Abstract: Systems for treating a vessel bifurcation comprise a bifurcated catheter having a first branch and a second branch. Each branch defining an exchange region that extends from the distal end of the shaft to the guidewire port of the shaft. The catheter has a radial alignment mechanism which provides improved radial alignment characteristics of at least the exchange region of the branches.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of catheters configured to reduce, minimize or prevent occlusion of blood flow resulting from thrombus or fibrin sheath formation, related systems, and methods of use.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separated tip catheter having a separated tip configuration includes the steps of: extruding an extrusion material through a die to form a catheter including a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a first lumen and a second lumen, the catheter body having a septum positioned between the first and second lumens; and feeding a strip into the die so that the strip is positioned between the first lumen and the second lumen along a length of the catheter, the strip having a first proximal section formed of a first material capable of bonding with the extrusion material and a second distal section formed of a second material incapable of bonding with the extrusion material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a sheath assembly including sheath tubing, the sheath tubing having a main lumen and a secondary lumen that extends along the length of the main lumen, the main lumen being large enough to receive an endoscope.

Abstract: A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A coupling device (1) for the connection of two ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), allowing the contact of the flowing fluid only with elements inside a closed container, circumstances and an inherently easy connection operation, thus it can be carried out, comprising: a closed container (10) housing said ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), one of said tubular members having a flexible terminal section (8) thereof inside said closed container; a mobile connection member (15), coupled at the end of said flexible terminal section (8), having a nozzle (16) apt to be inserted within a receiving end of the other tubular member,—and a cam device, located inside said closed container (10) and apt to be actuated from the outside of said closed container, apt to cooperate with said mobile connection member (15), the cam device causing the insertion and the ejection of said nozzle in and from said receiving end, and the corresponding connection and the disconnection of the two ends.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood and a target vessel. A conduit includes first portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber, and a second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel having a lumen, such as coronary artery. The first and second conduit portions are transverse to each other such that the conduit is generally T-shaped. The conduit lies on an exterior of the heart between the blood source and the target vessel and is configured to deliver blood in multiple directions into the lumen of the target vessel. For example, in an occluded coronary artery, blood flows both toward and away from the occlusion. The conduit may be flexible, rigid, collapsible or non-collapsible, and may be formed of synthetic vascular graft material, tissue, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: A cannula provides access to a surgical site for a camera instrument and one or more minimally invasive surgical instruments. The cannula may include a curved or flexible section when used with flexible surgical instruments. A service port is defined in a sidewall between proximal and distal ends of the cannula, the service port being large enough to allow an object to be transferred between the instruments and a location outside the cannula. An end effector of the surgical instrument may be positioned within the cannula adjacent the service port. The camera instrument may be positioned to place the end effector within a field of view of the camera. An object may be transferred between a service instrument and the surgical instrument within the field of view of the camera.

Abstract: A valve connector for medical infusion lines including a tubular body (1) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (10), an internal hollow spike (2), and a sealing member (3) including an elastic head (14) with pre-slit (17) normally kept in an undeformed closed condition within the inlet (4). The outlet (10) comprises a pierceable injection point (22) coaxially facing the hollow spike (2).

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter hub, an elongate catheter member extending from the catheter hub and having at least one longitudinal lumen for passage of fluids, an extension tube extending from the catheter hub and defining an internal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen of the catheter member and a clamp positionable about the extension tube. The catheter hub defines a reduced profile to facilitate passage of the catheter hub through a surgical tunnel. The clamp includes first and second clamp sections and defines a longitudinal clamp axis. The clamp has a longitudinal opening for passage of the extension tube and a movable member adapted to move from a first position to a second position to substantially close the internal lumen. The first and second clamp sections are separable to facilitate transverse positioning of the clamp sections about the extension tube.

Abstract: A respiratory manifold is provided which has a base port that is coupled to a central body. The central body has at least one laterally-positioned arm having a port. The base port includes a bridge to guide an object moved through one port into the body of the manifold and through the base port to a tracheal tube without folding, twisting, bunching or buckling of any portion of the object within the manifold.

Abstract: A surgical technique and device wherein an indwelling tube is placed in the eye of a patient having glaucoma. The tube diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space from which it is removed by blood flowing in the choroidal and uveal tissues. This decreases the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system is provided and includes a primary manifold, a blockage prevention member, and first and second conduits in fluid communication with the primary manifold. The primary manifold includes a wall surrounding a primary flow passage and is adapted to be placed in proximity to a tissue site. The blockage prevention member is positioned within the primary flow passage. A plurality of apertures is disposed in the wall to communicate with the primary flow passage. The first conduit is fluidly connected to the primary flow passage to deliver reduced pressure through the primary flow passage and the plurality of apertures. The second conduit includes an outlet proximate the primary flow passage or an outlet of the first conduit to purge the primary flow passage or first conduit to prevent blockages.

Abstract: A reinforced multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing the same. An assembly for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter includes a proximal catheter body substrate including a septum, a first and second distal catheter body substrate, a first and second mandrel, a reinforcing element and a sleeve. The reinforcing element is positioned over the proximal catheter body substrate and at least a proximal region of the first and second distal catheter body substrates.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a hollow elongate cannula with a proximal end, a distal end, and a central axis. A coiled reinforcing member is disposed along a portion of the hollow elongate cannula and is adapted to provide structural support to the elongate cannula. An intermediate reinforcing band is disposed on the elongate cannula between the proximal end and the distal end to reinforce a perforated section in the wall of the cannula and includes a forward edge, a rearward edge, at least one rib and at least one protrusion extending orthogonally from the forward edge and at least one protrusion extending from the rearward edge. A distal reinforcing band is disposed at the distal end of the elongate cannula and has a plurality of fingers that taper slightly inwardly toward the central axis of the hollow elongate cannula.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a coaxial catheter and insert, and method of making. The catheter assembly includes a coaxial catheter, an insert, and a hub. The coaxial catheter includes an inner lumen and an outer lumen. The insert includes first and second passageways, the first passageway defined from a first opening on a distal end of the insert to a second opening on a proximal end of the insert, the second passageway branching from the first passageway to a third opening. A portion of the insert distal end is received in a proximal opening of the outer lumen, and a proximal section of the inner lumen extends through the first passageway. The hub is molded over the insert and a proximal section of the outer lumen.

Abstract: A flow component for medical infusion/transfusion lines includes a tubular body having a side inlet connector, housed in a fluid-tight way in which is an elastic sealing element that can be traversed by a fluid introducer. The elastic sealing element has at least one axial cavity, which defines, for traversal by the fluid introducer, a diaphragm of small thickness.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system includes a retention sheath having a proximal portion and a bi-furcated distal portion having first and second sheath branch portions. The proximal ends of the sheath branch portions are joined together at a sheath branch junction. The system also includes an inner catheter disposed within the retention sheath. The inner catheter includes a proximal portion and a bi-furcated distal portion with first and second catheter branch portions. The proximal ends are joined together at a catheter branch junction. When the sheath is in an initial position, the catheter branch junction is displaced proximally from the sheath branch junction by a distance that is greater than or equal to the larger of a length of a first medical device and the length of a second medical device.

Abstract: A catheter tubing is disclosed having a cross-sectional profile that takes the characteristics of a structural beam, such as an “I”-beam, and in so doing possesses the bending moment and stiffness of the beam profile. The tubing can be made from existing polymers and existing manufacturing techniques, and multi-lumen configurations are possible. In the example of the I-beam profile, the catheter tubing will have two lumens while a double I-beam configuration will possess four lumens.

Abstract: A vessel bifurcation wire assist device and related methods of advancing guidewires into main and branch vessels of a vessel bifurcation. The wire assist device includes a first guidewire housing member defining a first guidewire lumen sized to advance over a first guidewire, and a second guidewire housing member defining a second guidewire lumen sized to advance over a second guidewire. The second guidewire housing member has a first directional arrangement and a second directional arrangement. The first directional arrangement provides a parallel arrangement of the second guidewire relative to the first guidewire housing member, and the second directional arrangement provides an angled arrangement of the second guidewire relative to the first guidewire housing member.

Abstract: A connecting structure for a connector in which a male-side connector and a merging pipe are connected by screwing together a female screw having protrusions formed on the inner peripheral surface of a lock ring and a male screw comprising protrusions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the merging pipe is provided with engaging recess parts on the female screw and engaging projections on the outer peripheral surface of the merging pipe which are able to engage with the engaging recess parts whereby when the male screw and the female screw are screwed together to reach an appropriate screwed state, the engaging protrusions engage with the engaging recess parts.

Abstract: A catheter having a shaft that has at least two spaced-apart lumens is disclosed. A retractable core wire is disposed within at least one of the lumens. The retractable core wire is manipulated by the user to impart variable stiffness to the shaft as the core wire is retracted and extended within the lumen. A catheter having substantially low profile bonds at the junctions where an inflatable balloon is attached to the catheter is also disclosed. The low profile bonds are created by recesses extending around the circumference of the distal end of the shaft, the proximal and distal ends of a stem, and the proximal end of a tip. The catheter having the low profile bond optionally has either a retractable or an embedded core wire. In examples, the catheter has at least one component formed from, co-extruded with, or coated with a lubricious material or a hydrophilic material.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including an elliptical cross-sectional profile configuration that enhances fluid flow rate while minimizing the average diameter of the catheter body is disclosed. In one embodiment the catheter comprises an elongate catheter tube defining a plurality of lumens. At least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube defines an elliptical cross section, in turn defined by a major axis and a minor axis. A ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical catheter tube cross section is between about 1.3 and about 1.4 in one embodiment. The catheter body can define two, three, or more lumens, in one embodiment.

Abstract: An improved injection site (12) for infusion of parenteral fluids and the like is provided, having a pressure-actuated valve (20) and a novel split septum unit (24), which effectively prevent reflux of blood into the assembly (10). The septum unit (24) includes a resilient split septum body (64) which is precompressed so that the septum body (64) is caused to protrude proximally (78) upon insertion of a cannula (16). Consequently, upon removal of the cannula (16), there is essentially no “drumming” or creation of friction-induced negative pressures sufficient to generate blood reflux. The preloaded septum body (64) also has its proximal surface (74) essentially flush and coplanar with the adjacent proximal end (66b) of the tubular septum holder (66) to enhance the cleanliness of the unit (24).

Abstract: A dual lumen guidewire support catheter for accurately crossing a chronic total occlusion in a vessel is disclosed. The dual lumen guidewire support catheter includes a first lumen portion and a second lumen portion sharing a common side and a common distal end. The first lumen portion can be a rapid exchange or over-the-wire portion, while the second lumen portion is an over the wire portion. One or both of the portions can include a discontinuity to enable removal of a guidewire following placement through or at an occlusion or lesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ocular implant, particularly a glaucoma stent. It is the object of the present invention to devise an ocular implant which allows the ocular eye pressure to be regulated, i.e., to be maintained at a desired level, while preventing the flow resistance from increasing over time, for example due to fibrosis. In order to achieve this object, the ocular implant according to the invention comprises a small tube (5), the wall surface (3) of which encloses a hollow duct that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the hollow duct, wherein a first opening (1) allowing ocular humor to flow in and a second opening (2) allowing the ocular humor to be discharged is provided, and wherein the wall surface (3) is formed by a liquid-tight material, and wherein at least one pressure-controlled valve (4) is disposed in the area of the wall surface (3).

Abstract: The invention presents is a fluid isolation system and method for confining fluid is a biological mass having at least one upstream channel and downstream channel. The system includes a delivery conduit for administering fluid to the biological mass and a collection conduit having and external seal and for retrieving the fluid. In the use of the system, the delivery conduit is positioned adjacent to or into the upstream channel and the collection conduit is inserted adjacent to or into the downstream channel. In one manner to confine the fluid, the seal on the collection catheter is activated to occlude outside fluid flow and divert the fluid into the lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: Novel delivery systems suitable for delivering, for example, implantable devices. Delivery system comprises a three-catheter system in conjunction with at least one floating connector. Delivery system may be particularly suitable for delivering septal occlusion devices to a patient's heart.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A hub (14) for a triple lumen catheter (12) especially for use with a catheter assembly (10) such as for hemodialysis. The hub (14) has a body (40) with one distal opening (58) for insertion thereinto of a proximal end portion (26) of the catheter (12), and three proximal openings (52,54,56) for insertion thereinto of distal end portions (74,76,78) of three extension tubes (16,18,20) each associated with one of the catheter's three lumens (30,32,34). The hub provides three passageways (68,70,72) extending from respective proximal openings to respective interior openings (60,62,64) in communication with the one distal opening (58), for establishing fluid communication between each extension tube (16,18,20) and its associated catheter lumen (30,32,34). Preferably, the hub is insert molded to respective end portions of the catheter (12) and the extension tubes (16,18,20).

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 catheter enables measuring and approximating its distal end position within the body to facilitate catheter insertion and improve accuracy and control. By wrapping a long infusion catheter with an outer coating, the catheter can be guided into a vein or vessel by pulling on the outer coating and forcing its separation in a Y-shaped separation housing anchored close to the insertion point. Since there is no need for a guidewire or stylet and the outer coating acts as a sterile peel package, the catheter can be placed while infusing and maintain its own closed sterile environment during insertion.

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: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongated intravascular guidewire that includes a first branch and a second branch fixedly secured relative to the first branch at a first location and releasably secured relative to the first branch at a second location. At least one of the first and second branches is movable relative to the other between a first position in which the first and second branches form a closed shape, and a second position in which the first and second branches form an open shape. A controller can be operatively coupled to the first and second branches to control (e.g., in a fixed increment manner or a continuously variable manner) a distance between a portion of the first branch and a portion of the second branch while the first and second branches form the closed shape.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering treatment to the renal arteries are provided. Exemplary systems include a delivery catheter having a distal bifurcation, an introducer assembly comprising an introducer sheath in operative association with a Y-hub, wherein Y-hub includes a first port for receiving the delivery catheter and a second port for receiving a second catheter, and a constraint assembly for holding the distal bifurcation of the delivery catheter in a low-profile configuration when it is advanced distally beyond the introducer sheath.

Abstract: A method of making a multilumen catheter assembly to include a unitary portion and at least two distal end tubes extending distally from the unitary portion. The unitary portion includes an exterior having a generally circular or oval shape in cross section and includes at least two distal end tubes of generally semi-circular (or other) cross sectional shape extending longitudinally therethrough. The catheter assembly may be made by extruding a unitary tube having internal longitudinally extending lumens (of semi-circular or other shape), then splitting the tube on its distal end portion to form distal end tubes. The tubes are then ground and polished, the finished tubes retaining in combination the cross sectional shape of the unitary extrusion, or the finished tubes can each be finished to another cross sectional shape, or the finished tubes could include a combination of cross sectional shapes over their longitudinal lengths.

Abstract: A tubing assembly having a signal generator placement control device for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems. The control device facilitates control of the position the guidance systems' signal generator relative to the end of the tubing assembly. The tubing assembly includes a tubular insulator coupled to one end of the control device, and the tubing assembly includes a tubular connector attached to the other end of control device. Also, the tubing assembly includes a catheter attached to the tubular connector and an end member attached to the catheter.

Abstract: A reinforced multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing the same. An assembly for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter includes a catheter body substrate including a septum, one or more mandrels, a reinforcing element and one or more sleeves. The septum may have a distal region with a cross-sectional thickness greater than that of a proximal region. The septum can be separately formed. The septum can be split along a length of the distal region. The reinforcing element can be positioned over at least a proximal region of the catheter body substrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides for a catheter for surgically treating a patient. The catheter has an inlet catheter having a proximal end and an open distal end, and first and second branch sections having proximal ends attached to the open distal end of the inlet lumen. The first and second branch sections and distal ends terminating at an open proximal end of an outlet lumen. The first passageway lumen has a device for deactivating at least a portion of the digestive enzymes in an amount of bile.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a Y-site in an infusion system comprises a fixation portion configured to retain the check valve in a common lumen of the Y-site, and a flap member extending axially from the fixation portion. The flap member has an outer surface, at least a portion of which is configured to engage an internal wall of the common lumen overlying an inlet from a main lumen. In one embodiment, the flap member comprises a pocket, which surrounds surrounding the hole and any burr extending from the wall adjacent the hole. In some embodiments, the flap member is resiliently biased towards a sealed position, and can flex to allow fluid flow from the main lumen to the common lumen.

Abstract: A catheter may include a multiple lumen catheter tube, a hub attached to the catheter tube, and a first extension leg and a second extension leg attached to the hub. The multiple lumen catheter tube may include a longitudinal axis, an end, a first lumen, and a second lumen. The first lumen and the second lumen extend through the catheter tube along the longitudinal axis and each having an opening. The end of the catheter tube and the openings of the lumen may be disposed within the hub so that the opening of the first lumen is axially spaced with the end of the catheter tube. The first extension leg may be coupled to the first lumen and the second extension leg may be coupled to the second lumen for the separate delivery of fluids to the lumens.

Abstract: A bifurcation insert for a coaxial catheter and a catheter assembly incorporating the bifurcation insert. The bifurcation insert contains an opening at a distal end and two openings in a proximal end, the distal end being configured for positioning within a proximal end of an outer lumen of the coaxial catheter. At the proximal end of the bifurcation insert, an arterial side is configured to receive a first extension tube, while a venous side is configured to receive a second extension tube. The catheter assembly incorporating the bifurcation insert includes a hub that is molded around the insert and properly positioned extension tubes and coaxial catheter such that each component is set into place with respect to one another.

Abstract: An insert for joining sheaths for use in a medical device is described. The insert has a first end including a first operative coupling and a second end including a second operative coupling. The first operative coupling is for engaging a first tube at its distal end, and the second operative coupling is for engaging a second tube at its proximal end. The insert also includes a first passageway extending through the insert from the second end to an exit port disposed between the first operative coupling and the second operative coupling. This disclosure also provides a catheter including such an insert, and a method of assembling a catheter.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A valve body, e.g. a valve body adapted to be disposed in a connector to be connected to a catheter, has an opening/closing part which opens upon inserting a member into the opening/closing part and which closes upon withdrawing the member from the opening/closing part. The valve body includes a main body part made of a silicone rubber and a surface layer disposed on a surface of the main body part. This surface layer serves as a sliding surface which, when a guide wire has been inserted into the opening/closing part, slides on the guide wire. The surface layer is constituted mainly of silicon oxide and hence improves the sliding properties of the guide wire. Thus, the valve body is reduced in the resistance of sliding on the guide wire.

Abstract: A bifurcated catheter assembly has an undeployed state and a deployed state. The assembly comprises a bifurcated inflation shaft defining a shaft inner lumen, a first balloon defining a first balloon lumen, and a second balloon defining a second balloon lumen. The inflation shaft has a first inflation shaft defining a first lumen and a second inflation shaft defining a second lumen. The first balloon defines a first balloon lumen which is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The second balloon defines a second balloon lumen which is in fluid communication with the second lumen. The second balloon has a conical shape.

Abstract: Renal infusion systems include an infusion catheter having a bifurcated distal end with a first branch and second branch, the branches being biased to deploy laterally when unconstrained. Systems also include a delivery sheath having a lumen which receives the infusion catheter and constrains the first branch and second branch. A distal opening of the delivery sheath is formed asymmetrically to allow one of the first and second branches to open laterally while the other of the branches remains constrained. Methods of using renal infusion systems are also provided.