Abstract: An annular cap for covering a lumen including first and second elongate members each having inside and outside surfaces, proximal and distal end portions and two opposite longitudinal edges. The cap having an interlocking snap member positioned between and connected to the first and second elongate members along the opposite longitudinal edges, the first and second elongate members being pivotable with respect to each other about a pivot axis. The elongate members interlock over and around the lumen to provide complete enclosure of the lumen when the cap is in a closed position.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for removing fluid from a surgical access device and/or from surgical instruments passed therethrough, and for preventing such fluid from accumulating. For example, in one embodiment, an exemplary device can include a body defining a working channel that is configured and sized to allow for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough. A number of seals can be disposed in the working channel so as to contact the inserted surgical instrument. One or more outlets can be oriented to direct gas, such as air or an insufflation gas, into the working channel so as to remove fluid on the seals, or other parts of the surgical access device, as well as the surgical instruments themselves. In some embodiments, constant flows of gases can be arranged to act as shields to help prevent fluid from accumulating on the surgical access device and/or surgical instruments.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

Abstract: The transdermal administration device of the present invention includes: a needle support with a plurality of microneedles formed at a tip portion thereof; a holder with the needle support placed therein, allowing the needle support to protrude itself therefrom and retract therein; and a cap for covering the microneedles, and further includes: a spring member placed between the needle support and the holder, for biasing the needle support in a protruding direction; an engaging portion at a base of the needle support; and an engaged portion capable of engaging the engaging portion, formed in the holder, where the engaging portion of the needle support can be locked with the engaged portion of the holder when the needle support is retracted in the holder.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a hemostatic valve system that allows substantially leak-free passage of one or more medical interventional devices, such as a catheter, for insertion into a body vessel. The medical device comprises a hemostatic valve system and an elongate tubular member. The hemostatic valve system comprises a body, one or more pouches, and one or more disks.

Abstract: An implantable flow connector for fluidically coupling a source tissue-enclosed body space with a destination element, comprising: a conduit having a lumen terminating at an orifice at a first end of the conduit implantable in the source body space through an opening formed in a tissue wall of the source body space, and a second end of the conduit implantable in the destination element through an opening in a surface of the destination element; and a circumferential flange, radially extending from the conduit proximate the conduit first end, configured to be implanted in the source body space adjacent an opening in the tissue wall of the source body space such that the conduit extends through the opening, the flange comprising one or more circumferentially adjacent sections at least one of which has a rigidity that decreases in a radially-increasing direction.

Abstract: A cannula has a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a tip on the distal end. The tip has an outer wall defining a lumen opening at the end of the tip and extending to the proximal end of the cannula. The tip further comprises one or more ribs extending into the lumen to support the outer wall from kinking when the cannula is flexed. The outer wall has a inner surface defining the lumen and a plurality of non-circular apertures formed in the tip extending into the lumen. The apertures having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis aligned in relation to a circumference of the outer wall to prevent puckering or buckling when the tip is bent. This alignment is also designed to support the outer wall from kinking when the tip is bent.

Abstract: Catheters, aspirators, and atherectomy tools using vortices are provided.

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: Apparatus for extracting fibrin from blood so as to form a fibrin clot, the apparatus comprising: a vessel for holding drawn blood; a lid for selectively closing off the vessel; and a precipitator connected to the lid for engaging the drawn blood contained within the vessel and acting as a focal point for the precipitation of fibrin clot.

Abstract: Seal assemblies or valves, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for reducing the amount of contact between an instrument being passed into and out of a trocar assembly and an inner surface of a sealing wall of such seal assemblies or valves. In one exemplary embodiment a valve includes an activation extension that is formed on the inner surface of the sealing wall of the valve and is configured such that a distal end of the sealing wall is moved to the open position by an instrument contacting the activation extension. In one embodiment the instrument does not come into contact with the inner surface of the sealing wall during the procedure. In another embodiment a distal-most end of the activation extension can be closer to a longitudinal axis extending through the flange than the inner surface of the sealing wall.

Abstract: A carrying case, which accommodates a pharmaceutical injection device for administering a pharmaceutical to a living body, comprises a case unit configured to accommodate the pharmaceutical injection device therein and a temperature regulation unit configured to regulate a temperature within the case unit. The temperature regulation unit includes: a cooling execution section configured to execute a cooling operation; a cooling fan configured to supply a cool air into the case unit; and a cooling control section configured to control the cooling execution section.

Abstract: A substrate is modified by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, surface modification of the substrate, and formation of microcellular compositions.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical device 10 includes a housing 12 having a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. A cannula 18 is attached to the housing distal end 14 and has a distal tip 20 with at least one port 22 in communication with a lumen 19 extending through the cannula 18 and in communication with an aspiration path 24 in the housing 12. A vibration source 26 is held within the housing 12 for vibrating the distal tip 20 for assisting in vitreous and other tissue removal. An aspiration source 152 connected to the aspiration path 24 for applying a negative pressure to the lumen 19 and the at least one port 22 for removing fluids and the vitreous and other tissue from the eye. The vibration source 26 and the aspiration source 152 together create a periodic bi-directional flow of tissue through the port 22 without creating cavitation externally of the distal tip 20.

Abstract: A catheter shaft including a metallic tubular member including a plurality of apertures formed in the tubular wall of the metallic tubular member to provide a desired degree of flexibility to the metallic tubular member. The metallic tubular member includes a tapered region intermediate a region and a second, reduced diameter region relative to the first region.

Abstract: A hemodialytic angioacess device for implantation in dialysis patients, comprising an arteriovenous (AV) shunt, anastomotic valves that connect the AV shunt to blood vessels, a valve control system and an integrated surveillance system that measures flow conditions in the blood vessels at the AV shunt, preferably when the valves are closed and the patient is not undergoing dialysis treatment. The flow condition data, which may include data representing the flow rate, pressure, volume and velocity of blood flowing through the vessels, is stored in a memory and transmitted to a health care provider or technician on demand. The data can be used to calculate and monitor important physiological parameters, such as compliance and resistance, for the blood vessels, and help detect and identify dangerous conditions, such as turbulence and stasis, which can contribute to AV shunt failure, vessel injury and other serious complications for the patient.

Abstract: The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient.

Abstract: A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system is provided for the removal of thrombus, lesions and the like including provisions for the infusion of drugs, lysing fluids and the like into a blood vessel. Physician controlled high powered direct fluid jet streams emanate from a fluid jet emanator in the form of robust radially directed fluid jet streams to impinge upon and ablate difficult and strong thrombus or lesions within a blood vessel. Effluent aspiration is controlled by an exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump, but effluent removal can be assistingly influenced by the fluid pressure associated with the radially directed fluid jet streams.

Abstract: A multi-channel trocar developed for use in minimal-access surgery/single incision laparoscopic surgery. The trocar permits surgical access of two or more articulating laparoscopic instruments or scopes through one skin incision using a dividing membrane to separate the working channels. This allows maximal use of robotic technology and permits more degrees of freedom at the operative site. The trocar is inserted through one single skin incision, in the usual manner. The trocar relocates the fulcrum and focal point of motion to the abdominal wall when using a set of interacting and interlocking diaphragms.

Abstract: A composite material includes nitrile group-containing copolymer rubber; polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane; and polyalkylene oxide containing metal salt, in which the metal salt is alkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt, and an amount of the metal salt in the polyalkylene oxide containing metal salt is 0.5 parts by mass to 3.0 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the nitrile group-containing copolymer rubber and the polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an indwelling catheter is provided which comprises a catheter shaft. The catheter either comprises a light source or is adapted to receive light from a light source, and is configured such that light is transmitted from the light source into the catheter shaft. Moreover, the catheter shaft is formed of a polymeric material that transmits a quantity of light from the light source that is effective to inactivate microorganisms on a surface of the catheter shaft upon activation of the light source. For example, the light may inactivate the microorganisms directly or in conjunction with a photosensitizer. According to another aspect of the invention, a sterilization method is provided, which comprises activating the light source while the catheter is inserted in a subject.

Abstract: An anti-biofilm catheter comprising a tubing configured to be disposed within a luminal system, wherein the tubing comes in contacting engagement with a blood flow within the luminal system in vivo. The catheter comprises a surface disposed over at least a portion of the tubing, wherein the surface comprises a surface profile having a skewness value of from about ?0.01 to about ?0.6 such that few or no components of the blood flow is capable of attaching themselves to the surface to encourage biofilm formation. The surface profile further comprises a kurtosis value of from about 2.7 to 3.3.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for delivering and deploying an intravascular device into the vessel including an outer and inner tube that are axially linked by a housing structure at the proximal end of the catheter, and a retractable sleeve structure having a middle tube and sleeve tip. The sleeve tip is sealed to the inner tube at the distal end, and continuously extends into the middle tube. At the proximal end of the sleeve structure, the middle tube is sealed to either a housing structure or slideable proximal ring, forming a sealed chamber between the inner tube and the sleeve structure. A radial space is formed between the sleeve tip and the inner tube optimized for intravascular device placement. During retraction of the sleeve structure, the fold of the sleeve tip peels away from the device, which expands to its deployed state while minimizing axial forces and friction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for use in delivering and/or recovering materials to and/or from a tissue site in the body, the catheter comprising one or more macroporous regions adapted to selectively deliver molecules and/or recover cells from the tissue site, based on one or more physical-chemical-biological characteristics. The macroporous region can be provided in the form of a helical hollow wires, and can be adapted to both recover cells from the tissue site (e.g., bacterial or other cells present in interstitial fluid) and optionally to permit the infusion of medicament to the site, under corresponding conditions.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to a method and device for closing percutaneous punctures, and more particularly to a multi-lumen tamper for such a device. A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway is disclosed, the closure device including a plug configured to engage a surface of the puncture; a toggle configured to engage an internal surface of the body passageway; an elongate filament configured to associate the plug with the toggle; a locking member configured to engage the plug; and a tamper comprising at least two lumens, wherein a first lumen of the at least two lumens is configured to deliver a pharmaceutical agent to the plug.

Abstract: A medical device, said medical device, comprises: a first component having a non-biological material; a second component having a cloned biological material, said second component being attached to said first component, wherein said first component and said second component are operatively associated in a non-living medical device for at least one of treatment, diagnosis, cure, mitigation and prevention of disease, injury, handicap or condition in a living organism. In another aspect, a method comprises: preparing a cloned biological material from a tissue or an organ; attaching said biological material to a medical device; interfacing said biological material with the non-biological material; providing treatment, diagnosis, cure, mitigation and prevention of disease, injury, handicap or condition in a living organism.

Abstract: An injectable biocompatible material delivery system is disclosed and can include an injector and a material delivery cannula that can be in fluid communication with the injector. Further, the injectable biocompatible material delivery system can include a light source that can be configured to emit light to at least a portion of the injector, at least a portion of the material delivery cannula, or a combination thereof. Further, the light source can be configured to activate an injectable biocompatible material as it moves through the system.

Abstract: An elongate medical device handle may comprise a body defining an interior, an exterior, and a connector port extending between the interior and the exterior and defining an axis. The connector port comprises a portion having a polygonal cross-section taken transverse to the axis. In an embodiment, the polygonal cross-section may comprise a star shape. In an embodiment, a connector, such as a fluid connector, may be secured in the connector port using an adhesive.

Abstract: A surgical blower for providing a directed stream to clear a surgical site, that can be used in multiple different use modes. In one use mode, the surgical blower is handheld by a user during operation. In another mode, a distal end portion of the blower is fixed to a foot of a stabilizer instrument and the handle of the blower is handheld. In another mode, a distal end portion of the blower is fixed to a foot of a stabilizer instrument and the handle of the blower is fixed to a stationary object such as a sternal retractor. In another mode, the distal end of the blower is free and the handle of the blower is fixed to a stationary object. An apparatus including a blower and a stabilizer is provided. Methods of using the blower as well as the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A distal perfusion sheath (DPS) is provided for cases where blood perfusion is needed for downstream arteries (distal) to the insertion point of the DPS within the target artery. The ability to provide distal perfusion with the DPS allows the DPS to be positioned in the target artery for long periods without causing lack of blood flow (ischemia) to an extremity that the target artery supplies. In embodiments, the DPS can still be used for surgical arterial access while allowing blood flow downstream.

Abstract: This invention is related to the use of polyurethane-based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs.

Abstract: A device and method for using the device is used for clotting volumes created postoperatively. The device is inserted into a cavity formed by removal of tissue or organ within a patient. The device may have a flexible tubing having a surface material; a blood clotting material enclosed within the surface material of the tubing; a guidewire associated with the device that when placed under tension, stabilizes the tubing radially or longitudinally; and the surface material of the tubing being removable from the enclosed blood clotting material while the guidewire is under tension.

Abstract: A flexible composite tube for medical applications is described. The tube has the ability to transmit a torque and to resist compression, tension, and kinking. The tube is also very flexible in bending, and has a small wall thickness. Different layers are used to obtain the desired properties. Torsional stiffness is obtained by embedding a braid in an elastomeric material. Resistance to kinks and to compression and tension is obtained by placing coils radially inward or outward of the braid. Smooth plastic layers are used to seal the assembly, and facilitate sliding in a body cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier for injecting a filler product, in particular for microplasty or lipo-reconstruction, comprising a semi-rigid tubular needle (2) having a longitudinal axis with a closed hemispherical distal end and a proximal end (3) for connecting to an injection device, said needle having an inner tubular surface defining an inner transverse cross-section and an outer tubular surface defining an outer transverse cross-section, wherein at least one output side opening (11) is formed in the needle in the vicinity of the distal end. According to the invention, at least one output side opening (11) is defined by a peripheral edge (12) with a rounded connection profile free of any protruding edge, between the inner and outer surfaces of the needle, and the wall of the needle (1) has a thickness, from the proximal end (3) and over a predetermined length of the needle, which is greater than the thickness of the needle which is constant up to the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a capillary tube assembly (100) having a proximal (20) end and a distal (30) end, comprising: a think walled capillary tube shaft (10) disposed with a capillary lumen (12) extending from an open proximal (20) end to an open distal (30) end, and a fluidic adapter (40) at the proximal (20) end in fluid connection the capillary tube lumen (12), wherein the capillary tube shaft (10) is adapted for dismountable insertion into a fluid-carrying lumen (212) of a bodily invasive tube (200), and the adapter (40) provides fluidic access to the capillary tube lumen (12) that is fluidically isolated from access to the invasive tube lumen (212). It further relates to an applicator package comprising the capillary tube assembly (100) and an applicator (510).

Abstract: An interventional medical device, for example, a chronic implantable medical electrical lead or drug delivery catheter, or an acute medical therapy delivery and/or diagnostic tool, such as a guide catheter, includes a label formed by laser marking a TiO2-loaded silicone medical adhesive, which is primarily employed for filling and bonding in the device. A laser marking apparatus is employed to form marks of the label in the cured adhesive that forms a backfill and bond in the device.

Abstract: An external infusion device that infuses a fluid into an individual's body includes a housing, a reservoir, a drive system, a power supply, electrical elements, and a tab. The reservoir contains the fluid, and the drive system forces the fluid from the reservoir. The electrical elements control the power to the drive system to regulate the rate that fluid is forced from the reservoir. The tab mates with the housing, and contains at least one electrical element. The tab is removable, and may be replaced with a different tab. The different tab may change the rate fluid is forced from the reservoir. A tab may be removed from one external infusion device and installed in a different external infusion device. The tab may be limited to use in a predetermined number of external infusion devices and may include a power supply.

Abstract: A pen needle assembly is provided herein which includes: a hub having a body with a transverse wall; an arrangement for mounting the hub onto an injector; a first needle cannula extending distally from the transverse wall, the first needle cannula terminating at a distal end, formed for insertion into a patient, with a first lumen extending proximally from the distal end, the first needle cannula being of a first gauge; and, a second needle cannula extending proximally from the transverse wall, the second needle cannula extending from a distal end and terminating at a proximal end with a second lumen extending distally from the proximal end. The first and second lumens are in communication. Further, the second needle cannula is of a second gauge, the second gauge defining a larger external cross-section than the first gauge.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to an endoscopic system and accessories. In particular, the various embodiments relate to endoscopic systems in which an accessory comprises a multi-lumen device that is capable of quantitatively delivering at least a catheter, a balloon, and a needle to a site. The accessory is configured to allow for individual, independent control of its components. For example, in some embodiments, the needle and guidewire can be independently controlled. In addition, the needle may be retracted back into an inner lumen of the catheter body. Accordingly, during use, the accessory of the embodiments allows the user to maintain access to an incision site without having to exchange or remove accessories for various parts of the procedure.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: A surgical access device comprising a tissue separating obturator suitable for connection with a cannula is disclosed. The obturator includes an elongate shaft having a transparent distal tip. The elongate shaft extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a lumen. The transparent distal tip has a tapered configuration and includes an inner surface and an outer surface adapted for penetrating tissue. The lumen is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument such as a laparoscope. The surgical access device further includes a scope lock at the proximal end of the shaft portion. The lock includes a multi-fingered collet coaxial with the lumen. The inner diameter of the collet is smaller than an outer diameter of the optical instrument and the fingers of the collet provide frictional engagement with the outer diameter of the optical instrument that is inserted into the lumen of the obturator.

Abstract: A catheter repair kit and method for repairing a catheter is provided. The catheter repair kit can include a rod and a connection element for coupling the rod to the connection element. The method of repairing the catheter can include providing a catheter with a remnant extension leg, a replacement extension tube, and the steps of attaching a connection element to the remnant extension leg, and coupling the remnant extension leg to the replacement extension tube.

Abstract: An anatomical probe system comprises an elongated flexible body and an operational component extending within a channel of the flexible body. The system also comprises a support member at a distal end of the elongated flexible body. The support member includes a fluid director adapted to direct a fluid from the channel toward the operational component. The fluid may be automatically directed towards the operational component in response to detecting a material obstruction of an image.

Abstract: Nanosubstrates as biosensors, methods of making such nanosubstrates, and methods of using such nanosubstrates to detect biomarkers are described.

Abstract: There is provided a suction catheter having a tubular body with a lumen formed therethrough. The catheter has a plurality of spaced elongated apertures positioned near its distal tip. The catheter may have a fourth round opening positioned proximally to the three openings. The catheter has reduced impact force compared to similar suction catheters without the plurality of apertures near the distal tip.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a hub, an elongated conduit, and at least one lumen therein. The lumen includes a proximal lumen section, a distal lumen section, and an intermediate lumen section extending between the proximal and distal lumen sections. The cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the distal lumen section. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the proximal lumen section. In certain embodiments, the lumen tapers from the distal and/or proximal lumen sections to the intermediate lumen section.

Abstract: A valved catheter is provided which includes a slit that opens readily in both directions either when a fluid is caused to flow from the interior to the exterior thereof or when a fluid is caused to flow from the exterior to the interior thereof, and that prevents inadvertent closure thereof from the opened state. The valve includes an openable slit that penetrates from the inner surface to the outer surface of a distal end section of a valved catheter with a closed distal end, and edge portions on the two sides of the slit are formed along the direction in which the valved catheter extends. The slit includes a linear shape in the cross-section of the distal end section of the valved catheter that extends in a position away from a center line “c” that passes through the center of the valved catheter in parallel with this center line “c” whereupon, either one of the edge portions deforms more readily than either one of the other edge portions.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing blood flow in or about a cardiac structure to prevent thrombosis. One step of the method includes providing an implantable sprayer having an elongated tubular body with proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion includes at least one opening and an anchoring mechanism. The distal end portion of the implantable sprayer is inserted into a cardiac chamber that includes the cardiac structure. The anchoring mechanism is then deployed so that the distal end portion of the implantable sprayer is secured in or about the cardiac structure. Next, the proximal end portion is anastomosed with an artery so that blood flows through the elongated tubular body of the implantable sprayer and is sprayed out of the at least one opening to continuously circulate blood in or about the cardiac structure.

Abstract: A hemodialysis and vascular access system comprises a subcutaneous composite PTFE silastic arteriovenous fistula having an indwelling silastic venous end which is inserted percutaneously into a vein and a PTFE arterial end which is anastomosed to an artery. Access to a blood stream within the system is gained by direct puncture of needle(s) into a needle receiving site having a tubular passage within a metal or plastic frame and a silicone upper surface through which needle(s) are inserted. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, percutaneous access to a blood stream may be gained by placing needles directly into the system (i.e. into the PTFE arterial end). The invention also proposes an additional embodiment having an arterialized indwelling venous catheter where blood flows from an artery through a tube and a port into an arterial reservoir and is returned to a vein via a port and a venous outlet tube distinct and distant from the area where the blood from the artery enters the arterial reservoir.