Abstract: An instrument set is provided that has a tapered configuration that facilitates the insertion of the instrument set into a patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.

Abstract: An injection catheter is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. The catheter further comprises a tip section comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the tip section is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. An injection needle comprising elongated tubing extends through the tip section, catheter body, and needle control handle. The injection needle has a proximal end attached to the needle control handle, a distal region within the tip section, and an open distal end. The injection needle is longitudinally slidable within the tip section so that its distal region can extend beyond the distal end of the tip section upon suitable manipulation of the needle control handle. The distal region of the injection needle has at least one fluid port along its length.

Abstract: An instrument set is provided that has a tapered configuration that facilitates the insertion of the instrument set into a patient.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a needle system configured to enlarge an access path in a patient without further cutting into the tissue of the patient so as to reduce recovery time and trauma to the patient. Also provided are methods of using the needle system provided.

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: According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical device is provided, which comprises the following: (a) a hollow elongate body (e.g., a elongate cylinder, such as a needle) having distal and proximal ends; and (b) a rotatable member comprising a tissue morselizer and an elongate shaft (e.g., an auger-like tissue-drilling bit). The device (i) advances material (e.g., morselated tissue) toward the proximal end of the hollow elongate body when the shaft is rotated in a first direction, and (ii) advances material (e.g., a therapeutic agent and/or a bulking agent) toward the distal end of the hollow elongate body when the shaft is rotated in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The invention also provides a method of treatment for morselizing and removing tissue from within the patient and creating a void within the patient and introducing a therapeutic agent and/or a bulking agent into the void.

Abstract: An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient may include a catheter adapter, a needle, and/or a needle tip shield assembly. The needle tip shield assembly may have a needle cap, and the needle cap may have a needle shield and at least one low friction surface. The needle may be disposed within the catheter assembly and the needle tip shield assembly. The low friction surface may reside between the needle shield and the needle. The at least one low friction surface may reside on the needle, on the V-clip, and/or on a structure located between the needle and the V-clip.

Abstract: A new concept in laparoscopic trocar systems is presented that could be used with most presently available laparoscopic trocars. The Ethicon XCEL 5 mm trocar is used as the basis for this presentation; however, any other size or system of trocars similarly configured would be compatible with the ZTSS being presented. During laparoscopic surgery trocars often slip out of their original placement through the layers of the abdominal wall surrounding the abdomen. This causes the access to the peritoneal cavity to be lost, often at a critical moment during surgery. This necessitates various maneuvers to replace the trocar which waste time and also predispose the patient to complications such as subcutaneous emphysema and bleeding. The ZTSS would prevent this from happening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering a bioactive agent in a needle track formed in a target tissue mass, following formation of the needle track, by avoiding impingement of the agent against target tissue at high velocity or by using capillary action to draw the bioactive agent out of the needle during needle withdrawal. The apparatus comprises a catheter and a needle disposed within the catheter and configured to be selectively extended into the tissue mass to a predetermined depth, while dispensing the agent simultaneously with retraction of the needle along the needle track. Alternatively, or in addition, the needle may be configured to create a tissue space surrounding a distal or lateral surface of the needle, into which the bioactive agent to be infused.

Abstract: A transseptal needle includes an elongate needle body having a distal end and a proximal end and a cannular needle tip located proximate the distal end of the needle body. The needle tip has a distal segment, a proximal segment, and a longitudinal axis. An inner surface of the needle tip defines a passageway spanning at least a portion of the needle tip, and an outer surface of the needle tip defines a wall with the inner surface. The distal segment of the needle tip also includes a wedge surface and a dome-shaped region. The wedge surface forms a wedge angle of other than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. The dome-shaped region, which intersects the wedge surface, includes at least two bevels that intersect the wedge surface and that intersect each other at one or more points on the needle tip.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and systems for accessing a spine and particularly the epidural region of the spine and methods of using these systems and devices to access the spine or regions of the spine. In particular, cannulas that may be anchored to the ligamentum flavum or the periosteum are described. Ligamentum flavum access tools are also described. These tools may be used with (or without) an anchoring cannula to penetrate the ligamentum flavum and provide access to the epidural space without risk of injury to other structures within the epidural space. The devices, methods and systems described herein are particularly useful in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) uses. The devices, methods and systems described herein may be used for performing spinal decompressions and other spinal procedures.

Abstract: A system of instruments is provided for vitrectomy surgery, comprising a sharp trochar, a cannula and a cannula valve cap. The sharp trochar provided also has applicability to other fields of surgery. The sharp trochar has a hollow-ground blade that reduces the force necessary for insertion and upon removal leaves a wound with improved healing characteristics. The trochar is selectably insertable in a cannula, and in a preferred embodiment the cannula and the trochar are adapted with mutually tapered exterior surfaces to as to define a smooth transition in diameter to further facilitate insertion. A sealing valve cap is also provided for the cannula, designed to provide sealing while reducing the force required in for inserting instruments into the cannula. A method for angled insertion of this assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medication discharge assembly useful in patient systems includes a tubular element and a stylet. In a first, closed position, the stylet is seated within the tubular element and may provide a piercing point facilitating insertion of the tubular element to a treatment site. In a second, open position, the stylet is removed from the tubular element, and the tubular element provides a travel pathway for a drug introduced to the tubular element at a proximal connection port for specific interstitial and subcutaneous diffusion and dispersion of medication along the tubular element's length near a distal discharge port through disparate perforations, which may be formed as striations of increasing length nearer the distal discharge port. The stylet in the first position may be oriented to seal this travel pathway. Depth-finding features associated with the tubular element, visually perceptible and particularly useful for placement of the assembly, may be included.

Abstract: A medical bevel needle (1) having an open bevel end surface 3 is provided, wherein cutting edges (9) that linearly extend from the front end of the front-end portion (2) on the right and left sides diagonally rearwardly are formed either by right and left front ground faces (5) crossing the open bevel end surface (3) or by right and left front ground faces (5) crossing the external circumferential surface (4) of the bevel needle (1), and the maximum lateral width between the cutting edges is limited by right and left rear ground surfaces (6).

Abstract: A medical device and method for placing a medical tube, such as a catheter or a shunt, or a medical electrical lead within a patient is disclosed. The medical device of the present invention comprises a passer having a proximal end and a distal end, the passer defining a channel between the proximal end and the distal end. The medical device of the present invention further comprises an obturator having an elongated body, and a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a cradle. In accordance with the invention, the obturator has a removable probe having a first section that fits within the cradle and a second section having a tunneling tip that is exposed outside of the cradle. The obturator is placed into the passer so that the tunneling tip of the probe is exposed outside of the passer at the distal end of the passer. The cradle has dimensions to receive and hold in place a portion of the medical tube or medical lead after the probe is removed from the cradle.

Abstract: A blunting device for use with a hollow needle having an exit end with a sharp edge for penetrating a body. The blunting device having a coupler for connection to, or is coupled to, an insert device whereby upon removal from, or insertion depending upon the specific insert device, the needle is blunted. The blunting device is also capable of operation with a hollow needle that has not been modified to specifically receive the blunting device.

Abstract: A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.

Abstract: A hollow medical needle having a bevel face defining a needle tip and cutting surface that create a first incision. The needle additionally has a separate cutting blade extending outward from the needle. The blade is positioned adjacent the bevel face to create a second incision which intersects the first incision made by the bevel face cutting surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a percutaneous catheter assembly intended for long-term blood flow of several days, said assembly comprising generally three components: a catheter housing having three sections, each of preferably differing diameter, with a set of perforations in a distal section, an end cap for closing off a proximal end of the catheter housing during insertion, and a dilator having an outer diameter substantially the same size as the inner diameter of the smallest section of the catheter housing, the dilator being configured to pass radiopaque contrast through a first and second set of openings in the dilator and the perforations in the catheter housing. The present invention further comprises a method of percutaneous blood perfusion in which the catheter assembly is used without the need for an introducer sheath.

Abstract: An exemplary device and method for microfluidic transport is disclosed as providing inter alia a passive check valve (100), a fluid inlet channel (210), a fluid outlet channel (220) and a pumping cavity (240). The fluid inlet channel (210) is generally configured to flow a fluid through the check valve (100). The check valve (100) generally provides substantially passive means for preventing or otherwise decreasing the incidence of purged outlet fluid re-entering either the pumping cavity (240) or the fluid inlet channel (210). Accordingly, the reduction of backflow generally tends to enhance overall pumping performance and efficiency. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve micropump operation in any microfluidic application.

Abstract: A trocar assembly including a low-profile retractable shield deployable adjacent to a cutting element with a cross-sectional area which is small relative to the total cross-section of the assembly.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a needle component (10) and a blunting component (26), the needle component (10) containing a needle cannula (12) mounted in a housing (16) which defines a fluid chamber such as a fluid chamber (20). The blunting component (26) contains a non-perforated, open-ended blunting probe (28) mounted in a shuttle (30). The needle cannula (12) and the blunting probe (28) are disposed telescopically one within the other without obstructing flow through the needle passageway, and are movable between a sharpened configuration and a blunted configuration. The blunting member (26) is configured to permit the open end of the blunting probe (28) to provide flow access to the fluid chamber (20) in the housing (16).

Abstract: An introducer needle for an infusion set or the like includes a solid tip portion with a plurality of intersecting wedge surfaces that converge toward a common insertion point. Preferably, the common insertion point is coincident with a central axis of the introducer needle. The tip portion also includes a plurality of cutting edges formed at intersections of the wedge surfaces. The cutting edges converge toward the common insertion point so that insertion of the introducer needle into the membrane causes even cutting and separation of the membrane around the introducer needle.

Abstract: A parenteral catheter apparatus (40) comprises a catheter (18) enclosing a needle (20). The needle (20) and catheter (18) have a first position in which a sharp point (22) of the needle (20) extends from the catheter (18) and a second position in which the sharp point (22) is enclosed within a housing (12). Further, a tubular member (15) is connected to the needle (20). The tubular member (15) has a connection means (17) for connection to a fluid container. Thus, fluid can flow through the tube (15) and the needle (20) and in the reverse direction The needle (20) remains in a fluid pathway of the apparatus at all times.

Abstract: A cap for a lancing device for lancing dermal tissue is provided. The cap includes a cap body having a proximal end for connecting to the distal end of the housing of the lancing device and a contact ring attached to the distal end of the cap body. The contact ring includes an opening for a portion of the lancet of the lancing device to pass therethrough. The contact ring has a multi-contoured surface oriented generally about an axis distinct from the axis of motion of the lancet. The multi-contoured surface is designed to pressure the dermal tissue to facilitate expression of a fluid sample after lancing the dermal tissue. The fluid sample can include blood, interstitial fluid, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, assemblies, and methods intended for the introduction and sutureless juncture of a prepared communication channel to the interior spatial volume of a blood vessel or a hollow organ within a living subject. The introducer assembly and system is functional and suitable as a complete substitute and replacement for conventionally used apparatus and methods for performing vascular bypass graft surgery in order to overcome an obstruction in a major artery or vein in-vivo. The introducer assembly and system is also most appropriate for use in providing penetration and juncture of a tubular conduit for use as an access duct in order to drain materials from or introduce fluids into the interior spatial volume of a hollow organ in-vivo.

Abstract: A surgical device for injecting a chemical agent within a subject for use in endoscopic injection therapies is disclosed. The device includes a support body, a motion transmitting unit, an agent delivery system and a guide housing. The motion transmitting unit is movable relative to the support body. The agent delivery system includes a needle for extending into a subject and structure defining a conduit between the support body and the needle. The guide housing has a flexible elongated body, an internal elongated passage and friction reducing material lining the passage. At least a portion of the motion transmitting unit adjacent the needle is slideably housed within the guide housing. The device offers a surgeon improved ease of needle extension and retraction when the distal end of the endoscope is bent at acute angles.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system for delivering a treatment substance to an occlusion in a lumen of a tubular vessel includes a tubular catheter and a treatment substance. The tubular catheter includes a central lumen passing between a proximal end and a distal end adjacent to an inflatable balloon. The treatment substance is in a form that is configured to be deliverable through the central lumen of the catheter into the lumen of the tubular vessel and to solidify in the vessel.

Abstract: A heart muscle irrigation device comprises a short rivet like member with one closed and one open end, and a barrel including a plurality of holes, slots, an area mesh, or a grid. The irrigation device is inserted into the heart muscle so as to provide a channel from, for example, the left ventricle, to provide ad adequate oxygenated blood supply to a starved muscle. The irrigation device is inserted from either outside or inside the rib cage by an insertion device. The insertion device comprises a plunger and barrel assembly adapted to contain the irrigation device. The tip of the insertion device includes members adapted to penetrate the heart muscle. If the irrigation device is inserted through an insertion into the rib cage, an applicator comprising a tubular member with a planar tip including a soft elastomeric seal can be used whereby a portion of the heart muscle is held more or less rigidly for the short period during which the irrigation device is inserted.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a needle member (10) and a blunting member (26), the needle member (10) containing a needle cannula (12), the needle cannula (12) having a puncture tip (14) and having a needle passageway therethrough. The blunting member (26) contains a blunting probe (28) having a blunt end (28a). The needle cannula (12) and the blunting probe (28) are disposed telescopically one within the other without obstructing flow through the needle passageway, and are movable between a sharpened configuration in which the puncture tip (14) of the needle cannula (12) is exposed and a blunted configuration in which the blunt end (28a) of the blunting probe (28) extends beyond the puncture tip (14) to blunt the needle assembly. The assembly may be combined with an accessory device (such as a catheter hub, guide wire, etc.) to produce an apparatus that is lockable in a blunted configuration and that can be released by the associated accessory, or may be configured to be released by manual manipulation.

Abstract: A blunting device for use with a hollow needle having an exit end with a sharp edge for penetrating a body. The blunting device having a coupler for connection to, or is coupled to, an insert device whereby upon removal from, or insertion depending upon the specific insert device, the needle is blunted. The blunting device is also capable of operation with a hollow needle that has not been modified to specifically receive the blunting device.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for gaining access, quickly and inexpensively, to a body cavity for the purpose of inserting into the cavity a medical device, such as a chest tube. The device generally comprises a catheter and a cannula insertable into the catheter during an insertion procedure. The cannula has a cutting tip that extends beyond one end of the catheter. The cutting tip enables simple insertion of the device into the body without requiring substantial pushing force. Once the device is inserted in the body, the cannula is removed, leaving a path of entry into the body cavity, while removing the sharp cutting tip from the area to reduce the likelihood of injury to a patient in whom the device is inserted.

Abstract: A needle comprising a hollow shaft having opposed distal and proximal ends, the hollow shaft having a lumen extending from the proximal end of the shaft and terminating at an opening on a top of and proximal to the distal end of the needle shaft. A cutting surface is at the distal end of the hollow shaft adapted to be inserted into a patient, wherein the cutting surface is on the bottom of the distal end of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A needle comprising a hollow shaft having opposed distal and proximal ends, the hollow shaft having a lumen extending from the proximal end of the shaft and terminating at an opening on a top of and proximal to the distal end of the needle shaft. A cutting surface is at the distal end of the hollow shaft adapted to be inserted into a patient, wherein the cutting surface is on the bottom of the distal end of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A surgical device for injecting a chemical agent within a subject for use in endoscopic injection therapies is disclosed The device includes a support body, a motion transmitting unit, an agent delivery system and a guide housing The motion transmitting unit is movable relative to the support body The agent delivery system includes a needle for extending into a subject and structure defining a conduit between the support body and the needle. The guide housing has a flexible elongated body, an internal elongated passage and friction reducing material lining the passage At least a portion of the motion transmitting unit adjacent the needle is slideably housed within the guide housing The device offers a surgeon improved ease of needle extension and retraction when the distal end of the endoscope is bent at acute angles.

Abstract: A new tip for a conventional lancer that provides for improved blood flow from a lancet puncture site not located on a patient's finger. The new lancer tip includes a plurality of crenellations that exert rotational force on the skin surrounding the lancet puncture site when the lancer is rotated to enhance blood flow from the lancet puncture site.

Abstract: A method and device for occluding a patient's ascending aorta, maintaining circulation of oxygenated blood in the patient and delivering cardioplegic fluid to arrest the patient's heart. An aortic occlusion catheter has an occluding member for occluding the ascending aorta. The aortic occlusion catheter passes through a cannula. Delivery of oxygenated blood is accomplished through either the cannula or the aortic occlusion catheter. In another aspect of the invention, an arterial cannula having a curved or angled distal portion. An introducer straightens the distal portion for introduction into the patient. In still another aspect of the invention, an open-mesh stabilizer is used to stabilize a discoid occluding member.

Abstract: A trocar mandrel has a tip permitting the piercing through the abdominal wall, and an insufflation passage extending along a longitudinal axis and spaced radially from a longitudinal axis of the trocar mandrel. The trocar mandrel recieves an insufflation needle, which includes a latterally disposed opening for the discharge of the insufflation fluid.

Abstract: A medical anesthetic needle (1) is provided that includes an inner needle (3) of a straight needle shape, having a pencil-pointed tip (4), and an outer needle (2) of a straight tubular shape, having the inner needle inserted thereinto and therethrough from the rear end thereof. A foremost-end part (12) of a hollow, truncated conical shape or the like of the outer needle (2) is formed so that the minimum inner diameter thereof is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body (5) of the inner needle (3). When the inner needle (3) is inserted into and through the outer needle (2), the circumferential fore-end edge of the foremost-end part (12) is in close contact with the circumferential surface of the tip (4) or the main body (5) of the inner needle (3), and no gaps are thus formed therebetween. Therefore, when needled, a patient's nervous tissue is unlikely to be nipped in a gap between the inner and outer needles to cause pain to the patient.

Abstract: What is described here is a trocar mandrel having a tip permitting the piercing through the abdominal wall, and having an insufflation passage extending along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the trocar mandrel, with the axis and hence the distal discharge opening of the passage being spaced from the tip by a distance along the direction orthogonal on the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a needle assembly of the kind having a needle, an elongate blunting device, a shifting member, and a flash chamber. The needle is of the kind that has a needle proximal end, a sharp needle distal end and a needle cannula extending therethrough. The elongate blunting device is at least partially located within the needle cannula. The elongate blunting device is of the kind that has a blunting device proximal end, a blunting device distal end, and a blunting device blood flow passage therethrough through which blood can flow from the blunting device distal end to the blunting device proximal end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter having a flexible tube and a sharpened needle secured to the catheter at its distal end. The catheter does not require a separate sharpened instrument to enable insertion into an anatomical passageway. The sharpened needle of the catheter remains disposed within an anatomical passageway during treatment. Also disclosed is a catheter assembly comprising the catheter and a safety inserter. The safety inserter has a blunt end and facilitates the insertion of the catheter by providing a mechanism to urge the sharpened needle of the catheter into an anatomical passageway. Also disclosed is an improved needle tip which minimizes trauma to an anatomical passageway. Also disclosed are methods of using and forming the catheter, catheter assembly and needle tip.

Abstract: A solid blunt and a needle assembly having a solid blunt. The solid blunt helps to prevent accidental needle sticks. In one exemplary embodiment, a solid blunt has an outer dimension (e.g. outer diameter) which is nearly equal to an inner dimension (e.g. inner diameter) of a cannula of a needle which is configured to contain the solid blunt. In one example, the solid blunt substantially blocks fluid flow in a first circumferential portion of an inner diameter of the cannula and allows fluid flow in a second circumferential portion of the inner diameter. The solid blunt is typically capable of longitudinal movement through the cannula and is prevented from moving substantially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement. A needle assembly, in another exemplary embodiment, includes a solid blunt, a cannula and a clip which couples slidably the solid blunt to a frame which is coupled to the cannula.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a needle member (10) and a blunting member (26), the needle member (10) containing a needle cannula (12), the needle cannula (12) having a puncture tip (14) and having a needle passageway therethrough. The blunting member (26) contains a blunting probe (28) having a blunt end (28a). The needle cannula (12) and the blunting probe (28) are disposed telescopically one within the other without obstructing flow through the needle passageway, and are movable between a sharpened configuration in which the puncture tip (14) of the needle cannula (12) is exposed and a blunted configuration in which the blunt end (28a) of the blunting probe (28) extends beyond the puncture tip (14) to blunt the needle assembly. The assembly may be combined with an accessory device (such as a catheter hub, guide wire, etc.) to produce an apparatus that is lockable in a blunted configuration and that can be released by the associated accessory, or may be configured to be released by manual manipulation.

Abstract: A trocar having a safety shield control mechanism that prevents the inner cannula from rotating and from moving axially when in the locked position. The safety shield control mechanism applies consistent pressure on the safety shield and has an open architecture for ease of sterilization. The trocar provides holding levels for different sizes of hands.

Abstract: A cannula for providing an external connection with an implanted artificial port for communicating with the body lumen of a patient. The artificial port has an entrance conduit with an inwardly tapering section. The tapered cannula is sized and proportioned to substantially match and seal with the inwardly tapering section of the entrance conduit. Thus the cannula can form a readily removable seal with the inwardly tapering section. A typical angle of taper is one to two degrees.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a needle assembly of the kind having a needle, an elongate blunting device, a shifting member, and a flash chamber. The needle is of the kind that has a needle proximal end, a sharp needle distal end and a needle canula extending therethrough. The elongate blunting device is at least partially located within the needle canula. The elongate blunting device is of the kind that has a blunting device proximal end, a blunting device distal end, and a blunting device blood flow passage therethrough through which blood can flow from the blunting device distal end to the blunting device proximal end.