Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.

Abstract: Methods and delivery devices for maximizing injectate dispersion in lesioned tissue using needle-based injection devices are herein disclosed. The delivery devices include injection devices with various needle arrays and/or modified needle tip configurations. The needle tip configurations can include linear, hooked or corkscrew tips and/or multiple circumferential openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in delivering pain medication to separate locations from a single source of pressurized medication includes a valve housing, a cap, and a flexible diaphragm. The valve housing includes a first end and a second end and an inlet passage. The first end includes first and second outlet orifices. The cap has a closed end and an open end and is removably coupled to the valve housing at the open end. The flexible diaphragm is coupled between the cap and the valve housing and is movable from a closed position to an open position. The flexible diaphragm seals a pressure chamber from the first and second outlet orifices when in the closed position and opens the first and second outlet orifices to the pressure chamber when in the open position.

Abstract: A solid drug perforator (SSP) system and an associated drug reservoir are provided for delivering theraputic, prophylactic and/or cosmetic compounds, for nutrient delivery and for drug targeting. For drug delivery, the SSP system includes an active drug ingredient and a matrix of perforator material that biodegrades or dissolves quickly upon contact with a patient's body. The SSP system provides a skin barrier perforator and a controller for prompt initiation and cut-off of drug delivery. In a preferred method of transdermal drug delivery, an SSP system containing a selected drug penetrates into an epidermis or dermis, and the drug is promptly released from the (dissolving) SSP system perforator. An additional drug is optionally delivered from a patch reservoir through skin pores created by insertion of the perforator. Formulation and fabrication procedures for the SSP and associated reservoir are also provided. An SSP system can be fabricated with variety of shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a substance intradermally into the skin of a patient including a housing for contacting the surface of the skin and a disposable cartridge to be received in the housing. The cartridge includes an internal reservoir containing a substance to be delivered to the patient, a plurality of micro skin penetrating members and a fluid channel extending between the micro skin penetrating members and the reservoir. The housing includes a bottom wall with a central opening and a cover member. The cartridge is positioned in the housing with the micro skin penetrating members extending through the central opening of the bottom wall and positioned on the surface of the skin of a patient. The cover is closed onto the cartridge to dispense the substance from the cartridge through the micro skin penetrating members and into or through the skin of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a subcutaneous infusion device including a delivery tube having a central lumen and a closed first end and an open second end. The device further includes a support base attached adjacent a first end of the delivery tube; and a plurality of needles extending substantially perpendicular to the support base and in communication with the central lumen of the delivery tube. A method for hydrating a patient in accordance with the invention includes pressing a support base against a skin surface of the patient and inserting a plurality of needles into a subcutaneous skin layer responsive to the pressing. The method further includes delivering a saline fluid to the subcutaneous skin layer through the needles via a delivery tube.

Abstract: A method and device are described for applying a microprotrusion member (44) including a plurality of microprotrusions (90) to the stratum corneum with impact. The method and device are used to improve transport of an agent across the skin for agent delivery or sampling. The applicator (10, 60, 80) causes the microprotrusion member (44) to impact the stratum corneum with a certain amount of impact determined to effectively pierce the skin with the microprotrusions (90). The preferred applicator (10, 60, 80) impacts the stratum corneum with the microprotrusion member (44) with an impact of at least 0.05 joules per cm2 of the microprotrusion member (44) in 10 msec or less.

Abstract: A device for delivering a substance into the skin of a patient includes a body and a skin penetrating device having at least one skin penetrating member, such as a microneedle. The body includes an internal cavity and a device for indicating the delivery of a sufficient amount of the substance to the patient and for producing a dispensing pressure to dispense and deliver the substance from the cavity. The indicating device is visible from the exterior of the delivery device. In some embodiments, the indicating device is an elastic expandable diaphragm which, when the cavity is filled with a substance, creates the dispensing pressure.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to deliver a composition, preferably a medical or pharmaceutical composition or active, through the stratum corneum of skin, without introducing bleeding or damage to tissue, and absent pain or other trauma. The dimensions and shapes of the microelements are controlled so as to control the penetration depth into the skin. The microelements can be “hollow” such that passageways are created therethrough to allow the composition to flow from a chamber, through the microelements, and into the skin. Alternatively, the microelements can be “solid,” and the composition is applied directly to the skin just before or just after the microelements are applied to the skin surface to create the openings in the stratum corneum.

Abstract: Microneedle devices and methods of manufacturing the microneedle devices. The microneedle devices include microneedles protruding from a substrate, with the microneedles piercing a cover placed over the substrate surface from which the microneedles protrude. The cover and the microneedle substrate together define a capillary volume in fluid communication with the base of each microneedle. One manner of using microneedle arrays of the present invention is in methods involving the penetration of skin to deliver medicaments or other substances and/or extract blood or tissue. Manufacturing methods may include simultaneous application of pressure and ultrasonic energy when piercing the cover with the microneedles.

Abstract: A gas powered spraying device that can be used for single or multi-part reactive medical polymer compositions is provided. A fluid or one or more reactive solutions are sprayed independently at a tissue surface, and the spraying of each solution of multi-component embodiments is controlled by a separate valve. Each solution is provided with a separate spray outlet, and each spray outlet is surrounded by an annular sheath of flowing gas. Gas flow is provided at two or more flow levels, including a high level flow for active spraying and a low level bypass flow to remove drips and prevent clogging, which can improve device reliability. Gas pressure can be used to drive fluid to its spray outlet, as well as to spray the fluid from the outlet to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A micro-needle according to the invention protrudes from a support member. The needle comprises a needle body portion, a closed pointed tip portion, and an inner lumen extending through said support member and into said protruding needle. The needle body portion has at least one side opening communicating with said inner lumen. The method of making the needle comprises providing a mask on the front side of an etchable wafer such that the vertical projection of said mask at least partially covers the extension of a hole made in the back side. Said mask is isotropically underetched to remove wafer material. An anisotropic etch forms a protruding structure. Optionally a second isotropic etch on said protruding structure exposes the blind hole. Optionally a final anisotropic etch extends the needle without forming side openings.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device including a cartridge having a plurality of needles, an advancer operative to selectably advance any of the plurality of needles in the cartridge to a needle deployment position, and a syringe operative to convey fluid through the needle in the needle deployment position.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are dosed by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing devices. The jet dispenser dispenses precise amounts of bioactive agent into a fluid manifold, in which the bioactive agent can be mixed with an infusion liquid for infusing into a patient. A controller may control delivery of one or more drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient. A drop detector can be used to detect various characteristics of the droplets of the bioactive agent dispensed by the jet dispenser and provide a feedback signal to the controller to determine whether a detected characteristic satisfies a predetermined condition. Methods for administering bioactive agents using a jet dispenser also are disclosed.

Abstract: A microneedle array module is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of microneedles affixed to and protruding outwardly from a front surface of a substrate to form the array, each microneedle of the array having a hollow section which extends through its center to an opening in the tip thereof. A method of fabricating the microneedle array module is also disclosed comprising the steps of: providing etch resistant mask layers to one and another opposite surfaces of a substrate to predetermined thicknesses; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the one surface for outer dimensions of the microneedles of the array; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the other surface for inner dimensions of the microneedles of the array; etching unmasked portions of the substrate from one and the other surfaces to first and second predetermined depths, respectively; and removing the mask layers from the one and the other surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising an elongated member having a distal tip and a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip, a plurality of fluid delivery members positioned in the elongated member and having a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion, and an actuator actuable to a first position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from the first position to a second deployed position extending further radially from the elongated member.

Abstract: The present invention is a seed implantation apparatus comprising a cartridge with an array of chambers having a plurality of hollow needles inside chambers, which can hold one or more radioactive seeds. The seed implantation apparatus also comprises pistons for each of the hollow needles and a plate located behind the pistons with a rod and a mechanical trigger, wherein said actuation causes said plate to move said pistons into said needles. The present invention also includes a method of using the seed implantation apparatus. The apparatus can be used in connection with brachytherapy and has particular utility in connection with simultaneously injecting multiple radioactive seeds into the prostate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle incorporating a base that is broad relative to a height of the microneedle, to minimize breakage. The microneedle further includes a fluid channel and a beveled non-coring tip. Preferably arrays of such microneedles are fabricated utilizing conventional semiconductor derived micro-scale fabrication techniques. A dot pattern mask is formed on an upper surface of a silicon substrate, with each orifice of the dot pattern mask corresponding to a desired location of a microneedle. Orifices are formed that pass completely through the substrate by etching. A nitride pattern mask is formed to mask all areas in which a nitride layer is not desired. A nitride layer is then deposited on the bottom of the silicon substrate, on the walls of the orifice, and on the top of the silicon substrate around the periphery of the orifice. The nitride layer around the periphery of the orifice is offset somewhat, such that one side of the orifice has a larger nitride layer.

Abstract: The multi-lumen intravenous extension system and method for independently conveying medicinal fluids include an extension including an elongate cylindrical body having a main lumen extending axially therein and at least one satellite lumen extending parallel with the main lumen in the extension, a coupling/connector at a proximal end of the extension, a liquid supply system connected to the proximal end connector for delivering liquid to the main lumen, at least one syringe coupled to the proximal connector for supplying a drug medication, pharmaceutical agent, or other liquid to the satellite or secondary lumen, and a connector forming a mixing chamber coupled to a distal end of the extension. The connector is adapted for connection to an intravenous or intra-vascular catheter or needle leading to an intra-vascular access site. The fluidic connection between the mixing connector and the multi-lumens of the extension substantially prevents over-pressurization of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A needle device comprises a housing, a base portion having a mounting surface adapted for application to the skin of a patient, and a plurality of needles. Each needle comprises a distal pointed end adapted to penetrate the skin of the subject, and has a first position in which the distal end is retracted relative to the mounting surface, and a second position in which the distal end projects from the mounting surface. The needles are arranged such that at least one needle can be moved from its first to its second position, or vice versa, with at least one other needle not performing the same movement. In this way a plurality of needles can be introduced transcutaneously at a selected site within the body of a subject. The device may comprise a common fluid conduit with at least two of the needles having a proximal opening to be arranged in fluid communication with the common fluid conduit.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising an elongated member having a distal tip and a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip, a plurality of fluid delivery members positioned in the elongated member and having a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion, and an actuator actuable to a first position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from the first position to a second deployed position extending further radially from the elongated member.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include, inter alia, drug delivery devices that can provide doses of medicaments over a defined region of skin. Such systems and methods described herein may employ a hollow perforator that can receive a volume of drug and an actuator that can drive the perforator through a stroke cycle that accelerates the perforator and the volume of drug distally and then decelerates the perforator so that the volume of fluid is ejected out of the perforator.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering and injecting fluid into heart tissue, or other organ tissues. The fluid delivery system includes an injection catheter disposed in an elongate sheath. A nozzle, including an injection array, is disposed adjacent the distal end of the injection catheter. In a first (microneedle) embodiment, the injection array comprises a plurality of microneedles each defining an injection lumen in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. In a second (needle-less) embodiment, the injection array comprises a plurality of injection lumens in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. Fluid is transferred to the injection lumen array from a fluid source through the lumen in the catheter. The injection lumen array distributes the fluid at the injection site over a greater area than would otherwise be achieved with a single needle injection. Thus, the injection lumen array improves fluid retention in the tissue at the injection site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for injecting biological agents into tissue. Devices are provided having elongate shafts and distal injection heads for transversely driving needles into tissue and injecting medical agents into the tissue through the needles. A longitudinal force directed along the shaft can be translated to a needle driving force transverse to the shaft. Some devices provide controllably variable needle penetration depth. Devices include mechanical needle drivers utilizing four link pantographs, rack and pinions, and drive yokes for driving a first needle bearing body toward a second tissue contacting body. Other devices include inflatable members for driving and retracting needles. Still other devices include magnets for biasing the needles in extended and/or retracted positions. The invention includes minimally invasive methods for epicardially injecting cardiocyte precursor cells into infarct myocardial tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a needle such as a medical needle, during exposure to radiation, such as X-ray radiation. The apparatus includes a needle collar and a control bar. The needle collar attaches to the needle shaft and has a first attachment point while the control bar has a second attachment point, where the first and second attachment points cooperate to releasably engage the needle collar and the control bar. In use, when the needle collar and the control bar are engaged, the user grasps the control bar to control the needle while releasing the needle and maintaining the hands of the user outside of a field of the radiation, e.g., outside of a field of the X-ray radiation. The control bar is dimensioned such that its proximal end (i.e., the end to be grasped by the user) is outside the field of radiation.

Abstract: Microneedle devices for transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue, are provided. The microneedle devices permit drug delivery or removal of body fluids at clinically relevant rates across skin or other tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. Microneedles can be formed of biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymeric materials or metals. In a preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plugging element comprising a platform including a plurality of microneedle plugs for preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles. In another preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plurality of bioerodible elements for temporarily plugging the hollow microneedles, thereby preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles.

Abstract: Microneedle devices and methods of use thereof are provided for the enhanced transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue by improving the interaction of microneedles and a deformable, elastic biological barrier, such as human skin. The devices and methods act to (1) limit the elasticity, (2) adapt to the elasticity, (3) utilize alternate ways of creating the holes for the microneedles to penetrate the biological barrier, other than the simply direct pressure of the microneedle substrate to the barrier surface, or (4) any combination of these methods. In preferred embodiments for limiting the elasticity of skin, the microneedle device includes features suitable for stretching, pulling, or pinching the skin to present a more rigid, less deformable, surface in the area to which the microneedles are applied (i.e. penetrate).

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion are provided. The subject catheter devices include at least a first, second and third lumen, where: (a) the first lumen is used for delivery of an acidic dissolution solution to the vascular site; (b) the second lumen is used for delivery of a buffer solution to the vascular site; and (c) the third lumen is used for removal of fluid from the vascular site. In many preferred embodiments, the first, second and third lumens are coaxial. In practicing the subject methods, the vascular site is flushed simultaneously with an acidic dissolution fluid and a buffer solution, where flushing is carried out in a manner such that only a surface of the vascular occlusion is contacted with the acidic dissolution fluid and the remainder of the vascular site is not contacted with fluid having a pH that is lower than about 4.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering and injecting fluid into heart tissue, or other organ tissues. The fluid delivery system includes an injection catheter disposed in an elongate sheath. A nozzle, including an injection array, is disposed adjacent the distal end of the injection catheter. In a first (microneedle) embodiment, the injection array comprises a plurality of microneedles each defining an injection lumen in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. In a second (needle-less) embodiment, the injection array comprises a plurality of injection lumens in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. Fluid is transferred to the injection lumen array from a fluid source through the lumen in the catheter. The injection lumen array distributes the fluid at the injection site over a greater area than would otherwise be achieved with a single needle injection. Thus, the injection lumen array improves fluid retention in the tissue at the injection site.

Abstract: A device for the transport of fluids through a biological barrier includes a number of microneedles projecting from the front face of a substrate. A conduit is associated with each of the microneedles to provide a fluid flow path for transport of fluid through a hole in the biological barrier formed by the corresponding microneedle. Each of the microneedles is configured to provide a penetrating tip, and each conduit terminates at an opening which is proximal with respect to the microneedle tip. Also described are microneedle-based devices with integrated MEMS pumping configurations for withdrawal and/or delivery of fluids, and remote healthcare systems based on such devices.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes a plurality of projections configured so that they enter the subcutaneous region of the patients skin and provides a painless means of creating a breach in the stratum corneum which is sealed against leakage by the skin surrounding each projection and provides a flow path for either a basal and bolus injection of medication. The pump includes a drug reservoir containing a drug. The pump includes a microactuator and includes a housing having a foundation or lid which opens and closes so that the medication container can be inserted and supported in a delivery mode position. A micro actuator is used to advance either a roller or a piston in communication with the medication container. Attached to the micro-actuator is a device that is mounted for movement along the access of the medication container. The device indexes along the medication container that is used to dispense the medication.

Abstract: Microneedle devices and methods of manufacturing the microneedle devices. The microneedle devices include microneedles protruding from a substrate, with the microneedles piercing a cover placed over the substrate surface from which the microneedles protrude. The cover and the microneedle substrate together define a capillary volume in fluid communication with the base of each microneedle. One manner of using microneedle arrays of the present invention is in methods involving the penetration of skin to deliver medicaments or other substances and/or extract blood or tissue. Manufacturing methods may include simultaneous application of pressure and ultrasonic energy when piercing the cover with the microneedles.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having first and second elongate tubular members. Each member comprises a manometer at a distal end and a lumen communicating with a port at the distal end. An expandable occlusive member is optionally mounted on either or both tubular members proximal to the distal port. A proximal end of each tubular member is adapted for attachment to an oxygenator and/or a pump for aspirating blood from an artery or a symptomatic carotid artery through the first tubular member and perfusing the blood into the contralateral carotid artery through the second tubular member, thereby providing a means of augmenting the collateral vasculature and maintaining perfusion distal to the offending lesion. The flow rate of blood can be controlled by inflating or deflating the balloon occluder. The device may employ a neuroprotective agent, hypothermic perfusion, and an atherectomy device or an extracorporeal pumping mechanism to remove a vascular occlusion and reestablish cerebral perfusion.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, a distal end, the distal end defining at least one opening, and a porous portion covering the opening defined by the distal end. In one embodiment, the medical catheter comprises a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, at least two distal ends. the proximal end connected to the two distal ends with a connector, the distal ends each defining at least, one opening, a diffuser covering the opening of each distal end, and a separate restrictor downstream of the connector and upstream of each distal end to provide substantially equal flow through each distal end. An additional restrictor can also be placed upstream of the connector. In another embodiment, a combination diffuser and restrictor covers the opening of each distal end.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays, methods of manufacturing microneedles and methods of using microneedle arrays. The microneedles in the microneedle arrays may be in the form of tapered structures that include at least one channel formed in the outside surface of each microneedle. The microneedles may have bases that are elongated in one direction. The channels in microneedles with elongated bases may extend from one of the ends of the elongated bases towards the tips of the microneedles. The channels formed along the sides of the microneedles may optionally be terminated short of the tips of the microneedles. The microneedle arrays may also include conduit structures formed on the surface of the substrate on which the microneedle array is located. The channels in the microneedles may be in fluid communication with the conduit structures. One manner of using microneedle arrays of the present invention is in methods involving the penetration of skin to deliver medicaments or other substances and/or extract blood or tissue.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided having a balloon disposed at the distal end thereof. The balloon is capable of being inflated to selectively dilate from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The balloon is also capable of being deflated after inflation to return to the collapsed configuration or a deflated profile. A syringe assembly is in fluid communication with a delivery lumen of the catheter assembly for allowing a therapeutic substance to be injected into a tissue of a passageway. The syringe assembly includes a portion capable of pivoting from a first position towards a second position when the balloon is being inflated from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The portion of the syringe assembly is also capable of pivoting from the second position back towards the first position when the balloon is being deflated.

Abstract: An improved method for simultaneous intravenous delivery of multiple medications by use of prematched tubing between medication source and patient's IV.

Abstract: A cleansable multi-purpose nasal discharge aspirator is easily cleanable by constructing its housing hermetical and water tight so that the aspirator is submergible for washing its inner pressure chamber. Its multi-purpose effect is carried out by replacing its sucking disc into variety of tool heads so as to perform various missions such as imbibing acnes other than its principal application, inhaling nasal discharge. Besides, this aspirator is able to serve as an eyes or nose syringing apparatus by replacing its sucking disc into a special tool head and adding a water intake tube and a water ejection tube.

Abstract: A fluid delivery and extraction device enables the remote transfer of fluid to or from biological tissue. The device comprises an elongated member, a syringe movable relative to the elongated member and a pair of hypodermic needles movable relative to the elongated member. The elongated member has a distal portion which is adapted to be inserted into a biological structure. A steer wire or guide wire can be used to navigate the distal portion within cavernous biological structures, particularly body lumens. The distal portion has at least one retractable hypodermic needle that is configured to pierce the interior surface of a tubular biological structure and transfer fluid to or from the walls of the tubular biological structure. A physician can use a handle or other control mechanism provided at a proximal portion of the device to remotely move the hypodermic needles. A plunger can be used to transfer fluid through the hypodermic needles to or from the syringe.

Abstract: A device for removing a thrombus or other tissue deposit from the cardiovascular system, natural or synthetic tubule or cavity found in the human body of a patient without the need to surgically access the location of the thrombus or other tissue deposit via a cut-down or other surgical procedure. A flexible metal or high pressure plastic tube conveys an extremely high pressure stream of sterile saline or other physiologic solution to at least one jet at the distal end of the catheter. At least one jet is directed at the opening of a large exhaust lumen or other target. The jet(s) is responsible for providing a localized negative pressure which entrains tissue into the jet from break-up of the debris. This jet(s) can also provide stagnation pressure in the exhaust lumen which drives the tissue or thrombotic debris out of the exhaust lumen. Operation of the device with tip pressure greater than 500 psi provides this device with the entrainment and exhaust characteristics which contribute to its effectiveness.

Abstract: A vascular access device for infusion of fluids into a patient. The device includes an introducer sheath having one or more side holes and the sheath can be used with a catheter in place through the sheath, with a dilator in place through the sheath, or with the sheath vacant. The device provides for a significant volume of infused fluid to exit the side holes. The side holes allow for the infusion of fluids, such as medications, to be directed to specific patient locations rather than to have the entire volume of infused fluid exit the distal end of the sheath tube.

Abstract: Aspiration catheters and methods for the treatment of an occlusion in a blood vessel. These catheters and methods are especially useful in the removal of occlusions from saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries above the aortic arch and even smaller vessels. The catheters of the present invention are provided in either over-the-wire or in single operator form. Radiopaque markers are preferably incorporated into distal ends of the catheters, and visual markers are incorporated into the proximal end of the catheters, to facilitate their positioning within the body. The catheters are provided with varying flexibility along the length of the shaft, such that they are soft and flexible enough to be navigated through the vasculature of a patient without causing damage, but are stiff enough to sustain the axial push required to position the catheter properly and to sustain the aspiration pressures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-access cannula for use in a variety of surgical procedures, particularly for use in the course of performing conventional open-chest and peripheral access cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The multi-access cannula is capable of being inserted through a single puncture site with a percutaneous tip. At the appropriate depth of insertion, a closure seal may be engaged at the point of entry to secure the positioning of the cannula and prevent leakage of blood from the incision. Once the cannula is at the appropriate position the cannula provides a multiplicity of procedural options for the surgeon. For example, when approaching through the ascending aorta, the multi-access cannula enables the simultaneous passage of various fluids and multiple catheters or instruments in opposing directions within the lumen of the aortic arch through a single insertion site.

Abstract: An injection and perfusion device which allows an easy extraction of the needle, with just one hand, and protection of the user by confinement of the needle. The needle support includes a base plate (1) with rebated guides (2) into which slides an attachable extraction device made up of a support block (6) into which is inserted a piston (9) which has a longitudinal groove (10) able to contain the vertical part of the angled needle (4).

Abstract: In general, the invention features methods for delivering a composition to the lung in a non-surgical, percutaneous approach by utilizing the pulmonary vasculature (i.e., the pulmonary arteries and veins).Also disclosed are methods allowing for the lung-specific delivery of a composition, as well as a catheter that includes a deployable arm.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises a first horizontal flat spongy flexible layer having upper and lower surfaces. A second horizontal flat plastic layer also has upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface of the second layer being secured to the lower surface of the first layer. A third horizontal flat spongy flexible layer also has upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface of the third layer being secured to the lower surface of the second layer. A plurality of surgical cutting units are imbedded in the layers in spaced apart positions, each unit having a plurality of knife elements having downwardly extending cutting points disposed within the third layer adjacent the lower surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of causing the degradation of fibrin(ogen) (i.e., fibrin, fibrinogen, and related substances) by means of a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase, such as MMP-3. The method of the invention may be performed in vitro to provide diagnostic information characterizing fibrin(ogen) and the fibrinolytic physiology. The method may also be performed in vivo as a method of thrombolytic therapy in which a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase is administered to a subject to degrade thrombus in situ. The invention further provides compositions containing a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase for the performance of fibrinolytic or thrombolytic procedures. Also provided are kits which include a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase for performing fibrinolytic or thrombolytic procedures.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for making perfectly circular incisions comprises a cylindrical post; a ring supported at the bottom of the post for engaging a surgical site to be incised; a guide mounted for rotation on the post, the guide adapted to be translated upwardly and downwardly along the post; and a scalpel mounted on the guide, whereby the scalpel is adapted to incise a perfect circle on the surgical site.

Abstract: An aspiration device for separating liquid content of a body fluid and irrigation fluid if any, from solid matters, includes an integrally formed housing, and an integrally formed separating element which is detachably inter-connectable to the housing. The housing includes a proximal segment for defining a hollow space to receive part of the separating element. The separating element includes a filter element for separating the liquid content of the body fluid from the solid matters and for collecting the solid matters in the interior of the filter element. The separating element further includes an end connector for interlocking the separating element with the housing, and an egress tube for conveying the separated liquid content outside the aspiration device.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for gene therapy to transfer or introduce, in vivo, a gene for treatment into a cell located at a target portion of a patient, so that the gene can be transferred with a high probability within a short period of time. The apparatus is applicable to all cell species. In addition to simple supply of a gene to the cell of the patient, the gene is forcibly transferred to the cell without depending on natural cellular physiology. For example, catheters are mounted on a probe inserted into a body cavity, and the gene is supplied from a reservoir which stores the gene to the surface of a human living cell of the target portion in the body cavity through needle cannulas attached to the distal ends of the catheters. A pulse voltage is applied to the needle cannulas to form a pore in the surface of the human living cell upon application of the pulse voltage. The gene is transferred into the human living cell through the pore.