Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device delivery catheter comprises a handle and an elongated member disposed within the handle, the elongated member comprising an elongated member lumen configured to receive an inner tool that is configured to extend through a lumen of the delivery catheter, including the elongated member lumen, and interface with an implantable medical device. The handle further comprises a clamping assembly comprising a button configured to be actuated toward a longitudinal axis of the elongated member in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to compress the elongated member against the inner tool to restrain movement of the inner tool through the elongated member lumen.

Abstract: Briefly, a kinkless infusion set has a setting control that engages a curved or helical cannula to simultaneously rotate the helical cannula as the helical cannula is moved toward a patients skin and then under the patient's skin to position the curved or helical cannula to a desired depth and position. In one example, the helical cannula is set between 3 mm and 5 mm under the patient's skin. Also, the curved or helical cannula may have side ports to allow medicine to be presented over a larger area for more effective therapeutic treatment. In some constructions the patient rotates the setting control, and in other cases the patient may push, pull or translate the setting control.

Abstract: A coupling device (9) for light guides (8), including a light entrance (11) and a light-guide space (12) aligned at the light entrance (11), and including a clamping device with a first roller pair (20) with two opposing rollers (21; 32), between which an inserted light guide (8) can be clamped. The coupling device (9) has a second roller pair (26) with two opposing rollers (21), and the second roller pair (26) is arranged closer to the light entrance (11) than the first roller pair (20).

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutting cannula and an inner member. The inner member has a rotatable toothed rack, a sharpened distal tip, and a sample notch. The inner member is configured to be received in the cutting cannula. The rotatable toothed rack has a proximal portion and a rotation zone in the proximal portion. The rotation zone of the rotatable toothed rack has circumferential toothing configured as a series of longitudinally spaced cut-outs that run around an entire circumference of the rotatable toothed rack to facilitate both a longitudinal movement and a rotational movement of the rotatable toothed rack and inner member. A drive is configured to engage the circumferential toothing to move the rotatable toothed rack within the cutting cannula in at least one of the longitudinal movement and the rotational movement.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer, and an actuator. A distal end portion of the introducer is configured to couple to an indwelling peripheral intravenous line. The actuator is movably coupled to the introducer and is configured to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which a distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the introducer. A first portion of the actuator is disposed outside of the introducer and in contact with an outer surface of the introducer such that (1) a longitudinal axis defined by a second portion of the actuator is nonparallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the introducer and (2) the second portion of the actuator exerts a force on a proximal end portion of the catheter operable to increase an internal stress with in a portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A medical assistance device capable of improving handling or an operation of a medical device. The medical assistance device is connected to the medical device which is inserted into a biological lumen and is used in a procedure in the biological lumen. The medical assistance device includes a support, a winding unit which is rotatably provided about a support shaft with respect to the support and winds the medical device, and a connection section which is provided in the winding unit and is connected to an end portion of the medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer, and an actuator. A distal end portion of the introducer is configured to be coupled to a peripheral intravenous line. The introducer defines an inner volume having a first portion that defines an axis parallel to and offset from an axis defined by a second portion. A first portion of the actuator is movably disposed in the first portion of the inner volume. A second portion of the actuator is movably disposed in the second portion of the inner volume and coupled to the catheter movably disposed in the second portion of the inner volume. The actuator moves the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the catheter is disposed within the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: A catheter kit includes a catheter having an optical fiber, and a catheter accommodating tool which accommodates the catheter. The catheter accommodating tool has a tubular hoop, and a protection cap which is provided to the hoop. The protection cap has a transmission window through which laser light L output from the catheter passes.

Abstract: A light measurement device measures the intensity of laser light output from a catheter tip end portion of a catheter having a built-in optical fiber. The light measurement device includes a light receiving part which receives the laser light output from the catheter tip end portion and a mounting part which is disposed at a position facing the light receiving part. The mounting part defines a position of a tubular hoop, which accommodates the catheter, with respect to the light receiving part. In a state in which the position of the hoop is defined by the mounting part, the light measurement device obtains the intensity of the laser light by inputting the laser light to the light receiving part.

Abstract: With a push device for the axial insertion of an elongate, flexible body (8, 10), in particular of a flexible tube, a cable or similar elements into a sheath, and axial force introduction unit (19, 20, 47, 49) is provided, which by way of a non-positive fit or a positive fit, applies a push movement onto the elongate body and is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the sheath (2) or is guided on a predefined movement path.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a catheter, and an actuator. The housing has a first port and a second port that is coupleable to an indwelling vascular access device. The catheter is at least partially disposed in the housing such that the first port of the housing receives a proximal end portion of the catheter. The actuator is partially disposed in the housing to selectively engage a portion of the catheter in the housing. The actuator is configured to be rotated an angular distance relative to the housing to move a distal end portion of the catheter a linear distance from a first position inside the housing, to a second position in which the catheter extends through the second port and distal to the indwelling vascular access device when the second port is coupled thereto. The linear distance is greater than the angular distance.

Abstract: A catheter insertion system includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. A needle extends distally from a distal end of the housing. The needle has a longitudinal passage coaxially aligned with the housing. A catheter has a length and is sized and shaped to be advanced from a retracted position within the longitudinal passage of the needle to an extended position with at least a portion of the catheter length extending beyond a distal tip of the needle. The needle is typically configured to be retracted back into the housing after the catheter has been advanced, thus providing an integrated catheter and catheter insertion apparatus. After needle retraction, the housing may be taped to the patient's skin while the needle remains protected within the housing. A luer on the catheter may then be connected to a fluid or other source in an otherwise conventional manner.

Abstract: A deep vein intravenous introducer has a wheel located toward the front end of the device that can be rotated by the index finger of the user. After placement of the needle in the lumen of the vessel, the user rotates the wheel, which advances the wire guide through the center of the needle and into the patient. Once the guide wire is advanced into the vessel lumen the catheter can be advanced over the guide wire with a hub or finger tab on the catheter close to the index finger. The operation can be performed by one hand without moving the hand from its initial position. The user can then simultaneously use the other hand to operate an ultrasound detection device during insertion without the assistance of another person.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer, and an actuator. A distal end portion of the introducer is configured to couple to an indwelling peripheral intravenous line. The actuator is movably coupled to the introducer and is configured to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which a distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the introducer. A first portion of the actuator is disposed outside of the introducer and in contact with an outer surface of the introducer such that (1) a longitudinal axis defined by a second portion of the actuator is nonparallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the introducer and (2) the second portion of the actuator exerts a force on a proximal end portion of the catheter operable to increase an internal stress within a portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A device for insertion of a flexible needle or other such instrument into a tissue, incorporating a collapsible support guide which supports that part of the needle which has not yet penetrated the tissue, preventing it from buckling, and an arrangement which pulls the needle from its proximal end to provide sufficient force for the penetration process. The collapsible support guide can be a pair of flexible strips connected along their length and enclosing the needle along its uninserted length in order to support it, with a mechanism at the distal end of the device to peel the strips from the needle as it is inserted. Insertion can be achieved by a pair of rollers engaging and advancing the strips distally. Alternatively, a telescopic support tube can be used to support the needle, the tube collapsing telescopically as the needle is inserted, to maintain clearance above the needle.

Abstract: A system of devices for treating an artery includes an arterial access sheath adapted to introduce an interventional catheter into an artery and an elongated dilator positionable within the internal lumen of the sheath body. The system also includes a catheter formed of an elongated catheter body sized and shaped to be introduced via a carotid artery access site into a common carotid artery through the internal lumen of the arterial access sheath. The catheter has an overall length and a distal most section length such that the distal most section can be positioned in an intracranial artery and at least a portion of the proximal most section is positioned in the common carotid artery during use.

Abstract: A method of creating a lesion in cardiac tissue where the method includes deploying a distal treatment section of an ablation catheter into a heart chamber and manipulating the distal treatment section against the cardiac tissue and into a curved shape that encloses a plurality of vessel entries in the heart chamber. The method further includes commencing a first application of ablation energy from the distal treatment section to the cardiac tissue and halting the first application of ablation energy to the cardiac tissue. The first application of ablation energy causes formation of a first continuous lesion in the cardiac tissue that encloses the plurality of vessel entries.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and directing a guidewire used to guide an instrument is provided and includes a spool. The spool receives the guidewire and a spool wire. Rotation of the spool in a first direction retracts the guidewire and the spool wire around the spool. The apparatus also includes a wire connector that operatively couples the spool wire and the guidewire together. The apparatus further includes a housing that houses the spool. The housing includes first and second apertures. The first aperture is sized to prevent the wire connector from passing through the first aperture but allow the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the first aperture. The second aperture is sized to allow the wire connector and the guidewire and the spool wire to pass through the second aperture. The first and second apertures merge together such that the guidewire and the spool wire may move between the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A medical device may include a handle having an actuator, and a shaft coupled to the handle. The shaft may include a working channel. The medical device also may include a pair of friction rollers configured to be actuated by the actuator. The pair of friction rollers may be configured to receive an elongate member between one another, wherein actuation of the actuator may cause the pair of friction rollers to rotate and urge the elongate member to translate.

Abstract: A catheter system for creating lesions for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is disclosed that includes a catheter having a distal ablation segment that has an electrode array comprising a plurality of spaced ablation and recording electrode devices arranged in a tight loop configuration that is used to create a series of overlapping loop-shaped ablation footprints to produce a continuous lesion resembling a chain-link configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical intervention apparatus. The medical intervention apparatus includes a needle rotation unit configured to include a first needle rotation member, a second needle rotation member that is disposed to be separated from the first needle rotation member, and a first driver that drives the first and second needle rotation members to rectilinearly move in opposite directions and a needle insertion unit configured to insert a needle, which is inserted between the first needle rotation member and the second needle rotation member, into a target.

Abstract: Identifying target anatomic locations in a subject's body, and delivering medicinal substances thereto, following transtissual progression (penetrating, cutting through body tissue) and reaching body tissue with medical device distal tip. Involves acquiring mechanical properties of body tissue. Exemplary medicinal substance is, or includes, a drug (anesthetic agent), and exemplary target anatomic location is epidural space in subject's body. Exemplary system includes: cannular member enclosing cannula lumen; pusher-probe having distal end in cannula lumen and positionable from retracted to protruding positions, wherein pusher-probe distal end protrudes out of cannula distal end; and extending mechanism including cam member, a follower shiftable from first to second stations on cam member, and plunger selectively traveling in cannula lumen while forcing relative motion between cam member and follower, wherein pusher-probe distal end repositions between retracted and protruding positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a conventional flexible catheter with a pre-attached connector on the proximal end into a vessel, such as a vein or artery in a cardiovascular system, while monitoring blood pressure. The catheter drive assembly has an external drive input for advancement and retraction of the flexible catheter. The catheter drive assembly has cylindrical catheter drives that can be engaged to or disengaged from the flexible catheter without causing damage to the flexible catheter. The flexible catheter distal end provides fluid communication to a disposable blood pressure transducer. The flexible catheter is completely encapsulated within a protective sleeve and within the catheter drive assembly, creating an aseptic insertion environment, eliminating the need for sterile barrier protection. Once the flexible catheter is inserted to the desired position, the protective sleeve and catheter drive assembly are removed from the flexible catheter leaving the flexible catheter.

Abstract: With a push device for the axial insertion of an elongate, flexible body, in particular of a flexible tube, a cable or similar elements into a sheath, and axial force introduction unit is provided, which by way of a non-positive fit or a positive fit, applies a push movement onto the elongate body and is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the sheath or is guided on a predefined movement path.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a guide tube, and a wire. The handle assembly includes a body and an actuator. The guide tube extends distally from the handle assembly and includes a distal end. The wire is slidably disposed in the guide tube. The wire has a distal end including a sensor. The sensor is configured to cooperate with a navigation system to generate a map of anatomical structures within a patient. The wire is coupled with the actuator. The actuator is movable relative to the body to move the wire relative to the guide tube.

Abstract: Intravenous access is achieved by introducing a catheter having a guidewire safety tip at its distal end. The safety tip can be advanced and retracted using a slider disposed over an access needle which is initially present in the catheter. After the catheter has been properly positioned, the access needle and guidewire may be removed so that the catheter is available for use.

Abstract: A deep vein intravenous introducer has a wheel located toward the front end of the device that can be rotated by the index finger of the user. After placement of the needle in the lumen of the vessel, the user rotates the wheel, which turns a drive wheel. The drive wheel has an outer surface that advances the guide wire through the center of the needle and into the patient. Once the guide wire is advanced into the vessel lumen the catheter can be advanced over the guide wire with a hub or finger tab on the catheter close to the index finger. The operation can be performed by one hand without moving the hand from its initial position.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, an optic fiber, and an optic fiber sleeve. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater that the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within an inner bore of the handle, the optic fiber sleeve, the actuation structure, and the housing tube. The optic fiber sleeve may enclose at least a portion of the optic fiber and the optic fiber sleeve may be disposed within the actuation structure and the housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to curve the housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A module includes an oblong structure; an optical apparatus associated with the oblong structure for facing a segment arranged inside a body cavity of a patient. An actuating device is for controlling the position of the oblong structure so as to orient the optical apparatus in the body cavity. The oblong structure has a proximal portion and an end portion, which is deformable, so as to tend to remain in and elastically return to a bent condition, in which it is normally flexed. The actuating device includes a pusher member, which moves in a guided manner relative to the oblong structure and is suited to act upon the end portion, so as to angularly move it from the bent condition towards a substantially straight condition.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a catheter hub fixed to a proximal end portion of the catheter, a hollow inner needle detachably inserted in to the catheter, a pressing member configured to press a portion between a proximal end and a distal end of the catheter, a guide wire slidably inserted into the inner needle, and a wire operating member which is configured to be displaced in a longitudinal direction relative to the inner needle and the catheter and is connected to the guide wire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical intervention apparatus. The medical intervention apparatus includes a needle rotation unit configured to include a first needle rotation member, a second needle rotation member that is disposed to be separated from the first needle rotation member, and a first driver that drives the first and second needle rotation members to rectilinearly move in opposite directions and a needle insertion unit configured to insert a needle, which is inserted between the first needle rotation member and the second needle rotation member, into a target.

Abstract: A guide catheter assembly includes an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed, at least partially, within the outer sheath. A tether tethers the inner catheter to the outer sheath. The guide catheter assembly has a first configuration where the tether is untensioned and distal ends of the outer sheath and inner catheter are pointing in a first direction. In a second configuration of the guide catheter assembly, the tether is tensioned, the distal end of the outer sheath is pointing in the first direction, the distal end of the inner catheter is pointing in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and the tether is oriented at an angle different from both the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A catheter device comprising an elongated outer member having an outer surface and an interior surface forming a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein an outer diameter of said distal end is larger than an outer diameter of said proximal end, and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

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: A guide wire locking mechanism for a catheter system includes a motion-limiting component adapted to contact a portion of a guide wire and limit the direction of motion that the guide wire can slide therethrough. The motion-limiting component allows the guide wire to slide in one direction when placed in the locking mechanism but prevents the guide wire from moving in the opposite direction. The motion-limiting component can be made from a row of movable teeth having contact surfaces or faces which come in contact with a portion of the guide wire. The teeth are bendable to allow the guide wire to move in one direction but will tighten against the guide wire if one attempts to move the guide wire in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

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: An apparatus for delivery of an elongate member into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a protective sheath configured to at least substantially surround an elongate member; and slidable member configured to travel along the protective sheath, the slidable member operatively coupled to the elongate member; wherein the elongate member is insertable into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter by moving the slidable member along at least a part of the length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: A urinary catheter kit is provided. The catheter kit includes a catheter with a flared end and a package provided with interior protrusions for cooperating with the flared end of the catheter. The largest outer diameter of the flared end of the catheter is slightly larger than the smallest diameter of the package at the protrusions. Thereby, the protrusions will function as a backstop for the catheter. The rigidity of the catheter at the flared end is selected so that—depending on the angle of the flared end—the flared end will be able to flip over if it is subjected to a force over a predetermined level. Thereby the catheter will be able to be entered back into the package.

Abstract: A handle for an implant deployment device converts rotational movement into longitudinal movement in order to provide controlled release of one or more trigger wires. The handle also allows the trigger wire to be withdrawn into the device so that it does not need to be separately removed. A preferred handle includes a rotatable portion (120) and a slidable portion (122). Releasable locks (88, 188) ensure that the handle is used to carry out implant deployment steps in a specific order.

Abstract: A device for inserting a catheter into a blood vessel that uses fluid flow to aid the insertion of the catheter into a patient is described herein. The device includes a catheter retention device that houses a catheter and is configured to attach to an angiocatheter or other blood vessel access device. The catheter retention device receives fluid and guides the catheter into the blood vessel using the flow of fluid to carry the catheter into the blood vessel.

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 catheter insertion device with a housing and an interior space. An access needle and a guide wire supported by and moveable relative to the access needle. A restraining element attached to a handle to limit the motion of the guide wire relative to the access needle. A catheter insertion device with a housing and an interior space. An access needle and a guide wire channel attached to the access needle. A guide wire supported by the guide wire channel. A handle attached to the guide wire to move the guide wire relative to the guide wire support channel. A method of introducing a catheter into a vessel by inserting a guide wire substantially contained within a housing into a vessel. Next, advance a catheter over the guide wire and into the vessel. Next, withdraw the guide wire out of the vessel and completely into the housing.

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: A medical device including a portion similar to a Veress needle, useful for relief of tension pneumothorax. The device includes a hollow tubular stylet disposed movably within a hollow needle or cutting cannula, and an optionally releasable locking mechanism for keeping the stylet in place protruding distally beyond the sharpened distal end of the cutting cannula to prevent puncture of internal organs after the chest wall has been intentionally punctured. The stylet can also be moved outward from within the cannula to push a plug of tissue from the bore of the cannula. A valve or a connector for a tube may be provided at a proximal end of the stylet.

Abstract: A catheter retaining tool comprises a piercing tool, a guide wire and an operation device. The piercing tool includes a Y-hub, an outer needle, an indwelling needle and a syringe. The Y-hub includes a main port, an obliquely connected side port, and a hemostatic valve for keeping the side port liquid-tight. The guide wire is inserted by the operation device from the side port through the hemostatic valve into the outer needle. The operation device includes a turning portion made rotatable relative to the side port and having a hollow portion, an extending portion connected to the turning portion, and a slide portion for pushing out the guide wire along the extending portion. The turning portion includes a first rolling spindle and a second tilting spindle.

Abstract: Material transport catheters and methods for their use rely on rotation of an impeller within a catheter body and a clearing element for preventing buildup of materials at the opening of the catheter body. The impeller preferably comprises an inner tube or shaft having a helical rotor fainted over an outer surface thereof. The clearing element may comprise a free end of a structure near the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting clot, wherein the free end of the structure extends into the distal opening of the catheter body to break up materials as the impeller is rotated. Alternatively, the clearing element may comprise a cutting member disposed at the distal opening of the catheter body.