Abstract: A method of applying a topical numbing agent to a nasal cavity without sedating a patient may include inserting a catheter into a nostril of the patient, the catheter having a first bend that forms a first angle such that at least a portion of the catheter is non-linear. The method may also include guiding a distal end of the catheter into the nasal cavity using a computerized tomography (CT) system by aligning a distal end of the catheter with a first cavity portion of the nasal cavity using a projection of the catheter within the nasal cavity on a CT scan of the patient, and moving the catheter within the nasal cavity while dynamically displaying the projection of the catheter by the CT system relative to the nasal cavity. The method may further include dispensing the topical numbing agent through the catheter into the first cavity portion.

Abstract: A treatment method reduces the time required to exchange a long catheter which is introduced from an arm to treat the lower limb artery. The treatment method involves introducing a first catheter from an artery of one arm of the patient to dispose a distal portion of the first catheter at least in front of the lesion area in the lower limb artery; introducing a second catheter from an artery of the other arm of the patient; disposing a first treatment catheter in the lesion area through the first catheter; treating the lesion area with the first treatment catheter; and assisting the treatment with the second catheter and/or a second treatment catheter that is inserted into the second catheter.

Abstract: An introducer extension with an extended, gradually curved section outside of the body enables a clinician to use an access site positioned across the body of that patient. An optional flexible or extendable section of the introducer extension allows a clinician to customize the shape of the introducer extension to a particular patient or clinician preference. The introducer extension includes a tubular sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end of the introducer extension to a distal end of the introducer extension and defining a lumen extending along the longitudinal axis. The tubular sidewall is configured to define a curved configuration having at least one curve between the proximal end and the distal end. The distal end is configured to couple to an introducer sheath. The lumen is configured to allow passage of a medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter advancement device having an elongate shaft and a capsule attached to or integral with the shaft, and related methods for assisting with advancement of catheters such as cardiovascular guiding catheters while reducing damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel. Some capsules have a distal plug portion and a neck portion having a smaller diameter than the plug. Other capsules have a channel defined along the outer surface of the capsule. Some elongate shafts have an attachment tube disposed at or near the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: Three groups of guidewire embodiments are described with particularly suitable structures for navigating circuitous vessels, especially blood vessels of the brain. Some of the guidewires have a hyperbolic taper that provides desired flexibility. In some embodiments, an integrated guide structure provides for extension in the blood vessel of a corewire to provide for extended reach of the guidewire. In further embodiments, the guidewire has a flexible tip that can be guided directly by the flow in the vessel.

Abstract: Provided herein in some embodiments is an apparatus including a composite balloon with a tubular fiber layer and a polymeric balloon layer over the fiber layer. Also provided herein in some embodiments is a method including inserting a collapsed fiber tube into an expanded polymeric balloon, expanding the collapsed fiber tube to provide an expanded fiber tube, and securing an outer surface of the expanded fiber tube to an inner surface of the expanded polymeric balloon. The method can further include inserting a distal portion of an elongate catheter body through a center of the composite balloon and securing the composite balloon to the distal portion. Thereby, the method can include forming the catheter body with the composite balloon configured to apply a pressure to surrounding walls of an anatomical vessel in an inflated state of the composite balloon to modify one or more intravascular lesions in the anatomical vessel.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure describes an annuloplasty device that comprises a tube-like structure configured to extend around at least part of a circumference of an annulus of a cardiac or vascular valve of a patient, and at least one anchor configured to anchor the tube-like structure to the annulus. The tube-like structure is configured to decrease a distance between valve leaflets that extend from the annulus.

Abstract: Shaped liver biopsy sheaths and methods for transfemoral transcaval liver access are disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing and treating a patient having lesions in both arteries of left and right lower limbs. By determining that a lesion distal to an aortailiac bifurcation is to be treated first, catheters and an operation time can be reduced. The lesion to be treated first can be on a priority basis based on diagnostic data, deciding that a lesion proximal to the bifurcation is to be treated next, and then treating the lesions substantially continuously.

Abstract: A laser ablation catheter includes a distal tip, and the distal tip includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis. A first orientation indicator is formed on the body, and a second orientation indicator is formed on the body. The second orientation indicator is disposed relative to the first orientation indicator such that when the distal tip is viewed in a first side view, the second orientation indicator and the first orientation indicator overlap and visually contrast with the body. A third orientation indicator is formed on the body, and the third orientation indicator disposed relative to the second orientation indicator such that when the distal tip is viewed in a second side view, the third orientation indicator and the second orientation indicator overlap and visually contrast with the body. The second side view and the first side view are substantially 90 degrees apart about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the length of a non-shape-sensed interventional device (102) which includes a shape-sensed guidewire (106) that is received in the lumen (103) of the device. A hub (107) is configured to secure a position of the shape-sensed guidewire and interventional device. A registration module (124) is configured to register a position of the distal tip (117) of the non-shape-sensed interventional device to a position of the shape-sensed guidewire. A determination module (126) determines the length of the non-shape-sensed interventional device using a known position of the device in the hub and the position of the distal tip of the device. The system includes a detection module (146) that receives curvature data from the shape-sensed guidewire and is configured to determine the state of the shape-sensed guidewire with respect to an interventional device.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing and treating a patient having lesions in both arteries of left and right lower limbs. By determining that a larger lesion curvature to be treated first, catheters and an operation time can be reduced is to be treated first on a priority basis based on diagnostic data, deciding that a smaller lesion curvature is to be treated next, then treating the lesions substantially continuously.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to generate a bypass lumen in connection with a chronic total occlusion procedure. An exemplary method comprises introducing at least part of a first elongated body into a lumen of an artery so that a distal tip of the first elongated body is positioned on a first side of an occlusion within the lumen of the artery; inserting the distal tip of the first elongated body into a wall of the artery in between a tunica media and a tunica intima of the artery; advancing the distal tip of the first elongated body in between the tunica media and the tunica intima; and further advancing the distal tip of the first elongated body back into the lumen of the artery to generate a bypass lumen and so that the distal tip is positioned on an opposite second side of the occlusion within the lumen.

Abstract: For treatment of a patient who has a lesion in each of left lower limb artery and right lower limb artery, lesions at both sides can be rather easily and completely treated. A catheter is introduced from an artery of an arm of the patient, and an atherectomy catheter is used for a lesion at one side and continuously used for a lesion at the other side without being extracted to the outside of a human body, and thus damage of an excision portion of the atherectomy catheter and an unexpected situation such as no passage through twisted blood vessels are avoided so that a burden on the patient can be reduced, the treatment can be completed within a short time, and cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the number of catheter to be used.

Abstract: A process for treating a heart valve involves delivering first and second working catheters to a ventricle of a heart of a patient using a transcatheter procedure, approximating a first pad associated with the first working catheter to a backside of a first papillary muscle of the ventricle, approximating a second pad associated with the second working catheter to a backside of a second papillary muscle of the ventricle, and manipulating one or more sutures physically coupled to at least one of the first and second pads to decrease a distance between the first and second papillary muscles.

Abstract: Variations of integral navigation controls may be used in conjunction with a medical instrument to provide navigation functions for an image guided surgery (IGS) system that is in communication with the integral navigation controls. In some variations, a medical instrument with integrated navigation wheels allows movement of a cursor of the IGS system along the x and y axis by scrolling the wheel, or allows selection, zooming, or other controls by combined clicking and/or scrolling of wheels, and may be sterilized or discarded along with the device. In some other variations, a control overlay may be temporarily attached to the medical instrument to provide additional controls, such as buttons or a pointing stick, and then removed and sterilized or discarded after a procedure. In each variation, inputs may be communicated via wire or wirelessly to an IGS system to provide navigation of images during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable in delivering a docking device to a native valve of a patient's heart. A distal region of a delivery catheter can be positioned in an atrium of the heart and a distal tip can be positioned at or near a commissure of the native valve. The docking device can be located within the delivery catheter. A pusher, such as a pusher wire or tube, of a pusher tool can be advanced distally through the delivery catheter, wherein the pusher can push the docking device along within the delivery catheter. The docking device can be connected to the pusher tool by a line, such as a suture. A member of the pusher tool can be rotatable to change the amount of the suture extending from the pusher tool.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, devices for facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures within the neurovasculature. A catheter advancement device includes a flexible elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a single lumen extending therebetween. The flexible elongate body has a proximal segment, an intermediate segment, and a tip segment. The proximal segment includes a hypotube coated with a polymer. The intermediate segment includes an unreinforced polymer having a durometer of no more than 72 D. The tip segment is formed of a polymer different from the intermediate segment and has a durometer of no more than about 35 D and a length of at least 5 cm. The tip segment has a tapered portion that tapers distally from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter over a length of between 1 and 3 cm.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion device combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, catheter insertion, and needle shielding in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a housing including a hollow needle distally extending from the housing. At least a portion of the catheter is pre-disposed over the needle such that the catheter is disposed substantially external to the housing. A guidewire is included, as well as an advancement assembly that is configured to selectively advance the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The advancement assembly is further configured to enable distal catheter advancement before shielding the needle after use. The insertion device is configured to be grasped and used by a single hand of a user during advancement of the guidewire and the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter system and method of introducing an intravenous catheter into a patient includes a syringe, an access needle, a pliable catheter, and a guidewire. The syringe has a first chamber and a distal syringe end portion, which defines a conduit distally extending to a distal syringe opening such that the conduit fluidly connects the first chamber to the distal syringe opening. The access needle defines a needle lumen longitudinally extending therethrough and is secured relative to the distal syringe end portion. The pliable catheter is releasably secured relative to the access needle. The guidewire distally extends through the conduit toward the distal syringe opening and is configured to selectively move through the conduit, the distal syringe opening, and along the needle lumen to thereby guide movement of the pliable catheter relative to the access needle for introducing the pliable catheter into the patient.

Abstract: A navigation stylet assembly is disclosed. The navigation stylet comprises a navigation element, a handle, and an attachment member configured to be attached to a navigation array. The handle is attached to the navigation element, and the navigation element is partially disposed within the handle and exits the handle so as to be oriented at an angle that extends away from a central axis disposed through a body element of the navigation element.

Abstract: An optical fiber puncture needle tubing comprises an optical fiber having a body portion and a head portion, one end of the tapered head is a tapered tail end having a tapered diameter; the periphery of the body portion is wrapped with a body tube, the cylindrical head is wrapped with a metal casing, and the periphery of the tapered head is wrapped with a polymer jacket. The polymer jacket is provided with an inverted-tooth structure or inverted kerf structure. Through the synergistic effect with various components, the puncture needle tubing can be transmitted fast in the long blood vessels, and can achieve higher light emission efficiency and therapeutic effect. The puncture needle tubing can be applied in fields of the treatment of photodynamic tumors, eliminating vascular obstructions or performing vascular puncture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigated ablation catheter. The catheter may include a distal shell electrode having irrigation apertures. A sensor array formed on a flexible substrate conforms to an inner surface of the electrode and an insert disposed within the interior space engages the sensor array to position sensors of the sensor array in desired locations relative to the electrode. A support seals the proximal end of the electrode and engages the insert. The plurality of sensors may be used to measure electrical and thermal characteristics surrounding the electrode and may help assess contact between the electrode and tissue and/or determine movement of the electrode during ablation.

Abstract: Described are systems for performing a medical procedure at a treatment site in a cerebral vessel of a patient. The system includes a catheter and an inner member sized to slide within the catheter lumen. The inner member defines a single lumen and has a distal portion and a distal-most end having a distal opening, the distal portion having a first outer diameter that tapers distally to a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter. A flexibility of the distal portion decreases smoothly from a flexibility at the second outer diameter to a flexibility at the first outer diameter when the system is in an advancement configuration. The system is sufficiently flexible that, when in the advancement configuration, the system is configured to be advanced distal to a petrous portion of an internal carotid artery.

Abstract: Described are methods for performing a medical procedure at a treatment site in a cerebral vessel of a patient. The methods include positioning a system of devices into an advancement configuration, the system including a catheter and an inner member sized and shaped to slide within the catheter lumen. The inner member defines a single lumen and has a distal portion, the distal portion having a first outer diameter that tapers distally to a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter. When positioned in the advancement configuration, the inner member extends coaxially through the catheter lumen and the distal portion of the inner member is positioned distal to the distal end of the catheter. The method further includes advancing the system of devices distal to a petrous portion of an internal carotid artery while the system of devices is positioned in the advancement configuration.

Abstract: An intravascular access system for facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures within the neurovasculature through an access sheath. The system includes an aspiration or support catheter having a flexible, distal luminal portion having an inner diameter defining a lumen extending between a proximal opening at a proximal end of the luminal portion and a distal opening at a distal end of the luminal portion. The catheter has a rigid spine coupled to at least the proximal end of the luminal portion and extending proximally therefrom. The system includes a dilator having a flexible, distal dilator portion sized to be received within the lumen of the luminal portion. Associated systems, devices, and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: An intravascular access system for facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures within the neurovasculature through an access sheath. The system includes an aspiration or support catheter having a flexible, distal luminal portion having an inner diameter defining a lumen extending between a proximal opening at a proximal end of the luminal portion and a distal opening at a distal end of the luminal portion. The catheter has a rigid spine coupled to at least the proximal end of the luminal portion and extending proximally therefrom. The system includes a dilator having a flexible, distal dilator portion sized to be received within the lumen of the luminal portion. Associated systems, devices, and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Steerable medical delivery devices that have a steerable portion and an external controller. The steerable portion has a first tubular member comprising a flexible polymeric tubular member that comprises a wall of solid material along the steerable portion, the first tubular member configured to preferentially bend, and a second tubular member, wherein one of the first and second tubular members is disposed within the other, wherein the first and second tubular members are permanently axially fixed relative to one another at a fixation location distal to the steerable portion.

Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure, includes providing a catheter including a first lumen in fluid communication with a first distal opening and a second lumen in fluid communication with a second distal opening, advancing a distal end of a first intra-catheter stiffener element through the first lumen and out of the first distal opening, coupling the first intra-catheter stiffener element to the catheter, advancing a distal end of a second intra-catheter stiffener element through the second lumen and out of the second distal opening, coupling the second intra-catheter stiffener element to the catheter, and advancing the catheter into a patient.

Abstract: A tubular support member located in a distal portion of an elongate flexible medical device is provided with a plurality of wall openings, e.g., axially-spaced, substantially transverse slots, formed therein to thereby increase a flexibility of the support member. A layer of sealing material overlays an outer surface the support member so as to provide a sealed portion of the support member including the wall openings, the sealing material having respective flexible invaginations formed therein overlaying the wall openings in the support member so that the sealing material does not substantially impede flexibility of the support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter. The invention comprises: a first shaft; an expandable balloon which is attached to the front end of the first shaft; an expandable lumen which is formed inside the first shaft and to which a liquid required for expanding the balloon is provided; a second shaft which extends from the front end of the first shaft to which the balloon is attached and has a wire hole through which a guide wire passes; and a guide wire lumen, which is formed inside the second shaft and through which the guide wire passes. According to the invention, the first and second shafts are coaxially connected and the expandable lumen and the guide wire lumen are respectively formed in each shaft in order to reduce the overall diameter of the shaft, thereby facilitating surgery and improving pushability.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivering a substance within a mammalian luminal organ or area adjacent thereto. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises an inner delivery device, comprising an inner portion configured to receive a substance therein, a pock tip at or near a distal end of the inner delivery device, the pock tip configured to deliver the substance from the inner portion, through a pock tip aperture defined within the pock tip, and into a mammalian tissue and/or luminal organ, and an embolus positioned within the inner portion, the embolus configured so that the substance remains distal to the embolus when the substance is positioned within the inner portion.

Abstract: An infusion set, patch pump, or elements thereof, having an exemplary catheter (14) provided with one or more channels, grooves and coatings (24, 34, 44), configured and arranged to provide a degree of strength and flexibility. The catheter (14) can also have an exemplary flexible union with the hub (12) having at least one of a ball-and-socket joint (66, 68), a sliding plate (86), and a flexible bushing (106), and which is sealed to allow even further movement of the catheter (14) while preventing leakage of medication through the junction. In doing so, a number of benefits associated with the use of rigid materials in catheter construction can be provided while at the same time, benefits associated with the use of flexible materials in catheter construction and/or flexible engagement with the hub can also be provided.

Abstract: Steerable medical delivery devices and their methods of use.

Abstract: Methods of treatment are described. More particularly, methods of providing access to a bodily passage, such as a salivary duct, are described herein. For example, methods of providing access to a salivary duct and introducing a sheath and wire guide are described herein. In addition, various methods of treatment are described herein. For example, methods of treating a stone located within a salivary duct are described herein.

Abstract: A probe for endo-ocular photocoagulation procedures provides straight and curved tip configurations. A flexible tubular material, pre-formed with a radius of curvature, allows the tip to be inserted through a trocar cannula and to resume its pre-formed shape for use during a surgical procedure. Alternatively, a tubular material is pre-formed with a radius of curvature, and is stiffened by use of a preferably stainless steel tube. Inside the tubular material is a distal end of at least one optical fiber, inserted such that its tip is coterminous with the tubular material. A tube surrounds the optical fiber and is free to move along the axis of the assembly, acting to straighten the tubular and optical fiber members as it moves forward via a sliding member associated with the hand piece. Illumination energy, laser energy, or both may be supplied to the targeted surgical site.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system includes a bedside system and a workstation. The bedside system includes an actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to a percutaneous device. The workstation includes a user interface and a control system configured to be operatively coupled to the user interface, the bedside system, and a medical imaging system. The control system is responsive to a first input and to a second input, and the user interface receives the second input from a user. The control system is configured to generate a first control signal to the medical imaging system based on the first input, and the medical imaging system captures at least one image in response to the first control signal. The control system is configured to generate a second control signal to the actuating mechanism based on the second input, and the actuating mechanism causes movement of the percutaneous device in response to the second control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a flexible insertion tube having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity, a first sensor in the distal end configured to acquire a first signal from the cavity during a medical procedure, and a second sensor in the distal end configured to acquire a second signal from the cavity during the procedure. The apparatus also includes a display, and a processor configured to present, on the display, first and second measurements corresponding to the first and second signals, and to accept an input selecting one of the presented measurements so as to generate a selected measurement. The apparatus additionally includes a handle coupled to the tube's proximal end, and a haptic feedback device attached to the handle configured to provide, under direction of the processor, a tactile feedback in response to the selected measurement while deemphasizing a presentation of the selected measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing an implant into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS). The apparatus comprises a storage unit and an elongate vascular implant stored inside the storage unit and having a distal end. The apparatus further comprises a pushrod at least partially stored inside the storage unit and having a distal end coupled to the implant, and a pushrod drive unit configured to advance the pushrod distally and thereby deliver the implant. The pushrod drive unit includes a drive member having a grip portion that engages the pushrod, and an actuation portion extending from the grip portion.

Abstract: A catheter system including a housing and a first drive mechanism supported by the housing configured to impart movement to a first catheter device is provided. The first drive mechanism is moveable between an engaged position in which the first drive mechanism engages the first catheter device and a disengaged position in which the first drive mechanism does not engage the first catheter device. The catheter system includes a second drive mechanism supported by the housing configured to impart movement to a second catheter device. The second drive mechanism is moveable between an engaged position in which the second drive mechanism engages the second catheter device and a disengaged position in which the second drive mechanism does not engage the second catheter device. The catheter system includes a manual control configured to allow a user to manually move the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A bidirectional introducer includes a dilator having a distal end portion that includes at first section having a distal first section end, a second softer section having a proximal second section end and a distal second section end and a third reinforced section having a proximal third section end, wherein a) the distal first section end is coupled to the proximal second section end and the distal second section end is coupled to the proximal third section end and b) i) at least a portion of the first section is characterized by a first rigidity and at least a portion of the second softer section is characterized by a second rigidity that is lower than the first rigidity, and ii) at least a portion of the third reinforced section is characterized by a third rigidity that is higher than both the first rigidity and the second rigidity.

Abstract: A catheter loading device includes a guidewire section, a catheter section, and a hinge that connects a proximal end of the guidewire section to a distal end of the catheter section. The guidewire section is rotatable relative to the catheter section about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position. When the guidewire section is in the first position, a longitudinal axis of a guidewire positioned in a channel of the guidewire section is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a lumen of a catheter positioned in a receiver of the catheter section. When the guidewire section is in the second position, the longitudinal axis of the guidewire positioned in the channel is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lumen of the catheter positioned in the receiver.

Abstract: A therapeutic or diagnostic instrument includes first and second shaped wire members and that can be simultaneously inserted into a catheter tube and has predetermined bending elasticity, in which the first and second shaped wire members and are adapted to respectively have first and second curving parts that curve in a natural state, and when inserted into the catheter tube, curve the catheter tube at two desired positions correspondingly with the first and second curving parts.

Abstract: A method of indwelling a needle assembly includes providing an assembled indwelling needle assembly having an inner needle, an inner needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle, a hollow outer needle in which the inner needle is inserted, an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, and a pressing member; pressing down on the pressing member while moving the indwelling needle assembly to puncture a blood vessel; advancing the outer needle along the inner needle such that the outer needle is inserted in the blood vessel; holding the pressing member against the outer needle and holding the outer needle hub such that the outer needle is maintained indwelling in the blood vessel while simultaneously pulling the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the outer needle.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native aortic valve is disclosed. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a radially compressible and expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. A delivery system comprises a selectively steerable section and a pusher member extending through a central lumen of the steerable section. The prosthetic heart valve is compressed and inserted into a distal end portion of the delivery system. The delivery system and prosthetic heart valve are advanced through a femoral artery and around an aortic arch. A pull wire is actuated for selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement around the aortic arch. The pusher member is advanced for ejecting the prosthetic heart valve from the delivery system into the native aortic valve, wherein the prosthetic valve self-expands after ejection.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus may have a flexible shaft, guidewire lumens passing through the shaft, and a positioning device for positioning the guidewires relative to an external lumen. The positioning device may be an expansible scaffold covered with a retractable sheath. The positioning device may also be one or more balloons that are inflated through an inflation port in the shaft. The catheter apparatus may be operated by inserting a guide catheter into a vasculature with a chronic total occlusion, inserting the catheter apparatus into the guide catheter, and advancing the guidewires through the guidewire lumens and into contact with a chronic total occlusion. The positioning device may be activated before and/or between attempts to pass the guidewires through the chronic total occlusion to interrogate various parts of the chronic total occlusion.

Abstract: A method involves positioning an assembled indwelling assembly adjacent a patient, wherein the assembly includes an inner needle, a hub fixed to the inner needle, a hollow outer member in which the inner needle is positioned, a hub fixed to the hollow outer member, and an elongated member axially overlapping an intermediate portion of the hollow outer member. The method also includes moving a distal portion of the assembly to puncture a blood vessel of the patient with the sharp needlepoint while the elongated member contacts the hollow outer member, advancing the hollow outer member in a distal direction along the inner needle to insert a distal portion of the hollow outer member to a target position in the blood vessel, and moving the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the hollow outer member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical system include a subcutaneous anchor device that extends outwardly from side wall of an intravenous cannula so as to secure the intravenous cannula in a position relative to a skin penetration point.

Abstract: Methods, delivery systems and engaging apparatuses for the placement and treatment of an insufficient or stenotic cardiac valve, such as the mitral valve are disclosed. One such method is based on a two step procedure, where during the first step the engaging apparatus is brought to the valve annulus using a delivery system which permits continued normal blood flow. In some preferred embodiments, this is implemented with a balloon and other preferred embodiments it is implemented using a multi-pronged structure that is collapsible like an umbrella frame. The second step is performed after the engaging apparatus has been integrated into the annular wall by natural processes of tissue healing and remodeling. In the second step the engaging apparatus is tightened leading to tightening of the valve annulus arid correction of existing valvular insufficiency.

Abstract: Methods, delivery systems and engaging apparatuses for the placement and treatment of an insufficient or stenotic cardiac valve, such as the mitral valve are disclosed. One such method is based on a two step procedure, where during the first step the engaging apparatus is brought to the valve annulus using a delivery system which permits continued normal blood flow. In some preferred embodiments, this is implemented with a balloon and other preferred embodiments it is implemented using a multi-pronged structure that is collapsible like an umbrella frame. The second step is performed after the engaging apparatus has been integrated into the annular wall by natural processes of tissue healing and remodeling. In the second step the engaging apparatus is tightened leading to tightening of the valve annulus and correction of existing valvular insufficiency.