Abstract: Featured is a system for delivering a fluid or therapeutic agent to target tissue of an organ, such as a heart. Such a delivery system includes a catheter having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion and a lumen extending therebetween and a delivery device movably disposed within the catheter at the distal end portion thereof, the delivery device having a first end portion that is configured and arranged for penetrating the target tissue. The distal end portion of the catheter is also configured and arranged such that when the delivery device is extended beyond the distal end portion of the catheter, a portion of the delivery device that is disposed within the distal end portion of the catheter is put into fluid communication with the lumen, whereby fluid or therapeutic agent being communicated via the lumen is fluidly coupled to the first end portion of the delivery device and thence for delivery to the target tissue.

Abstract: Organs and other tissue structures are isolated and perfused with a therapeutic agent. Isolation is effected by endovascularly positioning catheters having occlusion balloons within the arteries or other blood vessels which supply blood to the organ. Similarly, blood flow from the organ back to the patient's circulatory system is blocked by endovascularly positioning one or more catheters carrying occlusion members within the veins or other blood vessels leading from the organ. The therapeutic agent may then be perfused through the organ in either an antegrade or retrograde fashion using the endovascularly positioned catheters while maintaining isolation.

Abstract: Methods, software, and apparatuses are described for resuscitation of shock due to trauma and/or hemorrhage. A representative embodiment involves a method of treating shock in a patient. A plurality of data elements representative of a condition of the patient are acquired, and shock in the patient is treated by following a step-by-step goal directed, data driven protocol, which references the plurality of data elements. The fixed protocol may be implemented in software or otherwise.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter with a shaft having a lumen and a plurality of ports through the shaft. A rotatable core with a core groove is disposed within the lumen. The plurality of ports can be exposed by retraction of the core. The core can be rotated within the shaft.

Abstract: In a method for autologous myocardial implantation treatment, a donor area of a patient containing healthy skeletal muscle is located. Myocyte micro granules are retrieved from the donor area using a retrieval device and either directly implanted into an implantation area of the patient's myocardium, or they are transferred to an implantation device and then implanted. No intervening cell culturing is performed between myocyte micro granule retrieval and implantation. A retrieval device that may be used to retrieve the myocyte micro granules from the donor area includes one or more extraction probes each having a distal tip adapted to be inserted into the skeletal muscle of the donor area. The retrieval device further includes a retrieval system that causes each distal tip to withdraw a myocyte micro granule upon removal thereof from the donor area.

Abstract: A micro-injection molded disposable needle assembly having more than one passageway formed therein to permit the simultaneous drawing and administering of fluids through separate passageways is disclosed. The micro-injection molded disposable assembly includes one or more sensors disposed therein for measuring and monitoring one or more desired body or surrounding environmental conditions. A method of forming the disposable needle from an elastomeric material using micro-injection molding is also disclosed.

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: Methods are provided for partial aortic occlusion for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially occlude aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The methods can also be used to partially occlude the renal arteries to reduce renin secretion in hypertensive patients. Partial occlusion of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter, a distally mounted expandable occluder, a variable flow mechanism, and a manometer. The occluder may comprise two conical shells or an inflatable ring-shaped balloon disposed about a cylindrical sleeve. Other medical devices, such as an atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the occluder to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A system for treating atrial fibrillation includes a stent and a delivery catheter for carrying the stent to a treatment site. The stent is self-expanding, for example, being formed of a shape memory alloy, and is configured to lodge against the interior wall of a pulmonary vein. The stent may be formed as a loop, helix, progressively wound helix or other suitable shape, and in one embodiment has an exposed proximal portion including an ablation region that contacts and subtends a circumference of the vein, or contacts endocardial wall tissue along a circumferential path at the ostium. The proximal portion is attached to an energy delivery line in the catheter to energize the stent and ablate tissue in the circumferential region, forming a lesion to block conduction across the ostium or preventing trigger signals originating in the pulmonary vein from initiating or sustaining fibrillation in the atrium.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe (1, 2) includes a needle (3) covered by a needle sheath (4) that comprises a tubular sheath body (5) with a removable end cap (6). Injectant is transferred into the main body (1) of the syringe by removing the end cap, inserting the needle together with the sheath body (5) into a source of injectant and operating the plunger so as to draw the injectant through open end (6) of the plunger through the needle into the main body. The process is carried out without exposing the needle to the user's touch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for temporarily excluding an aneurysm or an arterio-venous fistula from a flow path by transluminally disposing a hollow balloon catheter structure within the aneurysm so that its proximal and distal ends extend past the aneurysm while maintaining continuity of the flow path, and then injecting a synthetic molding material or a biological hardening agent into the aneurysm cavity to cause solidification of the volume within the cavity. Once the material within the excluded aneurysm has solidified, the balloon catheter structure is deflated and removed, so that the hardened mass forms a new lining for the organ or vessel, and relieves the weakened tissue of the aneurysm or fistula from further flow-induced stress.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed in which a main catheter is first delivered to a site proximal to the occlusion. The main catheter may include an occlusive device at its distal end. An inner catheter or elongate member (e.g., a guidewire) having an occlusive device at its distal end is delivered to the site of the occlusion, and the occlusive device is activated at a site distal to the occlusion. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion. Next, a catheter is delivered just proximal to the occlusive device, and this catheter is used to aspirate and/or irrigate the area removing particles and debris. The aspiration and irrigation steps are preferably repeated until the particles and debris are removed. Perfusion may be performed by using a perfusion-filter distal of the lesion to be treated or a hypotube which extends beyond the occlusive device attached to the guidewire.

Abstract: A method and device for volumetric measurement of a drop of fluid administered in a gravity intravenous set. Radiation, preferable infrared light is passed through from the exterior of the drip chamber of the intravenous set and is detected and quantified by a receiver on the other exterior side of the chamber. The radiation passing through the chamber when a drop is not passing through the radiation path is taken as the background radiation level. When a drop passes through the chamber, a loss in radiation passing through the receiver occurs. This relative loss is converted into volume with the aid of a lookup table.

Abstract: The invention provides a nested tubing cannula which comprises outer and inner elongate tubular members, each having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The inner tubular member is sealed at its distal end and is nested substantially coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular member, so that the gap between the inner and the outer tubular member defines a second lumen whereas the first lumen is the lumen of the inner tubular member. A tubular sleeve is disposed coaxially between the inner and outer tubular members. A balloon is mounted on a distal region of the outer tubular member and is in communication with the first lumen. The cannula further comprises a port proximal or distal the balloon occluder and is in communication with the second lumen. Methods for making the devices herein are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stent delivery catheter that reduces stent displacement during deployment. In particular, the stent delivery catheter provides expansion of a stent that originates initially from within the stent's center or medial region, that later proceeds outwardly toward the stent's ends. Medial expansion of a stent is disclosed using a multi-chambered expandable balloon or a wire member that radially expands when tubular members of the catheter shaft are longitudinally displaced.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fluid into a patient's body has the steps of accommodating the fluid in a plastic container, connecting an introducer to the plastic container so that the fluid can flow from the plastic container through the introducer into a patient's body, and arranging an adsorbing material between the plastic container and the introducer so that the fluid flows from the plastic container first through the adsorbing material, at least some toxins from the fluid are adsorbed by and retained on the adsorbing material, while the fluid purified from at least some toxins is introduced by the introducer into a patient's body.

Abstract: A stent which is adapted for placement in the vessels of a human body is provided. The stent may be in the form of a thin-walled metal cylinder having a longitudinal axis. The stent has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a number of circumferentially relatively rigid portions. The relatively rigid portions are joined to each other by one or mor longitudinals which extend in a substantially longitudinal direction. At least a portion of at least one of the longitudinals has an undulating shape where a first relatively rigid portion is located at the proximal end of the stent and a second relatively rigid portion is located at the distal end of the stent.

Abstract: Methods are provided for inhibiting stenosis or restenosis following vascular trauma in a mammalian host, comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective dosage of a cytostatic agent and/or cytoskeletal inhibitor so as to biologically stent the traumatized vessel. Also provided is a method to inhibit or reduce vascular remodeling following vascular trauma, comprising administering an effective amount of a cytoskeletal inhibitor. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the therapeutic agents of the invention.

Abstract: A catheter system for injecting therapeutic agents including large molecules into the body. The catheter includes a distensible penetrating element with a distally locating expansion coil and a distally located chamber for holding a therapeutic agent which is to be injected into the body.

Abstract: A multi-catheter emboli containment system is disclosed which is adapted to provide at least one pair of optimized paths for irrigation and aspiration fluid flow. Through careful design of the cross-sectional area of these paths, the present system is able to be compactly utilized in even the smaller size blood vessels. The catheter system itself is provided with occlusive devices to form an emboli containment chamber in which irrigation and aspiration occur. The catheter system of the present invention provides an improved emboli containment and removal system which can be utilized in a wide range of vessel diameters. The system is easy to use and can quickly and efficiently evacuate the containment chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel syringes and catheters for delivering compositions which form solid masses in vivo. These syringes and catheters are particularly useful for delivering embolizing compositions intravascularly.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic occlusion for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially occlude aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial occlusion of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter, a distally mounted expandable occluder, a variable flow mechanism, and a manometer. The occluder may comprise two conical shells or an inflatable ring-shaped balloon disposed about a cylindrical sleeve. Other medical devices, such as an atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the occluder to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A method of removing toxins from a patient's blood comprises implanting a filter device having a dialysis membrane with an exterior surface exposed to the patient's blood and a dialysate cavity exposed to an interior surface of the dialysate membrane within a blood vessel of a patient, continuously directing substantially uncontaminated or substantially decontaminated dialysate into the dialysate cavity and in diffusive communication with the patient's blood, dialysing the patient's blood with the dialysate, and continuously removing toxin contaminated dialysate from the filter device.

Abstract: Pulsatile blood flow in a heart-lung machine is accomplished by pumping blood into a bladder at a constant rate, and cyclically emptying the bladder into aortic line of the heart-lung machine either by means of the bladder's own elasticity or by a mechanical compression mechanism which can be programmed to simulate the human heartbeat.

Abstract: A retractable needle fluid transfer device is provided. The device includes a manually operable actuator for affecting retraction. Upon depressing the actuator, a spring displaces the needle rearwardly so that the contaminated needle is enclosed, thereby preventing inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes forward and rearward stops for impeding displacement of the needle after the needle is retracted. A seal prevents contaminants from entering the device after the needle is retracted. A safety sampling access port adapter for obtaining fluid samples from a fluid line is also provided. The sampling adapter includes a first end configured to cooperate with an access port attached to the fluid line. The sampling adapter further includes a collapsible socket configured to cooperate with a fluid container such as a vacuum tube. A needle assembly disposed within the housing of the sampling adapter is operable to pierce the seal on the fluid container.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods are provided for enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified lesion. The catheter devices of the subject invention at least include, at their distal end, a proton generating means, and in many embodiments also include a flushing means. In using the subject devices, the distal end of the catheter is placed proximal to the vascular occlusion and protons are generated, e.g., via proton generation from water, in a manner sufficient to reduce the pH of the vascular site in the region proximal to the occlusion. The subphysiologic pH is maintained for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced. Also provided are kits comprising the subject catheter devices for use in the subject methods.

Abstract: A method of providing a therapeutic, diagnostic or lubricious hydrophilic coating on an intracorporeal medical device and the coated device produced thereby, wherein the coating is durable. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a polymerized base coat and a top coat having a therapeutic, diagnostic or hydrophilic agent, where the base coat has a binding component which binds to the top coat, and a grafting component which binds to the binding component and adheres to the device. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a blend of an agent, a grafting component, and salt. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is superoxide dismutase or a superoxide dismutase mimic. The coating of the invention may be applied to a medical device with a polymeric surface such as a polymeric catheter, or a metal device such as a stent coated with a polymeric primer or without a primer.

Abstract: A composition comprising of a monomer component comprised of at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate and at least one inhibitor, and a second component comprised of a resultant aggregate structure formed from an alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer, an alkyl esterified fatty acid and an opacificant agent where said composition forms a resultant aggregate structure when said composition contacts an anionic environment. The compositions are useful for filling, occluding, partially filling or partially occluding an unfilled volume or space in a mass in an anionic environment. The composition are also useful for ablating diseased or undesired tissue by cutting off the blood supply to the tissue.

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: Methods of enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion, as well as systems and kits for use in practicing the same, are provided. In practicing the subject methods, the vascular site is flushed simultaneously with a first dissolution fluid (e.g., an organic matter dissolution fluid and/or an inorganic matter dissolution fluid), and a second dissolution fluid attenuating fluid, where flushing is carried out in a manner such that only a surface of the vascular occlusion is contacted with the non-attenuated dissolution fluid. Examples of dissolution fluid/dissolution fluid attenuating fluid pairs include: (1) oxidizing agent fluid and fluid comprising oxidizable neutralizing agent; (2) surfactant fluid and phosphate buffered saline; (3) acidic solution and phosphate buffered saline; etc. Flushing is carried out in this manner for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established.

Abstract: A micro catheter and guidewire system for use in tortuous regions of a vasculature includes a catheter body having a distal end, a guidewire lumen, a proximal region with an outer diameter, and a distal region with an outer diameter. The ratio of the proximal region outer diameter to the distal region outer diameter is at least 1.625:1 to improve pushability of the catheter body. The guidewire lumen defines a stopper and the guidewire has a depth stop for engaging the stopper of the guidewire lumen. The depth stop and the stopper cooperate to enable the guidewire to cooperate with the catheter to improve catheter pushability. The depth stop and the stopper also prevent over extension of the guidewire.

Abstract: A cannula or needle set for fluid flow connection with the vascular system of a patient. In one embodiment, the set comprises a hollow, hypodermic needle having a longitudinal axis and a sharp end for skin penetration and connection with the vascular system. A hollow hub carries the needle at a needle opposite to the sharp end. A fluid flow port is defined in the hub at a position laterally spaced from the axis of the needle. An injection site aperture is defined in the hub at a position centrally intersected by the needle axis, the injection site aperture being closed by a recloseable, needle-penetrable wall.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient's heart which comprises a means to form channels in the heart wall and a means to deliver a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into the channels. Additionally, the system may comprise a means to retain the agent within the channels for a useful period of time. The system may be configured to be introduced percutaneously or intraoperatively. The system generally comprises an elongated, flexible lasing transmission means having a laser radiation emitting means and an delivery lumen opening at the distal end. Practice of the invention comprises forming channels in the heart wall and delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into the channel. Gene therapy agents of this invention comprise vectors for transferring genetic information to the heart tissue in vivo or harvested cells which have been genetically engineered in vitro. Additionally, the invention may comprise retaining the agent within the channels, for example, by incorporating the agent in a viscous carrier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for temporarily excluding an aneurysm or an arterio-venous fistula from a flow path by transluminally disposing a hollow balloon catheter structure within the aneurysm so that its proximal and distal ends extend past the aneurysm while maintaining continuity of the flow path, and then injecting a synthetic molding material or a biological hardening agent into the aneurysm cavity to cause solidification of the volume within the cavity. Once the material within the excluded aneurysm has solidified, the balloon catheter structure is deflated and removed, so that the hardened mass forms a new lining for the organ or vessel, and relieves the weakened tissue of the aneurysm or fistula from further flow-induced stress.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to an anatomic position, such as a heart. The device includes a flexible catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide wire lumen that extends longitudinally through the catheter, and a delivery lumen that extends longitudinally at least partially through the catheter. The delivery lumen communicates with a side port adjacent a distal end of the catheter, through which side port a therapeutic or diagnostic agent may be delivered. The device also may include a guide wire, and the catheter may be advanced along the guide wire via the guide wire lumen. The device also may include a secondary catheter capable of sliding through the delivery lumen and capable of delivering a liquid, solid, or radiant agent to a desired anatomic location; thus, the secondary catheter may be considered a delivery catheter. The device may be used to deliver a therapeutic agent to a particular body location in a subject suffering a disease.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac drug delivery systems. The systems are installed endocardially into a chamber in the heart, and are variously capable of delivering anti-arrhythmia agents into the heart wall, and into the epicardial space outside the heart, and into other chambers in the heart through the septa of the heart.

Abstract: A flexible tissue injection catheter is used to accomplish injections at a precisely controlled depth of precisely controlled volumes of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into an interior body cavity, such as the epicardium or myocardium of the heart. In one embodiment, the invention method includes repeated injections at spaced intervals along the myocardium or epicardium of sterile fluid containing autologous bone marrow aspirate to promote angiogenesis. For myocardial injection, depth penetration is controlled by using a catheter that allows the operator to control depth penetration by means of an adjustable needle stop attached to the catheter handle. In another embodiment depth penetration during epicardial injections is controlled by use of an injection catheter having an operator-controlled adjustable needle stop that produces a sensible signal, such as a visible or audible signal, marking each increment of needle tip exposed by operation of the adjustable needle stop.

Abstract: A system for converting an off-the-shelf syringe into a safety syringe for preventing accidental needle stick or infection. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to mount to an off-the-shelf syringe via threaded, snap, permanent, or other engagement to the cannula hub of the syringe, wherein the device may include the needle for mounting to the syringe, or via barrel rings configured to mount about the barrel of the syringe. The device is configured to convert the syringe into a safety syringe including a protective cover in longitudinal communication with the syringe needle, the protective cover configured to longitudinally envelope the base of the needle in a storage position, and engage and cap the needle tip in a protected configuration after the instrument has been utilized.

Abstract: A liquid embolic delivery system is provided for trapping an injected liquid embolic composition to prevent the liquid embolic from solidifying or otherwise passing outside of an embolization area. The delivery system includes a catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition and a containment member positioned at a distal end of the catheter which is shaped to trap the liquid embolic composition delivered through the lumen of the catheter. The containment member is formed as a brush, nest, sponge, swab, flexible sack, or other shape into and around which the liquid embolic composition is injected. The liquid embolic composition is trapped or meshes with the containment member during solidification containing the liquid embolic and preventing the embolic composition from passing into the blood stream.

Abstract: A method of making an intradermal injection using a drug delivery device containing the substance to be injected. A device for practicing the method includes a needle cannula having a forward tip and a limiter portion having a skin engaging surface surrounding the needle cannula. The needle cannula is in fluid communication with the substance and the tip of the needle cannula extends beyond the skin engaging surface a distance equal to approximately 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. The needle cannula includes a fixed angle of orientation relative to the plane of the skin engaging surface. The skin engaging surface limits penetration of the needle tip into the skin so that the substance can be expelled through the needle tip into the dermis layer. Preferably, the fixed angle of orientation of the needle cannula is generally perpendicular relative to the skin surface, and the skin engaging surface is generally flat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for noninvasive intraductal fluid aspiration. Intraductal fluid is noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating and suction cycles. The device is configured to provide a compression force, deliver heat, and apply a vacuum pressure to encourage the aspiration of patient fluid. The device includes an adjustable support and a movable wall for applying compression. Withdrawn fluid may be used either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion, as well as systems and kits for use in practicing the same, are provided. In practicing the subject methods, the vascular site is flushed simultaneously with a first dissolution fluid and a second dissolution fluid attenuating fluid, where flushing is carried out in a manner such that only a surface of the vascular occlusion is contacted with the non-attenuated dissolution fluid. Flushing is carried out in this manner for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established. The subject methods, systems and kits for practicing the same find use in the treatment of a variety of different vascular diseases characterized by the presence of vascular occlusions, including both partial and total occlusions.

Abstract: A resuscitation apparatus includes a fluid pathway in fluid communication with a source of medical fluid, an interface unit for attaching the fluid pathway to the cardiovascular system of a mammal suffering from impaired blood flow in order to establish an artificial circulation in the mammal utilizing the medical fluid, and heat exchange apparatus that provides intense cooling to quickly chill the medical fluid a sufficient amount to slow a metabolic rate of an organ of a mammal into which the medical fluid is introduced.

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 and method are described for therapeutic hypothermia of the heart by selective hypothermic perfusion of the myocardium through the patient's coronary arteries. The apparatus and method provide rapid cooling of the affected myocardium to achieve optimal myocardial salvage in a patient experiencing acute myocardial infarction. The therapeutic hypothermia system includes one or more selective coronary perfusion catheters and a fluid source for delivering a hypothermically-cooled physiologically-acceptable fluid, such as saline solution, oxygenated venous blood, autologously-oxygenated arterial blood and/or an oxygenated blood substitute. The system may also include one or more guidewires, subselective catheters and/or interventional catheters introduced through a lumen in the selective coronary perfusion catheter.

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 catheter is inserted percutaneously into the patient at a convenient location either directly or over a previously positioned guidewire or inside a guide catheter. The distal end of the catheter is advanced under fluoroscopy to the site of the thrombus or tissue deposit. Alternatively, the catheter may be positioned at the desired location by surgical procedure. An elastic balloon may be inflated to stabilize the position of the distal end of the catheter within the center of the vessel lumen. A dilatation balloon may be inflated perioperatively to dilate the underlying vessel or tubule lesion.

Abstract: A percutaneous epicardial injection apparatus for myocardial repair and treatment includes a catheter having a tubular wall, an interior portion surrounded by the tubular wall, a base end, a distal end, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the catheter base end and the catheter distal end. The catheter distal end has an end face that is formed at an oblique angle relative to the catheter longitudinal axis and adapted to attach to a patient's myocardium using suction. A lumen extends from the catheter base end to the catheter distal end within the catheter interior. The lumen is adapted to slidably support an elongated syringe having a needle tip adapted for movement between a retracted position wherein the needle tip is recessed within the catheter interior to an extended position wherein the needle tip extends from the catheter interior.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Abstract: An improvement in an implantable port of the type including a housing that is implanted within a subcutaneous tissue pocket is disclosed, wherein the improvement comprises the presence of metallic silver, an inorganic silver compound, a silver salt of an organic acid, or other antimicrobial substances such as taurolidine on the surfaces of the port in contact with, or proximate to, the tissue of said pocket.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for revascularizing ischemic tissue by creating a continuous channel from a non-ischemic to an ischemic area of the myocardium. A penetrating tip at the distal end of a catheter is advanced through specific areas of the myocardium. Healing of the channel results in angiogenesis of new blood vessels along its path, thus establishing a continuous vascular connection between the vascular beds in the non-ischemic myocardium and in the ischemic myocardium. The channel may originate from a blood vessel on the heart or from the inner or outer surface thereof. Preferably, the channel comprises a split path, formed by separating a thin layer of myocardium rather than creating a hole therethrough. Growth of the new blood vessels is further enhanced by placing an angiogenic growth factor in at least a portion of the channel.