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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods to guide delivery devices and instruments. Exemplary instrument guides, including for endoscopes as delivery devices for cryogen delivery catheters and to guide cryogen decompression tubes as instruments, and methods for use of such instrument guides for use in body lumens at treatment sites, are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for in vivo tissue evaluation includes an elongated manipulator including an elongated proximal tube and an articulable distal portion, and a sensor provided at a distal end of the articulable distal portion, the sensor including a sensor head configured to be pressed against tissue and measure a reaction force of the tissue.

Abstract: A horseshoe-shaped guide catheter for stent angioplasty of the ductus arteriosus in newborn and infants with ductal-dependent cardiopathies, characterized by a long, straight, hollow first section merged at the distal end thereof to a second section formed by a curved portion shaped as a circle section with radius (Ra) of 7.5 mm to 9 mm, arc (b) of 180° to 280° and distance (d) between the tip of the second section and the straight part of the first section without deformations of 7 mm and 15 mm. The angioplasty makes it possible to insert one or more stents that keep the ductus open in extrauterine life, improving survival of the newborn and young infants, allowing weight gain and undergo corrective surgery a few months later with safer and with better outcomes.

Abstract: A persistent perfusion sheath assembly can be used for the passage of an intravascular medical device while maintain a flow passage in the vessel. The sheath assembly passes through an arteriotomy and can include a first lumen configured for the passage of a medical device, a second lumen configured to allow a flow of fluid from a location in the blood vessel upstream of the arteriotomy to a location downstream of the arteriotomy. The sheath assembly can further include a stylet, a sleeve or an additional sheath configured to selectively open and close the flow of blood between upstream and downstream of the arteriotomy. The sheath assembly can further include a closure device distal of the arteriotomy, the closure device configured to control blood flow through the arteriotomy.

Abstract: Catheters with weeping balloons can be used for various medical purposes. For example, in some embodiments provided herein weeping balloons are used for catheter visualization devices. In some embodiments, weeping balloons are used to deliver therapeutic agents. Weeping balloons can include openings of a selected size and shape through which a fluid gradually flows or “weeps.” The design of the openings can affect performance characteristics such as, but not limited to, fluid flow rate, tear resistance, and mitigation of counter-flow.

Abstract: An aortic perfusion catheter is an apparatus that is used during surgery for acute ascending aortic dissection to reduce postoperative injuries from profound hypothermia, ischemia, and reperfusion. The apparatus may include at least one main cannula, an inflation cannula, a drainage cannula, and a balloon tamponade. The at least one main cannula helps maintain blood perfusion to the body during the procedure to reduce postoperative injuries. The inflation cannula enables the selective inflation and deflation of the balloon tamponade to facilitate the insertion and removal of the balloon tamponade along with the at least one main cannula within the descending thoracic aorta. The balloon tamponade prevents blood flow into the operative area to maintain the operative area clear during the procedure. The drainage cannula enables the drainage of blood that may escape the balloon tamponade as well as other bodily fluids.

Abstract: A sutureless securing device for securing on an opening in a ventricular wall, includes: a hollow main body with an outer surface; a ring received at a first end of the hollow body, this ring being mobile along part of the outer surface of the hollow body; a tubular membrane covering the outer surface, whilst extending between the ring and the second end of the hollow body; a distal end of this tubular membrane, placed on the side of this second end, being self-expandable between a first configuration in which it has a tubular form, and a second configuration in which it defines a first flange extending radially, starting from the hollow body; the other end of this tubular membrane being able to be deformed by the displacement of the ring, such as to form a retention flange, the position of which can vary relative to the first flange.

Abstract: An infusion catheter system may deliver a therapeutic agent to a desired location in the body. The system may include an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a distal opening, and a lumen extending between the proximal end region and distal opening. The distal end region may include a coiled portion having a preformed coiled configuration including a plurality of helically wound rings. A plurality of apertures may be formed through a sidewall of the coiled portion. A guidewire may be configured to be slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter shaft. The guidewire may include a proximal end region having a first cross-sectional dimension, an enlarged distal end region having a second cross sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension, and an intermediate region disposed between the proximal end region and the distal end region.

Abstract: A dual lumen drainage cannula configured for use in a VA ECMO system includes a first drainage tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one aperture in at least one wall of the first drainage tube proximate to the distal end of the first drainage tube, and a second drainage tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one aperture in at least one wall of the second drainage tube proximate to the distal end of the second drainage tube. The first drainage tube passes through the second drainage tube. The dual lumen drainage cannula also includes a sleeve positioned adjacent to an interior wall of the second drainage tube. The sleeve is formed of a flexible material so as to be expandable and collapsible within the second drainage tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly generally includes providing a catheter shaft having an outer layer and an inner reinforcing layer; removing at least a portion of the outer layer from a length of the distal end of the catheter shaft in order to expose a distal segment thereof; providing an inner jacket segment; axially engaging the inner jacket segment with an interior surface of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; providing an outer jacket segment around at least the exposed exterior region of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; and bonding the distal segment of the catheter shaft to the inner jacket segment and the outer jacket segment.

Abstract: A neuromodulation catheter includes an elongate shaft and a neuromodulation element. The shaft includes two or more first cut shapes and two or more second cut shapes along a helical path extending around a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first cut shapes are configured to at least partially resist deformation in response to longitudinal compression and tension on the shaft and torsion on the shaft in a first circumferential direction. The second cut shapes are configured to at least partially resist deformation in response to longitudinal compression on the shaft and torsion on the shaft in both first and second opposite circumferential directions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bidirectional intravascular cannula, or catheter, that is configured to provide and return blood in a patient bidirectionally. The bidirectional intravascular cannula is configured to reduce or obviate the need for a second cannula, such as currently available unidirectional cannulae, to be placed in a second or opposite direction of flow. Users would include cardiac surgeons, intensivists, vascular surgeons, ER doctors, IR doctors and cardiologist who use peripheral cannulation for ECLS or cardiopulmonary bypass. The cannula allows continued flow to a patient's limb even with the cannula proximally in the vessel. The cannula further allows larger size cannula to be placed without the need for additional distal catheter placement.

Abstract: A catheter that includes a tubular inner layer, a first reinforcing body that is wound around an outside in a radial direction of the inner layer, a second reinforcing body that is wound around the outside in the radial direction of the first reinforcing body, and an outer layer that covers the inner layer, the first reinforcing body, and the second reinforcing body, and the inner layer has a reduced diameter portion that is reduced in diameter from a proximal end side of the catheter toward a distal end side of the catheter on an inner peripheral surface of the inner layer, and a thickness of the outer layer between the first reinforcing body and the second reinforcing body is increased, at least partially from the proximal end side toward the distal end side, in the radial direction of the reduced diameter portion.

Abstract: A method is for controlling the operation of a medical apparatus. The method includes determining input data including patient data relating to a patient, operational status data relating to operational status of the medical apparatus, position data describing position of at least one of the wireless, handheld mobile operating device and the patient in relation to the medical apparatus, and workflow data describing at least one of a medical apparatus workflow and a current position in the medical apparatus workflow; determining, using an artificial intelligence analysis algorithm, at least one of a subsequent operating action of an operator of the wireless, handheld mobile operating device and prediction data describing an item of information needed next by the operator; and at least one of selecting and adapting a user interface to be displayed on the touch screen, based upon the prediction data and displaying the user interface on the touch screen.

Abstract: A dilator for sheathless access to a vessel of a patient having a tubular distal member with a skived portion on the proximal end and a proximal member with a skived portion on the distal end. The respective skived portions overlap at a transition region and form a rapid exchange port that communicates with the lumen of the distal member. The proximal member and the distal member may be secured together with transition tubing that is coaxially disposed over the distal and of the proximal member and extends over the skived portion of the distal member within a projected circumference of the distal member.

Abstract: A medical elongated body and a medical elongated body set are constructed in a way that expedites medical instrument insertion into a tubular body lumen via a valve body. The medical elongated body includes a tubular body insertable into a body lumen, a hub having an internal space communicating with a lumen of the tubular body and disposed in a proximal portion of the tubular body, a valve body disposed in the internal space and having an insertion portion, and a cap member that fixes the valve body in the internal space by being attached to the valve body and has a proximal opening portion to communicate with the internal space via the insertion portion. The cap member has a marker portion that guides a medical instrument inserted into the tubular body to the valve body. The marker portion has a color distinguishable from a periphery of the marker portion.

Abstract: Medical devices that are formed from a polymeric matrix including a first polymer and a functionalized polymer are provided. The medical devices may include a functionalized polymer such as maleic anhydride functionalized polymer. The burst strength and/or the hoop strength of the medical devices including the functionalized polymer may be greater than the burst strength and/or the hoop strength of control medical devices. However, the durometer of the medical devices may be substantially equal to the durometer of the control medical devices. Methods of manufacturing medical devices including a functionalized polymer are also provided.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a nested conduit extending through an elongate flexible body. A tendon extends through an inner lumen of the inner conduit. A first control element is coupled to the outer conduit and a second control element is coupled to the inner conduit. Each of the first and second control elements is adjustable between a first state and a second state. The outer conduit is axially constrained proximate the first control element in the first state of the first control element and is not axially constrained in the second state. The inner conduit is axially constrained proximate the second control element in the first state of the second control element and is not axially constrained in the second state. An articulatable length of the nested conduit is variable based on adjustment between the first and second states of the first control element and the second control element.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to extrusion die systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the cyclical extrusion of materials to generate small sized grain features, generally in the range of nanosized grain features, in a tubular or profile shape, in which the individual nanolayers possess pores and/or polymer crystals oriented parallel to the extrusion flow direction and including products with enhanced permeation properties.

Abstract: An endoscope including: a flexible sheath extending in a longitudinal direction; a rigid body portion connected to an end portion of the flexible sheath; a ferrule provided in the rigid body portion and having a connection portion; and a tube inserted into the flexible sheath and including an end portion connected to the ferrule. The tube includes: an inner resin layer having a solid structure and that extends along an entire length of the tube in the longitudinal direction; and an outer layer provided on the inner layer and including a first portion that covers at least part of an outer periphery of the connection portion and has a porous structure, and a second portion having a solid structure and that is located on a side of the first portion that is away from the end portion of the tube.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure describes devices, systems, and techniques for treating pain and/or pelvic floor dysfunction of a patient. For example, a method for treating pelvic floor dysfunction in a patient may include delivering, via a medical device, a therapy to one or more nerve fibers, wherein the therapy is configured to at least temporarily deactivate the one or more nerve fibers; and determining that the one or more nerve fibers was at least temporarily deactivated by delivering the therapy.

Abstract: A device (1) for dispensing a fluid, in particular under aseptic conditions, preferably to a patient. The device comprises a conveying device (2) for conveying the fluid to a dispensing opening (3). The device (1) also comprises a coupling element (4) for coupling a syringe (5). The fluid can be conveyed from the syringe (5) to the dispensing opening (3) via the coupling element (4) and the conveying device (2) exclusively by the effect of the conveying device (2). The invention further relates to a system for dispensing a fluid under aseptic conditions, comprising such a device (1) and to a syringe (5) that can be coupled to the coupling element (4).

Abstract: An example dilator is disclosed. The example dilator includes a hub and an elongate shaft having a distal end region, a proximal end region and a cross-sectional profile. Additionally, the proximal end region of the elongate shaft is coupled to the hub and the elongate shaft is configured to extend through at least a portion of a lumen of an expandable introducer sheath. Additionally, the cross-sectional profile of the elongate shaft includes at least one engagement portion and at least a portion of the expandable introducer sheath extends into the at least one engagement portion of the dilator.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including one or more conductive pathways to assist with placement of the catheter assembly into a patient's vasculature by enabling ECG signals emanating from the patient's heart to be detected. The conductive pathways can be configured to reconfirm via ECG signal detection proper placement of the catheter assembly at a time subsequent to initial catheter placement into the vasculature. The catheter assembly can include a catheter hub, a catheter tube coupled to the catheter hub, the catheter tube including at least one lumen, and an outer conductive pathway disposed on an outer surface of the catheter tube and the hub. The outer conductive pathway can have a distal end located distal to a portion of the catheter tube at a skin insertion site when the catheter tube is inserted into a patient.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices having integrated non-luer connectors are described. An exemplary drug delivery device includes a container with a non-luer connector that prevents connection of a standard female luer connector to the container. One or more embodiments pertain to a container with a non-luer connector that prevents the formation of a fluid-tight seal between a standard female luer connector and the container. A non-luer connector for attachment to a container having a non-luer element is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for treating pancreatitis. In the methods described herein, the distal portion of a catheter is routed into the pancreatic duct. The catheter delivers to the pancreatic duct an effective amount of a composition at an effective infusion pressure, wherein the amount and infusion pressure of the composition are effective to decrease the secretion of digestive enzymes from one or more exocrine tissues of the pancreas. The reduction of digestive enzymes may reduce damage to the islet cells typically seen in chronic pancreatitis. Backflow of the composition out of the pancreatic duct is limited, for example, by an occluding system, and aspiration system, or both.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body and an expandable member configured to expand radially outward away from the elongated body from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The catheter further includes a retainer configured to overlap an end of the expandable member to hold the expandable member in the collapsed configuration. The expandable member may be configured to engage with a vessel wall when the expandable member is in the expanded configuration. The vessel may curve and the expandable member may be configured to deflect a portion of the elongated body distal to the expandable member when the expandable member is engaged with the vessel wall to better conform the shape of the elongated body to the curved portion of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.

Abstract: A transcatheter insertion system is provided for the insertion of an intracorporeal device using an insertion device. The system comprises an outer sheath arranged and configured to form a passageway for the intracorporeal device and/or the insertion device. The outer sheath guides the insertion device. A method of transcatheter insertion with the system is also provided.

Abstract: A gas sealed access port is disclosed including a proximal housing having a central lumen providing gas sealed access to the surgical cavity, an inlet path for communicating with a source of pressurized gas, a tapered neck portion and an interior cavity accommodating an annular jet assembly for receiving pressurized gas from the inlet path to generate a gaseous seal within the tapered neck portion, and an elongated tubular body extending from the tapered neck portion in communication with the central lumen and including a flexible proximal body portion and a rigid distal body portion.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a shape of a coronary sinus in a heart of a patient, the device comprising a flexible tube having: an outer wall extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a first bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a proximal flange attached to the proximal end; a distal flange attached to the distal end; wherein, the outer wall includes at least one accordion-like hinge region.

Abstract: A medical connector includes a male connector portion, an engagement portion, and a locking portion that slides on the engagement portion to set a locked state in which the engagement portion is inhibited from being pulled out of another medical connector when the male connector portion is inserted into a female connector portion of the other medical connector.

Abstract: Medical devices comprise a polymeric body comprising: a base polymeric formulation comprising at least a polymer or co-polymer of propylene; and an additive comprising a copolymer having a polypropylene backbone and hybrid micromolecule side-chains based on organo-functional silanes (PP-g-XSiOA) in the presence of a co-agent, for example, difunctional metallic diacrylate monomers, where “X” is an organic group or an organo-functional group, and “A” is a metal, an inorganic oxide, an inorganic hydroxide, or any other inorganic material. X may be derived from a compound selected from the group consisting of epoxy, amino, acrylate, methacryloxy, and vinyl; and A is selected from the group consisting of: silicon, (Si), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), tin (Sn); oxides thereof; hydroxides thereof; and mixtures of the foregoing. Antimicrobial agents are included in the polymeric body. The medical devices have enhanced antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a snare (transparent cap) for removing a polyp which includes a stalk and a head connected to the stalk, wherein the snare includes: a body having a hollow tubular shape and an interior of which is partitioned into a plurality of chambers; a ring mounted to at least part of the body using elasticity; a first snare discharged outside the body through a first chamber among the plurality of chambers and hooks the stalk; and a second snare which is discharged outside the body through a second chamber among the plurality of chambers, wherein when the stalk is spread according to pulling the first snare that hooks the stalk, and the second snare pulls a first portion in a lower end of the stalk as spread including the head, the ring is discharged from the body and shrinks through the elasticity and then fixes the first portion.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A balloon catheter assembly is provided with an outer catheter, an inner catheter, an outer adapter and a balloon, and is configured such that the balloon resides entirely within a predetermined volume having an outer diameter substantially equal to or less than the outside diameter of the distal end of the outer catheter when the balloon is in a deflated configuration. Methods of using and steering the catheter assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A dilator for sheathless access to a vessel of a patient, having a distal portion with a maximal outer diameter that extends from a distal end to a guidewire exit port and a proximal portion with a reduced profile that extends from the guidewire exit port to the proximal end and a lumen that extends between the distal end and the guidewire exit port. A first guidewire may be positioned within the vessel and the dilator advanced over the guidewire. A guide catheter may then be advanced over the dilator.

Abstract: Described herein are bend-limited catheters (e.g., apparatuses, including devices and systems) and methods of using them.

Abstract: A device (1) has an extraction bag (5) to receive a preparation (29) that is detached using an electrosurgical cutting loop (6, 6?) in a body cavity (27). The extraction bag (5) can be extended out of a distal opening (10) of an insertion tube (3). The cutting loop (6, 6?) is flexible and can be extended out of the insertion tube (3) together with the extraction bag (5). The cutting loop (6, 6?) is adjacent a first bag opening (9) and adjacent a first loop (8?). The cutting loop (6, 6?) has an exposed non-insulated electrically conductive cutting region (14, 14?) at the distal end (13, 13?) of the loop, and an insulated region (15, 15?) outside of the cutting region (14, 14?). The extraction bag (5) has at least one second closable bag opening (17) at the end facing away from the first bag opening (9).

Abstract: A sheath assembly for the insertion of a percutaneous pump includes a tubular sheath body dimensioned for insertion into a blood vessel through a vessel aperture. The tubular sheath body includes a wall having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an inner surface defining a first lumen substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second lumen disposed within the wall between the inner surface and the outer surface and extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The first lumen is dimensioned to allow passage of a portion of the percutaneous pump, and the second lumen is dimensioned for passage of a guidewire. A stylet is removably positioned to substantially occlude the second lumen. The stylet has a proximal end releasably secured to the sheath assembly.

Abstract: A catheter body of a guiding catheter configured to be introduced into the renal artery, the catheter body including a plurality of abutting portions abutting at least two sites of the inner wall of the aorta on the abdominal side relative to the heart when the distal portion is disposed in the renal artery. A method for using a guiding catheter for the renal artery including providing the guiding catheter for the renal artery; inserting the guiding catheter from an artery in the arm and disposing a distal portion of the guiding catheter in the renal artery via the aorta; and causing the plurality of abutting portions to abut the inner wall of sections further on the abdominal side than the heart, in the aorta.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion. The catheter body includes an inner liner and an outer sleeve. A braid assembly is within the catheter body and between the inner liner and the outer sleeve. The braid assembly includes a first filar array including one or more first filars helically extending around the catheter body in a first direction. The braid assembly further includes a second filar array including one or more second filars helically extending around the catheter body in a second direction opposed to the first direction.

Abstract: A system for providing a continuous flow of blood between two locations in a cardiovascular system of a patient is provided. The system includes a blood conduit having a proximal portion configured to be attached to an artery. The system also includes a distal portion configured to be inserted into a blood vessel at an insertion site and to be advanced there through to a location spaced apart from the insertion site. Moreover, the system includes a reinforcement member positioned at least partially about the blood conduit in at least one of the distal portion, the proximal portion, or a combination thereof.