeable membrane. A method of using a bacterial growth detection apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A remote sensing catheter system including an injection catheter and a collection catheter. In one method of use, an external sensor of the system determines the timing of operation of the collection catheter. In another method of use, a sensor determines the volume of medium in the injection.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip designs including coiled safety/shaping structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and kits for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the adventitia and other regions outside the external elastic lamina (EEL) surrounding a blood vessel utilize a catheter having a needle. The needle is positioned in up to 5 mm beyond the EEL and delivers an amount of pharmaceutical agent sufficient to circumferentially permeate around the blood vessel and, in many cases, extend longitudinally and radially along the blood vessel. Confirmation that a delivery aperture of the needle lies beyond the EEL may be required before delivering the pharmaceutical agent.