Abstract: An occlusion clearing device for a patient has a housing with a motor(s) that generates repetitive motion, which is reciprocating, rotational or both. A clearing stem including a sheath that has a lumen, wherein aspiration is conducted through the sheath lumen. A wire is located in the sheath lumen and receives repetitive motion from the controller. The sheath terminates in a sheath end having at least one sheath opening. The wire terminates in a wire tip, which may be flat, helical, or tubular. The wire tip is positioned within the sheath end, in proximity to the sheath opening(s), and movement of the wire tip and/or sheath end relative to each other creates shearing forces that break up an adjacent occlusion.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to devices, systems, and methods for capturing and cutting fibrous and trabeculated structures (such as synechiae) in vessel lumens. In one embodiment, the present technology includes an intraluminal tissue modifying system configured to capture the fibrous structures, put the fibrous structures in tension, and controllably cut through the fibrous structures without applying appreciable additional force to the vessel wall. The system may include an expandable capture device and a cutting device.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter device can include a safety mechanism having a slider that couples to a catheter adapter and slides relative to a barrel. A needle hub can be contained within the barrel and can be retracted once a catheter has been inserted into the patient's vasculature. The retraction of the needle hub can be triggered by the sliding of the slider. The slider may also function to guard the distal tip of the needle once the needle hub is retracted within the barrel.

Abstract: A trocar for insertion into an organ of a patient includes a cannula, an obturator body, and two or more interchangeable obturator heads. The cannula has a longitudinal axis. The obturator body is configured to be inserted into the cannula. The two or more interchangeable obturator heads are each configured to be detachably fitted at a distal end of the obturator body.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retractable cannula tip for use in ophthalmic surgical procedures is disclosed. The apparatus may include a housing having a valve bay disposed between its proximal and distal ends, and a cannula assembly, including an inner and outer tube, that extends from the distal end of the housing. The inner tube may include an elongated portion with a cannula tip at its distal end. The apparatus may further include a valve disposed in the valve bay of the housing. The valve may comprise a valve tubular for adjusting flow through the inner tube, and an actuator for moving the cannula tip from an extended position to a retracted position in the outer tube. The valve tubular may provide a biasing force to the inner tube in the retracted position to move the inner tube back to the extended position upon release of the actuator.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending from a distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a barrel, a needle hub slidably disposed within the barrel, and an introducer needle secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter. The needle assembly may also include a stop surface coupled to the barrel and an activation latch. The activation latch may be slidable from a first position to a second position with respect to the barrel. In response to the activation latch being in the first position, the stop surface may contact the activation latch and depression of the activation latch may be prevented. In response to sliding of the activation latch from the first position to the second position, the stop surface may not contact the activation latch, which may depress.

Abstract: Devices and methods used to drain a spinal cyst are disclosed. An opening may be created by a medical device, such as a nested needle assembly, that is inserted percutaneously into a facet joint adjacent to the cyst. The needle assembly may include a first elongate member, needle or introducer cannula; a second elongate member, inner cannula, needle, or trocar; and a piercing needle. The piercing needle may be used to microfenestrate a wall of the cyst such that fluid within the cyst is permitted to drain from the cyst.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a microsurgical instrument includes a trocar having a rigid, hollow shaft formed with a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft may be shaped for tissue penetration. The instrument may further include a composite microcannula slidably engaged with the trocar in the lumen. The microcannula includes a light guide and a flexible hollow tube having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the lumen in the trocar. Other embodiments include placing the microcannula in the lumen of the trocar, illuminating the end of the trocar by illuminating the end of the microcannula, advancing the trocar from a selected entry point on an eye into a selected structure in the eye, and extending the illuminated end of the microcannula from the trocar into the selected structure.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a retractable needle for establishing access to a subcutaneous vessel of the patient and a manually extensible guidewire for guiding the initially attached catheter into the vessel. In one embodiment, the catheter insertion device comprises a housing, a hollow needle retractably extending from the housing, a catheter initially disposed on a portion of the needle, a guidewire including a portion initially disposed within the needle, a guidewire advancement feature configured to selectively advance a distal end of the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle, and a needle retention component configured to selectively enable retraction of the needle into the housing. The needle retention component is configured to be actuated by the guidewire advancement feature. In one embodiment, one-handed operation of the device is possible.

Abstract: Devices for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an elongate tubular cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an axially extending lumen. The devices also include an elongate needle having opposing proximal and distal ends. The elongate needle is configured so that the distal end of the needle extends out of the distal end of the cannula a suitable adjustable distance. The devices also include a housing with a length adjustment mechanism that adjusts a length between the tip of the needle and the distal end of the tubular cannula.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes. An indicator mechanism is operatively coupled to the wall and configured to indicate non-expanded and expanded shapes of the wall.

Abstract: A needle assembly (10) for relieving a pneumothorax and/or a hemothorax, the needle assembly (10) comprising a canula (12), the canula (12) comprising: a distal end portion (20) comprising a cutting end (22) for puncturing a thoracic cavity wall (24), a proximal end portion (14) for removing a fluid or gas from a thoracic cavity (28), a first curved portion (18) between the distal end portion (20) and the proximal end portion (14), an intermediate portion (16) between the first curved portion (18) and the proximal end portion (14), and a first fixing bulge (42) arranged between the first curved portion (18) and the intermediate portion (16), wherein an outer diameter of the canula (12) at the first fixing bulge (42) is increased with respect to the diameter (D1) of the intermediate portion (16), said first fixing bulge (42) being arranged such as to be placed at or close to the inner surface (24) of the thoracic cavity wall (24i), when the canula (12) is inserted for relieving the pneumothorax, such as to pre

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and at least one needle that is moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. A suture may be delivered transfascially with the instrument. The instrument may include a suture catch associated with each needle for retaining and releasing a suture segment. A shield may be provided to shield the sharp end of each needle when it is moved to the extended position. A method of delivering a transfascial suture may include inserting an instrument into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, each needle through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall. A suture or suture segment may be advanced across the fascia with the at least one needle.

Abstract: A pedicle access system including a cannula, a stylet, and a removable T-handle. The pedicle access system may be used to percutaneously approach the pedicle, initiate pilot hole formation, and conduct a stimulation signal to the target site for the purposes of performing a pedicle integrity assessment during the pilot hole formation. To do this, the cannula and stylet are locked in combination and inserted through an operating corridor to the pedicle target site, using the T-handle to facilitate easy movement and positioning of the cannula/stylet combination. A stimulation signal may be applied during pilot hole formation to conduct the pedicle integrity assessment. In a significant aspect, the T-handle may be detached from the cannula/stylet combination to facilitate the use of various surgical tools as necessary.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat renal hypertension including an elongated member having a distal tip and a plurality of openings formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip. A plurality of fluid delivery members are movably positioned in the elongated member, each of the fluid delivery members having a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid extravascularly. An actuator is operatively associated with the fluid delivery members, the actuator actuable to a first position to move the fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated member to a deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member. A balloon is expandable radially from the elongated member to seal the renal artery during application of fluid through the fluid delivery members.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a therapeutic agent such as filler materials, biocompatible gels, and other substances through a catheter. The therapeutic agent can be a single component or multiple components that are delivered separately or mixed just prior to delivery or at the delivery site. The system and method use an automated delivery mechanism to maximize delivery of the therapeutic agent to the target tissue and minimize loss of the therapeutic agent within the catheter. The system and method are particularly useful for interventional approaches that deliver therapeutic agents to the wall of the heart.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a delivery catheter with a deflectable tip and the deflection angle of the deflectable tip can be accurately controlled. Specifically, the delivery catheter includes a deflectable distal tip operably coupled to a pull wire, an elongated catheter portion, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to activate a rapid transformation of the deflectable tip from its linear profile to its curved profile. The control mechanism further includes a linear actuation mechanism. Such linear actuation mechanism converts a rotation motion of the control mechanism to a precise linear motion, which in turn accurately controls the bend angle of the deflectable tip of the delivery catheter. Such control mechanism can be used in applications that require the control of the distal deflection of the catheter, such as EP catheter, trans-septal device, and other devices.

Abstract: An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed. The instrument comprises a shaft having an insufflation channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the insufflation channel being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end. A tip is at the distal end and a vent hole is formed in the tip being in connection with the insufflation channel and adapted to expel fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. The tip is formed of a transparent material to facilitate visualization of the abdominal wall and region. The shaft includes a lumen extending along the axis between the proximal end and the distal end to enable insertion of a laparoscope. The lumen and insufflation channel may be formed as separate channels or as one shared channel.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises at least one of three type of components: access pathway, insertion device, and attachment device. In one embodiment, the device is used to form and/or maintain a percutaneous access pathway into the pleural cavity (i.e. tube thoracostomy). The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of iatrogenic infection while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.

Abstract: An insertion mechanism for a drug pump includes an insertion mechanism housing; a manifold guide; an insertion biasing members initially held in an energized state; a retraction biasing member and a hub connected to a proximal end of a needle, wherein the retraction biasing member is held initially in an energized state between the hub and the manifold guide; and a manifold having a septum and a cannula, wherein the annular space between the septum and the cannula defines a manifold header. The needle and cannula are inserted into the body of a user by the insertion biasing member(s), after which only the needle is retracted. Retraction of the needle may open a fluid pathway from the manifold header to the body through the cannula. A drug delivery pump includes an activation mechanism, a drive mechanism, a fluid pathway connection, and the insertion mechanism. Assembly and operation methods are provided.

Abstract: A single lumen catheter with extendable and retractable drains for providing improved fluid drainage and irrigation. The catheter generally includes a housing enclosing a single unpartitioned lumen, a plurality of drain ports, and a common drain. A plurality of drains provide a plurality of paths for fluid to flow between the common drain and the exterior of the housing. The plurality of drains are coupled to an internal connector within the single lumen, and are selectively movable via the internal connector and a stylet with a specially shaped end tip between a retracted position in which the drains are enclosed within the lumen and an extended position in which the drains extend through the drain ports to the exterior of the housing. Additionally or alternatively one or more elongated tools or other elements can be coupled to the internal connector and caused to move between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, an actuator, a needle holder and a stabilizer. The elongate body includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The actuator interacts with the elongate body and is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The needle holder extends away from the distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The needle holder defines a needle passage and a distal opening. The stabilizer connects with the elongate body and is configured to engage an upper edge of an associated tubular retractor so as to limit movement of the elongate body with respect to the associated tubular retractor when the stabilizer is engaged with the tubular retractor.

Abstract: Trocar assemblies and methods of use in minimally invasive surgical procedures are described. Such trocar assemblies include a head, a distally extending shaft including an open distal end, a cutting component extending through the open distal end, and a retractable protection assembly to extend and retract through the open distal end of the shaft. The retractable protection assembly extends through the open distal end to cover the cutting component in a naturally biased position. Further, the retractable protection assembly retracts from the open distal end to expose the cutting component in a compressed position during application of body pressure to the retractable protection assembly until reaching a body cavity. Upon reaching the body cavity and removal of body pressure, the retractable protection assembly returns to the naturally biased position and extends through the open distal end to cover the cutting component.

Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a housing, a piston adapted to impart movement to a plunger seal within a drug container, a plurality of biasing members disposed in parallel, and a retainer. The biasing members are disposed to release energy to cause movement of the piston from a retracted first position to the extended second position, the piston bearing against the plunger seal to dispense medicine. The retainer is disposed to maintain the biasing members in the energized position and to release the biasing members to permit the piston to dispense the medicine. The drive mechanism may also include an end-of-dose indicator to identify at least one of when the sleeve assembly is disposed subjacent a window in the housing the relative motion of the sleeve assembly with reference to the window or another reference component, the stoppage of such motion, and the rated or change of rate of motion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector for deploying an energy transmission medium, comprising a cylindrical tube and a telescopic arrangement comprising a fixed tube attached to and penetrating a sealed first end of the cylindrical tube, leaving a tunnel connecting an inner space of the cylindrical tube and the environment, and a sliding tube slidably engaged with the fixed tube and affixed with at least one energy transmission medium having a front end extending through out of the sliding tube towards a second end of the cylindrical tube and a tail end connected to an energy source coupler.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a door mechanism is provided. A door mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a door that includes a sealing part, an arm connected to the sealing part, and a pivot part connected to the arm, the door rotating around a pivot axis at the pivot part; and a lever, the lever engaging the door at the pivot part such that the lever opens the door when engaged but is not affected when the door is opened without the lever.

Abstract: A drainage catheter with retractable internal drains for fluid drainage and irrigation includes a primary catheter for insertion within a subject, a lumen within the primary catheter for conducting fluid flow between a source of fluid drainage or irrigation and the subject, and a plurality of selectively retractable and deployable drains in fluid communication with the lumen. Retraction and deployment of the drains within a subject is accomplished remotely via a specially shaped stylet and common drain connector within the primary catheter. The plurality of drains are enclosed within the primary catheter in the retracted state and extend radially outwardly from the primary catheter in the deployed state. In the retracted state, insertion and location of the primary catheter in a subject are facilitated. In the deployed state, expanded and improved drainage and irrigation area and a plurality of fluid flow paths and locations are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a cannula, and a needle. The cannula is flexible and extends distally from the body. The needle is slidably disposed in the cannula. The needle includes a sharp distal tip and a curved portion. The needle is configured to translate relative to the cannula between a proximal position and a distal position. The distal tip is configured to be positioned inside the cannula when the needle is in the proximal position. The distal tip is configured to be positioned outside the cannula when the needle is in the distal position. The needle is resiliently biased to extend along a curve through the curved portion.

Abstract: An introducer is provided for introducing a sensor into the body of a patient. The introducer connects to a sensor hub. When the sensor hub and introducer are connected, the introducer needle is exposed. When the sensor hub and introducer are disconnected, a needle cover and the needle move with respect to each other so that the needle cover substantially covers the needle, protecting a user from being injured by the needle.

Abstract: An endoscope particularly suited for endocranial procedures and a method of using the endoscope. In some examples the endoscope is rigid except for a bend/tilt portion near a distal end of a rigid tube that is inserted in a patient's cranium, which distal end is controlled in a degree and direction of tilt with a finger operated controller at the endoscope's handle. Some examples use telescoping tubes that allow customizing the endoscope size for specific procedures. A distal portion of the endoscope can be disposable, supplied in a sterile package for a single procedure, thus taking into account contamination dangers that are particularly high for intracranial and certain other interventions and the fact that it can be difficult or impossible to effectively autoclave heat-sensitive components of certain endoscopes or effectively sterilize them using other techniques.

Abstract: A safety catheter includes a catheter hub, a needle cannula having a tip, and a tip protector. The tip protector includes an outer member and an inner member therein. The outer member has a projection releasably engaging the catheter hub. The inner member has a pair of arms extending to free ends from a base. The inner member is axially shiftable relative to the outer member between a first position wherein the needle tip is distal of the tip protector and the free ends of the arms are spread apart such that the distal tip is not shielded, and a second position wherein the tip is within the inner and outer members and the free ends of the arms are brought into close proximity such that the distal tip is shielded. The inner member is entirely received within the outer member in both the fort and the second positions thereof.

Abstract: An occlusion clearing device for a patient has a housing with a motor(s) that generates repetitive motion, which is reciprocating, rotational or both. A clearing stem including a sheath that has a lumen, wherein aspiration is conducted through the sheath lumen. A wire is located in the sheath lumen and receives repetitive motion from the controller. The sheath terminates in a sheath end having at least one sheath opening. The wire terminates in a wire tip, which may be flat, helical, or tubular. The wire tip is positioned within the sheath end, in proximity to the sheath opening(s), and movement of the wire tip and/or sheath end relative to each other creates shearing forces that break up an adjacent occlusion.

Abstract: Described is a medicament delivery device (100, 200) comprising a case (105, 205) adapted to hold a container with a medicament and having a needle (300), a needle sleeve (120, 220) telescopically coupled to the case (105, 205) and having a first extended position relative to the case (105, 205) in which the needle (300) is covered, a retracted position relative to the case (105, 205) in which the needle (300) is exposed, and a second extended position relative to the case (105, 205) in which the needle is covered, a first indicia (125, 225) disposed on the needle sleeve (120, 220) which is visible in the first extended position and the second extended position, and a second indicia (130, 230) disposed on the needle sleeve (120, 220) and not visible in the first extended position and visible the second extended position.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises at least one of three type of components: access pathway, insertion device, and attachment device. In one embodiment, the device is used to form and/or maintain a percutaneous access pathway into the pleural cavity (i.e. tube thoracostomy). The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of iatrogenic infection while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.

Abstract: A system and method for testing tissue in a patient. An optical probe illuminating the tissue generates reflected light corresponding to the illuminated tissue. A spectrometer and a tissue classification system provide a diagnostic classification. A treatment device delivers treatment to the tissue while the probe is in position to sense the reflected light.

Abstract: An introducer is provided for introducing a sensor into the body of a patient. The introducer connects to a sensor hub. When the sensor hub and introducer are connected, the introducer needle is exposed. When the sensor hub and introducer are disconnected, a needle cover and the needle move with respect to each other so that the needle cover substantially covers the needle, protecting a user from being injured by the needle.

Abstract: The disclosure provides examples of a surgical needle for entering a joint space, such as the hip joint, through tissue.

Abstract: A system, method, and storage device storing computer executable instructions for use in tissue analysis and therapy. An optical probe array has at least two or more optical probes for illuminating tissue and generates light fluorescence and/or diffuse reflectance signals corresponding to the illuminated tissue. One or more ultrasound, CT and MRI imaging guidance systems identify the position of the optical probes relative to the tissue. The imaging guidance system can also be a fusion of an MRI or CT image provided by the MRI or CT imaging guidance system and an ultrasound image provided by the ultrasound imaging guidance system. An imaging system generates a three-dimensional image of the tissue based on the generated light signals and the identified position of the optical probes.

Abstract: A needle assembly 10 compromising an infusion needle 11 that includes a needle cannula 13 made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol. The needle cannula is cold-worked or heat annealed to produce a preformed bend 16 that can be straightened within passageway 21 of a coaxial outer cannula 12 for introduction into the body of a patient. Upon deployment from the outer cannula, the needle cannula substantially returns to the preformed configuration for the introduction or extraction of materials at areas lateral to the entry path of the needle assembly. The needle assembly can compromise a plurality of needle cannulae than can be variably arranged or configured for attaining a desired infusion pattern.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating post-myocardial infarction damage are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, a carrier with a treatment agent may be fabricated. The carrier can be formulated from a bioerodable, sustained-release substance. The resultant loaded carrier may then be suspended in at least one component of a two-component matrix system for simultaneous delivery to a post-myocardial infarction treatment area.

Abstract: High-speed address fault detection is described that uses a split address ROM (read only memory) for address fault detection in split array memory systems. In one aspect, a disclosed embodiment includes separate arrays of memory cells having a plurality of wordlines and being configured to be accessed based upon a wordline address. Two or more separate address ROMs are also provided with each address ROM being associated with a different one of the separate arrays and being configured to provide outputs based upon only a portion of the wordline address. Detection logic is coupled to the outputs from the address ROMs and is configured to provide one or more fault indicator outputs to indicate whether an address fault associated with the wordline address has occurred. The outputs form the address ROMs can also be used for wordline continuity fault detection. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The apparatus includes a suburethral sling having an adjustment member for adjusting the tension of the sling both during the procedure and post-procedure. The method includes using a needle to simultaneously implant the sling and to deliver a local anesthetic in the groin area while implanting the sling.

Abstract: An optical obturator system is described. The optical obturator system includes a transparent window member provided on a distal tip portion of the obturator shaft, thus permitting the surgeon to visualize the tissue of the patient (e.g., via an imaging system positioned near the window member). One or more major portions of the optical obturator system may be formed of a biocompatible material, such as but not limited to stainless steel. Accordingly, the optical obturator system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive discectomy procedures are described herein. The systems include a bendable flexible cannula may have a straight configuration suitable for insertion and withdrawal into spinal tissue, and a curved configuration suitable for accessing certain areas of a vertebral disc that may be difficult to reach in the straight configuration. A cannula is straightened by inserting a straight stylet therethrough. The straight stylet may have a deflectable region that facilitates its insertion into the cannula. Removal of a straight stylet from a cannula may allow the cannula to assume its curved configuration. The systems may be used with tissue removal devices, and certain variations of tissue removal devices may include a collector for aspiration, as well as a travel limiter to restrict inadvertent motions of the tissue removal devices within a vertebral structure.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems and methods for placing tissue fixation devices are provided. The medical device includes a plurality of elongate delivery devices, a plurality of elongate tubes, and a distal tip. Each delivery device defines a delivery lumen sized to receive a tissue fixation device. Each elongate tube defines a tube lumen sized to receive one of the delivery devices. Each tube lumen has a distal port. The distal tip is connected to the plurality of elongate tubes and defines a guide surface positioned distally of the distal ports. The guide surface is structured to redirect the plurality of delivery devices radially outwardly as the plurality of delivery devices are distally translated through the tube lumens and the distal ports of the plurality of elongate tubes. A medical system is formed by an endoscope that is selectively attachable to the medical device.

Abstract: Device for installing and/or injecting a cannula includes a body, a needle holding member arranged in the body and comprising a needle, and a spring structured and arranged to move the needle holding member to a retracted position within the body. At least one of the spring is pre-tensioned or expanded and the spring is arranged on a side of the needle holding member opposite the needle. A method of using the device includes injecting insertion cannula to a skin surface and causing the needle holding member to retract into the body. A method of making the device includes placing the spring in an pre-tensioned or expanded position inside the body and connecting one end of the spring to the needle holding member. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A syringe and needle assembly includes a needle that extends through the barrel of the syringe and is attached to a proximal portion of the syringe. The distal end of the needle extends through a sleeve attached to the distal end of the syringe. The proximal end of the needle includes a spring which biases the needle proximally, so that the distal tip of the needle is normally retracted within the sleeve. The assembly can be used for injections in portions of a patient's body including delicate tissues that could be damaged if contacted by the needle tip.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device has a generally hollow housing having a closed base end opposite an open distal end. A hollow needle defines a channel in fluidic or pneumatic communication between a distal skin-piercing end and the proximal needle end. A plunger is slidably disposed over at least a portion of the hollow needle. The distal skin-piercing end of the hollow needle extends through the plunger distal end. An expandable chamber is at least partially formed by the plunger proximal chamber end and at least an inside surface of the closed based end of the generally hollow needle, where the expandable chamber is in fluidic or pneumatic communication with the channel of the hollow needle through the proximal needle end. The expandable chamber is configured to increase in volume as the plunger moves towards the distal skin-piercing end of the hollow needle.

Abstract: A transseptal medical device (10, 110) is provided including a dilator (12, 112), a needle (14, 114), and a needle control mechanism (22, 122). The needle (14, 114) may be disposed within the dilator (12, 112), and the needle control mechanism (22, 122) may be operably connected to a proximal end (24, 124, 16, 116) of the needle (14, 114) or the dilator (12, 112) for selective adjustment of the distal end (26, 126) of the needle (14, 114) from a first position within the dilator (12, 112) to a second position external to the dilator (12, 112). The needle control mechanism (22) may include an actuator (32) configured for rotation within the dilator in one embodiment.

Abstract: A surgical device mitigates over-puncture with a bias spring that biases a leading, cutting edge in the opposite direction of the anticipated over-puncture. An associated locking mechanism is configured to release the force of the bias spring in a direction counter to the direction of insertion when the tension force of tissue against the cutting edge is released. Thus, when an opening in the tissue forms, the tension is released and the cutting edge can move opposite to the direction of insertion of the surgical device at the same time that an applied force drives the instrument in the direction of insertion. In this manner, the spring and locking mechanism cooperate to move the cutting edge opposite to the direction of insertion as soon as an incision is made.