Abstract: A catheter shaft with an improved manifold bond and methods for making and using the same. The catheter shaft may include a sleeve disposed, for example, near its proximal end. The sleeve may include a first layer that is attached to the catheter shaft and a second layer to which a hub or manifold may be attached.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positionable within the fluid filled space and the second end portion is adapted to extend outward from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The catheter assembly also includes a catheter tip that is connected to the second end portion. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein. The catheter tip also includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity. The rotating element is configured to rotate within the cavity to facilitate movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A fluid supply sleeve is disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Abstract: An implant delivery system for delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The implant delivery system includes a distal guidewire port for receiving the proximal end of guidewire after the guidewire distal end has been affixed to a first point on bone or other tissue. The implant delivery system is tracked over the guidewire to a selected position defined by the guidewire attachment. The device includes an implant spreader assembly disposed proximate the distal end of a delivery shaft. The implant spreader assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are coupled to the delivery shaft such that the first arm and second arm are moveable between a closed position and an open position. When pivoting to the open position the distal end of each arm travels in a generally transverse direction to spread a sheet-like implant.

Abstract: A hub for a sheath, catheter, or other tubular device includes a first hub portion including a first hub lumen sized for receiving a medical device therethrough, and a second hub portion including a second hub lumen, the second hub portion coupled to the first hub portion such that the first and second hub lumens are aligned with one another and the first and second hub portions are spaced apart from one another to define a gap. A valve is secured within the gap between the first and second hub portions that includes a valve passage therethrough, e.g., for accommodating receiving a medical device through the first and second hub lumens into the tubular device, while providing a substantially fluid tight seal. For example, the valve passage may include a bore extending partially from a first end of the valve towards a second end of the valve, and a slit that extends from the end of the bore to the second end of the valve.

Abstract: A method of using a MR compatible deflectable catheter is provided. The MR compatible deflectable catheter includes a steerable sheath having a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof. A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires. Longitudinal movement of the wires causes the catheter to deflect approximately 180 degrees.

Abstract: A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment and an arterial segment. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening, is separate from the venous segment, and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment. In one embodiment, the distal region is un-split, but includes symmetrically opposed lateral openings, as well as distal openings, in communication with the first and second lumens for providing a functional stagger for blood flow in both forward and reverse catheter flow directions.

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: An improved tip and handle for a tunnelling instrument are provided along with an improved tunnelling instrument. The tip is configured for attachment to a tunnelling instrument and includes a first portion configured to form a tunnel, a second portion sized to fit within a tubular component to be placed in the tunnel, and a third portion configured for attachment of the tubular component. The handle is configured to be attached to and detached from a tunneller shaft of a tunnelling instrument, at any point along the length of the tunneller shaft. The tunnelling instrument comprises a pair of tips, a connection means for forming a link between the tips, and a tunneller shaft slidably engagable with the connection means and attachable to either of the tips. Various forms of use of the tunnelling instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for minimally-invasive delivery of radiation to the eye (such as the posterior portion of the eye) including cannulas with afterloading systems for introducing radionuclide brachytherapy sources to the cannulas, for example following insertion and positioning of the cannulas. The afterloaders may house the radionuclide brachytherapy source in a vault and connect to the cannula via a guide tube. The afterloaders can advance and retract the source and ensure accurate placement of the source within the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter may include an elongate tubular member having an outer wall and an inner wall defining a wall thickness. The inner wall may define a lumen extending therethrough. The elongate tubular member may include a first plurality of recessed portions disposed in a distal section, wherein the first plurality of recessed portions each includes a visual marker disposed therein.

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

Abstract: A bio-compatible lumen bearing device such as a catheter formed of a polymeric material having a titanium surface bonded to the underlying exposed catheter surface. The titanium surface is employed in patients to improve bio-compatibility and enhance lubricity during insertion and removal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus to prevent reperfusion injury. In one embodiment, blood flow proximal to a lesion is occluded. An infusion catheter is advanced to a region distal to the lesion and an anti-reperfusion injury drug is delivered. The lesion may then be treated with a dilating device to reintroduce blood flow to the region distal to the lesion.

Abstract: The application relates to a shaft (10) for medical devices comprising an inner tube (11) and an outer tube (12), wherein the inner tube (11) and the outer tube (12) extend concentrically with a common longitudinal axis from a proximal end (15) to a distal end (16) of the shaft (10), and a spiral wall (13) projecting radially outwards from the inner tube (11). Further, the application relates to a catheter having such a shaft (10).

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.

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

Abstract: The present invention is related to scoring or cutting balloon catheters carrying at least on a portion of their surface at least one oxidation-insensitive drug or oxidation-insensitive polymer-free drug preparation and at least one lipophilic antioxidant at a ratio of 3-100% by weight of the at least one lipophilic antioxidant in relation to 100% by weight of the drug, wherein the at least one oxidation-insensitive drug is selected of taxanes, thalidomide, statins, corticoids and lipophilic derivatives of corticoids, and the at least one lipophilic antioxidant is selected of nordihydroguaiaretic acid, resveratrol and propyl gallate.

Abstract: A catheter with a spring tip that facilitates atraumatic initial placement and also continues to protect tissue contacted by the catheter device subsequent to the initial placement. The spring tip is shock-absorbing and axially compliant and allows enhanced use of various devices in conjunction with the tip such as bioptomes, electrodes, needles, flushing catheters, delivery catheters, and the like. The atraumatic shock-absorbing tip could include conductive or non-conductive materials.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for accessing a target location in the body of a patient, particularly within the epidural space. A system includes a sheath and a sheath support supporting the sheath to reduce or avoid kinking. The sheath support closely fits within the sheath while maintaining free sliding therein. The sheath support has a non-compliant outer diameter maintaining the inner diameter of the sheath and preventing the sheath walls from collapsing into a kink, particularly during low radius bends that may occur during delivery. The sheath support may include a distal tip configured to resist retraction into the sheath until a threshold force is reached which causes the distal tip to at least partially retract into the lumen of the sheath. Likewise, the distal tip may be fully retractable through the sheath so that the sheath support is removable from the proximal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a proximal section, a transition region, and a distal section. The proximal section includes a braid that is braided with a cross-braiding configuration. In the transition region, which follows the proximal section, the braid transitions between the cross-braiding configuration and a helical coiling configuration. In the distal section, which follows the transition region, the braid is coiled with the helical coiling configuration.

Abstract: A tubular conduit is disclosed. The tubular conduit comprises a tubular portion made from a flexible material and an axially extending external helical formation located around the outside of the tubular portion. The external helical formation is for supporting the tubular portion. Optionally the tubular portion also comprises an axially extending internal helical protrusion, which imparts a helical flow to a fluid passing through the tubular portion. It is preferred that the tubular conduit is a vascular graft.

Abstract: A tether holder has a locking portion, for securing a proximal end of a tether, and a pin portion that may fit within a receptacle of a handle assembly of a tool. A distal member of an inner assembly of the tool engages an implantable medical device, from which the tether extends, through at least one lumen of the inner assembly and out through a proximal port of the handle assembly, which is located in proximity to the receptacle. An enlarged distal-most portion of a deployment tube of the tool contains the distal member and the device, and is moveable, relatively to the inner assembly and the device, to deploy the device out through a distal opening of the tool. The handle assembly may also include a flush lumen and a tether engaging conduit, both in fluid communication with the at least one lumen of the inner assembly.

Abstract: A connection including a first closure component including a first adapter and a fitting element which is able to move relative to the first adapter and an elastic or resilient element which couples the first adapter to the fitting element and/or is disposed between them.

Abstract: A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. In particular, a resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, wherein the key indicates the source of the resource information. In one example embodiment, therefore, an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), is disclosed and comprises: an internal portion, and a portion external to the patient that includes a resource information key indicating a website where a user can acquire resource information relating to the medical device. In other embodiments indicia are provided as quick response (“QR”) codes, and as various markings to indicate compatibility of the medical device with ethanol.

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: In one example, a device includes a telemetry module configured to retrieve graphics processing data from a device that is not configured to perform a rendering process using the graphics processing data and that is associated with delivering therapy to a therapy target of a patient, and a control unit configured to apply the graphics processing data while performing the rendering process to generate an image of an anatomical feature of the patient, wherein the anatomical feature comprises the therapy target for an implantable medical device, and to cause a display unit of a user interface to display the image, wherein the image of the anatomical feature is specific to the patient. The graphics processing data may include a list of vertices or a transform to be applied to a non-patient-specific anatomical atlas. The data may also include a location of a therapy element of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A treatment endoscope includes that a body cavity insertion portion which includes a main body distal hard portion, and a main body curving portion provided to a proximal side of the main body distal hard portion, one or more treatment arm/arms projecting to a distal side from the main body distal hard portion, each of the treatment arm/arms including a curving mechanism, an operation portion provided to the proximal side of the body cavity insertion portion, and an observation section configured to image a field of view in a body cavity, the observation section including an imaging section provided within the main body distal hard portion. The treatment endoscope includes that an operation portion attaching/detaching mechanism configured to removably attach the operation portion to the body cavity insertion portion, and an observation section attaching/detaching mechanism configured to removably attach the observation section to the body cavity insertion portion.

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

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid therethrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after is has been bend into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters with improved tip configurations, including a triple-lumen catheter which may be useful for apheresis. In one variation, the catheter has three lumens with distal openings angularly spaced apart and staggered axially with respect to one another. In another variation, the catheter has two lumens exiting distally and one centrally positioned lumen exiting proximally. A third variation is a catheter with a single distal opening and two proximal openings. The staggered lumen openings along the axial length of the catheter may decrease recirculation while maximizing flow rates.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin without the use of sutures or skin tapes. In particular embodiments, the anchor device can be adjusted to a folded condition so that subcutaneous anchors are partially rotated prior to removal from the skin penetration point.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter having an ultra soft tip. The catheter includes a braided reinforcement member extending substantially the length of the elongate shaft. A balloon is disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft. An ultra soft tip is formed from a distal portion of balloon material extending distal of the distal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a catheter assembly with a dry and sterilized catheter with a hydrophilic coating covering at least a portion of the catheter in a first compartment, an aqueous swelling medium comprising an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide in a second compartment, and a packing structure comprising the first compartment and the second compartment. The two compartments are separate from each other but are in communication with each other such that when the second compartment is caused to release the aqueous swelling medium, the dry sterilized catheter is subjected to the aqueous swelling medium so as to wet the hydrophilic coating under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A self expanding cannula with improved drainage properties based upon its greater length is provided, along with methods of using the cannula in cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in reducing the appearance of dimpled skin or other undesirable appearance of skin in a cellulitic region of a patient are provided. The methods include the steps of disrupting fibrous septae located beneath the skin of a cellulitic region and introducing a composition beneath the skin, the composition being effective to reduce or prevent regrowth of the fibrous septae.

Abstract: Delivery catheters for in situ forming foams are provided. The catheters include, in various embodiments, coatings, valves, mixing structures, exit ports and combinations of the same.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter shaft having an inner surface defining a lumen. A liner may be disposed within the lumen and along the inner surface. At least a portion of the liner may be radially spaced from the inner surface of the catheter shaft so that a space is defined therebetween. The liner may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a polymeric reinforcing member. At least a portion of the polymeric reinforcing member may be disposed between an outer surface of the inner layer and an outer surface of the outer layer. The polymeric reinforcing member may have a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the inner layer, the outer layer, or both.

Abstract: A vascular occluder includes first and second baffle members which are formed of an expansion device such as a stent across which extends an impermeable membrane. The baffle members are held at a given separation by spacer elements. The separation creates a chamber between the baffle members in which the blood is able to stagnate, thereby creating a second occlusion barrier. One of the baffle members may have an aperture within its membrane for receiving a delivery catheter for delivery of thrombogenic agent into the chamber. The occluder has a given length, thereby making it suitable for implantation in difficult vessel sections and is also able to avoid problems of recanalization of the vessel which can occur with prior art occluders.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regional delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of vascular diseases wherein regional delivery refers to delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of the therapeutic agent to an area of the vessel that includes not only afflicted tissue but non-afflicted tissue at the periphery of the afflicted tissue as well.

Abstract: Methods and percutaneous devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via percutaneous carotid body ablation.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible medical article or tube, for example, a sheath for a vascular access device, is provided. The method can include extruding a polymer, for example, a polycarbonate-urethane copolymer, to form a tube and annealing the extruded polymer. The method can further include cutting the extruded tube to a desired length before or after annealing, flaring one end of the annealed tube and over-molding the flared portion onto a hub, and forming the other end of the tube into a tip. A sheath formed by such a method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides catheter compositions that provide anti-thrombogenic properties while not adversely impacting mechanical properties. All embodiments of the present invention comprise a catheter that comprises a fluoropolymer additive with specific compositions and/or purity levels.

Abstract: A chemotherapy agent or a pharmaceutical composition including chemotherapy agent and artificial cerebrospinal fluid, wherein the chemotherapy agent at a concentration of between 0.01 mg/ml and 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is an access catheter, having a distal segment which is moveable from a reduced outside diameter for positioning at a target site, and an enlarged outside diameter to create an enlarged internal working lumen. In one application, the catheter is configured for use as an intracranial aspiration catheter. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides polymers having antimicrobial activity and articles with the polymers coated thereon. The polymers include a first pendant group comprising a first cationic component, a second pendant group comprising a nonpolar component, and a third pendant group comprising an organosilane component. The disclosure also includes methods of coating medical device articles and body fluid-receiving substrates with the antimicrobial polymers. The methods further include the use of adhesion-promoting components.

Abstract: Apparatuses of the type broadly applicable to numerous medical applications in which it is desirable to insert one or more steerable or non-steerable catheters or similar devices into a working channel of an associated device, such as an endoscope, catheter, etc., or passageway of a patient, are disclosed. The apparatuses may include catheters having a dedicated guide wire channel and one or more of the following: viewing capabilities, a working channel, and auxiliary channels, such as insufflation/irrigation channels. The catheters may include a guide wire channel that is configured to provide the catheter or other device with rapid exchange capabilities.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter body with a lumen and a distal lumen opening. The catheter's lumen extends through the catheter body along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. A spiral slit is formed through a wall of the catheter body.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for abrading a stenotic lesion from a vessel of a patient comprises a flexible drive shaft which extends towards a distal end of the device, a distal fluid inflatable support element located at a distal end of the drive shaft and an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from the distal fluid inflatable support element. Both the abrasive element and the distal fluid inflatable support element are rotatable together with the drive shaft and the drive shaft comprises a torque transmitting coil which defines a long lumen of the drive shaft.