Abstract: A guidewire having a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A drug delivery pump drive which uses a linear piezoelectric motor to advance a syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The pump drive, provided in a drug delivery pump, provides silent operation and very low energy consumption compared to electric motor-based drives. The small size of the motor helps also to reduce overall size of the pump drive and the resulting drug deliver pump.

Abstract: A device and method for creating a connection with the left ventricle of a heart are provided. A seal member capable of moving between a folded position and an open position is attached to the end of a conduit. An introducer capable of moving between a first and second position allows for the expansion of the seal member into an open position. A clamp component is positioned outside of the heart to provide an axial clamping force with the wall of the heart so that a seal is created between the seal member and the wall of the heart.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders. One method provides an implant having an inlet portion with a first anchor and an outlet portion with a second anchor. The implant is implanted in tissue of an eye such the implant conducts fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiological outflow pathway of the eye. The implanting involves positioning the first anchor adjacent eye tissue, positioning the second anchor within the physiological outflow pathway, and deploying the second anchor such that the second anchor secures the implant within the physiological outflow pathway and a distal end of the second anchor is positioned further into the physiological outflow pathway than an outlet of the outlet portion.

Abstract: A bowel extension device implantable into a body for treatment of short bowel syndrome. The bowel extension device comprises a housing and a displaceable member coupled to the housing. The bowel extension device is configured to apply a tensile force sufficient to promote bowel growth without causing damage to the bowel. In some embodiments, the bowel extension device can be completely contained with the body.

Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guided filter system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The system includes a guidewire slideable through a wire guide included in a distal region of a support wire. The support wire has an expandable filter, which is operable between a collapsed or enlarged condition. A variety of endovascular devices, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stent-deployment catheters, are insertable over the guidewire and/or the support wire. Methods of using the guided filter system to direct and exchange endovascular devices to a region of interest, and to entrap and remove embolic material from the vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic device intended for the selective cytoreductive treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body, said lumen being obstructed by the effect of a local cell proliferation, said device comprising a tubular element, in particular of cylindrical shape, intended to be placed in said natural lumen and sufficiently flexible to conform to said natural lumen, but sufficiently rigid to maintain an artificial channel in said lumen. The tubular element supports lengthwise a medicinal sleeve which is intended to come into line with, and into contact with, the obstruction once the natural lumen has been intubated, and is designed to deliver locally, at least in its outer surface portion, at least one therapeutic agent which is cytoreductive, in particular cytotoxic, through contact with the cells under whose effect said lumen is obstructed.

Abstract: A guidewire having a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has an implant and a delivery device. The implant has inlet and outlet portions, a lumen extending therebetween and communicating with inlet and outlet ports. The implant is sized so that in use aqueous humor flows from an anterior chamber of an eye through the implant and into a uveal scleral outflow path of the eye. The delivery device is configured to advance the implant from within the anterior chamber, with the outlet portion leading the inlet portion, to a location where the outlet and inlet ports respectively communicate with the uveal scleral outflow path and the anterior chamber. One method involves advancing an implant from within the anterior chamber, and draining fluid from therein such that fluid flows into an implant inlet port and out through an implant outlet port and into the uveal scleral outflow path.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the providing oxygenated blood to venous circulation. Embodiments include a femoral access approach to the creation of an Aorta-caval fistula at the bifurcation of the Aorta and the Inferior Vena Cava; an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A drug delivery pump drive which uses a linear piezoelectric motor to advance a syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The pump drive, provided in a drug delivery pump, provides silent operation and very low energy consumption compared to electric motor-based drives. The small size of the motor helps also to reduce overall size of the pump drive and the resulting drug deliver pump.

Abstract: A filtering device has a directional member and filtering member disposable in a vessel (e.g. blood artery) at a position past a lesion in the direction of fluid flow. The filtering member is made from a resilient material having properties of passing the fluid while blocking the passage of emboli in the fluid. This material may be selected from a group consisting of blood filter material and a braided/woven biocompatible material with the properties specified above. The inner end of the filtering member is attached to a shaft which provides for the disposition of the members in the vessel at the position past the lesion and the withdrawal of the members from the vessel. The directional member has a length extending at least to the vessel wall. The directional member is made from a pliable and elongatable material with properties of blocking fluid and emboli passage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing access to a body cavity without substantial loss of inflation gas therein. The apparatus includes an access assembly that has a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an elastic portion interposed the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen therethrough. An anchor sleeve is disposed coaxially over the tubular member and has a radially expandable region. The anchor sleeve is moveable between an axially elongated configuration and an axially shortened configuration and is biased toward the axially shortened configuration by a force exerted by the elastic portion of the tubular member. The axially shortened configuration corresponds to the anchor sleeve being in the fully deployed position. Methods for providing anchored access to a cavity within a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vessel filter having a first region and a second region, each having a mounting portion and a filter portion having a converging region at an end portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter. Each mounting portion is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward an end portion opposite the end portion of the converging region. A plurality of spaced apart struts extend between the first and second converging regions.

Abstract: A materials delivery instrument is provided and includes an outer sheath and an instrument movably mounted within the outer sheath. The instrument includes a treatment lumen extending substantially the length of the instrument for receipt of treatment material. A super elastic wire is positioned in at least a distal end of the instrument. The super elastic wire forms a loop in an unstressed state to allow the instrument to encircle an anastomosis formed between a pair of tubular tissue sections. The super elastic wire is in a stressed state when the instrument is retracted within the outer sheath and in the unstressed state when the instrument is extended from the outer sheath to enclose the anastomosis. A proximal end of the super elastic wire is oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by the loop to allow the instrument to lie parallel to the tubular tissue sections during the spraying of the anastomosis.

Abstract: A self-expanding medical occlusion device treats a heart defect in a patient and is inserted into the body in minimally invasive fashion using a catheter system, and includes a braiding of thin threads which exhibits a first preliminarily definable shape as the occlusion device is being inserted into the patient's body and a second preliminarily definable shape in the implanted state, whereby the occlusion device is in a collapsed state in the first shape of the braiding and in an expanded state in the second shape of the braiding. The threads of braiding are composed of a shape memory polymer composite such that braiding deforms from a temporary shape to a permanent shape in consequence of an external stimulus, whereby the temporary shape is given in a first profile form of the braiding and the permanent shape is given in a second profile form of the braiding.

Abstract: A method for percutaneously implanting a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube, and a medical catheter implanting assembly. In one embodiment, the implanting assembly includes a gastrostomy feeding tube, an inner sheath and an outer sheath. The feeding tube has an internal bolster integrally formed at its distal end. The inner sheath includes a bore extending distally from its proximal end to a point prior to its distal end and a transverse window communicating with the bore. The outer sheath includes a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore. The outer sheath is inserted over the inner sheath, and the feeding tube is inserted into the inner sheath, with the internal bolster being folded and tucked into the window and retained therein by the outer sheath. Movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner sheath to expose the window allows the bolster to decompress.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed into tissue surrounding the opening, and used to draw the opening closed. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting selected vessels in the body of a patient include manual manipulation of a rigid dissecting endoscope and the reconfiguration thereof to facilitate tissue dissection and tissue dilation in the formation of an anatomical space about the vessel within which side-branch vessels may be manipulated in preparation for severance and removal of the vessel from the anatomical space.

Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Catheters with laminar flow bioactive agent delivery properties and methods of using for treating or preventing vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: In an organ retractor including a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal plane, and at least one organ support assembly operatively coupled to the shaft. The organ support assembly includes a plurality of ribs having a first position, in which each of the plurality of ribs is parallel with one another, and a second position, in which a first rib of the plurality of ribs is transverse with respect to a second rib of the plurality of ribs. The at least one organ support assembly is pivotable from a first orientation, in which each of the plurality of ribs is disposed in the longitudinal plane of the shaft, to a second orientation, in which each of the plurality of ribs is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal plane of the shaft, and a support extending between and connected to each of the plurality of two ribs.

Abstract: A system for delivering ultrasound energy to a treatment section in a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a sheath with a utility lumen and an energy delivery section at least partially constructed from a material which transmits ultrasound energy. The system also includes a drug delivery member having a plurality of drug delivery ports which are positioned adjacent the energy delivery section. The system further includes an elongated body including at least one ultrasound element and configured to be movably positioned within the utility lumen to transmit the ultrasound energy from the ultrasound element through the energy delivery section.

Abstract: A fluid warming cassette for use in a fluid warming system includes a first sheet, a second sheet and a flexible spacer having a serpentine opening. At least one of the first and second sheets is a flexible plastic sheet. The spacer is positioned between the first and second sheets and the first and second sheets are joined together over the spacer to form a fluid container having a fluid channel. The fluid container includes a fluid channel with inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The fluid warming cassette is capable of operating under negative pressure without collapse of the fluid channel in the cassette.

Abstract: A portal device maintains an opening in the skin of a patient to allow for the passage of surgical device therethrough. Tabs disposed at one end of the portal device may be used to resist removal of the device, retract soft tissue from the operative site, and seal the opening to prevent the escape of gases or liquids.

Abstract: A self-retaining catheter that eliminates the problem of residual urine and also of bladder wall irritation caused by continuous contact with a spherical retention balloon which does not rely on a stylet for placement. The system may use an internal control wire that reversibly foreshortens the proximal end of the catheter thus radially displacing longitudinal strips defined in the proximal catheter to form retention wings. Alternatively, a balloon situated between the longitudinal strips is inflated to force open the retention wings once inside the urinary bladder. Radial displacement of the retention wings widens the spaces between the longitudinal strips, these spaces constituting the drainage apertures which permit complete emptying of the urinary bladder. The radially displaced retention wings abut the bladder wall in a non-continuous manner thereby reducing the area of bladder-catheter contact and further reducing bladder wall irritation.

Abstract: A catheter designed to be anchored in an internal cavity of a patient such as a drainage catheter employs a novel hub design. The hub has a slide member slidably coupled to the hub and a latch that latches the hub and the slide member together when the slide member slidably moves relative to the hub. Preferably, latching takes place when the slide member moves relative to the hub in an axial direction of the hub. A manually operable release member is provided on the hub such that the latch is disabled from unlatching unless the release member is manually operated. This feature advantageously limits a person's ability to accidentally unlatch the hub.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a gastrostomy feeding tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore, the distal end being shaped to include an internal bolster, the internal bolster having an anchoring state and a non-anchoring state. A suture extends from the internal bolster through the longitudinal bore to exit the tube at its proximal end, proximal displacement of the suture maintaining the internal bolster in its anchoring state. A protective sleeve made of a rigid material is removably insertable into the tube through its proximal end, the suture being inserted through the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve, when inserted into the tube, serves to protect the suture from being cut when the tube is cut to a desired length after having been implanted in a patient.

Abstract: An adjustable occlusion device and a method of implanting the device in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vessel employs one of a number of different expansion members joined to one or more elongate members. The expansion member may include a braid, one or more coils, ribs, a ribbon-like structure, a slotted tube, or a filter-like mesh. If the expansion member is enclosed by a suitable membrane, the device seals with the vessel wall to partially or completely occlude the vessel. A perforated membrane may be used to permit the perfusion of blood. The expansion member may be self-expanding, or it may be expanded by engaging it with one of the elongate members. Alternatively, the expansion member may be expanded by heating it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for exchanging catheters while containing emboli within a blood vessel such as a saphenous vein graft, coronary artery, carotid artery, or other similar vessels. A guidewire is inserted through the vasculature of a patient until it reaches a desired treatment site. A therapy catheter is then inserted over the guidewire until the distal end of the therapy catheter reaches the treatment site. The guidewire has a distally mounted balloon which is inflated to occlude the blood vessel. Then, the therapy catheter provides means for treating the vessel at the treatment site. After treatment, the therapy catheter is removed from the guidewire and exchanged with an aspiration catheter which rides over the guidewire until the distal end of the aspiration catheter reaches the treatment site. The aspiration catheter applies negative pressure to remove any emboli formed by the treatment procedure.

Abstract: A stent for assisting urinary release in a male patient includes a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments. The first segment includes a multi-winged malecot. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter with the multi-winged malecot located within the bladder to inhibit migration of the stent, and the second segment is located on the other side of the external sphincter and also tends to inhibit migration of the stent. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting particles (P) into a tissue (G), in particular a muscle tissue, wherein the apparatus (10) essentially represents a tubular body (7) with one closed end and comprises at least one sleeve (8), at least one positioning element (1), at least one outlet area (2), which extends over the entire circumference of the tubular body (7), at least one thrust means (4) for the particles (P), as well as an actuating device for the outlet area (2), and wherein the outlet area (2) is formed by a plurality of flexible elements (6), which are at least attached to the sleeve (8), which butts against the outlet area (2) in the axial direction, or the positioning element (1) in such a way, that in a tense condition the diameter of the outlet area (2) is larger than the diameter of the sleeve (8), and openings are present between the elements (6).

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a substance delivery device (1) capable of insertion into a body cavity of an animal, including delivery apparatus (11) capable of actively being controlled to deliver a substance to an outlet, and retention apparatus (2, 3) capable of retaining the substance delivery device within the body cavity of an animal. In one embodiment, a microprocessor (18) can be remotely programmed to enable control over the delivery device after it is placed in the animal. The microprocessor (18) can also communicate with an external device to enable the operation of the delivery device to be determined. The invention may also include sensors to monitor the environment around the delivery device, to determine when a substance sod be delivered into the body.

Abstract: A single access dialysis needle system comprises a first cannula, a second cannula or sheath, and a barrier arranged on the outer surface of the first cannula. The distal end of the first cannula extends distal to the distal end of the second cannula or outer sheath, and the barrier is positioned between the respective distal ends. When the barrier is inflated or otherwise activated, it prevents or minimizes recirculation.

Abstract: The catheter includes an outer tube with an inlet end portion and a stop formed on the inlet end portion. The stop, which normally assumes a collapsed orientation, is moveable between a collapsed orientation and a deployed orientation. The catheter may include at least one of a diagnostic port disposed on the outer tube proximate the bottom of the stop, a locking device proximate the bottom of the catheter for securing the stop in the deployed orientation, and an actuator for operatively moving the stop between collapsed and deployed orientations. Applying force to the actuator moves the stop from the collapsed orientation to the deployed orientation. The actuator may also include a fail-safe mechanism designed to fail when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the actuator.

Abstract: A retrograde cannula includes coaxial inner and outer bodies, wherein a least of the portion of the inner body is axially slidable within the outer body. The inner body forms an infusion lumen for conducting CPG. A sealing member is mounted adjacent a distal end of the outer body and is expandable into sealing relationship with a wall of a patient's heart. The sealing member includes proximal and distal ends that are moved away from one another to collapse the sealing member in response to axial sliding of the inner body within the outer body to reduce a profile of the cannula, and thereby facilitate movement of the cannula through a patient's body.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter comprising a catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first longitudinally extending central lumen configured to deliver blood, and at least three longitudinally extending lumens positioned radially of the central lumen and configured to withdraw blood from a patient. At least one blood delivery opening is formed in the distal portion of the catheter body and in fluid communication with the first lumen and configured for passage of blood therethrough. At least three blood withdrawal openings are formed in the outer wall of the catheter body, wherein each of the openings is in fluid communication with one of the at least three lumens and is configured for passage of blood from a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating space within the chest cavity to more easily perform minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

Abstract: A retrograde cannula includes coaxial inner and outer bodies, wherein a least of the portion of the inner body is axially slidable within the outer body. The inner body forms an infusion lumen for conducting CPG. A sealing member is mounted adjacent a distal end of the outer body and is expandable into sealing relationship with a wall of a patient's heart. The sealing member includes proximal and distal ends that are moved away from one another to collapse the sealing member in response to axial sliding of the inner body within the outer body to reduce a profile of the cannula, and thereby facilitate movement of the cannula through a patient's body.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for gaining access into the uterine cavity in order to perform minimally invasive surgery or diagnostic procedures related to a uterus and fallopian tubes, includes a single-lumen catheter; and an elongated balloon disposed distally on the single-lumen catheter for insertion into a cervical canal of the uterus. The balloon has opposing portions which occlude openings of the cervical canal when inflated. A fluid displacement sleeve is slidably disposed over the single-lumen catheter. The sleeve is moveable over the elongated balloon to inflate the portions of the balloon which are adjacent the opposite openings of the cervical canal when the balloon is inserted therein. Because there is no need for a balloon inflation lumen, the outer diameter of the catheter can be minimized and the cost of the apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a substance delivery device (1) capable of insertion into a body cavity of an animal, including delivery apparatus (11) capable of actively being controlled to deliver a substance to an outlet, and retention apparatus (2, 3) capable of retaining the substance delivery device within the body cavity of an animal. In one embodiment, a microprocessor (18) can be remotely programmed to enable control over the delivery device after it is placed in the animal. The microprocessor (18) can also communicate with an external device to enable the operation of the delivery device to be determined. The invention may also include sensors to monitor the environment around the delivery device, to determine when a substance should be delivered into the body.

Abstract: A device for applying a medicament to a tissue such as the interior wall of a body canal includes a housing having a treatment end for insertion into the body canal. At least one treatment arm is movably connected to the housing and has thereon at least one applicator for applying the medicament to the canal wall. At least one actuator is provided for moving the treatment arm outward relative to the housing and toward the canal wall, and for operating the applicator to apply the medicament to the canal wall. A method for applying a medicament to a tissue such as an interior wall of a body canal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The controllable deployment system for a radially expandable frame utilized during catheterization includes a guide wire, a radially expandable frame through which the guide wire passes, an elongated actuation sleeve over the guide wire, and a proximal locking mechanism. The expandable frame has a closed, radially compact form and an open, radially expanded form. The proximal end of the frame is coupled to an actuator sleeve. The actuator sleeve, at its proximal end, includes a friction locking mechanism having locking members with respective locking surfaces. The locking mechanism permits the user to lock or hold static the actuator sleeve (and therefore, the expandable frame) with respect to the guide wire, typically in an open, radially expanded form and a closed form. Tactile markers or indicia may be included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed into tissue surrounding the opening, and used to draw the opening closed. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a gastrostomy feeding tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore, the distal end being shaped to include an internal bolster, the internal bolster having an anchoring state and a non-anchoring state. A suture extends from the internal bolster through the longitudinal bore to exit the tube at its proximal end, proximal displacement of the suture maintaining the internal bolster in its anchoring state. A protective sleeve made of a rigid material is removably insertable into the tube through its proximal end, the suture being inserted through the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve, when inserted into the tube, serves to protect the suture from being cut when the tube is cut to a desired length after having been implanted in a patient.

Abstract: An endoscope fill bar including a device to change the cross-section of a rounded end zone of the fill bar that protects distally beyond the endoscope distal end when the fill bar is in its functional position. The cross-sectional altering device is driven by an adjusting system mounted on the fill bar and through an adjustment link, and includes a lever resting at the distal end zone in a spreading-out and retracting manner.

Abstract: A catheter for injecting medication to a specific point within a patient comprises a drug delivery lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to an injection port. The catheter comprises a mechanism for angularly pushing the injection port outwardly away from the body of the catheter into an artery wall so that medication can be injected directly into the artery wall.