Abstract: The invention is a catheter with a fluid flow divider positioned near the distal end of the catheter for dividing a first lumen into two channels at a point where a second lumen branches from the first lumen, and for selectively perfusing the branch lumen. The invention is particularly suited for use in the aortic arch. The fluid flow divider may comprise one or more inflatable chambers or one or more deployable shrouds comprising a plurality of arms with a webbing extending between adjacent arms. The inflatable chambers may be relatively noncompliant or they may be compliant, exhibiting elastic behavior after initial inflation, to closely fit the aortic lumen size and curvature. The catheter may further include one or more additional or auxiliary flow control members located upstream or downstream from the fluid flow divider to further segment the patient's circulatory system for selective perfusion to different organ systems within the body or to assist in anchoring the catheter in a desired position.

Abstract: A microdialysis probe and catheter arrangement includes a catheter carrying in a distal end thereof a probe to be inserted in the body of a living being. The catheter has an elongate catheter body including a first channel for supplying a first fluid and a second channel for returning said first fluid. The first and second channels extend internally along the catheter body from a proximal end thereof to the probe. The probe includes a microdialysis membrane defining a dialysis chamber communicating with the first and second channels. A third channel extends internally along the catheter body and communicates with the second channel to supply a second fluid to thereto, thereby to increase the flow rate therein.

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 catheter according to the present invention includes a multiple lumen catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition through a first lumen and delivery of a solidification agent through a second lumen. The catheter allows adjustment of the relative longitudinal position of the two lumens to control the solidification of the embolic composition within a blood vessel. The multiple lumen catheter system is used by inserting the catheter endovascularly into an aneurysm site and injecting a liquid embolic composition through the first lumen while injecting a solidification agent through the second lumen to wash the area of the aneurysm of blood which has become saturated with solvent, while replacing it with a fresh solidification agent.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for delivering fluid components of an embolic mass into a body cavity. A connector, which includes a receiving element, a first port, and a second port, is provided for securing an outer tubular element and an inner tubular element such that the outer tubular element coaxially surrounds the inner tubular element. The first port is in fluid communication with the lumen of the outer tubular element when the outer tubular element is secured to the receiving element; and the second port is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner tubular element when the inner tubular element is secured to the connector. First and second fluid components of an embolic composition are delivered into the first and second ports of the connector and through the lumens of the outer and inner tubular elements for occlusion of the body cavity.

Abstract: A blood treatment device, in particular a dialysis machine, which permits both single-needle and dual-needle operation. The device has a blood treatment unit, in particular a dialyzer that has an inlet connected to a feed line and an outlet connected to a return line. The feed line has two parallel line branches with a positive displacement pump being connected into the first and second line branches. To produce a fluid connection between the outlet of the dialyzer and one of the two pumps, a connection line is provided. For dual-needle operation, the feed and return lines are connected to an arterial and a venous needle. For single-needle operation, the feed and return lines are brought together and connected to a common needle. The connection line permits single-needle operation without great changes to the structure of the blood treatment device.

Abstract: A method of inserting a multi-lumen catheter assembly. First, an incision is made near the area to be catheterized. The proximal portion of the multi-lumen catheter tube is then inserted into the area to be catheterized. A subcutaneous tunnel is created, and the first end of the tunnel is near the incision. The catheter tube is then routed through the subcutaneous tunnel and pulled tube through a second end of the subcutaneous tunnel. The hub body is then securely attached to the catheter tube by connecting the connection cover to the hub body by threaded engagement. In a preferred embodiment the hub body is attached to the catheter tube by backfitting the connection cover over the catheter tube. A compression sleeve is also backfit over the catheter tube. The cannulae of the hub body are inserted into the lumens of the catheter tube to create fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A dilation catheter structure of the rapid exchange is provided with an inflatable balloon and with a lumen for a guide thread. The catheter comprises a distal tube (12) and a guide tube (13). The guide tube (13) extends into the distal tube (12), and the proximal ends (13′, 12′) of the guide tube (13) and the distal tube (12) are joined to one another and at the distal end (11′) of the main tube (11). The proximal end (13′) of the guide tube (13) has an opening on one side of the main tube (11) and the proximal end (12′) of the distal tube (12) reaches the distal end of the main tube and the proximal end of the guide tube tightly and simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a hemo-dialysis catheter in which the aspirating port at the end of the aspirating tube is distal of the infusion port or ports at the end of the infusion lumen. The infusion port or ports are arranged circumferentially so that the infused filtered blood is a substantially 360° jet of fluid with a substantial radial component. This jet of fluid serves to abrade the occlusive material that is composed of fibrin and other components that grows down along the outer wall of the catheter that would otherwise tend to block off the ports. Stopping occlusion growth at the zone of the infusion ports prevents further growth distally to the aspirating port and protects the aspirating port from being blocked by the growth of occlusion.

Abstract: A cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends is provided. The diameter of the lumen of the cannula can be varied to take into account differences in the diameter of access and target vessels during cannulation. The cannula is further characterized by at least one mechanism that, upon actuation, serves to alter the conformation of the cannula between a normal profile conformation and a low profile conformation. The normal profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion which is smaller than the lumen diameter both proximal and distal to the point of insertion, with the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion also expandable to the diameter of the cannulized vessel of the patient. The low profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion that is greater than the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for the dialysis of blood, a method for fabricating the same, and an improved method for the dialysis of blood.

Abstract: A multi-lumen tubular member having a predetermined length wherein the tubular member comprises an outer tube and at least one inner tube and a shared engagement area. The outer tube is substantially disposed about the at least one inner tube. The at least one inner tube has an outer surface and the outer tube has an inner surface. A portion of the outer surface of the at least one inner tube is engaged to a portion of the inner surface of the outer tube to define the engagement area. The engagement area extends in a substantially longitudinal manner along a substantial portion of the predetermined length. The tubular member is preferably a catheter.

Abstract: A single access dialysis needle system comprises a first cannula, a second cannula or sheath, and a barrier arranged on the outer surface of the first cannula. The distal end of the first cannula extends distal to the distal end of the second cannula or outer sheath, and the barrier is positioned between the respective distal ends. When the barrier is inflated or otherwise activated, it prevents or minimizes recirculation.

Abstract: Phaco tip apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having a drive assembly including a needle having a tip for emulsifying a cataractic lens and a lumen communication with primary and a secondary aspiration ports for aspirating emulsified lens. A sleeve establishes an annular passage around the needle and enables irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. A bypass port, disposed in said needle and under said compressible sleeve, establishes fluid communication between the lumen and the annular passage in order to enable irrigation fluid to pass into said lumen upon clogging of the primary and secondary aspiration ports, thus providing fluid surge protection.

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: A vascular access device is provided that has a device lumen valve and a safety valve feature to prevent leakage of blood from a lumen of such device. The vascular access device includes a sheath which may have an outer tube and structure defining a device lumen located therein. The access device further includes a detachable device valve which provides sealing of the device lumen. In addition, a non-detachable hemostasis safety valve is provided on the proximal end of the device lumen to seal the device lumen when no device valve is present. The device valve attaches to and simultaneously opens the proximal end of the hemostasis safety valve. In one embodiment, the device valve includes a distal projection that pierces an elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve. The elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve is stiffer than an elastomeric valve member of the device valve, and prevents introduction of guidewires and highly flexible catheters therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece and tip having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The first tube is used for aspiration and is smaller in diameter than the second tube so as to create an annular passage between the first and second tube. The annular passage communicates with a pumping chamber formed between two electrodes. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the annular passage. The distal end of the annular gap is sealed by a nozzle at the distal ends of the first and second tube and a plurality of orifices or ports may be formed in the nozzle. As the expanding gas is propelled down the annular gap, the gas/liquid stream is forced out of the distal orifice in a controlled and directed manner.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for heating or cooling a surrounding fluid in a feeding vessel and a method of manufacturing the same. The device includes a catheter assembly capable of insertion to a selected blood vessel in the vascular system of a patient. The assembly includes an elongated catheter body, a heat transfer element located at a distal portion of the catheter body and including an interior, an elongated supply lumen adapted to deliver a working fluid to the interior of the heat transfer element and having a hydraulic diameter, an elongated return lumen adapted to return a working fluid from the interior of the heat transfer element and having a hydraulic diameter, and wherein the ratio of the hydraulic diameter of the return lumen to the hydraulic diameter of the supply lumen is substantially equal to 0.75.

Abstract: Fluid jet tubes having operative openings and cell traps for cell cluster, tissue and debris harvesting and collecting are used with an endoscope such that the fluid jets draw-in, stabilize and hold in-vivo target specimens at a distal end. While the catheter grips the tissue by suction, blasts of high pressure solution strip from the tissue and suspend clusters of cells which are ready for analysis. The clusters are entrained in the solution and are recovered in a cell collection trap at the proximal end. Traps are removed, replaced or rotated out of and into alignment with a trap connector to accommodate new target specimens. A switch controls fluid flow, intensity and frequency of fluid jet blasts of the solution. The fluid jet catheter paired with a fiber optic system in an endoscope allows viewing of areas surrounding the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A multiple tube catheter, such as a hemo-dialysis catheter, has first and second tubes which are attached to each other over a zone by one or more longitudinally extending wires which joins the two tubes over that zone. When a catheter is implanted in the patient, the attached zone is within the patient so that the catheter cannot be removed or advanced. When the catheter is to be removed, the longitudinally extending wire or wires are pulled proximally out of the tubes involved so that the two tubes can be separated and individually removed. A flexible separating prong within the patient and proximal of the zone holds the tubes apart to further assure that the catheter cannot be moved.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering and withdrawing blood from a patient's body comprising a catheter body having a distal portion, a central return lumen extending from a proximal portion of the catheter body to the distal portion to allow blood passage therethrough, at least three longitudinally extending intake lumens independent of the return lumen and radially displaced with respect to the return lumen, and means for enabling simultaneous cut off of fluid flow to the at least three longitudinally extending lumens.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter comprising a first portion having a first diameter, an elongated distal portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition region between the first portion and distal portion. A first longitudinally extending central lumen configured to deliver blood terminates in an opening in the distal portion. At least two independent longitudinally extending lumens are positioned radially of the first lumen, configured to withdraw blood from a patient, and terminate in a longitudinally directed opening in the transition portion.

Abstract: Kits for use in the treatment of vascular calcified lesions are provided. The subject kits include at least one of: (a) a fluid delivery means for conveying fluid to and from a vascular site; and (b) a dissolution fluid for at least partially dissolving the target lesion. In many embodiments, the kits include both of these components. The subject kits further include instructions for treating vascular calcified lesions with the contents of the kit, where the instructions are typically recorded on a recording medium, e.g. printed on a substrate, such as paper.

Abstract: A multi-lumen balloon for use in a fluted balloon centering catheter and method for providing the same. The multi-lumen balloon maintains a radiation source at the center of a cardiovascular artery, has improved blood perfusion capability, and has improved balloon refolding characteristics. The method of fabricating a multi-lumen balloon designed for a radiation centering catheter uses an improved extrusion process that allows the manufacture of the multi-lumen balloon sub-assembly to be done separately from the catheter shaft assembly.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for removing a thrombus deposit from the cardiovascular system of a patient without the need to surgically access the location of the thrombus deposit via a cut-down or other surgical procedure. A catheter is inserted percutaneously into the patient at a convenient location either directly or over a previously positioned guide wire. The distal end of the catheter is advanced under fluoroscopy to the site of the thrombus deposit. A balloon is inflated to stabilize the position of the distal end of the catheter within the center of the vessel lumen. A flexible metal tube conveys an extremely high pressure stream of sterile saline solution to at least one jet at the distal end of the catheter. At least one jet positions the thrombus deposit for emulsification by at least one other jet. By directing the jets toward the orifice of the large evacuation lumen of the catheter, a stagnation pressure is induced which propels the emulsion proximally for disposal.

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: A method of and system for providing vascular access in a patient for hemodialysis involves attaching the distal end of an access catheter to the abdominal aorta of the patient and the proximal end of the access catheter to a portion of the patient to allow selective access to an interior portion of the access catheter. A blood-withdrawal catheter and a blood-return catheter are placed into the access catheter until their distal ends are in the patients abdominal aorta and blood may be removed and return to the aorta. When finished, the blood catheters are removed. Selective access to the proximal end of the access catheter is provided, preferably, by a cutaneous port assembly that includes a screwable cap and anti-infection cuff.

Abstract: A device for removing a thrombus or other tissue deposit from the cardiovascular system, natural or synthetic tubule or cavity found in the human body of a patient without the need to surgically access the location of the thrombus or other tissue deposit via a cut-down or other surgical procedure. A flexible metal or high pressure plastic tube conveys an extremely high pressure stream of sterile saline or other physiologic solution to at least one jet at the distal end of the catheter. At least one jet is directed at the opening of a large exhaust lumen or other target. The jet(s) is responsible for providing a localized negative pressure which entrains tissue into the jet from break-up of the debris. This jet(s) can also provide stagnation pressure in the exhaust lumen which drives the tissue or thrombotic debris out of the exhaust lumen. Operation of the device with tip pressure greater than 500 psi provides this device with the entrainment and exhaust characteristics which contribute to its effectiveness.

Abstract: A system which includes a catheter and at least a first and second lead, where the catheter includes an elongate catheter body having at least two lumens through which the first and second leads pass. In one embodiment, the leads are reduced diameter leads having a complete, partial or no stylet lumen. The elongate catheter body further includes a first section and a second section, where there is a transition (e.g., a tapered portion) between the first section and the second section. A first lumen extends through the first section and the second section between a first inlet at the proximal end to a first outlet at the distal end. A second lumen extends through the first section between a second inlet at the proximal end to a second outlet at a point in the first section. In one embodiment, the second outlet is located approximately at the transition between the first section and the second section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefying target tissue within a body and aspirating the same while leaving non-target tissue intact. A biocompatible fluid is heated and contacted with target tissue so that the target tissue is melted while non-target tissue remains intact. As the target tissue is being melted it is also aspirated from the body.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter including a catheter tube and a bolus tip, the bolus having a radially extending main side port. The catheter also has second and third side ports axially spaced from said main side port. The second and third side ports are each axially elongated, with an edge which is semi-circular in cross-section. The second side port is displaced 180° from the main side port. The third side port is axially aligned with the main port. The catheter is thickened in an arch opposite each of the second and third side ports.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle includes a body having an aspiration lumen therethrough along with a hub disposed at a proximal end of the needle body for engaging an ultrasonic handpiece in order to couple ultrasonic energy into a needle body. A tip is provided at a distal end of the needle body for penetrating tissue to be emulsified and a conical ultrasonic surface disposed at the tip is provided for focusing ultrasound in tissue beyond an end of the tip in order to promote cavitation in tissue beyond the tip end. The conical ultrasonic radiation surface extends from the lumen to the end of the tip.

Abstract: A micro perfusion device and method for obtaining at least one constituent of a body fluid. The at least one constituent is obtained using a subcutaneously-positioned perfusion catheter into which perfusate is introduced by a supply channel and an injection needle. The perfusate absorbs the at least one constituent as it flows out of the perfusion catheter and through a discharge channel.

Abstract: A cutting device for ophthalmologic surgery in the eye of a living being specifically for suctioning, cutting and removing portions of the vitreous humor of the eye and/or tissue particles, includes a housing and a probe disposed thereon for insertion into the vitreous humor with the probe including a guide tube with a suction opening at its distal end and an inner tube co-axially inserted therein which is slideably movable in axial direction relative to the suction opening, and a control member configured to translate a rotational movement of the drive into a linear movement of the inner tube to thereby move the inner tube in the guide tube in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the resting position to the closing position and back to the resting position while preventing a linear movement of the inner tube at rotating drive when the inner tube is in the resting position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing cataractous lens tissue (22) in a human or animal eye and substitution of the lens with replacement material (48) utilizing an apparatus in the form of a surgical instrument (42). The process contains the steps of injecting a therapeutic photosensitive agent (20) into the lens tissue, allowing a predetermined amount of time to elapse, exposing the photosensitive substance to a source of light energy at a predetermined period of time and wavelength causing the lens to microfracture and liquefy. Following this procedure the liquefied lens tissue is evacuated with the surgical instrument, and a lens replacement material is injected into the lens capsule (28) through the surgical instrument to reconstitute the intralenticular space and serve as a refracting medium. The dual cannula surgical instrument consists of a hollow cylindrical body (52) with a parallel shank (58) and a tapered section (60) on one end.

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

Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.

Abstract: Catheter apparatus for performing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in the biliary tree includes a catheter with multiple lumens. A first lumen is adapted to receive a guidewire and can serve as a transport lumen for contrast agent. A second lumen carries a cutting wire for performing a sphincterotomy. A third lumen can be used as an inflation lumen for a distally located balloon. Expansion of the balloon occludes a portion of the biliary tree and allows the catheter to sweep any gallstones through the sphincter of Oddi into the duodenum.

Abstract: A vascular introducer is disclosed which includes an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen and having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and at least an elongated secondary sheath disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath and adapted for movement from a collapsed condition to an open condition in response to insertion of a dilator through an interior lumen thereof.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter that maximizes the blood flow into and out of the patient's vasculature while also providing for passive and/or active perfusion of tissue downstream of where the catheter resides in the vasculature. The inventive catheter comprises a proximal end, a first distal and a second distal end. Lumens extending from the proximal end to each of these distal ends provide for blood circulation within one or between two blood vessels. At least one aperture in one of the lumens positioned near the proximal end provides for active perfusion of blood to the patient's vasculature downstream of where the aperture resides in the vasculature when the catheter is inserted into the patient for treatment. The inventive catheter may comprise a third lumen positioned entirely within the patient's vasculature, providing passive perfusion of blood to the patient's vasculature downstream of where the third lumen resides in the vasculature when the catheter is inserted into the patient for treatment.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter that maximizes the blood flow into and out of the patient's vasculature while also providing for passive and/or active perfusion of tissue downstream of where the catheter resides in the vasculature. The inventive catheter comprises a proximal end, a first distal and a second distal end with first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to each of these distal ends to provide for blood circulation within one blood vessel or between two different blood vessels. The second lumen, and any additional lumens so desired, may be positioned coaxially with or radially around the first lumen. Redirecting means is provided at a distal end of at least one of said lumens for directing blood in a direction generally opposite of the direction of flow through said lumen.

Abstract: A medicine delivery mechanism or fibrin injection mechanism for use in combination with an anastomosing and stapling attachment for an electromechanical device driver comprises a dispensing chamber with an elongated cylindrical cross section (although other shapes can be used) which is formed in the staple housing of the attachment in lieu of a staple port or staple ports, and which has a mouth forming a channel lined at its innermost edge perimeter with inward facing prongs or teeth. The dispensing chamber contains a sac filled with fibrin. A delivery or plunger driver travels within the dispensing chamber to press a sac of fibrin against the inward facing prongs, tearing the sac and releasing the fibrin to push the fibrin through the channel to the treatment site.

Abstract: Infusion liquid is expelled distally of an ablation burr for washing a blood vessel lesion being treated by the burr. The infusion liquid can be aspirated in a proximate direction to carry the infusion liquid and loose ablated particles of the lesion away from the treatment area. The infusion liquid can be supplied through one or more passages in the burr, In addition to distally extending passages, the burr can include transverse passages extending at least partly in a proximate direction, with the distally extending and proximately extending passages sized so that only a minor portion of the infusion liquid is expelled distally.

Abstract: A fibrin injection mechanism for use in combination with an anastomosing and stapling attachment for an electromechanical device driver comprises a cylindrical dispensing chamber adjacent the cylindrical blade of the attachment and containing a sac filled with fibrin, a plurality of channels extending within the blade communicating between the dispensing chamber and the cutting edge of the blade, such that when the turning drive shaft is activated, the staple driver of the attachment moves forward to push a plurality of staples through corresponding staple ports and against the anvil of the attachment to pass through and staple together the target tissue, while the blade driver of the attachment moves forward to cut the unwanted residual tissue (post stapling), while a plunger (delivery) driver moves forward through the dispensing chamber to compress the sac to its break point, releasing the fluid medication into the dispensing chamber, and eventually pushing the medication though the channels to deliver the

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing such a multi-lumen catheter having a plurality of individual catheter tubes. Each catheter tube has an outer surface, an inner surface and a lumen. The catheter tubes can be made of different thermoplastic materials. A mandrel is first inserted into the lumen of each catheter tube to provide support. The catheter tubes are then juxtaposed to each other in an arrangement. Importantly, the outer surface of one catheter tube is in contact with the outer surface of at least one other catheter tube in the arrangement. The arrangement of catheter tubes is then held in a sleeve and is advanced through the sleeve, and through a heating cylinder to fuse the outer surfaces of the catheter tubes. A cooling means is placed in the lumen of each catheter tube to prevent the inner surface of each catheter tube from melting.

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

Abstract: A wire guided fluid catheter assembly having a collapsible guidewire lumen. Pressurization of a fluid lumen in the catheter assembly collapses the guidewire lumen, thereby increasing the fluid flow capacity of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port adapter assembly 10 for conducting bile duct and related procedures, including a laparoscopic port 11, an introducer sheath 12 and a multiple conduit instrument guide 13. The instrument guide 13 may be inserted into a bile duct 14 to facilitate concurrent introduction of multiple instruments directly into the bile duct 14 without need for forceps manipulation of instruments through additional laparoscopic ports. The procedure may be conducted and viewed in real-time video to improve procedural efficiency and safety. Inventive related useful instruments and procedures are included to complement use and flexibility of the laparoscopic port adapter assembly 10. A preferred embodiment may include use of a three-conduit instrument guide 13 and concurrent introduction of a lithotripter 32, choledochoscope 31 and irrigative catheter 34 directly in the bile duct 14.

Abstract: A medical device that can emulsify tissue with a heated fluid. The device may include an active heating element that is located within an inner channel at a distal end of a cannula. The cannula is adapted to be inserted into tissue such as a cornea. The active heating element can provide heat to a fluid that flows through the inner channel. The heat can be transferred into a bolus of fluid that is periodically generated by a pump. The heated bolus is then directed onto tissue.