Abstract: A feeding tube with an inflatable balloon component and at least one of (1) a carbon dioxide (CO2) sampling line, (2) a suction tube component, (3) a pH sensor, and (4) an electromagnetic sensor is disclosed. A kit containing the feeding tubing and at least one of (1) a carbon dioxide (CO2) sampling line, (2) a suction tube component, (3) a pH sensor, and (4) an electromagnetic sensor, and a method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube to a desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication to the patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guide extension catheter assembly including a guide extension catheter and a support device. The guide extension catheter includes a shaft and a tubular member. The support device includes a push member and a shuttle member. The guide extension catheter assembly is configured to selectively provide a delivery state in which at least a portion of the shuttle member is disposed within the lumen, a leading end of the shuttle member is distal a distal end of the tubular member, and the shuttle member is directly, physically connected to the tubular member. In the delivery state, a longitudinal distal force applied to the push member is transferred to the tubular member as a longitudinal distal force via the shuttle member. The guide extension catheter assemblies of the present disclosure can promote a two stage guide extension catheter deployment.

Abstract: The present invention includes an indwelling tube having a plurality of projections extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the tube and a retention member designed to receive the tube. The retention member includes a projection passage to enable the retention member to receive and pass projections through the passage when the projection and passage are aligned so that the retention member can slide axially along the tube. When the projections and passage are out of alignment, the retention member can be secured between two projections. The present invention enables accurate placement of the retention member along the tube to aid in securing the tube at a desired depth in a patient's body. In a certain embodiment, the retention member may include a locking passage to receive and temporarily secure a projection to the retention member.

Abstract: A catheter device and method for treating an artery with thrombus, the catheter comprising an inflatable member. A carrier catheter has a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted percutaneously into an artery, the carrier catheter having a tubular body adjacent to a rear end of the inflatable member. An inflating tube passes through the tubular body and having an open front end in fluid communication with the inflatable member to inflate same. An infusion tube is adapted to infuse pharmacologic agents, the infusion tube passing through the tubular body and having an open front end extending beyond the inflatable member. An aspiration tube is adapted to aspire the thrombus, the aspiration tube passing through the tubular body and having an open front end between the carrier catheter and the inflatable member.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of and apparatus for aspirating purulent material from an epidural abscess, or the like, in a patient includes a dual concentric catheter system having an inner infusion catheter and an outer suction catheter, the infusion catheter able to be advanced relative to and beyond the suction catheter. The catheter system is introduced into the extradural space through percutaneous entry and advanced to an epidural abscess of interest. Infusion is used to dislodge purulent material ahead of the infusion catheter toward side openings in the suction catheter where it is aspirated.

Abstract: A mammal undergoing an energy-based therapy is treated by administering at least one vasoconstrictive agent to the mammal prior to or during the procedure. The at least one vasoconstrictive agent is added in amounts sufficient to reduce or prevent vasodilation. This treatment method increases or promotes the size of the coagulation zone created after energy-based therapy.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering obesity therapy to a patient. In general, the methods and devices allow for onset of a patient eating solid food, e.g., the patient beginning a meal, to trigger delivery of an obesity therapy to a patient. The obesity therapy can be delivered to the patient for a limited period of time such that the patient stops receiving the obesity therapy prior to a second onset of the patient eating solid food, e.g., the patient beginning a second meal, which can trigger a second delivery of the obesity therapy to the patient for a limited period of time.

Abstract: An improved method and equipment for tissue/vessel sealing is disclosed for the sealing, coagulation and transection of tissue during surgical procedures. The improvement is accomplished through better management of heat and moisture present during tissue treatment by having tissue grasping surfaces comprised of an outer non-conducting region and an inner conductive region, and including channels in the jaw assembly to direct steam and moisture away from surrounding tissue. The outer region follows the perimeter each jaw, isolating the treatment zone and preventing steam and excess heat from leaving the tissue treatment zone, reducing thermal margins and unintended patient burns. The outer region also prevents surrounding moisture from affecting the treatment zone and allowing more consistent results.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (10) for use with single use kits (100) containing a flow control device (101), a syringe (40), and one or more vials (60A, 608, 60C), for reconstituting a liquid drug dosage and administrating same. The flow control devices (101) include a core member (116) having an inlet port (107) and a flow control member (117) rotatably mounted on the core member (116) and having at least one vial port (112,113,114) for attachment of a vial and an outlet port (109). Flow control devices (101) are designed to ensure an inlet port (107) is in flow communication with a single port (112,113,114) at each flow control position of at least two predetermined flow control positions of a flow control member (117) relative to a core member (116). The medical apparatus (10) includes a housing (11) having a syringe support (12) for horizontally supporting a syringe (40) and a flow control device support (13) for horizontally supporting a flow control device (101).

Abstract: An electrosurgical controller with output RF energy control. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical controllers configured to change a first output voltage on the first active terminal relative to the first return terminal by selective control of a number of turns of the primary winding of a transformer used to create the output voltage.

Abstract: An extendible plunger rod for use with a syringe is provided. Example plunger rods may include an outer plunger rod with a proximal end and a distal end, the outer plunger rod having an inner cavity; an inner plunger rod, housed at least partially within the inner cavity of the outer plunger rod; a compression spring disposed within the inner cavity of the outer plunger rod and between the proximal end of the outer plunger rod, and the inner plunger rod, the compression spring configured to exert force tending to push the inner plunger rod in a direction distal to the outer plunger rod; and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the inner plunger rod relative to the outer plunger rod while both the inner and outer plunger rods are depressed into a syringe body, until the outer plunger rod has been depressed at least a first predetermined distance into the syringe body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for extending a tube, the apparatus including a foldable tube having a folded portion inside an unfolded portion of the tube, and a source of fluid coupled to the unfolded portion for providing fluid into the unfolded portion to unfold and extend the folded portion out of the unfolded portion to become an extension of the unfolded portion. The apparatus and methods are useful, inter alia, for cleansing the colon in the normal direction, that is, from the cecum to the anus, using an apparatus that is introduced via the anus. A washing liquid is supplied deep into the colon via the soft feed tube that is inserted via the anus and is extended into the colon by inflation. The washing liquid is then drained out via the anus through a drainage channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual lumen catheter shaft having a first dual lumen section and a second dual lumen section with a transition section therebetween. The present invention further provides a method of forming a dual lumen catheter shaft.

Abstract: A mammal undergoing an energy-based therapy is treated by administering at least one vasoconstrictive agent to the mammal prior to or during the procedure. The at least one vasoconstrictive agent is added in amounts sufficient to reduce or prevent vasodilation. This treatment method increases or promotes the size of the coagulation zone created after energy-based therapy.

Abstract: An intra-luminal device for the extraction of occlusive or partially occlusive material is disclosed. The device includes a novel catheter extension which minimizes cavitation of extracted fluids and also allows the better navigation of tortuous lumens or vasculature.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument for insertion in an incision during surgical treatment and removal of tissue includes an inner elongated needle having an ovoid shape and a bore extending therethrough; and a hollow sleeve that surrounds the ovoid shaped needle such that two side regions of the needle contact an inner surface of the sleeve at two locations so as to define a pair of fluid channels that are located between convex outer surfaces of the needle and the inner surface of the sleeve. The shape of the sleeve, when deformed by insertion of the needle, is configured to be received within the incision during the surgical treatment and removal of the tissue so as to plug opposite ends of the incision and provide an at least substantially closed surgical site.

Abstract: A suction head in fluid communication with a pump head provides a sub-ambient working pressure to a medical site, enabling drainage thereof to a waste container and/or enhancing healing at the site. A passive pressure regulator enables the working pressure to be maintained at a desired level independent of the fluid flow through the system.

Abstract: A shape memory shutter device for controlling the rectum of a disabled person, comprises a section of conduit to be connected to the rectum of the disabled person, and a shutter which controls the passage through the conduit section and actuated by a shape memory actuator. The shutter comprises a plurality of petals positioned circumferentially around the conduit section and able to move between a closed and an open position. The actuator comprises shape memory wires associated to the petals which are supplied with electrical current to cause opening of the petals.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: An integrated infusion and aspiration system includes of a flow control system and a catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes an infusion catheter and an aspiration catheter, each having ports located at the distal end of thereof. The distal ends of the catheters are separated so that the aspiration catheter ports can be positioned on an opposing side of a surgical wound site from the infusion catheter ports. Methods of operation of the integrated infusion and aspiration system provides for uninterrupted aspiration with concurrent controlled delivery of an infusion solution such that the infusion solution is substantially evenly dispersed of over the wound site.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for delivery of fluids to and/or withdrawal of fluids from a blood vessel in a body includes a catheter having at least two lumens and a sheath attached to the proximal end of the catheter. The sheath is positionable over an entire length of the catheter while the catheter is within the blood vessel and is adapted for direct attachment to the body. The sheath may provide protective and/or sterilization functions for the multi-lumen catheter.

Abstract: An integrated infusion and aspiration system includes of a flow control system and a catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes an infusion catheter and an aspiration catheter, each having ports located at the distal end of thereof. The distal ends of the catheters are separated so that the aspiration catheter ports can be positioned on an opposing side of a surgical wound site from the infusion catheter ports. Methods of operation of the integrated infusion and aspiration system provides for uninterrupted aspiration with concurrent controlled delivery of an infusion solution such that the infusion solution is substantially evenly dispersed of over the wound site.

Abstract: Coaxial catheter delivery devices, methods to form coaxial microcatheters, and methods to deliver two part compositions, especially useful for formation of coaxial microcatheters for use in delivery of two part compositions to the neurovascular system.

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: An apparatus and method for extracting matter from skin pores. The system utilizes a nozzle including relatively movable inner and outer nozzle portions. Vacuum is applied to the nozzle and the inner nozzle is applied to the skin surrounding a pore after the skin has been drawn into the outer nozzle portion by vacuum.

Abstract: An intravascular device and associated system which utilizes pressurized fluid to extract occlusive material. The device and system includes several unique features which provide desirable advantages over prior art devices. For example, the device is particularly suitable for removing occlusive material which is diffuse, friable, grumous-like, paste-like, granular, and/or chunky. The device includes independently movable fluid input and fluid output tubes and may be advanced over a guide wire. The fluid port holes are located immediately adjacent the distal end of the fluid output tube so as to engage the occlusive material without the need to first traverse the occlusive material with the device. The system utilizes a unique constant volume pump and associated pressure sensors to maintain balanced flow and immediately detect and correct conditions which may cause clinical complications.

Abstract: A tip member is to be fixed adjacent the distal end of the irrigation outlet tube of a surgical irrigation handpiece. The tip member modifies the irrigation liquid flow to direct same forwardly toward a surgical site as a hollow, divergent, substantially circumferentially continuous, generally funnel-shaped wash of irrigation liquid and thereby for wetting substantially the perimeter of a circle, rather than the center of such circle, on the surgical site, at a given instant.

Abstract: A device for cleaning vagina includes a housing, a spout is engaged with the housing for inserting into vagina and for guiding water into the vagina, a number of outflow passages are formed in the spout for allowing water to flow out of the vagina, and a valve is engaged in the housing for controlling water flowing through the housing and flowing into the spout, water may be injected into vagina for cleaning purposes and may flow out via the outflow passages.

Abstract: An endoscopic suctioning instrument with variable suction is disclosed. The instrument has a hollow cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, and sliding sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, with the sliding sleeve being coaxial to and closely surrounding and slidingly engaging the hollow cannula. The sliding sleeve has a plurality of lateral holes at its distal end with the lateral holes being spaced along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for killing undifferentiated epithelial cells during cataract surgery on an eye to prevent posterior capsule clouding after the surgery and to a method for performing cataract surgery on an eye including injecting a cell-killing substance between the anterior capsule and the natural lens prior to removing the natural lens from the eye. The cell-killing substance is preferably an acid or base adjusted aqueous solution having a pH in the range between about 1.0 to below 6.5 or about above 7.5 to 14.0; or a hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% or a pH adjusted hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% and a pH either below 6.5 or above 7.5. The compositions of the present invention also incorporates a viscoelastic material, a dye or a mixture thereof, in combination with the cell-killing substance.

Abstract: A lavage/suction tip comprising an elongated barrel with a first pliable conical shield extending outwardly from the distal tip of the barrel and a second substantially rigid conical shield which is slidable upon the barrel. The lavage/suction tip is utilized to provide irrigating fluid to a surgical site while providing suction to remove fluids and debris away from the surgical site. The first shield helps to eliminate splashback of the fluid. The second shield may be positioned to surround the first shield to provide firm support about the first shield, yet with a flexible, pliable tip perimeter. Alternatively, the second shield may be secured on the tip spaced away from the first shield so that the pliable first shield is used alone and may be easily, manually formed to more closely match the tip of the first shield to the working area or surface of the surgical site.

Abstract: A pharyngeal suction device for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and trauma stabilization. A hollow wand is provided with peripheral recesses which act as safety vents when the wand is used without the safety tip. The safety tip is attached to the wand in either of two orientations and secured at the peripheral recesses. A safety tip outlines a hemispherical surface and defines three passages which communicate with the interior of the wand.

Abstract: A compound sanitary napkin including a primary absorbent member and a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member has a length and a width. The secondary absorbent member has a length and a width. The primary absorbent member and the secondary absorbent member have a common length. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core and a fluid pervious topsheet superposed on the absorbent core. The secondary absorbent member includes a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The primary absorbent member is affixed to the secondary absorbent member by union means in such a manner that the longest unattached distance between adjacent points of attachment is less than 75% of the common length.