Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus to insert an implantable therapeutic device into a patient. The apparatus includes a proximal handle and a distal placement portion coupled to the proximal handle and configured to hold the implantable therapeutic device. The distal placement portion includes a first side having a first engagement structure at a distal end of the first side, the first engagement structure configured to surround at least a first portion of a proximal end region of the implantable therapeutic device. The distal placement portion includes a second, opposite side having a second engagement structure at a distal end of the second side, the second engagement structure configured to surround at least a second, opposite portion of the proximal end region of the implantable therapeutic device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for forming an incision in tissue for receiving a surgical instrument. A cutting device for forming the incision can be reversibly coupleable to an instrument, e.g., a dilator. The instrument may define a lumen configured to receive a wire that extends or is otherwise extendable through a puncture site. The cutting device can include a cutting element configured to be actuated to form the incision such that the incision extends form the puncture site and is sized to receive the instrument.

Abstract: An implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device is described that includes a subcutaneous base portion having one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices and a percutaneous portion including an extracorporeal surface. The one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion are accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion. The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess formed in a bone, the subcutaneous base portion including one or more features for gripping the internal surface of such a complementary recess thereby directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion to the bone. The device may be used to route fluid to neurosurgical catheters optionally via a router unit.

Abstract: A guiding system (1, 101) for guiding the insertion of a needle (2) and a catheter (6) for medical use in a biological tissue, the guiding system (1, 101) comprising: —the needle (2) —the catheter (6) inserted into the needle (2); —an optical fiber (8) provided with at least one optical sensor (10) and inserted into the catheter (6), —a first blocking device (12, 112) for firmly blocking the catheter (6) inside the needle (2).

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a tissue retractor including a flexible body configured to engage tissue surrounding a tissue opening. A plurality of surgical instrument channels is arranged in a central portion of the tissue retractor. Each surgical instrument channel is configured to guide a surgical instrument distally through the surgical access device. At least one needle entrance port is arranged on a proximal portion of the surgical access device. At least one needle exit port is arranged distally of the needle entrance port. The at least one needle entrance port and the at least one needle exit port are configured to cooperate to define a needle channel extending distally through the surgical access device and obliquely relative to a central axis thereof. The needle channel is configured to guide a suture passer needle through the surgical access device and adjacent tissue to facilitate closure of the tissue opening.

Abstract: Apparatus, including an enclosure, a fluid-tight bag located within the enclosure, and a fluid-tight valve connected to the fluid-tight bag. The apparatus also has a tube, having a first end connected to the fluid-tight bag via the fluid-tight valve, and a second end connected to a balloon within a breast implant fitted to an implantee. The apparatus further includes a spindle, located within the enclosure, connected to the fluid-tight bag, and configured to rotate under control of the implantee so as to roll the fluid-tight bag onto the spindle or to unroll the fluid-tight bag from the spindle, and thus transfer a fluid, contained in the balloon, the tube, and the fluid-tight bag, therebetween.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes an elongated connector housing defining a port at the second end of the connector housing for receiving a proximal end of a lead or lead extension; a lumen that extends from the port along at least a portion of the length of the connector housing; connector contacts axially spaced-apart and disposed along the lumen; and non-conductive spacers disposed between adjacent connector contacts, at least one of the non-conductive spacers includes a first region. One or more additional features are included to resist bending of the connector assembly. One such feature is a non-conductive first insert disposed between adjacent connector contacts to maintains a minimum distance between the adjacent connector contacts. Another feature is a stiffening element disposed within apertures in the spacers and connecting two or more of the spacers. Yet another feature is a stiffening sleeve disposed within the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting an inflatable balloon which comprises a main body of revolution (12) which defines a cone-shaped distal end and a proximal end, said main body also comprising: a first internal channel (123) passing from the proximal end to the distal end of said body for inserting a thread (3) for guiding said device; an internal compartment (125) arranged in a portion of the distal end of said body for housing an inflatable balloon (4), said compartment comprising a breakable outer surface (1251) which is continuous with the surface of said body, and a second internal channel passing from the distal end of said body to said compartment, for housing a balloon inflation tube (5) suitable for connection at the distal end thereof with an inflatable balloon inside said compartment.

Abstract: An enteral nutritional supplement tube includes: a tube body; and a plurality of grasping sections. The tube body has a flexibility and is elongated. The grasping sections are disposed at a region of an outer peripheral surface of the tube body, the region being in a range from a distal end portion of the tube body to an intermediate region of the tube body in such a manner that the grasping sections are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of grasping sections being configured to be grasped.

Abstract: A bone marrow access apparatus includes a bone penetrating member having an internal channel having an opening at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end, and a valve cap engaged with the bone penetrating member. The valve cap defines an interior cavity in which part of the bone penetrating member is situated to thereby secure the valve cap to the bone penetrating member. The valve cap includes a valve having an opening having an open state in which the channel is not obstructed and a closed state preventing flow of material through the channel. By being repeatedly switchable between the open and closed states, the valve controls access to the channel by bone marrow sampling and biopsy instruments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical anchor device and methods of use for providing an improved device for intraluminally directed vascular anastomosis. The anchor device includes a generally tubular graft having a flange disposed at one end thereof, where a portion of the graft extends through the flange. The flange includes a wire frame made of a resilient material and a thin membrane covering or overlaying the wire frame, where the wire frame is self-expanding when deployed within a lumen. The device may be deployed within the lumen at an anastomotic site without a need for sutures, staples, clips, or other mechanical attachment means that may cause further injury.

Abstract: MRI compatible localization and/or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and/or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

Abstract: Example embodiments are related to intraosseous infusion port (IOP) devices to provide access to bone marrow cavities. The IOP device according to example embodiments may comprise a proximal portion with a hollow chamber extending through the proximal portion, the hollow chamber having a proximal inlet for receiving an insertion device. The IOP device may also include an anchor portion positioned distally to the proximal portion, the anchor portion may be configured for anchoring the infusion port device in a bone, and an open-ended channel extending through the anchor portion, the channel being in fluid communication with the hollow chamber, such that, when the infusion port is implanted into a bone, the channel and the hollow chamber create a substantially straight pathway terminating at an opening at its distal end for insertion of the insertion device towards the bone marrow.

Abstract: Example embodiments are related to intraosseous infusion port (IOP) devices to provide access to bone marrow cavities. The IOP device according to example embodiments may comprise a proximal portion with a hollow chamber extending through the proximal portion, the hollow chamber having a proximal inlet for receiving an insertion device. The IOP device may also include an anchor portion positioned distally to the proximal portion, the anchor portion may be configured for anchoring the infusion port device in a bone, and an open-ended channel extending through the anchor portion, the channel being in fluid communication with the hollow chamber, such that, when the infusion port is implanted into a bone, the channel and the hollow chamber create a substantially straight pathway terminating at an opening at its distal end for insertion of the insertion device towards the bone marrow.

Abstract: Ocular implants, delivery devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One method involves inserting an implant on one side of an eye. The implant has an anchor on a distal end portion and an outlet opening that is disposed proximal of the anchor. The implant is advanced across the eye to the other side of the eye. The anchor is inserted into eye tissue on the other side of the eye. A therapeutic agent is eluted using the implant.

Abstract: Providing a stent which can easily be indwelled in a blood vessel in a state such that a catheter can be projected toward an inside of aneurysm. The stent is a stent for use in medical treatment of an aneurysm (1) and includes a cylindrical stent body (10) provided on a peripheral wall and having a plurality of insertion portions (11) through each of which a catheter (7) is insertable and a plurality of valving elements (20) provided in the insertion portions (11) respectively. Each valving element (20) is opened when the catheter (7) is inserted through one of the insertion portions (11). Each valving element (20) is closed when the catheter (7) is pulled out of the insertion portion (11). This suppresses an outflow into a blood vessel of a coil (9) placed in the aneurysm (1).

Abstract: A heart support system featuring a constraint sized to fit about at least a portion of an adult human heart in a living body, an expandable chamber disposed within the constraint so as to apply pressure against the heart when expanded and a connector system including a pneumatic connection port in hydraulic communication with the expandable chamber. The heart support system can include a supply unit with: a source of pressurized fluid and a pneumatic supply line extending from the pressurized fluid source. The pneumatic supply line is connectable to the pneumatic connection port.

Abstract: An implant, such as a cranial implant, for attachment to a defect in a bone structure having an edge is described. The implant comprises a direction of extension and a rim extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the implant. The rim is configured to be attached to the edge of the bone structure and comprises at least one mounting portion configured to accommodate a fastener such that at least a portion of the fastener is extendible in a direction extending away from the rim at an angle which is at most acute with respect to the direction of extension of the implant. The implant is configured such that upon placing the implant in the defect, the fastener is extendible into the edge of the bone defect in a controllable manner.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle support portion that supports an inner needle through a catheter on the leading end side beyond a catheter hub. The needle support portion has a pair of support arms openable and closeable in a left and right direction, and a restraining portion capable of restraining the pair of arms in a closed state and releasing the restraint. A needle hub has an extension portion extending in a leading end direction beyond the catheter hub. A coupling portion between each of the pair of support arms and the extension portion is positioned on the leading end side beyond a base end of the catheter hub.

Abstract: A system for redistributing interstitial fluid within a mammal is disclosed. The system comprises an implantable accumulation chamber, a confined flow passageway such as a catheter in communication with the accumulation chamber, and a liquid transfer pump for dispensing accumulated interstitial fluid from the accumulation chamber to a predetermined body site via the confined flow passageway.

Abstract: There are provided a surgical jig (24) which is directly used during surgery to make it possible to accurately recognize a position where a recess (44, 46) is to be formed in the surface of a surgical target bone (14) of a patient; and a verification jig (34) which is directly used during surgery to make it possible to precisely verify whether or not the recess (44, 46) formed in the surface of the surgical targeted bone (14) of the patient is of a required shape. The surgical jig (24) has an inner surface (26) matching the surface shape of the surgical target bone (14) of the patient, and a penetrating opening (30, 32) formed in correspondence with a site where the recess (44, 46) is to be formed. The verification jig (34) has a protrusion (40, 42) protruding from an inner surface (36) thereof in correspondence with the recess (44, 46) to be formed.

Abstract: An implant that has a tubular interior section for implantation into a patient, an exterior section connected to the interior section and an ingrowth member that includes a three-dimensional porous structure. The three-dimensional porous structure is typically located at the inner circumference of the interior section and has desirable properties to facilitate ingrowth of tissue.

Abstract: A permeable plug may be temporarily deployed in a patient to protect blood vessels from blockage by various debris. The plug includes a body formed from a filtering material. The body is collapsible for delivery to a location in a blood vessel and expandable to a filtering configuration in which the body occupies a cross-section of the blood vessel and is held in place by its own expansive force. At least one stud is connected to the body for use in deployment of the plug within the blood vessel and retrieval of the plug from the blood vessel.

Abstract: An implantable medical therapy delivery device includes a non-conductive filament extending along a length of an outer surface of an insulative body of the device, wherein the filament includes a plurality of fixation projections and is secured to the outer surface of the insulative body such that the projections protrude outward from the outer surface and are spaced apart from one another along the length of the outer surface. The filament may be wound about the length with an open pitch. In some cases, the insulative body includes an open-work member forming at least a portion of the outer surface thereof, and the filament may be interlaced with the open-work member. In these cases, the filament may be bioabsorbable, for example, to provide only acute fixation via the projections thereof, while the open-work member provides a structure for tissue ingrowth and, thus, more permanent or chronic fixation.

Abstract: Embodiments for superficial tissue compliance modulation and negative pressure wound therapy for stabilization of a chronic percutaneous implant are disclosed. An external cap is coupled to a compliance gradient of progressively decreasing stiffness. Together the external cap and compliance gradient act as a stress shield that allows forces that would otherwise act on the skin at the skin-implant interface to be dissipated over a larger area. In addition, negative pressure and fluids may be applied through negative pressure and fluid adapters, respectively, to the skin-implant interface, the status of which may be further monitored through the use of one or more sensors.

Abstract: A coupling device for a tubular arrangement for medical use including a first connector part and a second connector part and, an engagement/disengagement member for at least assisting in engaging and disengaging the engagement between said connector parts, wherein the first connector part includes at least two female connecting portions arranged in a first connector surface and a guiding edge protruding from the first connector surface arranged around the at least two female connecting portions and the second connector part includes at least two male connecting portions arranged in a second connector surface, and wherein at least one of the first connector part and the second connector part includes a locking element arranged to rotatably engage with the engagement/disengagement member.

Abstract: An implant that has a tubular interior section for implantation into a patient, an exterior section connected to the interior section and an ingrowth member that includes a three-dimensional porous structure. The three-dimensional porous structure is typically located at the inner circumference of the interior section and has desirable properties to facilitate ingrowth of tissue.

Abstract: A device is provided for unclogging an enteral tube including a first length of tubing, the distal end of which is fitted with a connector for connecting to an enteral feeding tube and the proximal end of which is fitted with a connector that is not compatible with an enteral feeding tube. An anti-reflux valve is situated in the first length of tubing and allows fluid flow only towards the distal end thereof. A second length of tubing has a proximal end connected to the first length of tubing at a position between the proximal end of the first length of tubing and the directional valve. A pressure relief valve is situated in the second length of tubing. A method is provided for utilizing the device to clear a clogged enteral tube.

Abstract: A medical system, comprising an implantable access port including an implantable access port body and at least one implantable access port needle; wherein the at least one needle is concealable inside the access port body in a concealed position and is exposable outside the access port body in an exposed position; wherein the at least one needle is arranged within the access port body to penetrate outwardly through skin of a subject from within the subject when the access port is implanted in the subject; a transfer device coupled to the at least one needle of the access port, the transfer device configured to transfer a fluid to and/or from the access port; and wherein the transfer device is configured to form a closed system with the access port, wherein the transfer device includes a fluid flow passage configured to transfer the fluid to and/or from the access port.

Abstract: Artificial salivary gland devices and assemblies are provided. The present disclosure provides artificial salivary pump/gland devices and assemblies, and related methods of use. One embodiment utilizes the interstitial/marrow fluid reservoir within the underlying mandibular or maxillary bone as a source for replacement saliva. The salivary pump/assembly, which is implantable in the mandibular or maxillary bone as a dental implant and driven by incidental tooth contact and masticatory forces, harvests interstitial/marrow fluid and treats it via semi-permeable membrane technology and soluble particles as a continuously available saliva replacement. Masticatory forces and tooth contact power the pump to both harvest interstitial/marrow fluid and drive flow through a bed of ion-exchange resins and/or soluble particles to adjust fluid chemistry providing a continuously available saliva-like solution.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include a percutaneous port for promoting tissue in-growth around the percutaneous port. In one aspect, the percutaneous port includes a tubular structure having an outer surface, and a coil having an outer surface and comprised of a plurality of loops. Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil is joined to the outer surface of the tubular structure.

Abstract: Described is an inflatable implant suitable for placement in the human body and left there for an indeterminate and potentially lengthy period of time. The implant is one that has a low profile when introduced into the body and a larger profile when it is inflated with one or more filler materials. Depending upon design and use choices the delivered implant may be removable and adjustable in situ in size, position, location, form, and rigidity. Indeed, in some variations, the design of the implant may be such that it may be removed at a potentially fairly lengthy time after implantation. The implant includes at least one bladder wall that generally is at least partially non-elastic (or unexpandable) after the preselected size is reached. The bladder wall will define at least one fillable volume and may form more than one independent fillable volumes. The bladder wall, in some variations, may be partially elastic or expandable to permit adjustment of implant size or configuration after or during delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus for neuromuscular electrical stimulation is provided. The apparatus may be a stimulation lead having an elongated member made up of at least one conductor and an insulative sheath surrounding at least a portion of the conductor. A distal portion of the elongated member may include one or more electrodes and at least one fixation element to secure the one or more electrodes in or adjacent to a desired anatomical site for providing stimulation thereto. The stimulation lead has a strain relief portion on the proximal side of the one or more electrodes, configured to reduce axial forces on the distal region of the elongated member, and the effects thereof, to reduce the risk of, or even prevent, displacement of the one or more electrodes and to accommodate localized flexural motion. The apparatus also may include at least one fixation element sized and configured to be deployed between muscle layers to maintain the electrode position at the stimulation site.

Abstract: A lead fixation device for securing a medical lead in a human patient includes: a single-piece structure comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface; an outer perimeter; and an inner perimeter, the inner perimeter comprising: a diameter approximately equal to or smaller than a diameter of a burr hole into which the lead fixation device is designed to be deployed; a central bore extending longitudinally from the top surface through to the bottom surface, a portion of the central bore being located in approximately a center of the lead fixation device and comprising a central bore diameter; and at least one retention tract formed in the top surface of a cap of the lead fixation device, the retention tract configured for retaining, with an interference fit, a portion of a body of the medical lead in the lead fixation device.

Abstract: In various examples, a suture anchor includes a sheath including a lumen. A frame member is disposed at least partially within the sheath. The frame member includes at least two suture loops extending from the sheath. The suture loops are configured to receive a suture, wherein tightening of the suture causes compression of the frame member to constrict the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: An implantable venous device includes a catheter including a passage; a locking nut including a channel for receipt of the catheter and an annular convex end; an injection seat including a base, a peripheral wall, and a mounting member projecting out of the wall; a connecting tube projecting out of the mounting member and including a bulged central portion and an annular curved outward end with the locking nut secured onto the bulged central portion; a base member including a groove; a housing including a top opening, a clamping portion on a periphery of the top opening, and a passageway through a bottom edge for receipt of the base member with the injection seat fastened in the housing, and with the locking nut in the groove; and an implant member in the top opening and including a peripheral flange urged downward by the clamping portion.

Abstract: An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the port includes an internal body defining a fluid cavity that is accessible via a septum. A compliant outer cover including silicone is disposed about at least a portion of the body. A flange is included with the port body and is covered by the outer cover. The flange radially extends about a perimeter of the port body proximate the septum so as to impede penetration of a needle substantially into the outer cover in instances where the needle misses the septum. The flange can further include both an anchoring feature for securing the outer cover to the port body and an identification feature observable via x-ray imaging technology for conveying information indicative of at least one attribute of the access port. The outer cover provides a suitable surface for application of an antimicrobial/antithrombotic coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skin attachment device for use with implantable medical devices which extend through the skin for prolonged durations.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a stent, with a coating region for controlling erosion of the substrate region is disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus to insert an implantable therapeutic device into a patient. The apparatus includes a proximal handle (210) and a distal placement portion (220) coupled to the proximal handle and configured to hold the implantable therapeutic device. The distal placement portion includes a first side (222) having a first engagement structure (251) at a distal end of the first side, the first engagement structure configured to surround at least a first portion of a proximal end region of the implantable therapeutic device. The distal placement portion includes a second, opposite side (224) having a second engagement structure (253) at a distal end of the second side, the second engagement structure configured to surround at least a second, opposite portion of the proximal end region of the implantable therapeutic device.

Abstract: A catheter system and method of use for re-establishing venous access near an occluded vessel.

Abstract: A full-vagina sleeve cylindrical expansion and pneumoperitoneum integrated device, includes: an elastic embedded ring (1) and a sleeve (2). The elastic embedded ring (1) is made of elastic material and embedded inside a pelvic outlet. The elastic embedded ring (1) is capable of expanding in a natural state inside a vagina to tightly adhere to wall of the vagina, or being inflated into an annular ring which tightly adheres to the vagina wall so as to elastically expand a vagina tissue. The sleeve (2) is made of elastic material or a non-elastic material and is cylinder-shaped. A front end ring of the sleeve (2) is connected with the elastic embedded ring (1), and a rear end ring extends out of the vagina. An operation mask (3) is fixedly provided on the rear end ring.

Abstract: A port (1) for a catheter comprises: a housing (10) having at least two fixing holes (120, 20A, 120B); a cavity (140) arranged in the housing (10) for receiving a fluid; a membrane (13) attached to the housing (10) and arranged on an opening (102) of the housing (10) for sealing the opening (102) such that the cavity (140) is enclosed in the housing (10) in a fluid-tight manner; and a catheter (2) connected to the housing (10), the catheter (2) being in fluid connection with the cavity (140). In addition a yarn guide device (16) is arranged on the housing (10) in between the membrane (13) and the catheter (2), the yarn guide device (16) comprising a guide channel (161) formed in the housing (10) for receiving a yarn (3) for fixing the port (1) to an object and for guiding the yarn (3) in between the membrane (13) and the catheter (2).

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is provided by moving cerebrospinal fluid containing particles know to contribute to onset of Alzheimer's disease from a source of cerebrospinal fluid to the stomach or bladder, where the particles are safely digested by gastric acid or excreted, the system including an implantable pump, an inlet catheter, an outlet catheter, and a one-way valve. The system further includes at least one filter to filter harmful particles from the cerebrospinal fluid and return the filtered cerebrospinal fluid back to the source of cerebrospinal fluid, where the harmful particles blocked by the filter may be rinsed off the filter and transported to the stomach or bladder.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal.

Abstract: A method of surgical navigation into the brain includes establishing a trajectory through the skull into the brain to a target, drilling a hole in the skull using a drill, and verifying the trajectory of the drilled hole during drilling using image guidance. A surgical navigation system includes a cannulated drill, a cannulated access member, and a coupling member for coupling the access member to the drill and for maintaining alignment of the cannulations in the drill and the access member. The access member is movable relative to the coupling member such that the access member can be secured to tissue while the coupling member maintains the alignment of the cannulations. A surgical kit includes a cannulated drill, a cannulated access member, a coupling member for coupling the access member to the drill, and a probe for receipt within the cannulated drill.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a needle is employed in refilling drug-delivery devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.