Abstract: One or more intravenous catheter assemblies are monitored to ensure compliance with required hygienic procedures and/or to ensure only persons who have properly sanitized their hands are allowed to attend to such catheter assemblies. Detecting electrodes incorporated as part of such catheter assemblies facilitate determination as to whether potential contamination may have occurred. The hygienic status of a health care worker attending to the catheter assembly, as possibly evidenced by detected use of a sanitizer, may be used to determine whether the catheter assembly is being subjected to contamination.

Abstract: A needle system for providing fluidic and/or instrument access to an internal body structure. Exemplary embodiments may include non-linear needles having anatomically appropriate lengths and curvatures. Some exemplary embodiments may include a pivotable base, which may assist in stabilizing the needle system with respect to a body structure and/or may be reconfigurable into a safety guard position. Exemplary needle systems may include expandable conduits providing fluidic and/or instrument pathways into internal body structures.

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. A splittable sheath introducer may include a sheath, a hub disposed at a proximal end of the sheath, a valve included with the hub, and a valve actuator movable from a first position to a second position, the valve actuator opening the valve when in the second position. The valve actuator may include a retaining member that enables the valve actuator to be retained by a portion of the hub when the sheath introducer is split apart.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering material into a patient includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end. Material, preferably of filamentary or thread form, is fed from a material supply into a Y-fitting having a main branch and a side branch. The side branch is connected to a source of driving fluid able to feed drive fluid under pressure into the material carrier so as to pull material forwardly and out of the distal end of the catheter. The assembly includes an inner cannula within which material is passed from the material source. This increases the speed of delivery of material though the device and reduces the amount of drive fluid which is required.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for performing injections with lowered likelihood of infection include catheters and other injection means with protective coverings. The protective covering can protect the catheter or other injection means before, during, or before and during insertion of the catheter into an insertion site. The protective covering includes two or more parts of interlocking protrusions and channels that allow for sliding motion of the parts relative each other but that resist separation of the parts in the direction perpendicular to the long axis of the two or more parts.

Abstract: Implantable devices and methods for delivering drugs and other substances to locations within the body of a human or animal subject to treat or diagnose sinusitis and a variety of other disorders. The invention includes implantable substance delivery devices that comprise reservoirs and barriers that control the rate at which substances pass out of the reservoirs. The delivery devices may be advanced into the body using guidewires, catheters, ports, introducers and other access apparatus. In some embodiments the delivery devices may be loaded with one or more desired substance before their introduction into the body. In other embodiments the delivery devices are loaded and/or reloaded with a desired substance after the delivery device has been introduced into the body.

Abstract: A membrane-free perfusion catheter comprising an exchange surface having a filament structure, a delivery unit for delivery of perfusion fluid to a lumen of the filament structure in a manner to allow for an exchange of substances between a medium surrounding the lumen and the perfusion fluid via the filament structure, and a drain unit for draining the medium surrounding the exchange surface and/or for draining the perfusion fluid delivered to the lumen of the filament structure after the exchange of substances between the medium surrounding the lumen and the perfusion fluid via the filament structure.

Abstract: Methods and kits for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the adventitia and other regions outside the external elastic lamina (EEL) surrounding a blood vessel utilize a catheter having a needle. The needle is positioned in up to 5 mm beyond the EEL and delivers an amount of pharmaceutical agent sufficient to circumferentially permeate around the blood vessel and, in many cases, extend longitudinally and radially along the blood vessel. Confirmation that a delivery aperture of the needle lies beyond the EEL may be required before delivering the pharmaceutical agent. In one example, the catheters are used to deliver dexamethasone and other anti-inflammatory agents to the peripheral and other vasculature to treat peripheral vascular disease and other conditions.

Abstract: A medical system for endovascular temperature control of blood and for recanalization of a blood vessel, the medical system having a catheter, a radially compressible treatment device, in particular a recanalization device, which, in the compressed state, is arranged to be longitudinally movable in the catheter and, by being released from the catheter, is radially expandable for the recanalization of the blood vessel, and a temperature control element for controlling the temperature of blood, wherein the treatment device, in particular the recanalization device, can be positioned distally with respect to the temperature control element in such a way that, during use, blood which is temperature-controlled by the temperature control element flows to the recanalization site in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A vascular access needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly contains a needle and a sheath. The needle has a first part, a second part, and a third part. The needle contains a pointed end configured to penetrate skin of a patient and a sheath slidably and rotatably coupled with the needle. The sheath having one or more irrigation slots configured to transmit a fluid from a fluid source to a vascular region.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a vascular system of a patient and for directing fluid flow includes a catheter body having a longitudinal axis and longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends with an intermediate catheter portion defined therebetween. An intermediate catheter outlet in the catheter body is located in the intermediate catheter portion and is spaced longitudinally from the proximal and distal catheter ends. A first lumen is defined within the catheter body and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal first lumen ends with a reversing bend located therebetween, the first lumen providing fluid communication between the proximal catheter end and the intermediate catheter outlet. The reversing bend is located longitudinally between the intermediate catheter outlet and the distal catheter end. The reversing bend directs fluid flow to turn approximately 180° as the fluid flows through the first lumen. A method of using the catheter is also described.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters and methods for making and using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the introducer axis. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way, two-way, or other suitable valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: An improved catheter insertion assembly having a transparent tubular member open at each end; a plunger assembly slidable within the tubular member having a stem portion at a first end; and at least a partially transparent chamber having a needle base and sealing member on a second end of the plunger assembly; an elongated tubular needle embedded within the needle base and extending there from with the needle in fluid communication with the transparent chamber; a catheter assembly, a transparent cannula and a transparent hub attached to the second end with the tubular needle passing longitudinally through the cannula; a fluid passage formed between the needle and the cannula so that when the plunger is retracted a vacuum is established within the fluid passage and blood is visibly drawn through the fluid passage into the transparent cannula and if volume permits, blood then would be visible in the transparent hub, and then if volume permits blood would be visible in the void of the catheter body (barrel) crea

Abstract: A method of controlling and changing the shape of a catheter in situ that includes the use of two nested catheters. The catheters have two different shapes that may add, cancel, or override each other when one catheter is placed within the other. The shape may be changed by advancing or rotating one catheter relative to the other catheter.

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus includes: a first electrode provided on the insulating transporting tube which constitutes part of a flow channel in which conductive fluid is transported, and configured not to come into contact with the fluid in the flow channel a second electrode configured to come into contact with fluid in the flow channel; and a determining unit connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to determine a trouble of the transporting tube. Accordingly, the trouble of the transporting tube is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus having a distal end that may be selectively bent in situ. The apparatus has a curved configuration and a substantially straightened configuration. First and second tubular components of the apparatus each include a distal portion that is at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The second tubular component is rotatably disposed within the first tubular component. In the curved configuration, the distal portions of the first and second tubular components are positioned to extend at substantially the same acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. In the substantially straightened configuration, the distal portions of the first and second tubular components are positioned such that the curvatures thereof counterbalance each other. The first and second tubular components may be used in an occlusion bypassing apparatus for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion.

Abstract: In one instance, a catheter for replacing or adding a guide wire into a patient is provided. The catheter includes a first rapid exchange lumen, a second rapid exchange lumen, and a releasable wire-securing device. A second guide wire is placed in the second rapid exchange lumen and secured into position. The catheter is then advanced along the first guide wire until in position, and then the second guide wire is released from the wire-securing device and advanced into the desired position. The catheter is then removed. Other catheters and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cryocatheter including an elongated flexible catheter member having a short rigid catheter tip for introduction into a therapy site and a heat exchange arrangement for freezing the catheter tip to a cryo-temperature from between about ?15° C. to about ?30° C. for freezing human tissue at the therapy site. Cerebral medical procedures include inter alia employing a local ice ball for sealing a bleeding rupture in an arterial wall in the case of a stroke hemorrhage, employing a local ice ball for mapping electrical disorder foci in a brain, for example, epileptic foci, and the like.

Abstract: A medical material supply device which can percutaneously supply a material for nerve regeneration that promotes the regeneration of a nerve is insertable into a vessel and includes: a supply section configured to penetrate from an inner wall to an outer wall of the vessel at a predetermined position in the vessel, thereby being able to supply a material for nerve regeneration to the outer wall of the vessel; and an elongated body which is inserted into the vessel, in which the supply section is provided with a linear portion which is provided at the elongated body and is configured to penetrate from the inner wall to the outer wall of the vessel.

Abstract: An improved delivery system for an implantable medical device includes a retention sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The implantable medical device is disposed within the inner lumen of the retention sheath, which restrains the implantable medical device. A plurality of substantially incompressible rings are disposed within the inner lumen of the retention sheath in a stacked co-axial configuration that extends from the proximal end of the retention sheath in a pre-deployment position to a proximal end of the implantable medical device. Each ring in the plurality of separate rings abuts at least a portion of an adjacent ring. The plurality of separate rings is configured to prevent the implantable medical device from moving toward a proximal end of the retention sheath when the retention sheath is moved from the pre-deployment position to a deployment position.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly is provided including an inner catheter member, where that inner catheter member includes a plurality of inner catheter lumens, and an outer sheath with at least one patent sheath lumen. The inner catheter is slidably disposed through a length of the at least one patent sheath lumen in a manner providing a substantially sealing contact between an exterior surface of the inner catheter and an inward surface of the at least one patent sheath lumen. A first of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes a plurality of apertures to the exterior surface of the inner catheter, and a second of the plurality of inner catheter lumens includes at least one distal end-tip opening. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy catheter system includes an aspirator and an aspiration catheter for insertion in a blood vessel. The catheter has a shaft with a proximal end for connection with the aspirator and a tapering distal end with a tip for insertion in the vessel. A plurality of aspiration ports are arranged in sets along the tapering distal end, for aspirating thrombus from the vessel. At least one aspiration lumens within the shaft conducts thrombus from the vessel, through the aspiration ports, to the aspirator. Variably sized or shaped ports provide differing aspiration vectors for enhanced thrombus removal. The aspiration thrombectomy catheter additionally provides for uniform drug dispersion at a thrombotic area, alone or in combination with aspiration of the thrombus. In the event of an adverse reaction, drug dosage may be easily reduced by aspirating dispersed drugs back into the catheter.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion.

Abstract: A catheter for use in medical applications is disclosed. The catheter comprises tubing with a tip hole at one end and an end portion at the other end. Fluid exits the catheter at the tip hole thereof. One or more alternative fluid pathway(s) are provided on the sidewall of the catheter to permit outflow of fluid medication from the catheter to ensure proper delivery of the medication to the intended target area, particularly when the tip opening is occluded or restricted for any reason.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for a reversible connection catheter comprising in combination a hub and a valve housing portion. The hub is composed of a tapered molded body having a narrow tapered end and an enlarged other end. The narrow tapered end has integrated therein a double lumen catheter projecting therefrom. Two bores extend through the hub each communicating with a distinctive lumen in the catheter. The valve housing portion is composed of a distal segment with two spaced through first openings, a proximal segment with two spaced through second openings and a resilient gasket portion with two spaced first female luers mounted between the proximal and distal segments. The valve housing further has a third opening in said proximal segment positioned between the first and second openings and a second female luer on the resilient gasket portion in alignment with said third opening to serve as a flushing valve. A structural member operatively holds the hub and valve housing portion together.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, which comprises a functional unit (C) for permanent or temporary placement in the urogenital tract of a human or animal body. The functional unit has at least one electrically conducting portion. A power source (G) supplies a current to the electrically conducting portion after placement of the functional unit in the urogenital tract. In this manner, the growth of bacteria on the functional unit can be reduced.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating conditions affecting a liver of a subject is provided. The method may include delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment comprises a method for treating lesions in the carotid artery of a mammalian body. The method comprises transcervical access and blocking of blood flow through the common carotid artery (with or without blocking of blood flow through the external carotid artery), shunting blood from the internal carotid artery and treating the lesion in the carotid artery.

Abstract: A liquid embolic material may include a mixture of a first solution comprising between about 1.2% and about 2.5% weight per volume (w/v) carboxymethyl chitosan (CCN) in a first solvent and a second solution comprising between about 1.2% and about 2.5% w/v oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) in a second solvent. The liquid embolic material may be used to embolize a targeted embolization location by mixing the first solution and the second solution to form a liquid embolic material (or hydrogel precursor material), introducing the hydrogel precursor material to a targeted embolization location within a body of a patient, and allowing the CCN and the OCMC to react to form the hydrogel material and embolize the targeted embolization location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for the delivery a therapeutic agent to an organ blood flow and the removal of the excess of said therapeutic agent from said organ blood flow, said kit comprises: (a) the therapeutic agent, (b) a first retrievable medical device (26), for delivering said therapeutic agent into the organ inflow, (c) a second retrievable medical device for isolating the organ outflow vessel and (d) a separation device (25) comprising at least one filter able to separate the therapeutic agent excess from the organ outflow, having an inlet (38) for the organ outflow having a therapeutic agent excess and an outlet (39) for filtered organ outflow.

Abstract: A variable infusion length catheter includes a tube assembly having a plurality of coaxial tubes each with a plurality of side ports formed therein, and having among the tubes a plurality of different rotational configurations each defining a different pattern of fluid communication among the side ports and a corresponding different infusion length of the catheter. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injectable aqueous viscous solution for treating varicose veins. It also relates to a catheter system with cannulas for vascular puncture with double or triple cut tip comprising, (i) an outer cannula (non-cutting element), a tube-like construction which is slightly flexible, (a) the tip zone being tapered to ease introduction, (b) the edges being optionally rounded to provide atraumatic advancement (c) optionally with a Luer-lock connector (ii) a hollow needle which is flexible and bendable (c) optionally with a transparent flashback chamber, wherein (d) the diameter of the needle is below the diameter of the catheter, wherein (iii) the needle and outer cannula are connected by a temporary lock to ensure the needle tip is fixed in adequate position outside the outer cannula outer cannula during skin puncture and introduction towards the target region.

Abstract: A safety needle system operable with a medical device includes: a housing with a needle mount having a needle; and a sheath telescopically engaged with the housing and surrounding the needle such that the sheath operates in a retracted position, in which the sheath exposes the needle, and an extended position, in which the sheath surrounds the needle. The sheath is coupleable to the medical device such that removal of the needle from the medical device draws the sheath over the needle, transitioning the sheath from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, the system includes a slider engaged with the sheath and/or housing and including a restraint that engages and disengages the sheath to respectively reinforce and weaken the coupling of the sheath and medical device. In another embodiment, the sheath includes a longitudinal track that slidingly engages a setting of the housing between sheath positions.

Abstract: An artificial blood has a trunk portion with both ends connected to blood vessels, and access branch portions and a shunt branch portion branched from the trunk portion. The access branch portions are disposed with a solid column-shaped access port that plugs these branch portions. The access port has a solid center portion and a tube-shaped peripheral portion disposed to surround the center portion. The peripheral portion is harder than the center portion and prevents the needle from deviating from the inside of the center portion. This enables a puncture to be easily made in a therapy in which a puncture is highly frequently made in a blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions for treating and preventing diseases such as neointimal hyperplasia (NIH), where the compositions comprise a therapeutic particle that has a localized association with a blood vessel and a therapeutic agent, such as an anti-NIH agent. Methods of use of the therapeutic compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical system for connecting a multiple lumen medical catheter to associated medical instrumentation includes a connector member defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end for releasable coupling to the medical catheter and a second end for coupling to medical instrumentation. A mounting segment is adjacent the first end of the connector member. The mounting segment includes first and second mounting elements extending in a general longitudinal direction and arranged in spaced relation, and being adapted for reception within respective lumens of the catheter. The first and second mounting elements define inner opposing surfaces. At least one of the opposing surfaces may have an irregular surface portion dimensioned to engage the septum wall of the catheter to facilitate gripping engagement with the septum wall to assist in coupling of the connector member with the catheter.

Abstract: In the treatment method, a surgeon introduces a catheter assembly into a blood vessel in an arm, and delivers a distal portion of the catheter assembly to a predetermined position of a lower limb through the blood vessel in the body. Moreover, in the treatment method, the surgeon pulls an inner catheter out of an outer catheter, causes a treatment device to advance to the treatment target through the inside of the outer catheter, and treats the treatment target by the treatment device.

Abstract: Wounds and temporary appliances can be protected against liquid contamination using a prophylactic dressing. The dressing includes a liquid resistant sheet and disposed thereon a first liquid barrier/adhesive strip and a second liquid barrier/adhesive strip wherein the first and second liquid barrier/adhesive strips are concentric; located at or near the periphery of the liquid resistant sheet; and are separated from one another by a gap. Adsorbent's and liquid indicators can be employed within the gap to add further functionality to the dressing. Also disclosed herein is a support useful for stabilizing leads to transcutaneous or percutaneous devices.

Abstract: A magnetic delivery system for delivering a magnetizable particle to a location in a body, the device includes a magnetizable object implanted in the body, wherein the magnetizable object includes a plurality of segments distributed throughout the magnetizable object and wherein the segments are configured to provide a magnetic gradient for attracting the magnetizable particle and an external source of a magnetic field capable of (i) magnetizing the magnetizable particle and (ii) increasing a degree of magnetization of the magnetizable object and thereby creating the magnetic gradient. A drug delivery system including the magnetic delivery system and a magnetizable particle associated with a therapeutic agent and/or a cell. A cell delivery system based on the magnetic delivery system and a magnetizable particle associated with a cell. A method of using the magnetic delivery system for delivery of a therapeutic agent and/or a cell to a targeted location in a body.

Abstract: Cerebral Catheter devices and methods for use are provided. The catheter devices provided may include an anti-thrombotic agent coating on the exterior surface. The catheter devices may include unique tip configurations to allow improved fluid delivery capabilities. Further, the catheter devices may also or alternatively include one or more sensor devices in communication with a controller that allow automatically adjusting the delivery of a therapeutic fluid, for example a vasodilator, in response to the condition sensed by the catheter device, such as increased pressure. Moreover, the catheter devices may also be used in conjunction with blood flow transducers to detect and timely prevent and treatment vasospasms or other conditions. Methods for preventing and treatment vasospasm, neoplasm, or other pathological conditions while prolonged using the catheter device are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient during renal replacement or other therapies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen.

Abstract: A pressure actuated flow control valve for an infusion catheter permits gravity flow of a liquid through the catheter and into a patient while resisting back flow of blood from the patient and into the catheter. The valve has a hemispherical body with an outstanding circumferential flange and a normally closed, diametric slit. The slit is longer on the convex outer surface than on the concave inner surface. Dome thickness diminishes in the area adjacent the slit, reducing total apical deflection upon collapse of the slit toward the concave surface. An inner orthogonal rib biases the slit closed. Upon application of a predetermined pressure, the slit opens toward the concave surface to permit forward fluid flow. At lower pressures, the slit closes to check fluid flow. Greater reverse pressure is required to collapse the slit toward the concave surface to permit reverse fluid flow.

Abstract: A bi-directional perfusion cannula is provided that includes an elongate tube for insertion into an artery. The elongate tube has a first aperture at a distal end of the tube which is forward during insertion and configured so that blood can flow into the artery in the direction of insertion, an elbow formed in the elongate tube, and a second aperture formed in or slightly rearward of the elbow and configured for supplying blood into the artery in a second direction which is generally opposite to the insertion direction.

Abstract: Embodiments provide catheter retention devices such as catheter clips that may be used to stabilize a vascular access catheter during a procedure, particularly a radial access procedure. The catheter clips may include a frame that includes a first frame member portion, a second frame member portion hingeably coupled to the first frame member portion, the first and second frame member portions defining a first aperture therebetween, and a base member extending from the second frame member; and an inner gripping membrane that includes a first inner gripping membrane portion coupled to the first frame member portion and a second inner gripping portion coupled to the second frame member portion, wherein the first and second inner gripping portions define a second aperture within the first aperture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects. Some involve implementing or deploying therapeutic administration systems, for example, for obtaining a priori implant information and signaling a decision whether to initiate implant-site-targeting treatment; or obtaining a flow-change-indicative measurement and signaling a decision whether to administer a clot-reducing agent; or obtaining an indication of a lytic material in a vicinity of a body lumen and accelerating a decrease in a local concentration of the lytic material to extract at least a portion of the lytic material in response to the indication; or a capture component configured to accelerate a decrease in a local concentration of a therapeutic structure along a downstream portion of a vasculature and a dispensation component configured to release the therapeutic structure into an upstream portion of the vasculature.

Abstract: A delivery catheter, including a catheter body, a side port, a first electrode, and a second electrode, is described. The catheter body may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a perimeter surface. The catheter body defines a delivery lumen extending longitudinally within the catheter body. The side port is defined in the perimeter surface of the catheter body proximate the distal end and in communication with the delivery lumen. The electrodes may be adjacent to and spaced from the side port. Techniques for using the delivery catheter to identify a desired lead implantation location, e.g., via the electrodes, and implant a medical lead or other implantable element at the desired location through the delivery lumen and side port are also described.

Abstract: A device for maintaining an aseptic catheter environment is provided. The device includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing and the second housing are coupled to one another by way of at least one coupler. The first housing and the second housing are configured to engage one another when in a closed configuration and to define an interior space when in the closed configuration. At least one aperture and/or notch is defined within at least one of the first housing and the second housing. The at least one aperture and/or notch is sized and shaped to allow at least part of a catheter to be positioned therethrough.