Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter insertion apparatus including a hollow needle body connected to a needle hub, and a catheter that removably fits over the needle body. The needle body has a sharp distal needle tip for piercing a blood vessel wall. An internal flow passage of the needle hub is in fluid communication with the hollow needle body. An elongated housing is connected to the needle hub and includes a lumen in fluid communication with the internal flow passage of the needle hub. An integrated guide assembly is slidably mounted to the housing and is operable to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A flashback chamber is operable to receive a continuous flow of blood before, during, and after movement of the guide assembly between its retracted and extended positions. A safety guard may provide protection from the sharp needle tip.

Abstract: Catheters with at least two curved portions near their distal ends are provided. The lengths and/or curvatures of the curved portions are selected so that a catheter can be advanced through a brachiocephalic or left subclavian artery (BCA or LSC) to access the ascending or descending aorta (AA or DA), withdrawn therefrom, and simply rotated to access the AA or DA. Hence, the catheters provide access to both the AA and DA through the BCA or LSC without any need to withdraw the catheter from the BCA or LSC, e.g., so a second catheter can be exchanged for it. The catheter can further be advanced through the DA into the abdominal aorta and rotated to access branch arteries including the vessels of the lower extremities. The catheters are usable for flush aortography, arteriography, and intravascular pressure measurements, and can be introduced to the BCA or LSC via radial artery access.

Abstract: An implant delivery sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve may comprise a first tube including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment may have a first stiffness, the second segment may have a second stiffness, and the third segment may have a third stiffness. The third stiffness may be greater than the second stiffness and the second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The implant-delivery sleeve may be used to deliver a breast implant to a subject. The implant may be deformed within the sleeve, to advance it within the sleeve and extrude it from the distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes: a catheter including a circumferential wall and a distal opening; an inner needle inserted through the catheter, the inner needle having a sharp needle tip at a distal end of the inner needle; and a deflection suppression mechanism that supports the inner needle via the catheter to suppress deflection of the inner needle, the deflection suppression mechanism including a contact support portion that is configured to support the catheter when the catheter is advanced with respect to the inner needle. The circumferential wall of the catheter includes one or more side holes. In an initial state before the catheter is advanced with respect to the inner needle, a distal-most one of the one or more side holes is in a distal portion of the catheter, and the contact support portion is proximal of a proximal-most one of the one or more side holes.

Abstract: Catheters and uses of same are described. The catheter may be an aspiration or distal access catheter used to treat stroke or other neurovascular conditions and may include a proximal segment and a distal segment with fixed shapes and outer diameters, and a distensible segment that is located proximal to the distal segment and adjacent to the catheter distal end and that is configured to undergo a conformation change when the catheter open distal end is lodged against the wall of a human blood vessel and a surgeon is attempting to move the catheter distally through the human blood vessel. The catheter may include a wall that is comprised of an inner tube surrounding the catheter's hollow interior, a coil surrounding the inner tube, a braid surrounding the coil and/or an outer tube surrounding the braid.

Abstract: A system can include a needle that includes a distal tip configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, the needle defining an outer surface. The system can further include a catheter that includes a distal end and an inner surface that defines a lumen within which a portion of the needle is positioned, the distal tip of the needle being at a position that is distal to the distal end of the catheter, the catheter further comprising a catching region of reduced diameter that extends inwardly at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A speaker includes a housing including a front housing provided in a conductive material; a driver including a diaphragm; a magnetic circuit including a permanent magnet; and an electric circuit including a voice coil to which current is applied based on an input electrical signal, and a first electric circuit configured to vibrate the driver based on the voice coil and a magnetic field formed by the magnetic circuit; wherein the diaphragm include a coating that is surface-coated with a conductive material so as to have a capacitance with the front housing.

Abstract: Rapidly insertable central catheters (“RICCs”) including catheter assemblies and methods thereof are disclosed. A RICC assembly can include a RICC, an introducer, and a coupling system configured to couple the RICC and the introducer together. A catheter tube of the RICC includes a side aperture in a distal-end portion of the catheter tube, which opens into an introducing lumen extending to a distal end of the RICC. The introducer includes an introducer needle extending through the distal end of the RICC when the RICC assembly is in at least a ready-to-deploy state thereof. The introducer is configured to be actuated with a single finger of a hand while holding a distal-end portion of the introducer between a thumb and another finger or fingers of the hand. The coupling system includes a distal coupler slidably attached to the catheter tube proximal of the side aperture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for removing an embolus in a cerebral vessel of a patient. The assembled system of devices includes a catheter having a catheter lumen and a distal end and a catheter advancement element extending through the catheter lumen. A tapered distal end region of the catheter advancement element extends distal to the distal end of the catheter. The assembled system of devices is advanced together towards an occlusion site in a cerebral vessel of a patient visible on angiogram. The occlusion site includes an angiographic limit of contrast and an embolus downstream of the angiographic limit of contrast. The catheter advancement element is advanced to a location past the angiographic limit of contrast without crossing the embolus. The catheter is advanced to position the distal end of the catheter at a treatment site located past the angiographic limit of contrast and aspiration applied.

Abstract: A split-tip catheter and methods for deploying a split-tip catheter in a right atrium are provided. The catheter is configured with a distal portion including a first and a second distal end regions elastically divergable from alignment along a splitting plane to regain a relaxed configuration. The first distal end region terminates in a first tip having a first forward opening, and the second distal end region terminates in a second tip having a second forward opening. Catheter deployment may include directing the first forward opening generally towards an anterior right atrium wall portion and applying the first forward opening to withdraw blood from the right atrium.

Abstract: A device for use in laparoscopic surgery is provided. The device has a plurality of telescoping sections positioned in and movable relative to a protective sheath between an extended configuration, wherein a body section of a first one of the telescoping sections is spaced apart from a body section of a second one of the telescoping sections, and a retracted configuration wherein the body section of the first one of the telescoping sections is in contact with the body section of the second one of the telescoping sections. A tissue interaction portion is configured to interact with tissue in response to the manipulation of a device actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for assessing the surface of a target cardiac tissue and for delivering a tissue anchor to cardiac tissue at a preselected depth within the myocardium in a beating heart procedure. In one variation, an anchor delivery device comprises an elongate body, a tissue anchor disposed within a first longitudinal lumen of the elongate body, and a tissue depth indicator slidable within a second longitudinal lumen of the elongate body. The tissue depth indicator has a first configuration that indicates the boundary of the surface of the target tissue and a second configuration that indicates when the distal tip of the elongate body has been advanced to a preselected depth into the target tissue. In some variations, a tissue depth indicator may also be configured to resist or limit the penetration of the delivery device into tissue after a preselected depth has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cannula assembly and a sensor assembly. The cannula assembly includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The cannula is formed of a rigid material. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and a communication wire. The sensor is fixed to the cannula assembly. The communication wire is in electrical communication with the sensor. The communication wire extends along a length of the cannula assembly exterior to the first lumen.

Abstract: Provided is a living organism information measurement device which users can easily and reliably operate. A living organism information measurement device for acquiring living organism information and generating measurement data relating to the information is provided with a device body, and a panel detachably attached to the device body. The device body comprises a control unit which executes a plurality of functions of the device body, a living organism information measurement unit which is connected to the control unit and generates the measurement data, and a first communication unit connected to the control unit. The panel comprises a second communication unit including a memory storing predetermined information. When the panel is attached to the device body, the first communication unit receives the predetermined information from the second communication unit. The control unit selects and executes a function corresponding to the received predetermined information among the plurality of functions.

Abstract: A medical material needle, applicable for detection and positioning by an ultrasound, includes a needle body having a three-layer structure. The three-layer structure includes an outer structure, an inner structure, and a middle structure disposed between the outer structure and the inner structure. The outer structure and the middle structure have different characteristic acoustic impedance with respect to the ultrasound, the inner structure and the middle structure have different characteristic acoustic impedance with respect to the ultrasound, and at least one of the outer structure, the middle structure and the inner structure is provided with a dimension in at least one direction less than a wavelength at a frequency of the ultrasound in water.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical assembly includes a catheter and a delivery-assist tool. The catheter includes an elongated body comprising a proximal body portion and a distal body portion and defining a body inner lumen; and an expandable member located at the distal body portion, the expandable member defining an expandable member inner lumen. The delivery-assist tool includes a support structure configured to extend through the body inner lumen and the expandable member inner lumen of the catheter; and a flexible cover coupled to a distal portion of the support structure, wherein the flexible cover is configured to facilitate compression and retention of the expandable member in a delivery configuration while being advanced through a delivery sheath and while the support structure extends through the body inner lumen and the expandable member inner lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject. In particular the invention relates to an endorectal probe device for effecting radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject. Furthermore the invention relates to an afterloading apparatus for effecting radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject using an endorectal probe device according to the invention. Moreover the invention relates to a method for effecting radiation treatment of colorectal cancerous tissue in the rectum of a human or animal subject, wherein the method implements the endorectal probe device according to the invention.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an outer shaft, an inner shaft, and an inflatable balloon. The inner shaft is inserted inside the outer shaft. A part of the inner shaft extends from a leading end of the outer shaft. The balloon includes a base end side joint portion joined to the outer shaft and a leading end side joint portion joined to the inner shaft. The inner shaft has an extension portion configured to in an axial line direction. The extension portion is provided further to a base end side than the leading end side joint portion.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter may include a distal end for insertion and a proximal end. The distal end for insertion may terminate with a tip. It may define at least two openings, of which one is the proximal-most in the distal end. The distal tip may include a first radiopaque marker that is discretely positioned at the proximal-most opening and radiographically distinguishes the proximal-most opening from the rest of the distal end. The distal tip may also include a second radiopaque marker that marks the tip.

Abstract: A multi lumen catheter assembly. The assembly provides an expandable, low profile, fixed length sheath and catheter, with fixed infusion ports. The assembly has an expandable outer sheath that expands upon pressure activation with a fluid and the sheath allows the fluid to exit from at least one predetermined fixed location from a distal end of the catheter assembly. The catheter assembly can be used in various medical device procedures, such as a TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedure, or anywhere a low profile, multi lumen, infusion catheter system is desired.

Abstract: A catheter pump includes a catheter body having at least one lumen therethrough, and comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An expandable impeller assembly includes an expandable impeller and an expandable cannula coupled to the distal end of the catheter body and housing the expandable impeller, the expandable cannula comprising a substantially straight segment having a distal inlet and a proximal outlet, the substantially straight segment configured to straddle an aortic valve. The catheter body comprises a proximal vessel contact zone and a distal vessel contact zone that are each proximal to the substantially straight segment, the proximal vessel contact zone and distal vessel contact zone configured to provide a force against an aortic arch to stabilize the expandable impeller assembly across the aortic valve.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the ventricular emergency support, comprising: a first flexible catheter (2), with a variable transversal section, provided with an extremal balloon (7) for the controlled occlusion of the ascending aorta (AA) of the treated patient; a first pump (12), associated to said first catheter (2) for the aspiration and contemporary input of equivalent blood quantifies into the blood circle of the treated patient; a second flexible catheter (32), with a fixed transversal section, provided with a couple of extremal balloons (34), spaced apart, for the controlled occlusion of the inferior vena cava (CA) and of the superior vena cava (CD) of the treated patient; a second pump (35), associated to said first and second catheter (2, 32) for inflating and deflating said extremal balloons (7, 34) of said first and second catheter (2, 32); an electronic control unit (36) for adjusting and controlling the operational parameters of said first and second pump (12, 35), and for the dete

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing aspiration thrombectomy. The aspiration catheter assembly can include a support catheter and an aspiration catheter extending through the support catheter. The catheter assembly can include a distal valve apparatus that can control a level of vacuum at a distal end of the catheter system. Irrigation can flow between the support catheter and the aspiration catheter to flush the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that can be held and operated with a single hand to cause a catheter to be placed at a selected location in a patient's body. The user's other hand is free to perform other tasks, such as operating an ultrasound probe, for example. The medical device may also include a valve that can be operated with the same hand that holds the medical device to open a port to cause a fluid, such as a nerve block agent, for example, to be injected into the patient's body at the selected location.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that includes a flattened oval outer surface and 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 includes a distal-facing portion. The distal tip region further includes an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen, includes a distal-facing portion, and is substantially un-staggered with respect to the venous lateral opening. A distal end opening is in fluid communication with a power injectable third lumen. In another embodiment, the first and second lumens each generally include a reniform cross-sectional shape. In yet another embodiment, a dual-lumen catheter includes first and second lumens that each define a modified ellipse cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A medical braided tube assembly includes a braided tube including a hollow cylindrical inner resin layer, a braided wire including braided strands and being provided over a periphery of the inner resin layer, and an outer resin layer provided to cover peripheries of the inner resin layer and the braided wire, and a connector provided at an end portion of the braided tube. The connector includes a tube housing section for accommodating the end portion of the braided tube. The braided tube accommodated in the tube housing section are adhesively fixed by an adhesive. The adhesive is provided to seal an entire periphery of the braided wire at an end face of the braided tube.

Abstract: A multi lumen catheter assembly. The assembly provides an expandable, low profile, fixed length sheath and catheter, with fixed infusion ports. The assembly has an expandable outer sheath that expands upon pressure activation with a fluid and the sheath allows the fluid to exit from at least one predetermined fixed location from a distal end of the catheter assembly. The catheter assembly can be used in various medical device procedures, such as a TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedure, or anywhere a low profile, multi lumen, infusion catheter system is desired.

Abstract: Rapidly insertable central catheters (“RICCs”) including catheter assemblies and methods thereof are disclosed. A RICC assembly can include a RICC, an introducer, and a coupling system configured to couple the RICC and the introducer together. A catheter tube of the RICC includes a side aperture in a distal-end portion of the catheter tube, which opens into an introducing lumen extending from the side aperture to a distal end of the RICC. The introducer includes a syringe and an introducer needle having a cannula. The coupling system includes a distal coupler slidably attached to the catheter tube proximal of the side aperture. The cannula extends through a longitudinal through hole of the distal coupler, through the side aperture of the catheter tube, along the introducing lumen of the catheter tube, and through the distal end of the RICC when the RICC assembly is in at least a ready-to-deploy state thereof.

Abstract: An implant delivery tube fitting (12) and an implant delivery system. The implant delivery tube fitting (12) is used for loading and delivering an implant, and the implant delivery tube fitting (12) comprises, sequentially from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer tube (122) and a capsule (121). The inner lumen of the capsule (121) is adapted to receive an implant, and the capsule (121) is provided at the distal end of the outer tube (122). The capsule (121) has a telescopic structure, and the outer tube (122) can drive the capsule (121) to make a telescopic movement so that the capsule (121) is lengthened or shortened.

Abstract: A uterine fibroid tissue removal device includes an inner tube disposed within an outer tube and configured to be translated and rotated relative to the outer tube, and a separately formed unitary distal tip member attached to a distal end of the inner tube, such that the distal tip member translates and rotates relative to the outer tube along with the inner tube, wherein a distal facing open cutting end of the distal tip member in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the distal tip member translates across a tissue resection window in a sidewall of the outer tube so as to sever tissue extending therethrough, the distal tip member axial lumen being in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the inner tube, wherein an outer diameter of the distal tip member is greater than an outer diameter of the inner tube.

Abstract: An apparatus including a therapeutic substance delivery device configured for attachment to a first tissue area internal of a recipient, the delivery device configured to enable movement of a therapeutic substance outlet of the delivery device proximate a second tissue area away from the first tissue area after attachment to the first tissue area to deliver the therapeutic substance from the outlet while implanted in the recipient.

Abstract: Catheters are described that have improved flow characteristics that may be particularly helpful when delivering embolic agents within a blood vessel. One catheter includes a fluid flow modifier that is configured to create laminar fluid flow out of a distal end of the catheter to help reduce turbulence and achieve predictable fluid movement. Another catheter includes scavenging ports that are configured to suction in embolic agents that have refluxed proximally back from a distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for characterizing regions of tissue and methods for using the same. The devices are capable of locating, identifying, and characterizing tissue regions of interest in vivo. In one embodiment, the devices are ultrasound-guided. In one embodiment, the devices use characterize regions of tissue using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensors. In one aspect, the devices are useful in predicting plaque rupture, such as by determining the level of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and macrophage/foam cells present in an atheroma. In one aspect, the devices are useful in identifying metabolically active atherosclerotic lesions that are angiographically invisible.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes: a catheter including a circumferential wall and a distal opening; an inner needle inserted through the catheter, the inner needle having a sharp needle tip at a distal end of the inner needle; and a deflection suppression mechanism that supports the inner needle via the catheter to suppress deflection of the inner needle, the deflection suppression mechanism including a contact support portion that is configured to support the catheter when the catheter is advanced with respect to the inner needle. The circumferential wall of the catheter includes one or more side holes. In an initial state before the catheter is advanced with respect to the inner needle, the contact support portion is located proximal of a distal-most one of the one or more side holes and a gap is formed between an outer surface of the catheter and an inner surface of the contact support portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods of treating blood, blood product, or physiologic fluid to provide at least one of (i) increasing shelf life of the blood, blood product or physiologic fluid, (ii) maintaining freshness of new blood, blood product or physiologic fluid, and (iii) removing undesirable molecules from the blood, blood product or physiologic fluid; said method comprising contacting said blood, blood product or physiologic fluid with a sorbent, said sorbent being primarily in a plurality of solid forms and comprising a cross-linked polymeric material having a plurality of at least one of (1) zwitterionic moieties and (2) oligo(ethylene glycol) moieties attached to the surface of said cross-linked polymeric material.

Abstract: A catheter system for ablation of tissue around a blood vessel, e.g., the pulmonary artery, to reduce neural activity of nerves surrounding the blood vessel. The catheter system includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion coupled to a handle, and a distal portion. The distal portion includes a transducer and an expandable anchor, which may be actuated to transition between a collapsed delivery state and an expanded deployed state where the anchor centralizes the transducer within the blood vessel. The transducer may be actuated to emit energy to reduce neural activity of the nerves surrounding the blood vessel. Systems and method are further provided for confirming that neural activity of the nerves surround the blood vessel has been sufficiently reduced.

Abstract: A system for determining orientation of a distal end of a catheter. The system includes a radial ultrasound system configured to generate images based on data received from a radial ultrasound probe. The system also includes a display device to present the generated images, a medical device, and a catheter system. The catheter system includes a flexible shaft having a first lumen configured to receive the radial ultrasound probe and a second lumen configured to receive the medical device, a cap portion having a longitudinal axis, and at least one orientation pin. The cap portion includes a third lumen configured to align with the first lumen, a fourth lumen configured to align with the second lumen, an exit port, and a ramp disposed between the fourth lumen and the exit port.

Abstract: A system screens, diagnoses, or monitors sleep disordered breathing of a patient. The system may include a nasal cannula, a conduit connected to the nasal cannula at a first end, an adaptor configured to receive a second end of the conduit and/or a portable computing device. The adaptor may be configured to position the second end of the conduit in proximity with a microphone of the portable computing device. Optionally, a processor may generate an indicator to guide placement of the adaptor for use. Such positioning may, in use, permit the microphone to generate a patient breathing sound signal via the adaptor for processor(s) of the device. The processor(s) may then process the breathing sound signal. The process may include detecting SDB events from an extracted and/or de-rectified loudness signal. The process may include computing a metric of severity of a respiratory condition of the patient using detected SDB events.

Abstract: Provided herein are dual-lumen catheters, systems, and methods thereof. In some embodiments, for example, a catheter assembly configured for modifying intravascular lesions is provided including a core wire, a dual-lumen extrusion including the core wire, and a manifold disposed around a portion of the dual-lumen extrusion. The core wire includes a proximal end configured to vibrationally couple to an ultrasound transducer. The dual-lumen extrusion includes a first lumen and a second lumen. The core wire is disposed within the first lumen, and the second lumen is configured to accommodate a guidewire. The manifold is disposed around at least a skived proximal-end portion of the dual-lumen extrusion, wherein the skived portion includes the second lumen without the first lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly further includes the ultrasound transducer. In some embodiments, a system console includes the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter including: a first lumen adapted for draining a first fluid from a subject; a second lumen adapted for passing a second fluid through the second lumen; and a third lumen adapted for passing a third fluid through the third lumen such that the third fluid can exit the third lumen to bathe at least a part of an outside surface of the catheter. The invention further provides a kit and/or system including said catheter and method of use for said catheter.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter may include an elongate body and a push assembly. The elongate body may include an inner liner defining an entry port into a lumen, and an outer jacket. The push assembly may an elongate member extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion, where a cross-section of the distal portion is D-shaped and tapers in a distal direction. Distal to a proximal end of the elongate body, a first portion of the elongate member may be positioned between a portion of the inner liner and a portion of the outer jacket, and proximal to the proximal end of the elongate body, a second portion of the elongate member may be positioned outside of the outer jacket and the inner liner.

Abstract: A sensing chip attached to a bandage monitors the healing process of a wound by detecting growth factors, thrombin and fibrinogen. The complementary metal-oxide semiconductor includes a functionalized working electrode, functionalized counter electrode and functionalized reference electrode. The healing progress is stimulated by generating oxygen in the wound.

Abstract: A sensor device is removably attachable to a drug delivery device. The sensor device comprises an array of optical sensors arranged within the sensor device such that, when the sensor device is attached to the drug delivery device, which has a first movable element configured to move along a path parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device, each optical sensor is operable to detect light received at different locations along the path and to output a signal indicative of an amount of detected light. Circuitry is configured to receive the signals output from the optical sensors and, based on the received signals, determine information associated with a location along the path of the first movable element.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. A method of crossing a chronic total occlusion includes the steps of advancing the reentry catheter across the occlusion via a channel formed in the subintimal space, and advancing a guidewire via a selected exit port into the native lumen distally of the occlusion. The catheter may be removed, leaving the guidewire across the occlusion to guide further interventional devices.

Abstract: The invention comprises an indwelling medical device which is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent evenly along the length of the indwelling portion, including the outer wall, of the device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a catheter (18), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip disposed within the catheter (18), a catheter hub (14) connected to the catheter (18) having the needle (12) passing therethrough, the catheter hub (14) including a valve (38) that selectively permits or blocks a flow of fluid through the catheter (18), a valve actuator (54) that moves between a first position and a second position, and a return member (56) that returns the valve actuator (54) from the second position to the first position, and a needle protection member (176) that encloses the sharp distal tip of the needle (12).

Abstract: A catheter for radial artery access to the contralateral subclavian artery and internal mammary artery is disclosed. The catheter includes a preformed tubular hook element configured for aligning coaxially within the subclavian artery from a radial access. The tubular hook element includes a first arm connected to a second arm via a curved element, and a second arm connected, via a second curved element, to an elongated tubular body. Each curved element has an angle between approximately 90-130 degrees. The catheter can receive a second catheter and guide it to further advance the subclavian artery. The second catheter then extends past distal end of the catheter and advances into the internal mammary arteries for selective angiography and intervention. The two-catheter system allows angiography and intervention of the entire right and left upper extremities to be performed depending on the access from the left or right radial artery, respectively.

Abstract: An enhanced flexibility catheter is provided, such as for distal neurovascular access or aspiration. The catheter includes an elongate flexible body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a side wall defining a central lumen. The side wall is formed from a plurality of adjacent tubular segments. At least one segment has a first end face inclined at a non normal angle to a longitudinal axis of the catheter. An adjacent segment has a second end face inclined at a complementary angle to form an inclined junction at the transition between the two segments. The transition serves to provide superior bending characteristics along the length of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual lumen cannula configured to be inserted into a patient's body as simple as a single lumen cannula. The dual lumen cannula includes at least one inner lumen configured to be inserted into an outer lumen and connected via an inner lumen connection unit and an outer unit connection unit. Embodiments of the presenting invention further allow for the connection of at least one flow router to the other end of the inner lumen connection unit. When installed, the outer lumen is first inserted into the patient's body, followed by the insertion of the inner lumen into the outer lumen of the already cannulated patient until the inner lumen connector unit is in coupling contact with the outer lumen connector unit. Advantages of the inventive cannula presented herein include, among other things, reduction of external forces on the dual lumen cannula.