Abstract: A dispenser head for mounting on a fluid dispenser, said dispenser head comprising a body (1) provided with a dispenser orifice (10), said head being provided with a cap (2) that is displaceable between a closed position, in which it covers said dispenser orifice (10), and an open position, in which it does not cover said dispenser orifice, said cap (2) being connected in permanent manner to said body (1), regardless of the position of said cap.

Abstract: A flow regulating implant is provided with one or more grooves for allowing fluid flow. One or more grooves may have a constant or varying cross-section along its length. One or more grooves may have in it biodegradable material, absorbable material, and/or threads or sutures. A resilient band or coating may be placed around the implant or one or more grooves, to act as a pressure regulator. The implant may have a side projection, such as a side pin, for engaging tissue. The implant may comprise two or more parts that are held at a distance from each other to allow fluid flow between the parts.

Abstract: A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion.

Abstract: A vena cava filter catheter includes a catheter having a lumen disposed therethrough and at least one strand of biocompatible wire. The at least one strand has a first state in which the at least one strand has an elongate geometry suitable for traversing the lumen of the catheter and a second state in which the at least one strand assumes a pre-set geometry in which the at least one strand assumes a tortuous configuration adapted to occupy a space approximating a luminal diameter of an inferior vena cava.

Abstract: A central venous catheter comprises an ultrasound assembly. In one arrangement, the radiating member is used to remove a blockage from the central venous catheter. In another arrangement, inserting an ultrasound assembly into a central venous catheter. The ultrasound assembly comprises an ultrasound radiating member mounted on an elongate support structure. The method further comprises positioning the ultrasound assembly within the central venous catheter such that the ultrasound radiating member is adjacent to a deposited material formed on a portion of the central venous catheter. The method further comprises supplying an electrical current to the ultrasound radiating member to expose the deposited material to ultrasonic energy. The method further comprises passing a therapeutic compound through the central venous catheter to expose the deposited material to the therapeutic compound simultaneously with ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A blood vessel catheter includes a dual lumen catheter tube and a bolus insert attached to the distal end of the tube. First and second ports are formed between the nose section of the bolus and distal end openings of first and second lumens in the tube. The catheter is fabricated by insert molding a thermoplastic bolus onto the distal end of a thermoplastic tube.

Abstract: There is provided a medical tube lumen plug, including: a plug, including: a body configured to be mechanically coupled to a lumen of a medical tube; and a protrusion configured to extend external to the medical tube, wherein the protrusion is configured to prevent occlusion of an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to provide a pathway between the lumen and a region external to the medical tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preventing biofilm formation associated with an indwelling medical device. The method involves applying nanovibrational acoustic waves to surfaces of a medical device utilizing a piezo resonator to generate the waves.

Abstract: A technique for providing a fluid lock in an indwelling catheter, such as is used in hemo-dialysis; the catheter having an annular lumen surrounding a central lumen. The annular lumen, whether used for infusion or aspiration, has a set of ports which are aligned with each other along a circular circumference so that they intersect a common plane. That common plane is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the annular lumen. The catheter is implanted into a patient's cardio-vascular system. There are substantial down times between the blood cleaning procedures for which the catheter is implanted. Fluid is injected into the annular lumen which displaces any blood in the annular lumen proximal of the set of ports. This fluid is maintained in the annular lumen displacing blood throughout the down time of the catheter thereby providing fluid lock and avoiding blood clot within the annular lumen proximal of the set of ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a porous, hydrophobic polymer with a hemocompatible substance and to the materials produced thereby. One embodiment of the present invention relates to the providing of expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) with one or more complexes of heparin, typically containing heparin in combination with a hydrophobic counter ion. The hemocompatible substance is dissolved in a mixture of solvents in which a first solvent wets the polymer to be coated and the second solvent enhances the solubility of the hemocompatible substance material in the solvent mixture. Typical first solvents wetting hydrophobic polymers include non-polar such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Typical second solvents include polar solvents such as organic alcohols and ketones. Azeotropic mixtures of the second solvent in the first solvent are used in some embodiments of the present invention although second solvents may be employed in a range of concentration ranges from less than 0.1% up to saturation.

Abstract: A venous port for withdrawal of fluid in which one or more extensions are provided which can selectively extend to remove impediments from an aperture of the port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal occlusion device having denuding elements, motion transfer converter or anti-migration features or a combination of one or more of these features. The disclosed occlusion device can denude the body lumen through a rotational motion of the denuding elements within a lumen. The delivery system can transfer a linear motion of a handle to a combination of linear and rotational movements of the occlusion device for placement and denuding action. Anti-migration features provide free spinning of the main body of the occlusion device to prevent migration of the deployed occlusion device, especially with rotatable denuding elements.

Abstract: A method of making catheters is disclosed in which the wall of the catheter has a porous structure for carrying additional agents, such as therapeutic or diagnostic agents. The method includes providing a core, applying a base polymer material and an inert material over the outer surface of the core, and consolidating the base polymer material to form a catheter having a porous polymer layer with the inert material contained within the pores thereof. The inert material can be applied with the base polymer material, or it can be applied in a separate step after the base polymer material has been partially consolidated to form the porous polymer layer. Additional agents can be mixed with the inert material before it is applied to the catheter, or such agents can be applied to the porous polymer layer of the catheter in a separate step after the inert material is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A medical device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes an inner liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, a reinforcing layer surrounding at least a portion of the liner; and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing layer and inner liner. The liner and outer layer may include multiple sections having different properties than one another, adjacent sections attached together by seams, which may be offset from one another. Apparatus and methods for making tubular devices with coated liners are also provided.

Abstract: An anti-clogging catheter includes a tubular cannula defining a fluid passageway and shaped and tipped to removably insert within and be removed from a human body, where the cannula has a proximal end with a first interior surface defining a first interior diameter and a distal end with a second interior surface defining a second interior diameter that is smaller than the first interior diameter. A stylet is movable within the fluid passageway between the proximal end and the distal end and has an outer diameter substantially equal to the second interior diameter.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a new type of needed for a subcutaneous port or for any use where blood is recycled, and more precisely to a needle with reduced friction openings for easing blood and its elements along a passageway made of a through bore in the body of a needle. The needle includes an oval shape opening for increased mechanical resistance of the needle while allowing a greater passage curvature of the blood cells at the greatest zone of passage. In other embodiments, a plurality of staggered openings is used to reduce the flow through any single opening where damage occurs, the openings can be made in a curved area, or a plurality of smaller openings or a grid made of openings can be used to further reduce the interference of the needle tip and the needle openings on blood.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for accessing a cerebral vessel. The system includes a support catheter, which can be advanced into small and tortuous vessels. By advancing the support catheter nearer to the obstruction then can be achieved with conventional guide catheters, the support catheter reduces the likelihood vessel compression and collapse when manipulating a working catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods for immobilizing and retrieving material from a patient's body. The device may include a proximal portion extending substantially longitudinally and a detachably engaged to a distal portion capable of transforming between an expanded configuration and a substantially straight configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for placement within a vessel of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body, a septum extending longitudinally through the interior of the catheter body from the dividing the interior of the catheter body into a first lumen and a second lumen. Each lumen has curved or angled internal walls at the distal end of the catheter that terminate at ports located on opposing sides of the catheter body. The invention also provides a method for exchanging fluids in a patient comprising the step of positioning the catheter of the present invention in communication with a fluid-containing vessel of a patient. The method is particularly well-suited for hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other therapies which require removal and return of blood from a patient.

Abstract: Medical devices having an anticoagulant coating are described. The devices may be needles, syringes and blood processing devices. The anticoagulant coating can be any of heparin, heparin salts, citric acid salts, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts, hirudin, sodium pentosan polysulfate, cumarin, derivatives of cumarin, warfarin, or phenprocoumon acenocoumarolor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for preventing or treating biofilm associated with catheters. A piezo-ceramic element may be attached to a catheter, and a vibration processor may be connected to the piezo-ceramic element. The vibration processor may provide electric signals that generate acoustic vibrations in the piezo-ceramic element, causing vibrations in or around the catheter. These vibrations may be particularly administered to disperse microbe colonies, thereby preventing or inhibiting formation of biofilm that may lead to infections. Vibrations may be amplified significantly due to resonance conditions in the catheter balloon, which may be powerful enough to be used to disperse microbe colonies that have grouped around the catheter or are attempting to do so.

Abstract: Medical devices, as well as related systems and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device may include an extravascular system for communication of fluid with a vascular system, a fluid path within the extravascular system, and a fluid flow director in communication with the fluid path. The director encourages movement of stagnant fluid within the fluid path of the extravascular system. A method may include providing an extravascular system having a fluid path and encouraging the movement of stagnant fluid within the fluid path of the extravascular system.

Abstract: Needles and methods of plugging a needle having a tip opening with an inside diameter and a needle tip length, wherein the methods generally comprise the steps of, providing a plug material having a predetermined viscosity; providing a delivery device for introducing the plug material into the needle tip opening, wherein the delivery device comprises a delivery tube having a delivery diameter that is equal to or less than the inner diameter of the needle tip opening; introducing at least a portion of the heated plug material into the needle tip opening via the delivery tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for drainage of a wound or surgical site of a human or animal fits anatomically, passes from inside the wound or surgical site percutaneously or covering an open wound surface and extends externally for accumulation of fluids. A plurality of fibers each with an internal end, middle and an external end is elongate with a thickness and a length wherein its thickness is substantially less than its length for flexibility. The fibers form a loose bundle with gathered external ends and with internal ends unrestrained for spreading divergently inside the wound or surgical site. A collector is positioned in fluid communication with the gathered external ends for accumulating bodily fluid guided along and amongst the fibers from the internal ends along the middle and to the external ends during drainage. Vacuum connects to draw fluid from the collector. A method has steps of providing fibers with the internal ends unrestrained, the external ends gathered in a collector to accumulate drained fluid.

Abstract: An improved surgical drain tube 10 having an internal passageway 12, a plurality of portions 14 of the external wall of the tube extending outwardly and being arranged in opposing pairs, the walls of the outwardly extending portions forming the sidewalls 14A, 14B, 16 of external channels 18 that run longitudinally along the length of the tube, and crossholes 20 positioned on the sidewalls of the outwardly extending portions 14 that provide for fluid flow from the channel 18 into the internal passageway 12 of the tube.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a dual lumen tube with a bolus at its distal end having a bullet nose. A venous port is formed in one side of the bolus adjacent the bullet nose of the bolus. An arterial port is formed in the bolus circumferentially displaced 180° around the catheter from the venous port. The bolus contains a venous passage which transitions from a smaller two-thirds moon shaped cross-section to a larger circular cross-section. The arterial passage has a crescent-moon shaped cross-section. The bullet nose is not as thick as the tube and is inclined on an angle to the axis of the tube so that a portion of its outer periphery is substantially tangent to a hypothetical cylinder containing the trailing edge of the venous port.

Abstract: A reagent and related method for use in passivating a biomaterial surface, the reagent including a latent reactive group and a bifunctional aliphatic acid (e.g., fatty acid), in combination with a spacer group linking the latent reactive group to the aliphatic acid in a manner that preserves the desired function of each group. Once bound to the surface, via the latent reactive group, the reagent presents the aliphatic acid to the physiological environment, in vivo, in a manner (e.g., concentration and orientation) sufficient to hold and orient albumin.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a biocompatible polymer composition for treatment of urinary incontinence provides for delivery of biocompatible polymer material and a solidification agent through two lumens. The delivery device provides better control of the precipitation of the polymer in the periurethral tissue and detachment of the precipitated mass from the delivery device. The medical device includes a needle having a lumen and an inner cannula positioned within the needle lumen and movable longitudinally in the needle lumen from an extended position to a withdrawn position to sheer or cut the delivered mass of polymer material away from the needle tip.

Abstract: A suction probe system for cleaning debris from a surgical site includes a probe tip, a cylindrical filter with inner and outer chambers in fluid communication with the probe tip, and a suction source in fluid communication with the filter unit. In a first version, the inner chamber is attached to the suction source, and an outer surface of the filter accumulates debris particles, which are removed by a cleaning cylinder sliding along the outer surface of the filter as a distal portion of the probe system is slid along a proximal portion thereof. In a second version, the outer chamber is attached to the suction source, and a inner surface of the filter accumulates debris particles, which are removed by rotation of a paddle within the filter as the distal portion of the probe system is rotated on the proximal portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound drain catheter for draining fluid from, or supplying medication to, a wound in a patient. The wound drain catheter comprises a drain, a flexible outflow tube, and means for connecting the drain to the flexible outflow tube. The drain comprises a hollow core having a longitudinal axis; plural struts extending outwardly from the hollow core and being closed to the hollow core; and plural overhangs connected to the outward ends of the struts, respectively, the overhangs cooperating with the struts to form plural longitudinal lumens, the overhangs cooperating with each other to form, on the outer surface of the drain, segments of a segmented, closed curve with gaps between the segments providing plural longitudinal grooves for fluid communication between the wound and a respective lumen, the grooves sized to inhibit tissue from growing therein and debris from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A device and method to dissolve or eliminate blood clots from a patient relies upon a non-rapid moving mechanism to physically dissolve clots without damaging endothelium of the arteries and veins of a patient. In one embodiment, in addition to mechanical agitation of a clot, a thrombolytic agent is administered simultaneously with such agitation. Preferably, intermittent agitation is utilized over a prolonged period of time to effectuate clot removal.

Abstract: A debridement extension including a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being adapted for connection to both an irrigation source and a suction source. The debridement extension includes a fitting adjacent the proximal end which includes both an irrigation port and a suction port. An inner cannula and an outer cannula are both attached to the fitting of the debridement extension and are, respectively, in fluid communication with the irrigation port and the suction port. A debridement tip is affixed to the distal end of the debridement extension and is independently in fluid communication with both the irrigation path and the suction path formed by the inner and outer cannulas, respectively.

Abstract: A multilumen discharge assembly for delivering mixed biological adhesives is provided, which comprises a base portion including a flow path to provide mixed biological adhesives therethrough, and an elongate cylinder defining a plurality of axially extending flow channels connected to an outlet port, where the elongate cylinder is rotatably mounted relative to the base portion to permit sequential alignment of said flow path with a respective one of said plurality of flow channels upon rotation thereof. The discharge assembly further includes a declogging mechanism disposed adjacent the elongate cylinder and including at least one scraping member for scraping a portion of said outlet port to provide a substantially clear opening for delivering mixed biological adhesives.

Abstract: A device useful for localized delivery of a therapeutic material is provided. The device includes a structure including a porous material; and a water-insoluble salt of a therapeutic material dispersed in the porous material. The water-insoluble salt is formed by contacting an aqueous solution of a therapeutic salt with a heavy metal water-soluble salt dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the porous material. The heavy metal water-soluble salt can be dispersed in the porous material so that the device can be sterilized and the therapeutic material can be loaded in the device in situ, for example, just prior to use. The therapeutic material is preferably a heparin or heparin derivative or analog which renders the material antithrombotic as an implantable or invasive device.

Abstract: A coating for a medical device is described which enhances the bio-activity of the surface of a medical device, rendering the surface substantially bio-compatible. The bio-compatible coating is formed from a composition which includes an aqueous emulsion or dispersion of a polycarbonate-polyurethane composition and an excess of polyfunctional cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The aggregation of platelets on the surface of a foreign body exposed to the flowing blood of a living being (such as plastic tubing, a balloon or the end of a catheter surgically inserted in a blood vessel, a stent implanted therein or synthetic grafts, which surface normal promotes such platelet aggregation to form a coating firmly affixed to that surface which would restrict the flow of blood past that surface or to form a blood clot detachable from that surface), is inhibited by a gas permeable coating on the surface of a physiologically acceptable polymer as which contains dissolved or dispersed therein a nitrosyl-containing organometallic compound, such as sodium nitroprusside, which is protected from diffusion from the coating and from direct contact with the blood and which slowly decomposes at the body temperature within the coating and in so doing releases a platelet aggregation-inhibiting amount of nitric oxide which diffuses from the coating during the period when platelet aggregation by the surfa

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a flexible tube having an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining a lumen, the lumen extending longitudinally along the flexible tube and having a cross-sectional area; and a flexible core within the lumen substantially extending longitudinally along the flexible tube, the flexible core having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lumen at any given longitudinal point along the flexible tube and flexible core, the flexible tube and the flexible core defining a passageway, and which in combination provides structure resistant to occlusion of the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for keeping the lumens and the distal orifices of catheters and like articles free of undesirable granulation tissues, granulomas, and the like. The catheter of the invention overcomes the problem of catheter occlusion by providing an immediately available source of an anti-neoplastic agent that minimizes or prevents formation of granulation tissue or granulomas at the tip and/or in the lumen of the catheter, thereby maintaining catheter patency. The catheter comprises a body with an exterior surface and a distal end, wherein at least the distal end comprises an anti-neoplastic agent to prevent or minimize catheter occlusion when the distal end of the catheter is in contact with a bodily tissue and/or fluid. In one embodiment, the anti-neoplastic agent is applied to the catheter as a coating. In another embodiment, the anti-neoplastic agent is an integral part of the catheter material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-thrombogenic and cellular-adhesion coating composition for blood-contacting surfaces. The coating comprises a covalent complex of from 1 to 30 hydrophobic silyl moieties of Formula I: wherein R1 is an C1-18 alkyl or C6-32 aryl group, each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-18 alkyl and C6-32 aryl, R3 is N or O, n is a number from 1 to 10, directly bound to a heparin molecule via covalent bonding, with an adhesive molecule directly bound to the heparin molecule. In one embodiment, the coating comprises benzyl-(1,2 dimethyl)disilyl heparin, wherein an adhesive molecule, such as fibronectin, is bound to the heparin.

Abstract: To prevent blood from clotting or being diluted (which causes inaccuracy in the measurement of the characteristics of blood drawn from a patient), a needle assembly has the interior portion of its cannula and at least one portion of its hub covered by a dry coat of anticoagulant. To provide the dry coat of anticoagulant onto the interior surfaces of the cannula and the hub, a liquid anticoagulant is atomized thereto so that an even coat of the anticoagulant is provided to the interior surfaces of the cannula and hub. The volume and concentration of the anticoagulant atomized to the inside of the needle assembly are controlled as the liquid anticoagulant is ultra-sonically atomized to the interior portion of the needle assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a dilation catheter which comprises an elongated catheter shaft, a guide wire tube, and an angioplasty balloon. The distal end of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the guide wire tube, and the proximal portion of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the catheter shaft. A stiffening wire is attached to the inner wall of the catheter shaft at a plurality of points along its length. The distal extremity of the guide wire tube is decreased in size relative to the proximal portion of the guide wire tube. A fluid is contained within the guide wire lumen.

Abstract: A nucleic acid coating composition including a polyanion bound, directly or through one or more intermediates, to a medical device surface, with a condensate comprising a polycation and nucleic acid bound to the polyanion, devices incorporating such coating compositions, and methods for making. In one embodiment, a silyl-heparin complex is provided, bound to a medical device surface by hydrophobic interaction with the silyl moiety, with a polycation and nucleic acid condensate bound to the heparin by electrostatic interaction.

Abstract: The control of fluid introduction into and out of body conduits such as vessels, is of great concern in medicine. As the development of more particular treatments to vessels and organs continues it is apparent that controlled introduction and removal of fluids is necessary. Fluid delivery and removal from such sites, usually referred to as irrigation and aspiration, using fluid exchange devices that control also need to be considerate of potential volume and/or pressure in the vessel or organ are described together with catheter and lumen configurations to achieve the fluid exchange. The devices include several electrically or mechanically controlled embodiments and produce both controlled and localized flow with defined volume exchange ratios for fluid management. The applications in medicine include diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging, and uses for the introduction or removal of concentrations of emboli within body cavities.

Abstract: A medical device for fragmenting objects and aspirating remaining debris enables a physician or other medical personnel quickly and easily remove objects, such as kidney stones, from a patient. The medical device can include a dual-lumen elongated member and a handle coupled to the elongated member. A first one of the lumens provides a suction passageway, and a second one of the lumens receives a laser fiber for delivering laser energy to an object, such as a kidney stone, within the patient. The handle can include a positioning mechanism to enable the physician by manual manipulation to move and hold in place the laser fiber longitudinally within the second lumen.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of producing same are provided. The medical device comprising a body member and a coating on at least a portion of the body member comprising a polyalkylene oxide and a functional group, preferably heparin, magainin, or chlorhexidine.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a biocompatible polymer composition for treatment of urinary incontinence provides for delivery of biocompatible polymer material and a solidification agent through two lumens. The delivery device provides better control of the precipitation of the polymer in the periurethral tissue and detachment of the precipitated mass from the delivery device. The medical device includes a needle having a lumen and an inner cannula positioned within the needle lumen and movable longitudinally in the needle lumen from an extended position to a withdrawn position to sheer or cut the delivered mass of polymer material away from the needle tip.

Abstract: A reagent and related method for use in passivating a biomaterial surface, the reagent including a latent reactive group and a bifunctional aliphatic acid (e.g., fatty acid), in combination with a spacer group linking the latent reactive group to the aliphatic acid in a manner that preserves the desired function of each group. Once bound to the surface, via the latent reactive group, the reagent presents the aliphatic acid to the physiological environment, in vivo, in a manner (e.g., concentration and orientation) sufficient to hold and orient albumin.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter comprising a dual lumen tube with a bullet nose bolus at its distal end. A venous port is formed in one side of the bolus adjacent the bullet nose of the bolus. An arterial port is formed in the bolus circumferentially displaced 180° around the catheter from the venous port. The bolus contains a venous passage which transitions from a smaller diameter D-shaped cross-section to a larger diameter circular cross-section. The bullet nose is thinner than the tube but is inclined on an angle to the axis of the tube so that a portion of its outer periphery is substantially tangent to a hypothetical cylinder containing the trailing edge of the venous port.

Abstract: A device useful for localized delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The device includes a structure including a porous polymeric material and an elutable therapeutic agent in the form of a solid, gel, or neat liquid, which is dispersed in at least a portion of the porous polymeric material. Methods for making a medical device having a blood-contacting surface is also provided. One method involves: providing a structure comprising a porous material; contacting the structure comprising a porous material with a concentrating agent to disperse the concentrating agent throughout at least a portion of the porous material; contacting the structure comprising a porous material and the concentrating agent with a solution of a therapeutic agent; and removing the therapeutic agent from solution within the porous material at the locations of the concentrating agent. Another method involves multiple immersion steps without the use of a concentrating agent.