Abstract: An orifice introducer device for introducing, for example a surgical device, into, for example an orifice of a body, includes a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is adjustable between a first position for insertion into an orifice and a second position once inserted into the orifice. Alternatively, the orifice introducer device includes a distal portion having a proximal end configured to be detachably secured to the distal end of the tubular member. The distal portion is selectively detachable when the orifice introducer device is positioned in the orifice.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion; an operation portion; a bending wire that causes a bending portion to bend by pulling; a bending operation member that gives pulling force to the bending wire by swinging; an operation force reduction portion including a spring that can press the bending operation member; and a semi-fixation mechanism switch operation member that makes a switch to a pressing state, in which the spring presses the bending operation member, and to a non-pressing state.

Abstract: The precise placement device includes: a direction controller to which a placement unit having an insert and a drill is mounted, the direction controller controlling a direction of the placement unit; a precise transfer unit to which the direction controller is mounted, the precise transfer unit transferring the placement unit in the planar two-axis direction; a support table for fixing a target for insertion in which the insert is to be placed; and transfer units for transferring the precise transfer unit and the operating table.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implanter for nerve stimulation. The implanter comprises a plurality of preformed stylets and a hollow needle. Each preformed stylet defines a butt end, a tip opposite the butt end, and a curved portion extending therebetween. The needle defines a first end configured to receive each preformed stylet, a second end opposite the first end, and a curved portion extending therebetween. The curved portion of the needle and the curved portion of the preformed stylets are of substantially congruent shapes such that the preformed stylets are interchangeably insertable into the needle.

Abstract: A suture placement device is inserted into an endoscopic trocar port site. A pivot bar with a pair of receptor ports is moved from a folded to an extended position below the fascia. The trocar port is removed over the device as the pivot bar is pulled upward against the fascia. A pair of stylet guides are deployed from two sides of the device housing, and intercept the receptor ports, thereby creating a suture path through the first guide, through a channel in the pivot bar between the receptor ports, and through the second guide. A stylet is directed through the suture path to pull a suture through the path. The guides are refracted, the pivot bar is folded, the device is removed, and the suture is tied. A stylet guide may have a partially deployed position to accurately inject an anesthetic at a desired intra-muscular layer.

Abstract: A fluid infuser includes an introduction needle having a projection on a peripheral surface, and an infusion tube configured to cover the introduction needle. The projection of the introduction needle is installed at a position where the introduction needle comes into contact with the infusion tube, and includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is arranged at a picking end side of the introduction needle with respect to the second surface, and an angle of inclination of the first surface is larger than an angle of inclination of the second surface. The fluid infuser is configured to guide an infusion tube to an object of insertion adequately, and allow the introduction needle to be pulled out easily from the infusion tube.

Abstract: A shieldable needle device includes a hub with and a needle cannula having a puncture tip extending from a forward end thereof, and a shield member in telescoping association with the hub. At least one of the hub and the shield member are adapted for relative axial movement with respect to the other between a first position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is exposed from a forward end of the shield member and a second position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is encompassed within the shield member. A drive member extends between the hub and the shield member, biasing the hub and the shield member axially away from each other. A packaging cover may further extend about the needle cannula, applying external pressure between the cooperating portions of the hub and the shield.

Abstract: A medical instrument with an elongate shaft which, at a distal end, carries a spatula, and, in a proximal end area, has a shaft head on which a laterally protruding handle is arranged. The shaft is rotatable relative to the handle about a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A system for providing access across a site of obstruction is provided. The system may include a sleeve, having a distal portion that can move from an inverted position to an everted position. A balloon situated within the sleeve can be extended so as to evert sleeve. A pathway can extend across a juncture between the distal portion and the remaining portion of the sleeve so as to provide access across the site of obstruction. A method for providing access across the site of obstruction is also provided.

Abstract: A step-design cannula and delivery system for chronic delivery of therapeutic substances into the brain using convention-enhanced delivery of therapeutic substances and which effectively prevents reflux in vivo and maximizes distribution in the brain.

Abstract: A valve is provided for mounting on the hub of an introducer needle to provide a flashback chamber, to prevent outflow of blood from the introducer needle and to allow a guide wire to be inserted into the introducer needle in a bloodless seal-tight manner. The valve employs a seal ring having a slit through which the guide wire may be passed. A port is also provided to vent air from the introducer needle through an air filter that prevents passage of blood.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A needle for an endoscope, includes: an outer sheath tube having a fluid passage provided therein; a distal end discharging portion that is accommodated in the distal end of the outer sheath tube so as to be extended therefrom and retracted thereinto, and is connected to the distal end of the fluid passage; an operating device for operating the distal end discharging portion so as to be extended from the distal end of the outer sheath tube and retracted thereinto; a fluid supplying device, that is provided in the outer sheath tube and is caused to communicate with the fluid passage, and supplies a fluid to the distal end discharging portion through the fluid passage; and a blocking device that is provided in the fluid passage, for freely opening and shutting off circulation of a fluid in line with an operation of the operating device.

Abstract: A hemostatic valve apparatus used in medical procedures that provides rapid activation of a sealing mechanism resulting in lower blood loss during use of the sealing device. The valve apparatus incorporates an actuator and two mechanisms that counter-rotate opposite ends of a sealing tube.

Abstract: The filling status of a drug reservoir in a drug pump devices may be determined with mechanical and/or magnetic position sensor associated with a reservoir boundary.

Abstract: According to one claim of the invention, a method for occluding a fallopian tube in a vertebrate subject is described, which comprises comprising transcervically delivering a solid blocking material into the fallopian tube. In various embodiments, a fluid sealing material is delivered along with the solid blocking material. Other claims of the invention pertain to articles of manufacture, delivery devices and kits for use in occluding the fallopian tubes of a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to intraocular shunts, and in particular, to intraocular shunts configured to form a drainage pathway between the anterior chamber and the intra-scleral space.

Abstract: A Veress needle assembly comprises an outer steel tube with a sharpened tip at the distal end surrounding an inner rod having a blunt distal end. The proximal end of the inner rod is spring biased towards a position in which its distal end extends beyond the distal end of the outer stainless steel tube so that while piercing the wall of a body cavity the inner rod is forced upwardly against the spring bias to allow the sharpened end of the outer tube to extend into a cutting position. An indicator light supported on the proximal end of the assembly is controlled by a switch which is in a first position when the outer tube is passing through the wall of the body cavity and a second position when the outer tube enters the body cavity behind the wall, allowing the rod to move beyond the distal end of the outer tube, thereby changing the illumination of the light source so that the operator is signaled that the Veress needle has passed into the body cavity.

Abstract: Articulable introducer sheaths and related methods and systems for accessing various surgical sites are disclosed. An introducer sheath comprises a tubular body and a filament. The tubular body has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central lumen. The filament is constrained on or within at least a portion of the proximal portion and unconstrained over at least a portion of the distal portion. The distal end of the filament is held or attached near a distal end of the tubular body so that advancement of the filament relative to the tubular body causes the unconstrained portion to bow out or extend radially outward, such as to engage a body tissue so as to steer the tubular body when the tubular body has been introduced into a surgical site, such as an epidural space. A surgical tool or medical implant can then be advanced through the sheath.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: Pressure indicator comprising a base, a deformable membrane fixed to the base in a fluid-tight manner according to a closed contour, and a body fixed to the base, delimiting a hollow volume covering the deformable membrane on the side opposite the base, while encompassing at least the closed contour, at least one inlet for a fluid the pressure of which is to be measured in a pressure range, wherein the deformable membrane is such that the expansion thereof for said pressure range is sufficient to be visible to the naked eye and to allow a direct display indicative of the pressure, in that the base is drilled with at least one first hole a first end of which emerges between the deformable membrane and the base in the closed contour, in that the body is drilled with at least one second hole a first end of which emerges into said hollow volume, in that the other end of the first hole is linked to the inlet respectively to the open air, in that the other end of the second hole is linked to the open air, respectiv

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube is provided. The tracheostomy tube includes an outer cannula that comprises an outer cannula connector comprising a first keying feature. The tracheostomy tube further comprises an inner cannula comprising an inner cannula connector including a second keying feature configured to complement the first keying feature when the inner cannula is inserted into the outer cannula. Further, a method is provided, whereby the method comprises inserting an outer cannula into a patient's trachea, and inserting an inner cannula into the outer cannula such that a keying feature on an inner cannula connector of the inner cannula engages a second keying feature on an outer cannula connector of the outer cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the flexor retinaculum of the carpal tunnel, injecting an effective amount of an agent into at least a portion of flexor retinaculum or tissue adjacent thereto, wherein the agent is configured to weaken the flexor retinaculum. The system may further include means for increasing the tensile stress in the flexor retinaculum post-injection using hand exercises, thereby weakening its structural integrity and decreasing the pressure within the carpal tunnel that impairs median nerve function.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. A needle assembly including a hub, cannula, and magnetic element is also disclosed, wherein a magnetic axis of the magnetic element is configured to be coaxially or otherwise aligned with the needle cannula.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: An introducer apparatus includes an outer sleeve and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a profile such that at least a portion of the distal end of the outer sleeve tapers in the distal direction at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The distal open end of the outer sleeve has a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch. The inner cannula includes a tapered distal end portion. The tapered distal portion of the inner cannula extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve, such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is provided between the outer sleeve tapered portion and the open distal end of the inner cannula.

Abstract: A vascular introducer for accessing a circulatory system of a patient includes a sheath and a dilator. The sheath includes a fitting attached at a proximal end, and includes a liner that is longer than a core tube. A proximal segment of the liner is attached to an inner surface of the core tube, but a distal segment of the liner is everted to cover an outer surface of a distal segment of the core tube. The dilator is positioned in the sheath and includes a tapered distal segment that extends beyond a distal end of the sheath. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the dilator and extends proximally from the fitting. During a procedure, a blood vessel may constrict and grip the sheath. During withdrawal of the sheath, the core tube is slid within a first portion of the everted distal segment of the liner while another portion of the liner is de-everting.

Abstract: A regional anesthesia catheter used with a guide such as for example a needle cannula has a distal portion integrally connected to a main portion of the catheter by a junction portion that has a cross-sectional profile different from the distal and main portions, so as to predispose the distal portion of the catheter to move in a given direction when the distal portion is not guided by or constrained by the needle cannula. The cross-sectional profile of the junction portion may be configured in a particular shape, or be constructed to have a flexibility that predisposes the distal portion to bend, curve or move toward a given direction.

Abstract: Devices are provided herein for translumenal access to a treatment site within a body cavity. In general, the devices include an elongate sleeve configured to provide access to a treatment site wherein various portions of the sleeve are associated with an anti-microbial agent. Additionally, the anti-microbial agent(s) can be disposed within a housing and/or inner lumen of the sleeve such that surgical instruments passing therethrough can be sterilized en route to and/or being withdrawn from the treatment site. Additionally, various methods are also provided herein for maintaining the sterility of a treatment site.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a main unit and a suction conduit. The main unit includes at least one tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an inlet disposed near the distal end. The suction conduit is slidably disposed over the main unit, and is slidably movable along the main unit between a retracted position, at which the suction conduit does not cover the inlet of the main unit, and an extended position at which the suction conduit covers the inlet of the main unit and a suction inlet of the suction conduit is placed in fluid-communication with the main unit inlet. The surgical instrument can be used as a suction tool by placing the suction conduit in the extended position and applying a vacuum through the inlet of the main unit and the suction inlet.

Abstract: The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, endplates become occluded by calcified layers, and diffusion of nutrients and oxygen into the disc diminishes. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered and deployed into the intervertebral disc to re-establish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. The intervertebral disc installed with semi-permeable conduits may be used as an immuno-isolated capsule to encapsulate donor cells capable of biosynthesizing therapeutic molecules. The semi-permeable conduits establish the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic molecules between disc and bodily circulation to treat a disease without using immuno-suppressive drugs.

Abstract: There is provided a mass exchange apparatus (114) for use in blood/air mass exchange comprising plural blood flow conduits for defining a blood flow from a blood flow inlet provided thereto; and plural air flow conduits for defining an air flow from an air flow inlet provided thereto. The plural air flow conduits and plural blood flow conduits at least partially comprise gas-permeable membrane material, and the conduits are arranged relative to each other such as to enable transfer of oxygen from the air flow to the blood flow and transfer of carbon dioxide from the blood flow to the air flow through the membrane material.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument for forming an incision in a body cavity, insufflating the body cavity with gas, and suturing the incision at the completion of the surgery includes a set of jaws at the distal end of the Veress needle or cannula. The jaws are pivoted to one another for motion between an open position or a closed position in which they may be used to grasp a suture in the body cavity for removal from the cavity for knotting. A push mechanism at the proximal end of the instrument moves the jaws between their open and closed position on successive actuations of a pushbutton and retains them in that state until the next push. An illumination source is provided for the distal end of the instrument to provide illumination through the walls of the body cavity so that the surgeon can determine the degree of penetration of the instrument into the body cavity and can identify any major arteries which should be avoided in the formation of other laparoscopic openings.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula, a housing mounted to the cannula, and a seal disposed within the cannula. The cannula is adapted for insertion through tissue to permit access to an underlying tissue site. The cannula defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal passageway for passage of a surgical object for positioning with respect to the tissue site. The housing is adapted for movement relative to the cannula in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The seal has a passage for reception of the surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. The access assembly may further include a support member mounted to the cannula. The support member adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the housing and the tissue. The support member may be securely affixed to, or selectively positionable along, the cannula with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment for post-myocardial infarction are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least two components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer and a substance having at least one cell adhesion site combined in a first buffer at a pH of approximately 6.5. A second component can include a second buffer in a pH of between about 7.5 and 9.0. A second functionalized polymer can be included in the first or second component. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual bore injection device to a treatment area, such as a post-myocardial infarct region.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter set for nerve treatment used for delivering a stimulus or a drug to nerves in the human body. According to the present invention, the catheter set for nerve treatment includes: a catheter capable of delivering a drug to a target nerve through a tube line, having a tube shape; a cylindrical cannula for supporting the catheter when inserted into the body tissue while slidably accommodating the catheter inside; a conductive guide wire to be accommodated inside the catheter, having one exposed end; and a conductive first stimulator connector for delivering an electric stimulus to the one exposed end of the guide wire, electrically connected to the other end of the guide wire. Therefore, it is possible to accurately place the end of the catheter at the location of the target nerve, to prevent the end of the catheter from deviating from the target nerve during an operation, and to finely adjust the location of the catheter even after removing the cannula.

Abstract: Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, and disposable assemblies, including cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, inserters, and related components therefor, as well as component combinations and related methods.

Abstract: A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: A safety needle comprising a handle; a hollow needle; a trigger carriage; an obturator; a spring; a trigger; a first latch and a second latch; the first latch, second latch and trigger being configured so that when the trigger carriage is in a distal position and the first latch set, and the trigger is thereafter pulled proximally, the first latch is released and the trigger carriage moves proximally into a proximal position, and thereafter releasing the trigger causes the trigger carriage to move into an intermediate position and set the second latch; and further wherein, when the trigger carriage is in its intermediate position and the distal end of the obturator engages tissue, the trigger carriage is moved proximally so as to release the second latch.

Abstract: An applicator insertable into a living body includes a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head on a front end side of the nozzle main body and through which a liquid together with a gas is expelled, with the nozzle main body including a flexible curved section. The applicator also includes an outer tube in which is positioned a portion of the nozzle main body so as to be movable along a longitudinal direction. The angle or degree of curvature of the curved section is changed by inserting the curved section into the outer tube to thereby adjust a direction of the nozzle head relative to a axis of the nozzle main body. In addition, a longitudinally extending gap exists between the outer tube and the nozzle. The gap functions as a discharge path for discharging gas within the body cavity.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the use or application of skin penetrators, the device including a puncturing part for piercing the skin, an indwelling part which can be introduced into the skin through an opening generated by the puncturing part and remains there, wherein the puncturing part and indwelling part are operably associated with the device, and a guide operably associated with the device, wherein, in use, the indwelling part is moved, via the guide, into a position of use after the puncturing part has pierced the skin. In some embodiments, the puncturing and indwelling parts are separate from each other prior to use. A method of using skin penetrators is encompassed and includes sequentially introducing the puncturing part and the indwelling part into the skin.

Abstract: A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion. A valve portion may be formed in a cap defining a cavity sized to elastically receive a proximal end of the hub portion.