Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle having a hollow passageway terminates in a straight needle tip having a rectangular cross-sectional shape larger than the cross-sectional shape of the needle passageway. The tip is formed off-axis from the passageway, allowing the needle tip to move eccentrically when the needle is subjected to torsional or longitudinal vibratory motion. The inner and outer surfaces of the needle tip are roughened, as by sandblasting, to enhance the cutting effect of the tip when used with a non-longitudinal handpiece. The lip of each needle tip is polished to a high degree of smoothness and the edges of the tip are rounded to lessen the incidence of snags or cuts.

Abstract: A continuous nerve block apparatus comprising: (a) a hollow needle including a conduit extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being beveled between ten and fifty degrees; and, (b) a connector operatively coupled to the hollow needle, the connector including at least a first through passage in fluid communication with the conduit of the hollow needle, the connector including a first orifice allowing fluid communication from an exterior of the connector to the first through passage, the connector also including at least one valve.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) collection tube includes a bottom end portion and a tubular sidewall portion. The tubular sidewall portion has a first end and a second end, the first end being sealed to the bottom end portion and the second end defining an open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube further includes a filament element that is attached to an interior surface of the tubular sidewall portion and projects through the open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube may further include a removeable cap.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for access to the sub-retinal space that lies between the retina and the choroid in order to introduce therapies to the retina and more specifically to the sensory retina and RPE, particularly in the region of the macula. The devices comprise a catheter that incorporates advantageous size, flexibility and tip features to properly, accurately and atraumatically access the sub-retinal space. Ancillary devices to assist in placing catheters into the sub-retinal space are also provided. The catheter devices incorporate a lumen for delivery of therapeutic substances or devices into the eye.

Abstract: A catheter with a balloon anchor may be sized to fit through an inner needle and introduced into the patient through the needle. The inner needle may comprise an atraumatic needle with a side port and/or a blunt tip. The catheter may include a radiopaque coil disposed over the distal portion of the catheter body to assist with catheter placement when viewed with fluoroscopy and/or x-ray. The distal portion of the catheter can be very flexible. A balloon inflation tube may terminate proximal to a proximal end of the expandable balloon anchor such that the distal portion of catheter can be flexible. This termination of the inflation tube may also position the inflation tube away from the annulus and nerve roots, so as to avoid irritation of the annulus and rubbing of the nerve roots that may potentially obscure FAD test results.

Abstract: Provided is a microneedle device which protects a microneedle, has an easily portable shape, is free from such problems as breakage of small needles in the step of puncturing the skin with the microneedle, and ensures appropriate skin puncture to administer a drug. By studying the relationship between the device to be pressed to the skin and the height of the elevation of the skin surface during the pressing, it is found that there is a positive correlation between the placement and interval of skin fixing members and the height of the elevation of the skin. It is furthermore found that the elevated skin surface is always parallel to the flat plate of the device. This reveals that since the microneedle installed in the device can be inserted at right angle to the skin surface, the skin can reliably be punctuated avoiding the breakage etc. of the small needles of the microneedle. Thus, a microneedle patch which is easily portable and ensures convenient drug administration to the skin can be produced.

Abstract: To make it possible to integrally form a needle tube and a needle hub by reliably holding and fixing the needle tube with a chuck member and then performing insert molding, a device has a needle tube having a needle tip capable of puncturing a living body; and a needle hub that is adapted to hold the needle tube in a state where the needle tip of the needle tube is protruded and that is formed with a retention hole into which a chuck member is inserted, the chuck member being adapted to hold and fix the circumferential surface of the needle tube when performing insert molding.

Abstract: To prevent a coating agent applied to the surface of a needle tube from being infiltrated into the clearance between the needle tube and a needle hub, a device comprises a needle tube that has a needle tip capable of puncturing a living body and that is coated with a coating agent on the surface of a tip-end portion on the side of the needle tip; and a needle hub adapted to hold the needle tube in a state where the needle tip of the needle tube is protruded. The needle hub has a through-hole through which the needle tube is inserted, and a discharge hole extending from the through-hole to the outer surface of the needle hub and adapted to discharge the coating agent infiltrated into the through-hole.

Abstract: A micro-needle (4) comprising a sharp tip (31), an elongated body (32) and a head (36) containing at least two parallel independent lumens (5,6), each of said lumens (5,6) communicating with a distal side opening (7,8) of the head (36); said openings (7,8) being essentially oriented in a direction which is perpendicular with respect to its lumen (5,6) main direction and wherein the distal top end (33,34) of said lumen (5,6) is in the head (36) of the micro-needle (4).

Abstract: A delivery needle apparatus in which a sleeve is fitted over an exterior surface of a delivery needle and methods of manufacturing the same. An elongate medical device may be delivered through the interior of the delivery needle and out of an opening in the distal end of the delivery needle (i.e., the delivery opening). The sleeve may cover a proximal portion of the delivery opening and may align an elongate medical device during insertion and/or withdrawal through the delivery opening.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a hollow microneedle structure. The method includes forming an injection mold having a through hole, filling the injection mold with a photoresist formed of a viscous material, and extruding the photoresist from the injection mold through the through hole, solidifying the extruded photoresist to form a needle-type photoresist structure, forming a seed layer on the surface of the photoresist structure, forming a metal plated layer on the seed layer, inclining an end tip of the photoresist structure having the metal plated layer, and removing the photoresist from the metal plated layer to form a hollow. Thus, the hollow microneedle structure can be manufactured to have such diameter, length, hardness, and inclination angle as to minimize pain. The hollow microneedle structure can be combined with an apparatus for detecting a biomaterial or injecting cosmetic substances or medicines, and variously applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic needle. The plastic needle of the invention is made of a polyarylethercetone polymer. The invention finds industrial applicability in particular in medical and analysis fields.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, serotonin receptor antagonist formulations are provided for subcutaneous, transdermal or intradermal delivery to a subject. In an embodiment, serotonin receptor antagonist formulations include ondansetron or ondansetron-containing formulations. In another embodiment, serotonin receptor antagonist formulations include palonosetron or palonosetron-containing formulations. In another aspect of the invention, microinjection devices are provided for delivering a serotonin receptor antagonist formulation to a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a trocar assembly for delivering a payload into tissue, such as an eye, comprising a primary housing, a cannula, a payload, an actuator and a trocar.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing microneedles is provided, the method includes (i) depositing a substance onto a first surface and (ii) forming a solid needle-like shape from the substance. The substance may be deposited in non-solid form and subsequently solidified. A method provides an array of such microneedles.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly includes a stylet having a sharp needlepoint at an end thereof, a stylet hub secured to a base end of the stylet, a hollow outer needle in which the stylet is inserted, an outer needle hub secured to a base end of the outer needle, an opening formed at the base end or at a side of the outer needle hub to communicate with the inner cavity of the outer needle, a seal fitted onto the outer needle hub and in which a hole or slit is provided for insertion of the stylet therein, the hole or slit being formed to become closed when the inserted stylet is extracted, an operating part installed on the outer needle hub to move the stylet and outer needle along the longitudinal direction when the stylet is inserted into the outer needle, and a movement suppresser for stopping or suppressing moving the stylet relative to the seal when the operating part is operated.

Abstract: A system for providing transvascular retrograde access in a central blood vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, the system has a handle; a catheter extending from the handle; and a tissue piercing element extending from the handle through the catheter, the tissue piercing element having a sharp distal tip adapted to extend from a distal portion of the catheter, the catheter and handle being adapted to be separated from the tissue piercing element, a distal portion of the tissue piercing element being adapted to serve as a guide for introduction of a device into the central blood vessel. The invention also includes a method of providing transvascular retrograde access to a central blood vessel of a patient.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle system and method for reducing the incidence of infections due to administering fluids by injection to humans or animals is provided. The hypodermic needle system may include a needle with an insert disposed within its hollow channel to substantially prevent bacteria, fungi and/or other organisms/contaminants, which may be present on the exterior surface to be penetrated, from adhering to the inner surfaces of the needle's channel or become trapped in the needle bore. The hypodermic needle system may include a film that covers at least one surface of the needle or insert, and/or have a bent or curved tip to reduce the ability of infectious agents to adhere to said surface/space within the needle. Additionally, the hypodermic needle system may include an anti-infection agent, such as an antibiotic or antiseptic to further reduce the incidence of infections, and may include an attachment member which reduces the risk of infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to catheterization systems and components thereof. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a catheterization system is disclosed that includes a catheter including a body with proximal and distal ends and defining first and second lumens extending therethrough, and a stylet. The stylet includes first and second stylet portions each having proximal and distal end regions, wherein the distal end regions of the first and second stylet portions together define a tapered penetrating portion. The first and second stylet portions are configured and dimensioned to be slidably positioned within the first and second lumens of the catheter, respectively. The first and second stylet portions extend from the proximal end of the catheter and beyond the distal end of the catheter, and are independently movable in relation to each other to facilitate selective removal of the first stylet portion and/or the second stylet portion from the catheter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter device comprising a catheter hub in which a valve member is disposed, a needle fixed in a needle hub, the needle extending through the valve member in the catheter hub in a ready position, and a tubular receptacle in which the needle hub is displaceably guided and biased by a spring in a proximal direction relative to the receptacle, wherein the needle hub is releasably held in the ready position in the receptacle against the force of the spring by frictional force between needle circumference and catheter or catheter hub, which frictional force is reduced on retraction of the needle through the catheter hub such that the force of the spring prevails.

Abstract: An embolization agent for use with a therapeutic drug solution for treating diffuse diseases in a targeted tissue vessel of a patient and a process thereof is presented. This embolization agent comprises an inner core of a fast dispersing material having a diameter less than a predetermined size for the opening in the targeted tissue vessel; and an outer sphere of an embolization material encompassing the inner core and having an initial diameter to occlude the initial opening in the targeted tissue vessel. During the treatment of the disease, the outer sphere of embolization material erodes at a predetermined rate, enhancing penetration of the embolization agent into the opening in the targeted tissue vessel. The inner core disperses into the targeted tissue vessel after becoming exposed by the erosion of the embolization material of the outer sphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic device for intravitreal administration of a substance into a human or animal eye by means of a needle. The device comprises a support structure having a lower surface for contacting the conjunctiva of the sclera, the lower surface being provided with an aperture for receiving the needle. The support structure further comprises a substantially tapering part directed away from the lower surface. In addition, the device comprises a channel provided in the tapering part wherein a first end of the channel forms the aperture in the lower surface.

Abstract: A sharp medical device is attached to a flexible element by a base of the sharp device. The base has a portion with a score line defining a position of predictable failure such that the base can be broken by applying a breaking moment at the score line to permit a user to separate the sharp device and the flexible element cleanly at the position of predictable failure. Various other embodiments are included, which disclose a similar effect.

Abstract: A catheter fabricated of unitary incineratable polymeric material, including a removable solid pusher rod closely mated to the interior of the cannula, engagable with the front tapered end thereof to strengthen and stiffen the cannula during insertion into the body.

Abstract: A transseptal catheter delivery system includes an elongate first tubular member and an elongate second tubular member receivable within the first tubular member. The first tubular member includes an adjustable portion adjacent a distal end. The second tubular member is adapted to receive an instrument to be placed in the left ventricle, and includes a curved portion adjacent its distal end in a relaxed state. The adjustable portion is deflectable toward the atrial septum to guide a puncturing tool and/or guide insertion of the second tubular member through a septal puncture into the left atrium. Within the left atrium, the curved portion is oriented toward the left ventricle to guide insertion of a guide wire, and subsequently the second tubular member, into the left ventricle. Methods of transvenously accessing a left ventricle are also provided.

Abstract: A safety transfusion catheter includes a flexible retention tube fitted over a metal guiding needle. The flexible retention tube is provided with a needle handle connected with it. The angle between the end of the flexible retention tube and its longitudinal axis or longitudinal tube wall is less than 90.degree. The cross section of the needle handle has an outer contour line of a closed curve formed with a curve intersecting a beeline. A further safety transfusion catheter includes a flexible retention tube fitted over a metal guiding needle, a transfusion connecting tube in fluid communication with flexible retention tube and a rubber casing cap at the end of the flexible retention tube. The transfusion connecting tube and flexible retention tube form a T-shaped or an oblique Y-shaped structure.

Abstract: Microneedle device is provided, which include microneedles that can be easily inserted into skin and dissolve or swell in skin. The microneedle devices comprise a substrate and cone-shaped or pyramid-shaped microneedles for skin insertion set on the substrate. The microneedles for skin insertion contain over 50 weight percent of one or multiple biomaterials chosen from chitosan, collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and they are fabricated from the materials that can dissolve or swell in the body.

Abstract: A needle device is provided, which includes a support portion having a first and second main surface and at least one projecting portion extending from the first main surface of the support portion. The projecting portion is constituted of a material includes pectin and an alginate.

Abstract: A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. The length of the channels extending from the first side to the second side may comprise an effective length greater than a distance across the porous structure from the first side to the second side. The therapeutic device may comprise a penetrable barrier to inject therapeutic agent into the device when implanted in the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a nerve block procedure, the apparatus being composed of an echogenic needle or an echogenic soft tissue tunneling device and an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a medication. The apparatus may further include a sheath such that at least one of the needle or tunneling device and sheath is echogenic. The present invention also encompasses a system for performing a nerve block procedure, the system includes introducing an echogenic needle in the general area of a nerve bundle, positioning the echogenic needle adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, introducing an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a fluid through the echogenic needle, withdrawing the echogenic needle, positioning the echogenic catheter adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, and delivering fluid to the nerve bundle through the echogenic catheter.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a needle extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The needle defines a longitudinal axis. The needle includes an elongated cavity that defines an opening disposed proximal to the distal end. A wire extends between a proximal end and a distal end configured for fixation with tissue. The wire is configured for movable disposal within the cavity. The distal end of the wire includes a retainer configured to prevent advancement of the retainer within the tissue. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for accessing the pericardial space of a heart are described here. Access devices may generally comprise a tissue-engaging member, a tissue-piercing member, and a guide element. The access device may be introduced to the surface of a pericardium, where the tissue-engaging member may be deployed to engage a portion of the pericardium without engaging the epicardial surface of the heart. Once the access device has engaged the pericardium, the device may manipulate the pericardium to increase the distance between a portion of the pericardium and the epicardial surface of the heart. Once a sufficient space has been created, the tissue-piercing member may be advanced to pierce the pericardium and enter the pericardial space. The guide element may then be introduced into the pericardial space to provide an access pathway to the heart for other devices.

Abstract: An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections.

Abstract: A delivery needle apparatus in which a sleeve is fitted over an exterior surface of a delivery needle and methods of manufacturing the same. An elongate medical device may be delivered through the interior of the delivery needle and out of an opening in the distal end of the delivery needle (i.e., the delivery opening). The sleeve may cover a proximal portion of the delivery opening and may align an elongate medical device during insertion and/or withdrawal through the delivery opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent into a substrate, comprising one or more lumens and a curved delivery element, said lumen serving as a guide for said curved delivery element outside of the substrate; said curved delivery element comprising openings on its distal tip, said distal tip comprising a distal zone and a proximal zone, said injection catheter being characterized in that the specific surface in said distal zone of said distal tip of said curved delivery element is higher than the specific surface in said proximal zone of said distal tip of said curved delivery element. The invention also relates to a process for delivering a therapeutic agent into a substrate.

Abstract: A novel method suitable for commercially mass production of hollow microneedle with high quality for delivery of drugs across or into biological tissue is provided. It typically includes the following processes: (1) coating an elongated template of a first material with a second material to form a cover; (2) removing tips of the template and cover to form an opening in the cover; and (3) removing the template of the first material to obtain hollow microneedles of the second material. This simple, efficient and cost-effective fabrication method can mass produce hollow microneedle arrays involving no complicated and expensive equipments or techniques, which can be used in commercial fabrication of hollow needles for delivering drugs or genes across or into skin or other tissue barriers with advantages of minimal damage, painless, long-term and continuous usages.

Abstract: A steerable catheter system to perform a transseptal puncture procedure comprises a steerable catheter shaft with at least one inner lumen, and an inner element slidably positioned within a shaft lumen, wherein the distal tip of the shaft can be deflected, counter-deflected, rotated, and counter-rotated and wherein the inner element can be deployed or retracted. In one embodiment, a single steerable catheter is capable of performing an intended procedure and a transseptal procedure all in one, wherein the catheter comprises an outer steerable catheter and an inner element which can be deployed to perform a transseptal puncture, and wherein, once the inner element crosses the inter-atrial septum, the catheter itself can slide forward without advancement of the inner element.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting a fluid into an organism, in particular a human or animal body, which can comprise a fluid providing section including a container for storing the fluid and a supply means for supplying the fluid. The fluid injecting section for injecting the fluid provided by the fluid providing section into the organism includes a catheter means and is characterized by the fluid injecting section being provided with a pressure recognition arrangement which can be located close to and/or in the catheter means for detecting a pressure increase and/or a pressure loss.

Abstract: A penis erection stimulation system comprises a fully implantable drug delivery device for delivering a drug in relation to a penis to achieve erection of the penis. The drug delivery device may comprise a catheter adapted to be implanted in the corpora cavernosa of a penis or in close proximity thereto in order to deliver drugs through said catheter. Alternatively, one or more infusion needles may be disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump may also be implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a microneedle unit comprising a case having a space accommodating a fluid and a fluid channel through which the fluid is discharged, a microneedle coupled to a lower portion of the case, a base cover disposed at the lower portion of the case, having a hole through which the microneedle passes, and being vertically movable, a guide pin coupled to the base cover and configured to open and close the fluid channel, and an elastic member configured to impart a restoring force such that the base cover is moved upward by an external pressure and then returns downward again. Therefore, the microneedle unit, which is provided to deliver a fluid into the skin with no pain and no scar, can control injection of the fluid using the guide pin, and repeatedly and conveniently control injection of the fluid using the elastic member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a barb-wired single crystalline silicon micro needle and a biopsy method and a medicine injecting method using the same. The micro needle comprises a main body part, at least one extension part formed on a side surface of the main body part, and a protrusion part protruded from both side surfaces of the extension part. A medicine storage is formed on a surface of the main body part. A fluid passage is formed in the extension part and the main body part. It is easy to pick the tissue sample with the protrusion part just by inserting and extracting the extension part of the micro needle into and from the tissue for a biopsy. Therefore, the biopsy procedures can be simplified. In addition, the medicine in the storage can be injected into the tissue via the fluid passage.

Abstract: A system for communicating fluid to or from a bone includes an insert. The insert includes a shaft extending between proximal and distal ends of the insert, a fenestration, and an expandable portion coupled to the shaft. The shaft is cannulated along at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal and distal ends. The fenestration is disposed along the cannulated portion of the shaft. Outer surfaces of the expandable portion are configured to expand laterally outward to increase the cross-sectional area of the expandable portion orthogonal to the shaft.

Abstract: A primable catheter including a thermoreactive, viscoelastic material that is internally supported with a trocar wire. The primable catheter further includes a multi-chamfered tip and a gap interposed between an inner surface of the catheter and the outer surface of the trocar, such that a priming fluid is permitted to flow through the catheter and purge air trapped between the trocar and the inner surface of the catheter. Following insertion of the catheter, the trocar is removed and a therapeutic is infused via the catheter.

Abstract: Capsules, emplacement apparatus, and associated methods for establishing a capsule within tissue are described herein. The emplacement apparatus may be catheter-based or implemented in a handheld unit. The emplacement apparatus serves to introduced an encapsulating membrane in a collapsed condition into the tissue, and then to expand the encapsulating membrane within the tissue into a capsule by injection of fill material into the encapsulating membrane. Other than being capable of injection through the emplacement apparatus, the fill material may be selected and formulated to achieve such mechanical and biological properties within the encapsulating membrane after injection as are desired to achieve the therapeutic effect sought for the patient. Mechanically, the fill material within the encapsulating membrane after injection may be a liquid, a semi-solid such as a gel, or a solid such as a cross-linked polymer. The fill material may or may not be sealed within the encapsulating membrane.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided that is adapted to treat various urological pelvic disorders, such as prolapse, incontinence, and the like. The delivery system can include at least one biologic loaded or otherwise provided with a bioactive agent. The biologic can comprise any drugs, hormones or steroids, stem cells, growth factors, proteins, and/or other bioactive agents to promote cell or tissue growth for the treatment and strengthening of organ walls or tissue. The biologic is generally adapted to controllably release the agent to the surrounding tissue or organ to provide a local and targeted delivery.

Abstract: A method of making hollow microneedle arrays is described. Also described are the articles therefrom and the use of the articles in applications such as delivering fluid to and/or extracting body fluid from a subject.

Abstract: A transseptal needle includes an elongate needle body having a distal end and a proximal end and a cannular needle tip located proximate the distal end of the needle body. The needle tip has a distal segment, a proximal segment, and a longitudinal axis. An inner surface of the needle tip defines a passageway spanning at least a portion of the needle tip, and an outer surface of the needle tip defines a wall with the inner surface. The distal segment of the needle tip also includes a wedge surface and a dome-shaped region. The wedge surface forms a wedge angle of other than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. The dome-shaped region, which intersects the wedge surface, includes at least two bevels that intersect the wedge surface and that intersect each other at one or more points on the needle tip.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing and aiding venipuncture. The apparatuses of the present invention provide the medical practitioner with an improved tool for performing venipuncture methods. The apparatus preferably includes a handle that is connected to a plurality of tines that run roughly parallel to one another. During use, the tines of the apparatus are pressed against the skin of the patient such that they sit astride the vein to be accessed. The distance between the various tines of the present apparatuses varies so as to be able to accommodate a variety of vein widths. The apparatuses of the present invention may have tines at either one or both ends of the body of the apparatus. The apparatuses of the present invention may be used with a variety of vein accentuating devices, such as those that employ light to accentuate the vein to be punctured.

Abstract: Safety intravenous catheters (IVCs) are disclosed herein having a catheter hub with a catheter tube, a needle with a needle hub, and a needle guard. The needle guard is configured to be positioned at least partially within an interior space of the catheter hub and is retained thereto by mechanical engagement between the two. Following removal of the needle from the catheter hub, the needle guard is configured to disengage from the catheter hub and attach over a tip of the needle to shield the needle tip from inadvertent needlesticks. The needle guard having an angled end section configured with a length and a width to retain the needle tip within a tip holding space behind the angled end section.

Abstract: Magnetic stainless steel needles are detectable in processed meat. The previous non magnetic versions, made of 304 stainless steel, aren't. Disposable hypodermic needles made from martensitic and ferritic stainless steel are easily detectable at the smallest size. Needles are conveniently made from 420 martensitic stainless steel or 430 ferritic stainless steel.