Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cecostomy tube having a head with an opening and a valve. There is a flexible catheter with a lumen having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the opening in the head, a portion of the catheter extending away from the head to define the distal end. The catheter also has walls defining inside and outside surfaces from the opening defined in the head to the distal end of the catheter. There is a retainer provided on the distal end of the catheter. The retainer can change shape from a first profile or configuration to a second profile where the second profile is larger than the first profile and the second profile is adapted to retain the cecostomy tube in place in a body. The device may be placed in a single, initial surgical operation.

Abstract: Tubing for use in gastrointestinal applications includes a hollow tube and a spring positioned inside the tube. The spring is corrosion resistant and helps to prevent kinking of the tubing when the tubing is bent. An encapsulant may be positioned over the spring. The spring may be co-extruded with the tubing.

Abstract: A catheter fixture 11 for fixing a tubular catheter 1 to skin of a patient is provided with a plate shaped fixture main body 21, a fixing member 41 that is configured separately from the fixture main body, and a pivot connecting shaft 45. The plate shaped fixture main body 21 includes a retention part 22 where a catheter retaining groove 25 is formed, and a pair of winged pieces 23a and 23b. The pivot connecting shaft 45 both connects the fixture main body 21 and the fixing member 41 and acts as the pivot access C1 of the fixing member 41. The fixing member 41 has a pivoting action along a horizontal plane direction of the fixture main body 21 centrally around the pivot connecting shaft 45. When doing so, the catheter retaining groove 25 is covered by the fixing member 41 thereby fixing the catheter 1.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an anchor device may include bendable anchor mechanism that is deployable in a subcutaneous layer to releasably secure the anchor device to a patient's body. Certain embodiments of the anchor mechanism may include one or more barbs that flexibly bend in response to an insertion or removal force. As such, the anchor mechanism may be inserted into a subcutaneous layer, and removed from the subcutaneous layer, without the need for a separate actuation device to extend or retract the barbs.

Abstract: A mechanical device for anchoring hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels and ureters. It facilitates positioning needles or catheters in blood vessels and it prevents those from dropping out of the vessel or from “wandering off” in the vessel. The device can be used in every interventional medical situation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The device is very easy to fix onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills.

Abstract: A method of repositioning an injection port comprises positioning the injection port at a first location in a patient's body and extending fasteners of the injection port to substantially secure the injection port at the first location. The fasteners are then retracted to substantially unsecure the injection port from the first location in the patient's body. The injection port is then moved to a second location in the patient's body. The fasteners are then re-extended to substantially secure the injection port at the second location in the patient's body. The injection port includes a port body. The fasteners are integral with the port body. The fasteners may be selectively extended and retracted relative to the port body. For instance, the fasteners may be pivoted relative to the port body to transition between extended and retracted positions. The extension and retraction of fasteners may be provided through a port applier.

Abstract: An anchor deployment apparatus for deploying an anchor about a therapy delivery element includes an anchor receiving element having an elongate member having a distal opening and a lumen extending proximally in the elongate member from the distal opening. The lumen of the elongate member is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a therapy delivery element. The anchor deployment tool further includes an anchor engagement element having (i) a body forming a channel in which the elongate member of the anchor receiving element is axially movable, and (ii) an engagement feature forming at least a part of the channel. The engagement feature is configured to engage the anchor when the anchor is disposed about the elongate member and the elongate member is moved distally relative to the engagement element, and to cause the anchor to move distally along the elongate member when the feature is engaged with the anchor and the elongate member is moved distally relative to the engagement element.

Abstract: An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient. The therapy delivery element has an outer diameter and an outer surface about which the anchor is disposable. The body member has a first inner diameter defined by the lumen in a relaxed state and a second inner diameter defined by the lumen in a radially stretched state. The first inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the therapy delivery element, which is smaller that the second inner diameter. The lumen is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the therapy delivery element.

Abstract: An injection port system comprises an injection port and an applier. The port comprises a body and a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners are integral with the body and are movable from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. The applier comprises a port engagement portion and an actuator. The port engagement portion is configured to selectively engage the port body to selectively retain the port relative to the applier. The actuator is operable to move the fasteners to the deployed position. The applier is also configured to disengage the port engagement portion from the port body to release the port from the applier when the actuator moves the fasteners to the deployed position. The actuator may release the port from the applier by moving a resilient member away from the port body as the actuator also moves the fasteners from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

Abstract: Fluid delivery apparatus is described for the delivery of fluids to regions of the body, especially for delivery to regions of the brain. The apparatus includes a first length of implantable tubing having a first end and a first fluid connector portion attached to the first end of the first length of implantable tubing. The first fluid connector portion is releaseably connectable to a complementary second fluid connector portion. An implantable housing is also provided for enclosing and protecting the first fluid connector portion. The implantable housing is openable to provide access to the first fluid connector portion. For example, the housing may have a hinged lid or cover portion. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anchoring an elongate medical device within a body portal, for example, a stimulation lead in a cranial burr hole, employ opposing engagement surfaces, spring biased toward one another. A retaining member may be inserted between the opposing surfaces, to hold the surfaces apart for initial positioning of the device therebetween. For example, a delivery catheter in which the device is moved through the body portal can serve as the retaining member. In one type of apparatus, the engagement surfaces are formed within an anchoring aperture of one plate member of a pair of plate members. In another type of apparatus, the engagement surfaces are formed by sides of a slot that extend through a ring member and into a plug member, wherein a portion of the plug member is preferably formed by an elastomer material, and, in some cases, an entirety of the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anchoring an implanted elongate medical device in a body portal, for example, a stimulation lead in a cranial burr hole, employ a securing element attached to an upper surface of a plate member, and moveable relative thereto, from an open position, at which the device may be inserted into a slot of the plate member, and a closed position, at which an engagement surface of the securing element anchors the inserted device. The securing element may extend at angle, with respect to a plane of the plate member, in the open position, and rotating the securing element lifts the engagement surface into the closed position. A locking member preferably extends from an upper surface of the plate member, and, when a latching portion of the securing element moves into engagement with the locking member, the element is moved into the closed position and secured thereat.

Abstract: This disclosure includes an anchor configured to maintain a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient. The anchor comprises a body forming a lumen configured to compressibly engage the outer surface of the therapy delivery element to hold the anchor in place about the therapy delivery element. The anchor may be stretched such that the lumen becomes larger than the cross-section of the therapy delivery element to facilitate positioning the anchor about the therapy delivery element. The body forms two or more channels that facilitate radial stretching of the anchor using a pronged tool. Radially stretching the body via the channels using the pronged tool reduces a holding force of the anchor on the therapy delivery element to facilitate adjusting a position of the anchor relative to the therapy delivery element.

Abstract: Anchors for securing a therapy device such as a therapy catheter relative to a burr hole, and systems and methods for using the same. Anchors in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a connector for securing the therapy catheter to a delivery catheter, wherein the connector is independently and removably attachable to the anchor. The connector may secure the therapy catheter relative to the burr hole and isolate forces that may otherwise tend to disrupt the placement of the therapy catheter.

Abstract: The medical protective cover includes a semi-ovoid shell configured to cover a wound or intravenous site. The shell is attached to a patient's limb or extremity by a pair of adhesive tabs extending from longitudinal ends of the shell and a plurality of adjustable straps extending laterally from the shell. A plurality of ventilation holes longitudinally extend along lateral edges of the shell to allow passage of air for keeping the covered area dry. Each longitudinal end of the shell includes a pair of tubing ports to facilitate mounting and passage of IV infusion tubing to an IV catheter or cannula. The top of the shell also includes a selectively opened slot that permits passage of a needle for the administration or withdrawal of fluids through an access port of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly, includes a catheter body, a tubular structure and a stabilizing cuff around a longitudinal length of the tubular structure. The tubular structure may be affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter body, and may include a tapered outer surface at a first terminal end of the tubular structure. The tapered outer surface may have a first outer diameter at the first terminal end of the tubular structure and a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter at a terminal end of the tapered outer surface opposite the first terminal end. The tubular structure may have a third outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter at a second terminal end of the tubular structure opposite the first terminal end.

Abstract: A medical device anchor for use with electrical stimulation leads or catheters, and method of manufacture thereof. The anchor may include a gripping structure and a body portion molded on the gripping structure. The gripping structure forms a serpentine arrangement of a continuous nature with axial segments alternately interconnected between shoulder segments and bridging segments. The shoulder segments extend radially outward relative to the through hole further than the axial segments. The body portion may be formed by molding to securely capture the shoulder in the body portion, with the body portion being molded of material that is softer and more compliant than the gripping structure.

Abstract: An injection port applier is configured to engage an injection port that has integral fasteners that are movable from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. The applier comprises a shaft, a port engagement portion, and a handle. The port engagement portion is includes a fastener deployment member that is operable to move the fasteners to the deployed position. The handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion. The second handle portion is movable distally relative to the first handle portion in order to actuate the fastener deployment member, to thereby move the fasteners to the deployed position. An elongate actuating member couples the second handle portion with the fastener deployment member. One part of the elongate actuating member translates longitudinally in response to the second handle being moved distally; while another part of the elongate actuating member rotates in response to the first portion translating.

Abstract: An internal bolster for use securing a medical device, such as a feeding tube, within a body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, a feeding tube includes an internal bolster, comprising one or more bolster arms that each include a first end hingedly connected to a distal end of the medical device and a free second end. The bolster arms are selectively deployable between a first position wherein the bolster arms are substantially in-line with an axis of feeding tube, and a second position wherein the bolster arms are substantially deflected from the axis of the feeding tube to enable securement of the feeding tube within a stoma or other opening defined in the body. Various means for selectively moving the bolster arms between the first and second positions are disclosed. Related methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Components may be used separately or in combination to create anchoring systems for intra-luminal implants for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Various systems include an external component adapted for deployment around a portion of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the duodenum) and an internal component adapted for implantation within the gastrointestinal tract. Various systems use anchors that are based on mechanical interference, elasticity, spring force, shape memory transformation, magnetic attraction, repulsion and/or levitation. Various embodiments rely on longitudinal anchoring of the implants with minimal force against tissue.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent produced via a genetically-altered chondrocyte are provided. More specifically, the device includes a housing which defines a cell chamber configured to retain a large volume of chondrocytes while selectively releasing therapeutic agents produced via these entrapped cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the cell chamber can be configured such that a portion of cells can be positioned at least about 1.5 mm from an external wall of the device (i.e., about 1.5 mm away from an external nutrient supply). For example, the cell chamber can have a tubular configuration having a length and a diameter wherein each of these dimensions is at least about 3 mm (thereby the central core to the chamber is at least about 1.5 mm from the outer wall of the device).

Abstract: An implantable port includes a bottom portion having a needle-penetrable region running continuously along a majority of a perimeter of the implantable port. A method for customized suturing of an implantable port also includes creating a port pocket, and advancing a suture needle through the needle-penetrable region. The needle-penetrable region could be a self-sealing elastomer, such as silicone. The method could include the step of determining suture locations after the port pocket is created.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor sleeve that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may include a first actuator that controls the extension of one or more subcutaneous tines into the subcutaneous region under the skin. The anchor sleeve can also include a second actuator that can cause the anchor sleeve to lock onto an outer portion of the catheter (or other medical instrument) arrange in the working channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing portals into bone is described herein. An example apparatus for introducing portals into bone includes a handle, a base, and a driving member. The driving member can be made to project past the base by operating the handle. The base is detachable from the handle. The apparatus also includes a guide coupled at a first end to the handle and at a second end to the base. The base is detachably coupled to the guide. A base coupling detachably coupling the base to the guide includes an actuating member movable between a coupled configuration wherein the base is coupled to the guide and an uncoupled configuration wherein the base is released from the guide. The actuating member is arranged so that motion of the handle toward the base moves the actuating member from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration.

Abstract: A bone screw and a method for manufacturing the same includes a screw thread configuration having one or more grooves cut into a leading face of the thread, a trailing face of the thread, and/or the shaft between the threads. Other implementations include the incorporation of facets into the one or more grooves. The implementation of the one or more grooves increases the surface are of the orthopedic screw and functions to increase in anchoring the bone screw within the bone once inserted therein, and thereby reduce the possibility for the screw backing out after insertion.

Abstract: An enteral coupling includes a first input port and a first connector for coupling with the first input port. At least one of the first input port and the first connector has a glow-in-the-dark portion associated with at least a part thereof. The glow-in-the dark portion may comprise only a portion of the device or the entire device at issue. A coupling for use in feeding and/or medicating a patient includes a port, and a connector for coupling with the port. Both the port and the connector are at least in part made of a material having glow-in-the-dark properties.

Abstract: A coupling includes a first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with the first input port. The first input port may be one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first port may have a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port may have a second glow-in-the-dark feature, which may be different from one another. The coupling may include means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation and a first connector for coupling to the first port.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a tubular structure affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stabilizing cuff affixed to, and at least partially embedded within, the tubular structure. The tubular structure may include a tapered surface extending from an end of the tubular structure to an exterior surface of the catheter. A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly may include positioning a tubular structure about a catheter, positioning a stabilizing cuff near the tubular structure, and partially embedding at least a portion of the stabilizing cuff within the tubular structure while shaping the tubular structure to form a tapered surface. A temporary sleeve may be positioned about the tubular structure prior to shaping the tubular structure. The tubular structure may also be preformed to include a tapered end prior to positioning the tubular structure about the catheter.

Abstract: An anchor deployment apparatus for deploying an anchor about a therapy delivery element includes an anchor receiving element having an elongate member having a distal opening and a lumen extending proximally in the elongate member from the distal opening. The lumen of the elongate member is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a therapy delivery element. The anchor deployment tool further includes an anchor engagement element having (i) a body forming a channel in which the elongate member of the anchor receiving element is axially movable, and (ii) an engagement feature forming at least a part of the channel. The engagement feature is configured to engage the anchor when the anchor is disposed about the elongate member and the elongate member is moved distally relative to the engagement element, and to cause the anchor to move distally along the elongate member when the feature is engaged with the anchor and the elongate member is moved distally relative to the engagement element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical tubing assembly (100) comprising: finned medical tubing (10) formed from an elongate tubular member (20) disposed with one or more longitudinal fins (21, 21?, 21?), a collar (200), slidably mountable on the finned tubing (10), equipped with a locking means and optionally one or more suture eyelets (250, 250?), said locking means configured to provide a locking force against one or more of the longitudinal fins (21, 21?, 21?). The invention allows securing of a medical tubing in situ that prevents slippage or damage to the tubing wall.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an implantable subcutaneous port for anchoring a transcutaneous treatment component. The implantable subcutaneous port comprises a body portion and one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion. The body portion is adapted for receiving the transcutaneous treatment component beneath the point of entry into the physiology of a patient and routing the transcutaneous treatment component. The body portion is produced from a deformable material and has an area footprint and defines a support wall through which the transcutaneous treatment component enters the body portion. Fracturing the one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion enables removal of the body portion from the physiology of a patient through a transcutaneous opening defining an area of less than thirty percent of the area footprint of the body portion.

Abstract: An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise occlusion and drug delivery devices and methods. One aspect of the disclosure comprises a drug delivery device comprising an inner expansion member and an outer drug delivery component. Another aspect of the disclosure comprises bioabsorbable, lumen-occluding implants.

Abstract: A medical tube, such as a chest tube is provided with circumferential grooves that may be used with existing suturing techniques and without additional pieces, components, or personnel training and will work with any suture that has already been pre-packaged or included with existing tube kits.

Abstract: A securement system (100) includes a device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. A securement system for an elongated medical article comprises an anchor pad (110) and a retainer (120) mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer (120) includes a channel (130) that has at least one abutment surface (160) corresponding to a contact surface on the medical article and a groove (210) configured to receive a spline (40) of the medical article. The medical article is placed into the channel (130). The medical article is secured within the channel by retaining at least one spline (40) and contact surface on the medical article.

Abstract: Anchors for securing a therapy delivery device such as a therapy catheter relative to a burr hole, and systems and methods for using the same. Anchors in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include various apparatus for securing the therapy catheter relative to the burr hole. Exemplary anchors may include one or more of a connector for selectively connecting the therapy catheter to an external therapy source, and a shearing mechanism for shearing the therapy catheter to the desired length.

Abstract: A drug delivery and diagnostic system can include an orthopedic implant having an outer attachment surface. A conduit can be coupled to the outer attachment surface. The conduit can have an inlet and a plurality of perforations formed along a length thereof. The conduit can be adapted to pass fluid between the inlet and the perforations. A subcutaneous port can be fluidly coupled to the inlet and be adapted to communicate fluid through the inlet, along the conduit and out of the perforations around and along the outer attachment surface of the orthopedic implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap for use in neurosurgery. The cap may be applied to a bore hole in a patient's skull, allowing the entry and removal of neurosurgical instruments, while providing an openable seal over the bore hole.

Abstract: An instrument support fixture, and a method of supporting an instrument using the fixture, the instrument support fixture including a first supporting portion configured to be adhered to an area of a patient, a coupling portion having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to the first supporting portion, and a second supporting portion coupled to the second end of the coupling portion to secure an instrument during a procedure.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a base having two or more ports or apertures that provide for the insertion of surgical instruments. The multi-port insert may be used with a laparoscopic access device. The multi-port insert may also include one or more instrument supports that are attached to the base to fix the position of one or more surgical instruments inserted through the multi-port insert.

Abstract: A needle apparatus for aligning a needle with a port of an implantable infusion device includes a needle anchoring portion configured to axially fix the apparatus relative to a needle to be inserted into the port. The needle apparatus further includes a port locating portion fixable relative to the needle anchoring portion. The port locating portion includes a port location signal receiver module for receiving a signal from an implantable infusion device regarding the location of the port of the infusion device.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a base having two or more ports or apertures that provide for the insertion of surgical instruments. The multi-port insert may be used with a laparoscopic access device. The multi-port insert may also include one or more instrument supports that are attached to the base to fix the position of one or more surgical instruments inserted through the multi-port insert.

Abstract: An antibiotic delivery system including an intramedullary stem that is adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a bone. The stem includes a body having an inlet adapted to be in fluid communication with a source of liquid-borne antibiotic and a plurality of outlets disposed along the stem. A channel extends between the inlet and the plurality of outlets for delivering a fluid-borne antibiotic from the inlet to the plurality of outlets so as to distribute the antibiotic along the medullary canal in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A catheter anchoring or securement device and system in combination with or for securing a catheter system to a patient's skin in a fixed position, the invention having a flexible anchor sheet member having an adhesive backing that adheres the flexible anchor sheet member to the patient's skin, a compressible catheter receiving pad mounted to the flexible anchor sheet member, and releasable securing strap covering the compressible catheter receiving pad, wherein the compressible catheter receiving pad is provided with a cavity or recess, the peripheral configuration of which corresponds to the footprint configuration of the catheter body member. The cavity has an axially-oriented channel extending the full width of the flexible anchor sheet member and opposing sets of retention walls defining lateral recesses, the combination of which precludes relative movement of the catheter fitting in all lateral directions.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity includes a seal anchor member including leading portion, a trailing portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the leading and trailing portions. The leading portion of the seal anchor member is configured and adapted to ease insertion of the seal anchor member into the tissue tract. Subsequent to insertion of the seal anchor member, the leading portion of the seal anchor member is also configured and adapted to facilitate securing and/or anchoring of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract.

Abstract: An overtube for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the overtube may comprise a hollow tubular member that has an implantable tip detachably affixed to a distal end thereof. The implantable tip may have at least one retention member formed thereon to retain the tip within an organ wall. The implantable tip may further have a lumen extending therethrough to form a passageway through the organ wall. A plug member may be provided to selectively seal off the lumen within the implantable tip.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes flange attaches to the chest of the patient to secure the device in position. The pneumostoma management device also includes a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung. The length of the tube is selected to match the dimensions of the pneumostoma of a patient. In order to manufacture devices having different tube lengths, the tube is formed at a longer length than required, cut to size and tipped. The tube may be formed by molding or extrusion.

Abstract: A support tool for a supply assembly delivers a functional fluid to an implantable medical device. The supply assembly defines a supply axis. The support tool includes a support member defining an opening. The opening has a support axis, and the opening is configured to receive the supply assembly. The support member includes a three dimensionally contoured nesting surface that conforms to a corresponding three dimensionally contoured surface of the supply assembly. The corresponding surface of the supply assembly nests against the nesting surface to support the supply assembly such that the supply axis remains substantially fixed relative to and aligned with the support axis.