Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, a distal end, the distal end defining at least one opening, and a porous portion covering the opening defined by the distal end. In one embodiment, the medical catheter comprises a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, at least two distal ends, the proximal end connected to the two distal ends with a connector, the distal ends each defining at least one opening, a diffuser covering the opening of each distal end, and a separate restrictor downstream of the connector and upstream of each distal end to provide substantially equal flow through each distal end. An additional restrictor can also be placed upstream of the connector. In another embodiment, a combination diffuser and restrictor covers the opening of each distal end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus pertaining to a transcutaneous fluid kit for controllably evacuating fluid from a fluid site to a fluid collector, while preventing an outrush of fluid from the fluid site.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter and method for inserting same in a patient is disclosed. The catheter includes an elongated, central, multi-lumen tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The central tube portion has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and is internally segmented into a plurality of lumens. A distal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen distal extension tubes. Each distal extension tube has a proximal first end and a distal second end. The proximal first end of each distal extension tube is connected to the distal end of the central tube portion such that the single lumen of each distal extension tube is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of lumens of the central tube portion. A proximal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen proximal extension tubes. Each proximal extension tube has a distal first end and a proximal second end.

Abstract: The invention concerns catheterization assemblies designed to reduce the risk of infection, transmission of bloodborne pathogens, loss of blood, and development of embolisms in a patient. Embodiments of the invention are directed to a catheterization assembly having a catheter hub with multiple access ports. In some embodiments, the catheter hub is permanently attached to a catheter and a valve. The catheter hub provides fluid communication between the valve and the catheter. The catheter hub may also be provided with a sealing member that provides access to a fluid passageway of the catheter hub but which prevents leakage of fluids from the catheter hub. In other embodiments, the catheter hub includes a passageway and an air vent for allowing air to pass out of the catheterization assembly.

Abstract: A split tip dialysis catheter having an outer tube and an inner tube, the two tubes which can be arranged over at least a portion of their length in a coaxial configuration. The inner tube may be connected to the outer tube at a proximal bifurcation, secured at a distal end of the outer tube or both, but generally the inner tube will remain free to move relative to the outer tube to optimize functionality. In addition, the inner tube can be arranged to be removable from the catheter for replacement thereof.

Abstract: Continuous flow catheters, diffusers for catheters, catheters having a diffuser, and methods for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis are provided. The continuous flow catheter includes at least two lumens, of which one is short and the other is long. The long lumen is coiled and contains a plurality of openings. Another similar continuous flow catheter also includes a diffuser for the dispensing of fluid in a diffused manner. The catheters are used for peritoneal dialysis. The diffuser, for use with a catheter, has a plurality of openings for the dispensing of matter in a diffused manner. One method for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis includes creating an incision in the body of the user and separating the anatomical layers, making a circular suture in the peritoneal membrane, making an incision in the peritoneal membrane, inserting the catheter, and tightening the parietal peritoneum.

Abstract: Connecting piece (16) for a double-lumen tube (12) with two single-lumen tubes (14; 16), particularly for use in the tracheobronchial system.

Abstract: An intro-aortic balloon catheter system and method for determining cardiac output with the system including a distal end for insertion into an aorta and a proximal end opposed to the distal end, a balloon portion in proximity to the distal end which repeatedly expands and contracts so as to assist the pumping action of the heart, a catheter tube connected to the balloon portion with the catheter tube having a lumen introducing a pressurized gas into the balloon portion and leading the pressurized gas out from the balloon portion and a temperature sensor attached to the catheter tube and being electrically coupled to a connector at the proximal end of the catheter tube.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and kits for simultaneous delivery of a fluid or other substance to two or more breast milk ducts are provided. The fluid can be delivered for a variety of purposes including lavage of the ducts and administering an agent for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A medical ventilation tube for placement in an opening formed in an anatomical structure, such as the tympanic membrane of the ear, includes a hollow tubular shaft made of a first material having a hardness or durometer to maintain a passage through the shaft when the medical ventilation tube is placed in the opening, and a flange made of a second material having a hardness or durometer less than that of the first material to permit the flange to deform in response to contact with the anatomical structure during removal of the medical ventilation tube from the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing coronary artery bypass surgery establishes a channel leading directly from a chamber of a heart into a coronary artery with said channel retained open during both diastole and systole. The coronary artery bypass procedure may be performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: A single-use preassembled medical device for administering at least two drugs in preset proportions to patients, comprising at least one pair of independent injectors and at least one pair of piercing couplings for corresponding bottles containing the drugs which are reciprocally connected by corresponding tubes which lead into a single tube for infusion to a patient; at least one of the piercing couplings is of a conventional type and the second one is of a dedicated type, forming a conveniently provided small cup-shaped receptacle for the precision insertion of the neck of a bottle of a preset drug whose dimensions are likewise correspondingly smaller than those of a normal bottle.

Abstract: Multilumen catheters are provided. The subject multilumen catheters include a proximal end and a distal end separated by a non-coaxial multilumen tube. The subject catheters are further characterized in that they include a multiport manifold at their proximal ends, where at least two of the ports of the multiport manifold may comprise luer valves. Also provided are systems for use in flushing a vascular site with fluid, usually at least two different fluids, where the subject systems are made up of two multilumen catheters according to the subject invention, where one of the catheters is inserted inside of the other. In addition, kits comprising various components of the subject systems, e.g., at least two different multilumen catheters, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and devices for modulating the rate of delivery of a drug formulation from a drug delivery device by diverting drug away from a drug delivery pathway. In one embodiment, a flow regulator is positioned relative to a drug delivery pathway of a drug delivery system so that adjustment of the flow regulator can provide for diversion of drug away from the drug delivery pathway. Diverted drug can be either delivered into the systemic circulation of the subject, or can be captured in a waste reservoir.

Abstract: A system is provided for aspirating fluid from a surgical site. The system includes an outlet tube that leads to a suction canister or other suitable receptacle for collecting fluid. The outlet tube includes an anti-siphon adapter which defines an atmospheric vent downstream of the outflow connection to an endoscopic device. The vent allows atmospheric pressure to enter the outlet tube to increase the pressure at the outflow of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: A medical ventilation tube for placement in an opening formed in an anatomical structure, such as the tympanic membrane of the ear, includes a hollow tubular shaft made of a first material having a hardness or durometer to maintain a passage through the shaft when the medical ventilation tube is placed in the opening, and a flange made of a second material having a hardness or durometer less than that of the first material to permit the flange to deform in response to contact with the anatomical structure during removal of the medical ventilation tube from the opening.

Abstract: A method of positioning a main stent at a vessel bifurcation such that a side opening in the main stent is positioned at the ostium of a branch vessel, comprising: positioning a main guidewire in the main vessel such that a distal end of the main guidewire extends past the bifurcation; advancing a stent delivery system to a position proximate the bifurcation, the stent delivery system comprising a catheter with a flexible side sheath attached thereto, wherein the catheter is received over the main guidewire, and wherein the main stent is positioned over the catheter with the flexible side sheath positioned to pass through the interior of the main stent and out of the side opening in the main stent; advancing a branch guidewire through the flexible side sheath attached to the catheter and into the branch vessel; and subsequently, advancing the catheter over the main guidewire while advancing the flexible side sheath over the branch guidewire while viewing relative movement of a marker positioned on the flexibl

Abstract: Multipurpose catheter including a small diameter cylindrical body including a first end, a second end, and at least three internal non-coaxial channels. A connection mechanism is disposed adjacent the first end for communicating with the non-coaxial channels. The connection mechanism comprises an ergonomic monobloc head which is sealingly attached to the first end of the cylindrical body. The monobloc head comprises a bulged wall having at least three independent inlets for communicating with the three non-coaxial channels via bores and two walls which continue from the bulged wall. An inwardly curved connecting wall is also included. The connecting wall is disposed adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body and connects the two walls. The two walls comprise first opposite facing inclined surfaces and second opposite facing inclined surfaces having a different inclination.

Abstract: A central nervous system (CNS) catheter assembly (20) adapted for use as a ventriculostomy catheter and a spinal catheter includes a catheter body (28) defining at least one lumen (30) therethrough having a drug delivery branch (22) and a monitoring/sensing branch (24). The drug delivery branch (22) and the monitoring/sensing second branch (24) are in fluid communication with the lumen (30). The assembly further includes a filter assembly (36) disposed in fluid communication with the drug delivery branch (22) and a valve assembly (54) disposed in fluid communication with the monitoring/sensing branch (24). Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a temperature control system (170) for use in controlling the temperature of a location within the central nervous system such as the brain or the spinal cord.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising a elongated, flexible support structure having an axis. The assembly also includes an elongated porous electrode assembly carried by the support structure along the axis for contact with tissue. The elongated porous electrode assembly comprises a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey a medium containing ions into the interior area, and an element coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy. At least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material is sized to allow passage of ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material to the exterior of the wall to form a continuous elongated lesion pattern in tissue contacted by the wall. The support structure can have a curvilinear geometry, e.g., a loop shape, and the elongated porous electrode assembly conforms to the curvilinear geometry.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for delivering material(s) into the body of a mammal can include a first elongated member and a second elongated member. At least a portion of the second elongated member can be slidably disposed within a lumen of the first elongated member. The delivery catheter can mix two materials and then introduce the mixed materials into the body of a mammal.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis catheter with two, linearly mated conduits contoured to cooperatively define a substantially circular cross sectional profile along a medial, trans-abdominal segment, but separating on either end of the medial, trans-abdominal segment, on a distal end to join fluted fluid transport branches and on proximal ends to join fittings for fluid delivery and collection external of the patient.

Abstract: A closed system irrigation connector for use with both 3-way and 2-way urinary catheters is disclosed. The connector fits all urinary catheters and accepts continuous irrigation sets as well as all bulb, piston, and Toomey catheter tip irrigation syringes. The connector eliminates the use of catheter plugs and reduces the mess and leakage often associated with present urinary catheter irrigation procedures. The connector converts an open procedure to a closed system procedure protecting the patient from outside contamination to reduce urinary tract infections as well as the clinician from potentially infectious body fluids. It comprises an assembly of a plastic housing with an internal silicone diaphragm slit valve and a plastic entrance port that are unitized in assembly by sonic welding. The entrance port forms a tapered wedge lock engagement with irrigation sets as well as catheter tip irrigation syringes.

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 system is used for identifying IV administration set components, wherein the IV set includes an IV solution container, a drip chamber having a hollow spike for introduction into the container, and an IV line for delivering the IV solution to a patient. The system includes a first identification element that is removably attached to the drip chamber for subsequent attachment to the container; a second identification element permanently affixed to the drip chamber; and a third identification element that is either permanently or removable attached to a Y-site or port in the IV line. Preferably, the first identification element is a strip or patch that is adhesively attached to the drip chamber in a manner that will allow it to be removed therefrom for subsequent attachment to the container. The second identification element is a marker, preferably a strip or a patch, that is permanently affixed to the drip chamber.

Abstract: A convenient, compact and truly closed system drainage and infusion connector valve is disclosed that can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of medical catheters and tubes. The device is designed to take the place of open style adapters and connectors. It has a simple On-Off handle for fluid control and a separately functioning syringe port seal. The device provides in-line irrigation, medication delivery, or syringe decompression/aspiration without disconnect, remaining closed to atmosphere at all times. This closed system protects the clinician from potentially infectious splashback events and the patient from external contamination during suction and drainage, enteral feeding, irrigation/lavage, and medication delivery.

Abstract: A feeding tube medical apparatus having a catheter head and catheter that allows easy insertion and removal of the catheter within a patient needing enteral feeding. The invention also relates to a method for easy insertion and removal of the catheter. The catheter has a slim profile, a balloon bolster, and a tapered guide tube that promote easy insertion of the catheter down a patient's mouth and into his or her stomach. In addition, the catheter head, containing ports for feeding, medicating, and filling the balloon bolster, is removably connected to the catheter so that it need not be inserted through the patient along with the catheter.

Abstract: An adapter that converts medical guidewire packaging into a reusable storage device. The adapter includes a conduit with first and second ends each having an opening and a passage there between. The adapter also includes an angled funnel with a duct and an enlarged end having an enlarged opening or port. The funnel is attached to the conduit between its ends and the duct of the funnel is in communication with the passage of the conduit. The first end of the conduit of the adapter is inserted into the opening of one end of a packaging tube while the other end of the packaging tube is inserted into the opening of the second end of the conduit of the adapter. Medical guidewires are inserted into the conduit of the adapter via the funnel and guided into the packaging tube by the funnel's duct and the adapter's conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and kits for simultaneous delivery of a fluid or other substance to two or more breast milk ducts are provided. The fluid can be delivered for a variety of purposes including lavage of the ducts and administering an agent for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: By interposing an adapter between the endotracheal or tracheal tube inserted to a patient and the ventilation and suction systems that are connected to the endotracheal tube, a catheter could be inserted via an input port built into the adapter so as to enable a medical personnel to provide localized treatments in the lungs of a patient without having to disconnect either one of the systems connected to the endotracheal tube. The adapter is configured to have a securing mechanism that allows the medical personnel to secure the medication catheter in place. A one way valve fitted to the apertured arm that forms the input port of the adapter prevents any back flow of fluid from the input port.

Abstract: A guidewire replacement device having an elongated catheter shaft with an inner lumen extending within the catheter shaft, a proximal guidewire port spaced at least 1 cm from the distal end of the catheter which is in fluid communication with the inner lumen and a distal guidewire port in the distal end of the catheter which is also in fluid communication with the inner lumen. The proximal end of an in-place guidewire is inserted through the distal guidewire port and advanced through the inner lumen until the proximal end of the guidewire extends through the proximal guidewire port. The exchange device is advanced over the guidewire until the distal end of the exchange device is seated within the proximal guidewire port in the readily exchangeable dilatation catheter. With the distal end of the exchange device well seated within the proximal guidewire port of the dilatation catheter, the in-place guidewire can be withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: A cleaning device for the anus including a cylindrical portion comprised of a flexible material. The cylindrical portion has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The closed lower end is concave defining a central alignment point.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, a distal end, the distal end defining at least one opening, and a porous portion covering the opening defined by the distal end. In one embodiment, the medical catheter comprises a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, at least two distal ends. the proximal end connected to the two distal ends with a connector, the distal ends each defining at least, one opening, a diffuser covering the opening of each distal end, and a separate restrictor downstream of the connector and upstream of each distal end to provide substantially equal flow through each distal end. An additional restrictor can also be placed upstream of the connector. In another embodiment, a combination diffuser and restrictor covers the opening of each distal end.

Abstract: An improved catheter assembly and method are provided for delivering angulated stents to a diseased vessels. The assembly allows for the precise delivery of an angulated stent into a side branch vessel that is at varying angles with respect to a main vessel. The assembly includes a single balloon Y-shaped balloon catheter having a restraining member attached to the distal section of the catheter to assist in proper delivery of the angulated stent. The restraining member of the catheter assembly of the present invention is configured to prevent the deployment of an angulated stent unless proper orientation of catheter assembly is first achieved. Because a pre-mounted stent is oriented to coincide with the diseased side branch vessel, once proper orientation of the catheter assembly is achieved, deployment of the angulated stent will be precise.

Abstract: The catheter assembly includes an expandable member mounted to the distal end of a placement catheter, for delivery of a therapeutic device in one of the branch vessels of a bifurcated vessel. The catheter assembly includes lumens for a tracking guide wire and a positioning guide member for placement of the therapeutic device. The therapeutic device is mounted on the expandable member, the tracking guide wire is placed into the target branch vessel, and the placement catheter is then introduced over the tracking guide wire. A positioning guide member is introduced through the catheter, extended through an exit port in the catheter proximal to the expandable member, and then placed in another branch vessel of the bifurcation. The placement catheter then is advanced until the positioning guide member engages the vessel carina between the branch vessels, and the therapeutic device then may be placed accurately in the target branch vessel.

Abstract: A tubing management manifold for a surgical instrument console for controlling fluidflow to and from a surgical instrument includes a housing having a front and opposing sides, and sides, for enabling tubing to be disposed therein and across the housing between the opposing sides. Ports, disposed in the housing front are provided for enabling access to the tubing, disposed across the housing, in order to control fluid flow through the tubing. A tubing capture is disposed on one of the opposing sides, aligned with one of said openings and extending outwardly from said housing, for grasping the tubing in order to prevent unwanted dislodgement of the tubing from said housing.

Abstract: A guidewire replacement device having an elongated catheter shaft with an inner lumen extending within the catheter shaft, a proximal guidewire port spaced at least 1 cm from the distal end of the catheter which is in fluid communication with the inner lumen and a distal guidewire port in the distal end of the catheter which is also in fluid communication with the inner lumen. The proximal end of an in-place guidewire is inserted through the distal guidewire port and advanced through the inner lumen until the proximal end of the guidewire extends through the proximal guidewire port. The exchange device is advanced over the guidewire until the distal end of the exchange device is seated within the proximal guidewire port in the readily exchangeable dilatation catheter. With the distal end of the exchange device well seated within the proximal guidewire port of the dilatation catheter, the in-place guidewire can be withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: A unitary, integral dual lumen occlusive cannula having two lumina of a size, e.g. 0.05 to 0.15 cm2, sufficient for bypass blood flow, having an inlet formed in a configuration for complete removal of residual air and debris from the circulatory system is disclosed.

Abstract: A drug-adding tube of infusion set, including a tubular main body two ends of which are respectively connected with the infusion set. At least one drug-adding tube is obliquely disposed on the main body. The drug-adding tube is formed with a neck section adjacent to the main body. The neck section has reduced inner diameter. A rubber-made valve plug is plugged in an opening of the drug-adding tube. The valve plug is formed with an insertion port. A valve body is formed in the valve plug to interrupt the insertion port. The center of the valve body is formed with a split passing through the valve body. In normal state, due to the valve body's own resilience, the split is compressed and sealed. When a syringe frees from any needle is inserted into the insertion port, the syringe stretches open the split of the valve body to free the same.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and devices for modulating the rate of delivery of a drug formulation from a drug delivery device by diverting drug away from a drug delivery pathway. In one embodiment, a flow regulator is positioned relative to a drug delivery pathway of a drug delivery system so that adjustment of the flow regulator can provide for diversion of drug away from the drug delivery pathway. Diverted drug can be either delivered into the systemic circulation of the subject, or can be captured in a waste reservoir.

Abstract: A bifurcated catheter assembly is provided for treating bifurcated vessels. The bifurcated catheter assembly comprises an elongate main catheter shaft having a stiffer proximal portion, a more flexible distal portion, and a pair of branch catheters attached to the distal portion. An expandable member is located on each of the branch catheters. The balloons are held together to provide a low profile as the device is advanced over the tracking guide wire. Upon reaching the bifurcated vessel, the balloons separated and are advanced over separate guide wires into separate branches of the bifurcated vessel. The bifurcated catheter assembly can be used to dilate a stenoses or deliver and implant a Y-shaped stent in the bifurcation.

Abstract: An improved catheter assembly and method are provided for delivering angulated stents to a diseased vessels. The assembly allows for the precise delivery of an angulated stent into a side branch vessel that is at varying angles with respect to a main vessel. The assembly includes a single balloon Y-shaped balloon catheter having a restraining member attached to the distal section of the catheter to assist in proper delivery of the angulated stent. The restraining member of the catheter assembly of the present invention is configured to prevent the deployment of an angulated stent unless proper orientation of catheter assembly is first achieved. Because a pre-mounted stent is oriented to coincide with the diseased side branch vessel, once proper orientation of the catheter assembly is achieved, deployment of the angulated stent will be precise.

Abstract: A connector for use in peritoneal dialysis, includes a base body having a first tube for attachment of a container for dialysis solution, and a second tube for attachment of a peritoneal catheter. Positioned in a passageway between the first tube and the second tube is a closure piece which so interacts with an actuator that an operation of the actuator causes the closure piece to move in a linear direction from a first position into a second position in which the fluid flow between the first tube and the second tube is closed while the first tube is sealed off.

Abstract: A bifurcated catheter assembly is provided for treating bifurcated vessels. The bifurcated catheter assembly comprises an elongate main catheter shaft having a stiffer proximal portion, a more flexible distal portion, and a pair of branch catheters attached to the distal portion. An expandable member is located on each of the branch catheters. The balloons are held together to provide a low profile as the device is advanced over the tracking guide wire. Upon reaching the bifurcated vessel, the balloons separated and are advanced over separate guide wires into separate branches of the bifurcated vessel. The bifurcated catheter assembly can be used to dilate a stenoses or deliver and implant a Y-shaped stent in the bifurcation.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivery of an injection fluid to a patient generally includes a pump system to pressurize the injection fluid, a patient interface in removable fluid connection with the pump system, and a connector in fluid connection between the pump system and the patient interface. The pump system is connected to an inlet of the connector, and the patient interface is removably connected to an outlet of the connector. The connector includes a sealing member at least partly disposed within a housing of the connector that is biased to close the outlet when the patient interface is removed.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly includes a feeding tube, a polyurethane feeding tube adaptor having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, and a removable cap for selectively closing the inlet conduit. The surface configuration of the cap that causes frictional engagement with the inlet conduit is noncomplementary therewith in a common transverse plane and has a cross-sectional shape substantially different than that of the corresponding surface configuration of the inlet conduit. This difference in surface configurations can be established by providing one or both of the surfaces with a series of protuberances, indentations, or other surface variations.

Abstract: An angioplastic device used for treating the areas surrounding bifurcated vessels. The device has an elongated and relatively flexible tubular guiding catheter assembly that slidably houses a guide positioning assembly therein. The elongated tubular guiding catheter assembly has a non-circular lumen that cooperatively receives a guides carrier assembly with a non-circular cross-section. The guide carrier assembly includes two internal through passages through which two guide members are slidably passed and directed to different branches in a bifurcated vessel. The guide members carry at the distal end a balloon with or without stents to be positioned against the internal walls of the vessels being treated.

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 bidirectional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: An infusion system, comprising a housing; and a connecting hub which is attachable to the housing, the connecting hub having an internal Y-shaped flow channel structure which comprises a first flow channel exiting the distal end of the connecting hub; a second flow channel exiting the proximal end of the connecting hub; and a third flow channel exiting the proximal end of the connecting hub, the first, second and third flow channels all intersecting within the connecting hub.

Abstract: A unitary, integral dual lumen occlusive cannula having two lumina of a size, e.g. 0.05 to 0.15 cm2, sufficient for bypass blood flow, having an inlet formed in a configuration for complete removal of residual air and debris from the circulatory system is disclosed.