Abstract: An intraocular surgical apparatus including an introduction tube for introducing perfusate into a closed intraocular affected part, a discharge tube for discharging the affected part and the perfusate, a perfusate feed passage connected to the introduction tube and incorporating a perfusate reservoir for feeding the perfusate with a predetermined rest liquid head pressure, a valve for controlling the amount of perfusate fed from the reservoir to the introduction tube, and a discharge passage connected to the discharge tube and incorporating a suction pump. The perfusate feed passage further incorporates, at a passage portion thereof from the control valve to an outlet opening of the introduction tube, a pressure-reduction compensating means for feeding supplementary perfusate into the closed intraocular affected part through a supplementing passage having a smaller passage resistance than the perfusate feed passage in the event of and in association with abnormal pressure reduction inside the affected part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing tissue of epithelial lined viscus in vivo including, for example, the endocervical canal. The method comprises illuminating an interior surface of the viscus with electromagnetic radiation wavelengths to produce a plurality of fluorescence intensity spectra, detecting a plurality of emission wavelengths from the fluorescence intensity spectra, and characterizing the epithelial viscus tissue as a function of the emission wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent wound dressings comprising skin health treatment additives for the treatment and prevention of Stage I-IV partial and full thickness pressure wounds. The disposable dressings conform to the anatomical shape of the body of a human and are capable of absorbing large quantities of wound drainage or exudates. Such disposable dressings are low-adherent and facilitate painless removal without disturbing a healing tissue bed. Such disposable wound dressings of the present invention are especially advantageous for the treatment of Stage I-IV pressure ulcers located in the sacral/coccyx area of the spine.

Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a balloon is inflated to occlude the structure before the application of energy.

Abstract: A medical tube inserting device that ensures safely and infallibly a route for draining of digestive juices and infusion of drug solutions, enteral nutrition and the like, and more specifically, a balloon catheter for puncturing which does not rupture that ensures a safe and infallible rout for infusion of a enteral nutrition solution and the like. The tube inserting device containing this catheter, and a method for use thereof. The route can be percutanelosly made safe and sure in all tubular organs like the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, pancreatic duct, intestine, urinary duct, and urinary bladder by a balloon catheter for puncturing, equipped with a balloon which does not rupture by puncturing, and an ultrasonic probe, a puncturing needle a guide wire, a dilator, a sheath and an indwelling catheter.

Abstract: Devices, compositions, and methods for achieving non-surgical lung volume reduction (e.g., bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR)) are described. BLVR can be carried out by collapsing a region of the lung, adhering one portion of the collapsed region to another, and promoting fibrosis in or around the adherent tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for systemically or locally administering by implantation a beneficial agent to a subject are described, and include, for example, compositions having burst indices of 8 or less for systemic applications and systems releasing 10% or less of the total dose of beneficial agent in the first 24 hours after implantation for local applications. The compositions include a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent having low water miscibility that forms a viscous gel with the polymer and limits water uptake by the implant, and a beneficial agent.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A plasma-collecting devise comprises a blood-filtering element having a blood-drawing needle and a communicating needle, a vacuum blood-drawing tube, and a contracting and expanding element connecting the blood-filtering unit and the vacuum blood-drawing tube. The device enables blood drawing from blood vessel and blood filtering continuously to obtain plasma.

Abstract: Generally, the method for preventing or relieving discomfort in the ears arising from congestion and/or obstruction of in the eustachian tubes comprising or changes in middle ear pressure relative to atmospheric pressure arising from environmental conditions in an individual need of prevention or relief from discomfort in the ears comprises the steps of: 1) administering a solution of 1.5%-3.5% (preferably 2-3%) sodium chloride solution having a pH of about 6 to 7.8 (preferably 6.5-7.5) in an aqueous solution as a spray or mist into the nose, 2) minimizing discharge of the solution from the nose for at least 5 seconds, then 3) evacuating the nose under pressure.

Abstract: An expandable filtering material expands within a body vessel (e.g. artery) when fluid flows through the vessel. Expandable pockets in the filtering material trap emboli released in the fluid. The filtering material is inserted into the vessel at a particular position distal to a lesion in the direction of the fluid flow. A protective sleeve covers the filtering material. An interventional device is disposed in the vessel at the lesion position to treat the lesion. The sleeve is removed from the expandable filtering material thereby expanding the filtering material within the vessel. The interventional device treats the lesion and opens up the vessel at the lesion position. The interventional device is thereafter removed. Retaining pockets in the expandable filtering material trap emboli released in the fluid of the body vessel.

Abstract: System for the subcutaneous delivery into the body of a patient of a fluid from a remote vessel. The system includes a main assembly and placement member with a needle. A delivery tube for carrying the fluid is attached at a near end to the remote reservoir or vessel. At removed end, the delivery tube has a needle for engagement with the main assembly. The main assembly includes a rotating member that when the rotating is perpendicular to the main assembly, it will accept the handle and needle for emplacement of the body onto a patient. After the handle and needle are removed, the delivery tube can be attached to the rotating member which can then be rotated down to a position along to and adjacent the skin of the patient. This provides for a flush mounted infusion device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing improved percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) procedures. One device includes a preassembled PMR drug delivery catheter and a drug neutralizing vial. The vial assembly allows prepping the PMR catheter by flushing drug through distal needle, and into a vial cavity where the drug is neutralized by a neutralizing agent. One set of devices includes needles having protrusions secured to the distal regions of drug delivery tubes. One needle has outward protruding barbs engaging the inner tube wall while another needle has outward threads which can screw into the tube inner wall. Radiopaque marker bands are also included in the present invention which are asymmetrically distributed on the catheter shaft, allowing a treating physician to determine under fluoroscopy whether the catheter distal region is pointed away or toward the treating physician, as well as determining whether the catheter distal region is rotated toward or away from the treating physician.

Abstract: A device for treating glaucoma in an eye is described. The device includes a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces, wherein the body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. The device further includes a filter capable of providing outflow resistance to aqueous humor flowing through the lumen. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.

Abstract: A medical device known as a therapeutic substance delivery device is configured to with an infusion rate control to deliver a therapeutic substance such as pharmaceutical compositions, genetic materials, and biologics to treat a variety of medical conditions such as pain, spastisity, cancer, and other diseases in humans and other animals. The therapeutic substance delivery device can be configured as a single-use device that is versatile, small, inexpensive, and has many other improvements. The single-use device has a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) flow restriction with a variable infusion rate. The MEMS flow restriction is fluidly coupled to a reservoir outlet to receive therapeutic substance dispensed from the single-use reservoir at the reservoir rate and restrict the therapeutic substance flow to a desired infusion rate. The single-use reservoir is configured for controlled collapse to dispense therapeutic substance from the reservoir at a reservoir rate through a reservoir outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method used to indicate the migration of a medicament through the digestive apparatus and resorption during this migration, with the use of a negative MRI-contrast agent and a positive contract substance, introduced into gelatin capsules. The gelatin capsules are arranged as inner capsules in a common outer capsule, which is provided with barium sulphate in such an amount, relative to the specific gravity of the contents of the stomach, so that the capsule will be able to sink through the contents of the stomach and reach the small intestine without a substantial time-delay. The invention also relates to a diagnostic apparatus to carry out the diagnostic method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to adhesive/hemostatic formulations of 2-alkoxyalkyl cyanoacrylate, an absorbable liquid or solid polymeric modifier, and a general stabilizer against premature anionic polymerization of cyanoacrylates. The present adhesive formulations are useful as tissue adhesives/sealants, hemostatic agents, or as a means of patching and anastomotic coupling of damaged organs.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a sample of interstitial fluid from a patient for use in monitoring the level of blood glucose in the patient. The device comprises a hollow tube having a wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the wall of the tube contains a multiplicity of pores.

Abstract: A method of coating a medical device is provided. The method includes interfacing a therapeutic with a supercritical fluid and transferring the therapeutic from the supercritical fluid that has been interfaced with the therapeutic to the medical device. An article of manufacture is also provided. The article of manufacture includes a medical device having a releasable therapeutic on one of its surfaces, the medical device manufactured by placing the medical device in a coating chamber and exposing the medical device to a supercritical fluid carrying a therapeutic.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter comprising a flexible malecot tube having a plurality of slits elongating toward the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of the tip of the catheter, a flexible core wire movable in the axial direction along the malecot tube with its tip fixed to the tip of the malecot tube, a cylindrical connector fixed to the root side of the malecot tube and permitting the root of the core wire to protrude out of the end portion of the malecot tube, and a stopper provided on the connector to constrain arbitrary movement of the core wire.

Abstract: A method of treating the upper urinary tract of a mammal having a urethra extending to a bladder and a ureter extending from the bladder to a kidney. The method comprises initially extending a catheter system into the upper urinary tract, the catheter system having a urethral catheter infusion tube section extending through the urethra for infusion of a liquid; a urethral catheter drain tube section extending through the urethra for drainage of a liquid; a ureteral catheter tube section extending through a ureter into the kidney and having a first tube portion for infusion of a liquid connected to the urethral catheter infusion tube section, and a second tube portion for drainage of a liquid.

Abstract: A surgical/medical irrigator with a handpiece in which there is a pump from which irrigating fluid is discharged. The irrigating fluid is discharged from a discharge tube attached to the handpiece. Irrigating fluid is removed from the site to which it is applied through a suction tube also attached to the handpiece. A splash shield is removably attached to the ends of the discharge and suction tubes to limit fluid discharge. The splash shield is formed with a discharge chamber into which the fluid from the discharge chamber is discharged. The splash shield has a bore that leads from the discharge chamber to the suction tube through which fluid is drawn away from the discharge chamber. Seals between the discharge and suction tubes and the splash shield prevent fluid flow between the tubes and the splash shield.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue are provided. In the subject methods, an isolated local environment that includes the region to be demineralized is produced. The pH of the local environment is then reduced to a subphysiologic level, e.g. by flushing with an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the region to be reduced. The devices of the subject invention are characterized by comprising a means for producing an isolated local environment that includes a non-intimal region of vascular tissue. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a case formed with a receiving space, a motor mounted in the case as a driving source which is driven by a battery, a power transmission element for converting a rotational motion of the motor to a linear motion, a pressure element connected to the power transmission element for inhaling and discharging ambient air so as to generate a suction force or discharging force of a predetermined pressure, a suction/discharge element integrally coupled with the pressure element and having an inlet for allowing an air to be inspired into the pressure element and an outlet for allowing the inspired air to be discharged from the pressure element to the outside, a power switch mounted an external surface of the case for controlling operations of the motor. Moreover, either of device or an injection device is detachably mounted to the main body of the medical instrument in communication with the inlet or the outlet of the suction/discharge element.

Abstract: A method of administering fluids to an animal such as a pet (dog, cat, etc.) zoo animal, research animal, or exotic animal, includes the initial step of forming one or more openings in the animal's skin, at least one of the openings being preferably positioned proximally on the animal's body. An elongated catheter that includes a wall, a lumen and proximal and distal end portions is then placed into a subcutaneous space that extends proximally to distally on the animal's body. The catheter is preferably provided with a plurality of openings that are preferably positioned distally and through the catheter wall. The proximal portion of the catheter is anchored to the animal's skin externally and at the proximally positioned opening. Fluids are then transmitted to the animal via the catheter by removably connecting a fluids containing vessel to the catheter and then discharging the fluids from the vessel into the subcutaneous space via the catheter.

Abstract: An endoscopic infusion needle device includes a catheter within which an injection tube having a distal injection needle is slideably disposed. A proximal actuating handle is coupled to the proximal ends of the catheter and the injection tube, and a distal stopping structure is provided on distal portions of the catheter and the injection tube. In one embodiment, the stopping structures include a rigid elongate skeletal structure occupying a portion of the annular space between the tube and the catheter, and an annular band on the tube which resides within the skeletal structure. The skeletal structure fits tightly within the cannula, allows irrigation fluid to pass through the annular space between the tube and the catheter to exit the distal end of the catheter, prevents the annular band from escaping through the proximal end or the distal end of the skeletal structure, and maintains the tube in substantial axial alignment with the catheter.

Abstract: A vacuum adjustment valve, particularly for thoracic drainage devices, which comprises a valve body arranged in the air intake duct and tuning a first region connected to the intake duct and a second region connected to the drainage device. A regulator is arranged between the regions, is struck by the air stream and is operatively connected to a flow control element which controls a port for connection between the second region and an environment at atmospheric pressure. Adjustable elastic closure elements act on the flow control element.

Abstract: A syringe pump has an arm swung against the barrel of the syringe. The arm is coupled to a strip mask having a row of transparent apertures of differing length. The mask extends above a CCD array of sensing elements and below a concave mirror, which produces a collimated beam of radiation on the mask from an LED. The length of sensing elements exposed to radiation through an aperture in the mask gives an approximate indication of barrel size; the position of an edge of the aperture gives an accurate indication. The pump compares the barrel size with information relating size to syringe type and produces an indication of syringe type on a display.

Abstract: Methods, kits, and apparatus for obtaining cellular, chemical, and other materials from breast ducts are described. A single milk duct is accessed and washed with a washing fluid to obtain marker materials from the lining the duct. The washing fluid is then collected, and the marker materials in the washing fluid identified and analyzed. Usually, the washing fluid is introduced using a syringe through a lumen of a dual-lumen catheter. The ductal volume is filled with the washing fluid and excess fluid flows outwardly through a second lumen of the dual-lumen catheter, from which it is collected. Methods and kits provide for collection of fluid and cells by a lavage procedure that includes applying external pressure to the breast to improve the yield of fluid and cells from the breast duct.

Abstract: A method of treating the upper urinary tract of a mammal having a urethra extending to a bladder and a ureter extending from the bladder to a kidney. The method comprises initially extending a catheter system into the upper urinary tract, the catheter system having a urethral catheter infusion tube section extending through the urethra for infusion of a liquid; a urethral catheter drain tube section extending through the urethra for drainage of a liquid; a ureteral catheter tube section extending through a ureter into the kidney and having a first tube portion for infusion of a liquid connected to the urethral catheter infusion tube section, and a second tube portion for drainage of a liquid.

Abstract: In a device for treating blood vessels with a laser, the laser provides a beam in a wavelength range from 750 to 850 nm, preferably 805 nm. The device has a measuring unit which measures the concentration of a chromophore (preferably indocyanine green) administered to the patient in the patient's blood vessels. The device further comprises a control unit which controls the power of the laser in a contrary sense to the measured concentration.

Abstract: A gastric pressure relief apparatus for incorporation within an enteral feeding system, including an enteral feeding container, an administrative tube and an enteral feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a gas and liquid-receiving reservoir with a gas vent to ambient atmosphere, a length of tube secured to the reservoir at one end and joined to the enteral feeding tube at another end and connector means for joining the administrative tube to the length of tube to be oriented at a point below that of an enterally-fed patient's stomach. The length of tube includes volumetric indicia to allow for measurement of refluxed fluid and subsequent adjustment of fluid administration.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. In another aspect, interventional devices, such as stents or balloon catheters, are passed through the perfusion catheter to remove obstructions. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit or by employing mechanical means to remove the obstruction. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating drug-filled pockets within muscle tissue, such as myocardium of the heart for increasing angiogenesis. More particularly, the apparatus has an excising assembly with a dilator tip for penetrating and advancing through the surface and body of a muscle or organ, such as the heart. Preferably, the dilator tip has a low level laser optical fiber emission to ease the passage of the excising assembly and provide thermal damage which also stimulates angiogenesis. More preferably, the dilator tip also disperses a pharmacologically active substance as the apparatus is passed through the tissue and/or creates pockets. The excising assembly is connected to a hand-held control device from which the operator pushes a switch to activate a punching mechanism within the excising assembly. The punching mechanism cuts a discrete piece of muscle tissue and traps it within the excising assembly leaving a pocket in the remaining muscle tissue.

Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.

Abstract: A method for screening candidate antimicrobial compounds is described that utilizes a human vaginal xenograft engrafted in a non-human host. The method may be performed by using pathogen inoculated human vaginal xenografts in order to screen a wide range of candidate antimicrobials administered topically or systemically.

Abstract: A composition useful as an embolic agent that selectively creates an embolic blockage in the lumen of a blood vessel, duct, fistula or other like body passageways by combining a monomer component and a second component wherein, said monomer component comprises of a alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer and at least one inhibitor agent; and said second component that functions as an opacificant agent and a polymerization retardant.

Abstract: An apparatus used in balloon angioplasty and/or stenting in a first embodiment includes a guide wire, a balloon catheter that ensleeves the guide wire, and a guide catheter that ensleeves the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter has a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially spaced apart slots formed in it to define a plurality of elongate members between the slots. A joint is formed at the proximal, distal, and mid-point of each elongate member. Displacing the respective proximal and distal joints toward one another causes the respective middle joints to displace radially outwardly, and radial inward travel of the middle joints is caused by increasing the distance between the proximal and distal joints. A bead is formed in the distal end of the guide wire and retraction of the guide wire causes the bead to abut the distal end of the balloon catheter and displace it in a distal-to-proximal direction, opening the elongate, jointed members.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for systemically or locally administering by implantation a beneficial agent to a subject are described, and include, for example, compositions having burst indices of 8 or less for systemic applications and systems releasing 10% or less of the total dose of beneficial agent in the first 24 hours after implantation for local applications. The compositions include a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent having low water miscibility that forms a viscous gel with the polymer and limits water uptake by the implant, and a beneficial agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for use with laparoscopic surgery. The tool includes a hollow member having a first end and a second end. Each end is open and the first end is adapted to receive a conventional vile or syringe housing anesthetic medicine. The second end includes a sprayer head for enabling the housed anesthetic medicine to be dispensed via the sprayer head.

Abstract: A method for screening candidate antimicrobial compounds is described that utilizes a human vaginal xenograft engrafted in a non-human host. The method may be performed by using pathogen inoculated human vaginal xenografts in order to screen a wide range of candidate antimicrobials administered topically or systemically.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. In another aspect, interventional devices, such as stents or balloon catheters, are passed through the perfusion catheter to remove obstructions. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit or by employing mechanical means to remove the obstruction. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: A method for screening candidate antimicrobial compounds is described that utilizes a human vaginal xenograft engrafted in a non-human host. The method may be performed by using pathogen inoculated human vaginal xenografts in order to screen a wide range of candidate antimicrobials administered topically or systemically.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. In another aspect, interventional devices, such as stents or balloon catheters, are passed through the perfusion catheter to remove obstructions. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit or by employing mechanical means to remove the obstruction. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a variety of surgical instruments for forming a liquid jet, which are useful for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the invention provides surgical liquid jet instruments having a pressure lumen and an evacuation lumen, where the pressure lumen includes at least one nozzle for forming a liquid jet and where the evacuation lumen includes a jet-receiving opening for receiving the liquid jet when the instrument is in operation. In some embodiments, the pressure lumen and the evacuation lumen of the surgical liquid jet instruments are constructed and positionable relative to each other so that the liquid comprising the liquid jet, and any tissue or material entrained by the liquid jet can be evacuated through the evacuation lumen without the need for an external source of suction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a catheter (1) designed to be inserted in a corporeal duct and comprising a flexible elongated body, rigid in traction, including a sealed tubular sheath (3) for transmitting a fluid under pressure and capable of being subjected to radial collapse. Said catheter is characterized in that said sheath (3) is made at least partially of a flexible material and has a thin wall (4) with uneven surface, such that, when said sheath (3) is subjected to such a radial collapse, the irregularities at the surface thereof maintain a fluid communication (7) between said sheath (3) ends.

Abstract: A subcutaneous port catheter system includes a reservoir defining a chamber therein. The catheter system also includes a guide catheter attached to the reservoir. The guide catheter has a guide lumen and a distal guide orifice. The catheter system further includes an inner catheter attached to the reservoir. The inner catheter is positioned within the guide lumen and extends through the distal guide orifice. A method of advancing fluid into a blood vessel of a body of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for delivering a drug formulation to a human eye. The method includes the steps of inserting the apparatus below the Tenon's capsule and above the sclera at a point posterior to the limbus of the eye and injecting the drug formulation to form a drug depot on an outer surface of the sclera. The apparatus includes a cannula having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a bend separating the distal portion and the proximal portion. The distal portion has a radius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of the globe of the eye. A tangent of the distal portion at the bend is disposed at an angle no more than about 56 degrees with respect to the proximal portion.