Abstract: A control handle for a steerable catheter allows for precise manipulation of the distal catheter tip in a target organ or vessel using only one hand. The control handle can have a single articulating knob capable of both linear translation along and rotation about the axis of the handle. These functions of the articulating knob actuate both the expansion and retraction of an expandable member, as well as bi-directional deflection of the distal catheter tip. The articulating knob functions with consistency regardless of the orientation of the handle, with ergonomic movements allowing the user to comfortably keep their attention on the procedure's monitoring equipment. These improvements can lead to safe and more rapid procedure times for procedures such as diagnostics and cardiac ablation.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an introducer sheath with a partially annealed metal frame. The introducer sheaths described herein include a hub coupled to a shaft. The shaft comprises a braided wire frame with (i) an annealed distal portion that prevents the braided wire frame from unraveling at a distal end, and (ii) a second portion that is unannealed; a jacket encompassing the braided wire frame; and a liner forming an inner wall.

Abstract: An aortic occlusion and perfusion device includes an expandable member configured to expand within the aorta. A catheter extends proximally from the expandable member in fluid communication with the expandable member. The catheter defines openings through which blood can pass with one or more of the openings located proximal to the expandable member and one or more of the openings located within the expandable member. The catheter defines a lumen in fluid communication with the one or more openings located within the expandable member, the lumen terminating at a terminus such that the lumen is not in fluid communication with a distal end portion of the catheter. A flow control sheath is disposed around the catheter proximal to the expandable member such that axial movement of the flow control sheath relative to the catheter selectively occludes or uncovers the one or more openings located proximal to the expandable member.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter having a guidewire for each lumen, the catheter having a proximal-end assembly and an elongate tube including a multi-lumen medial portion and a distal-end portion. Each guidewire extends from the proximal end assembly through the medial portion to a lumen convergence portion which merges the lumens into a single output lumen. The distal-end portion includes (a) the lumen convergence portion, (b) an intermediate section surrounding the output lumen, and (c) a tapered tip surrounding the output lumen, with the diameter of each lumen of the multiple lumens other than the output lumen being sized to match the guidewire therein such that the guidewire is able to move therealong while being constrained laterally and remaining substantially coaxial with its lumen, and the diameter of the single output lumen being equal to the diameter of the largest diameter lumen of the multiple lumens.

Abstract: A medical device is provided in which one or both ends of the device encourage the formation of tissue across substantially the entire area of the respective end that is exposed to the blood flow for reducing the risk of a thrombotic embolism. The medical device includes a tubular structure having at least one expanded volume portion and a tapered transition portion. The tubular structure may be made through the braiding of a number of strands, and a first end feature may be used to secure the proximal strand ends. The proximal strand ends may be secured via the proximal end of the first end feature, such that the tapered transition portion is formed over the circumferential surface of the first end feature, and only a proximal end surface (or a portion of the proximal end surface) of the first end feature is exposed to the path of flowing blood.

Abstract: A strain gauge includes: a substrate; a transverse sensitive grid arranged on the substrate; and at least two non-transverse sensitive grids arranged on the substrate so as to be located on opposite sides of the transverse sensitive grid both electrically connected to the transverse sensitive grid. The two non-transverse sensitive grids are connected to each other by a connection and share a common ground lead and a common ground interface. One end of the ground lead is connected to the connection at the middle thereof. The other end of the ground lead is connected to the ground interface. The two non-transverse sensitive grids have equal resistances and are connected to ends of two respective non-ground leads having equal resistances. The other ends of the two non-ground leads are connected to two respective non-ground interfaces.

Abstract: An improved insertion apparatus simplifies loading of neurovascular device into microcatheter. In one example, the insertion apparatus can include a tapered distal tip, allowing the insertion apparatus to reach the microcatheter with no gap. In another example, the insertion apparatus can include an uneven outer surface along its longitudinal body through laser ablation of material to form protrusions, forming taper features, forming wave patterns or thread extrusions.

Abstract: A shape sensing enabled instrument includes a flexible guide wire or support rod including an outer surface which encapsulates interior features. The interior features include an optical fiber lumen (105) configured to receive one or more optical fibers for optical shape sensing, and a guide wire support rod or the support rod forming a hollow extending longitudinally along the instrument. The guide wire support rod or the support rod is configured to receive the optical fiber lumen therein to permit rotation and translation of an optical fiber and to protect the optical fiber.

Abstract: Catheters include first and second segments that each include a proximal end and a distal end. A first connector of each catheter includes a first portion connected to the distal end of the first segment and a second portion connected to the proximal end of the second segment. The first portion and the second portion are engaged so that the first portion can rotated relative to the second portion about an axis of the first connector. The first segment and the second segment can bend in multiple planes via a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion about the axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a left ventricular assist device. The left ventricular assist device includes an impeller configured to be placed inside a subject's left ventricle, and to pump blood from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta, by rotating. A frame is disposed around the impeller. A tube traverses the subject's aortic valve, such that a proximal portion of the tube is disposed within the subject's aorta and a distal portion of the tube is disposed within the subject's left ventricle. The distal portion of the tube defines one or more blood inlet openings that are configured to allow blood to flow from the subject's left ventricle into the tube. A braided element is configured to prevent inner structures of the left ventricle from passing into the one or more blood inlet openings. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Steerable catheter control handles and catheter assemblies that include pull wires and direction and magnitude controls on the handle operable such that adjustment of the direction and magnitude controls adjusts a direction and degree of catheter flex, thereby to steer the catheter as an operator directs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope control device including a control body holder, a joystick-like control element for effecting a deflection movement, and at least one control wire guided through the control body holder and transmitting the deflection movement of the control element to an element to be controlled in the endoscope. The control element extends from the control body holder in a proximal direction. The at least one control wire is fixed to the control element in a manner spaced from the control body holder. The control element includes an elastic rod element which is bendable upon actuation of the control element so as to effect a deflection movement.

Abstract: A balloon guide catheter having a sleeved inflation lumen secured with a wire wrap for improved inflation lumen kink protection and a welded balloon construction provides a robust and flexible catheter with an exceptionally large inner lumen relative to its outer profile and enables rapid and reliable balloon inflation and deflation in a highly deliverable and kink resistant catheter. Balloon guide catheters having multiple sleeved inflation lumens and proximal luers for utilizing the multiple inflation lumens are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical application tool (18) for implanting an electrode wire on nerves in an inner area of a pelvis of a human body, the surgical application tool (18) including a mandrel (16) having an engagement tip (19) and a shaft section (02) and including a sleeve (01) which is configured to insert and guide the electrode wire through a sleeve interior (08) when the mandrel (16) is removed, the sleeve (01) extending at least along the shaft section (02) and being detachable from the mandrel (16), a handle (20) being provided on the mandrel (16) and/or the sleeve (01) for the extracorporeal handling of the application tool (18), and the handle (20) being configured to manually rotate and/or pivot the mandrel (16) and/or the sleeve (01) when it is inserted into the body.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures within the neurovasculature, the methods, systems and the devices including catheters and catheter advancement elements.

Abstract: Methods and devices described for improved dynamic walled tubing and catheters.

Abstract: A medical instrument system includes an imaging probe and an elongated medical instrument. The imaging probe includes a first sealing feature comprising a first tapered profile formed on an external surface of the distal tip. The elongated medical instrument has a working channel extending to an opening in the distal portion. The distal portion includes a second sealing feature comprising a second tapered profile formed on an internal surface of the channel. A distal end surface of the distal tip extends through the opening and distally of a distal end surface of the elongated medical instrument when the first sealing feature is engaged with the second sealing feature. The first tapered profile and the second tapered profile form a seal that prevents fluid from passing through the opening when the imaging probe is within the working channel of the elongated medical instrument and the first and second sealing features contact.

Abstract: In a multiple-lumen catheter having multiple guidewires for treatment of vascular blockages, the catheter comprising a proximal-end assembly, a distal-end portion and a multi-lumen medial portion therebetween, the improvement wherein: (1) the multiple guidewires are preloaded in the catheter, each guidewire in its own single-guidewire lumen extending from its own guidewire entry port in the proximal-end assembly to a lumen convergence portion; and (2) the distal-end portion includes: (a) the lumen convergence portion along which the multiple lumens merge into a single output lumen sized to match the largest-diameter lumen of the multiple lumens, (b) an intermediate distal-end section connected to the lumen convergence portion and surrounding the single output lumen continuing therethrough, and (c) a tapered tip surrounding the single output lumen continuing therethrough.

Abstract: A protective film that can be included in multi-layer film laminates for use in marketing, advertising campaigns, particularly outdoor or other environment impacted promotions and safety applications. The film includes at least two different polyurethane polymers and is free or substantially free of polyvinyl chloride based polymer. One polyurethane has an ultimate elongation less than 200%, and another polyurethane has an ultimate elongation more than 400%. The film may be transparent, translucent, clear or have other desirable optical properties.

Abstract: The present application relates to a balloon catheter, which is a rapid exchange structure and has a balloon catheter body and a hub, wherein the balloon catheter body has a push member, a transition member, a balloon loading member, a balloon, a imaging mark and a tip head, the balloon loading member comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, a distal end of the handle is connected with a proximal end of the push member, a proximal end of the transition member extends from a distal end of the push member, a distal end of the transition member is nested inside a proximal end of the outer tube of the balloon loading member, the balloon loading member loads the balloon, the tip head is provided on a distal end of the balloon, the imaging mark is provided on the balloon loading member, characterized in that the balloon has a wall thickness of 10-15 microns, the balloon has a nominal dilation pressure of 3-4 atm, and the balloon catheter has a rated burst pressure of is 10-12 atm.

Abstract: A jig for inspecting a tip of a catheter at a first facility of at least two facilities at which the catheter is processed during manufacturing. The jig includes a housing, at least one clamp, a plurality of cameras mounted in the housing, a plurality of illuminators mounted in the housing and a processor. The processor operates the plurality of cameras and the plurality of illuminators for capturing a plurality of images, and transfers respective copies of the plurality of images to a second facility, separate from the first facility. The processor is additionally configured to generated a report generate a report of the inspection from the first facility and the second facility based on annotations received from the first facility and the second facility.

Abstract: Apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) and methods that may provide access to one or more tools to a remote site in the body including expandable and external working channels that may be part of a tube that is coupled to an outer surface of an elongate medical device, such as an endoscope.

Abstract: A clot retrieval catheter can have a tailored, highly flexible body section capable of navigating tortuous routes and an expandable tip for local flow restriction/arrest. The body can be a support tube of struts with a plurality of ribs and one or more axial spines. The support tube can also be a tubular section with a pattern of radial slots to increase flexibility while inhibiting kinking and binding. The ribs and spines can have strut widths which vary along the length of the support tube or can have curves with a non-planar cross section. The ribs can be formed such that they can move when subjected to the loads of a thrombectomy procedure. The structure of the support tube can also be a braided or woven pattern of strands. The support tube can also have a polymer jacket or membrane disposed around at least a portion of the structure.

Abstract: A rigidizing device includes an elongate flexible tube, a stiffening layer positioned radially outwards of the elongate flexible tube, an outer layer over the elongate flexible tube and the stiffening layer, and a vacuum or pressure inlet between the elongate flexible tube and the outer layer and configured to attach to a source of vacuum or pressure. The elongate flexible tube includes a first reinforcement element and a second reinforcement element. The second reinforcement element is counterwound relative to the first reinforcement element. The rigidizing device is configured to have a rigid configuration when vacuum or pressure is applied through the inlet and a flexible configuration when vacuum or pressure is not applied through the inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter device including a proximal tube having a first part of a first lumen; a distal tube having a second part of the first lumen; a second lumen connecting the proximal tube and the distal tube; wherein the connection comprise an area of discontinuity between the first part and second part; wherein the area of discontinuity comprises a support element configured to resist axial movement of the distal tube relative to the proximal tube and vice versa; and wherein the second lumen is arranged to activate or cause at least one obstruction element to restrict the flow of urine from the proximal tube to the area of discontinuity and to restrict the flow of urine from the area of discontinuity to the distal tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control system (1) for a micro-motor for dental or surgical use comprising a control box (10) provided with an adjustment knob (2), mounted in a way rotatable about a rotational axis (A-A). The adjustment knob (2) is made up of a control support (20) integral with an encoder (3) integrated in the said box (10), and a sterilizable button (21) coupled in a removable way to the said control support (20).

Abstract: An embolization microcatheter is configured to deliver embolization particles to a target area and minimize or prevent embolization of a non-target area. The microcatheter includes a section, located between the distal and proximal ends of the microcatheter, having a skeleton formed of braided wires and a polymeric layer intercalated into and/or overlaying the skeleton. This section includes a plurality of axial slits, each slit having a smallest cross-sectional dimension configured to prevent outflow of the embolization particles.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.

Abstract: An infusion system comprises an infusion set (30) with one or more advanced features including tube set strain relief (10), infusion pumps having heat exchange abilities and two-direction pumping abilities (100), Piezo pump devices (200), reservoirs (220, 240) made from expanded tubing, and oil impregnated pump plungers (302). An exemplary strain relief (10) includes an adhesive layer (12) such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) secured to a base (14). The base (14) rotatably receives a pin (18) of a tube holder (16). The pin (18) is captured within an opening (22) of the base (14) to allow 360 degree rotation of the tube holder (16).

Abstract: An extension tool includes a plurality of sequentially arranged links moveable relative to one another. The plurality of sequentially arranged links include a first link. The extension tool further includes a line assembly having a line, the line including a first portion extending through the plurality of sequentially arranged links to the first link and a transition portion extending from the first portion through the first link. The extension tool further includes an attachment feature coupled to or formed integrally with the line of the line assembly at the transition portion of the line to support the line in the event of a failure of the line.

Abstract: Systems for providing access across a site of obstruction and methods for manufacturing and using such systems are provided. Such systems may include a cannula having a lumen, an everting member coupled to the cannula, and a push assembly having a pathway. The push assembly may be slidably disposed within the lumen of the cannula and connected to a proximal end of the everting member to move the everting member from an inverted position inside the cannula to an everted position outside the cannula. The systems may also include a hard tube having a passageway, the hard tube slidably disposed on or within the pathway of the push assembly. The hard tube being designed to create and opening within and traverse and obstruction within a structure.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a basket catheter that easily transmits rotational torque on a proximal side to a basket part and can remove a captured foreign matter. The basket catheter (1) has a distal side and a proximal side, has an outer tubular member (2), an inner tubular member (3) disposed in a lumen of the outer tubular member (2) and an expandable basket part (10) disposed on the distal side of the inner tubular member (3) and including elastic wires (15). The inner tubular member (3) includes a hollow coil body (4) formed of a wire wound spirally. In the above basket catheter (1), the elastic wires (15) and the inner tubular member (3) are preferably connected together through a tubular connector (20).

Abstract: A clot removal device for removal of an occlusion from a lumen in a patient's body is provided. The clot removal device has a lumen, an elongated member positioned within the lumen and extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, a handle attached to the proximal end of the lumen, a first expandable member positioned along a length of the elongated member, a second expandable member positioned along the length of the elongated member, wherein the second expandable member is distal to the first expandable member relative to the handle.

Abstract: A single access method of repairing an aneurysm in a bifurcated vascular lumen is described. A primary graft portion is configured in the bifurcated vascular lumen before a guide wire is configured through the primary graft portion and into a contralateral vessel of the bifurcated vascular lumen from the access opening. The guide wire may be a directed into the contralateral vessel and around the bifurcation in the primary graft portion by steerable sheath, a directional sleeve or a sheath having an aperture and secured to the primary graft portion by a balloon. The contralateral limb is then advanced through the access opening in the ipsilateral vessel, around the bifurcation and into the contralateral vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a formulations of cements and methods for bonding dissimilar materials. The formulations and methods can bond a Non-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containing first polyolefin that is amorphous or has low crystallinity to a second material that is a rigid material or a hard PVC. The methods and formulations can work by co-dissolution at an interface, or activation of a one of the materials prior to bonding.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device having an elongate shaft having a distal end and a controller coupled to the shaft. A control member can extend through at least part of the elongate shaft and at least part of the controller, wherein the control member in a tensioned configuration can be moveable by the controller to control the distal end of the shaft and the control member can be slack in an untensioned configuration. A tensioning mechanism can be configured to move relative to at least one of the elongate shaft and the controller to tension the control member and automatically lock the control member in the tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A catheter is made by coextruding first and second molten polymers, wherein the second molten polymer forms a flexible inner core and the first molten polymer forms exactly two bands on opposite sides of the inner core. The inner core is braided, and a third molten polymer extruded onto the braid to form a flexible jacket that encloses the braid, the bands and the inner core. The bands are more rigid than the inner core, and they provide preferential in-plane bending.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a method for locating an expandable implant for treating BPH within the prostatic urethra of a patient. The delivery device comprises an inner tube and an outer sleeve moveable relative to the inner tube between a stored position and a deployed position. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube to define an annulus therebetween and the expandable implant is retained within the annulus when the outer sleeve is in the stored position.

Abstract: A fluid removal device is provided for removing fluid from pleural space that includes a flexible, open tube with a slight resting curve. A first channel along a greater curvature of the tube contains a plurality of cannulas that can be extended into the pleural space to infuse medications. A second channel along a lesser curvature of the tube contains a line attached to the outer portion of the tube and tension placed on the line will increase the curve of the tube to assist in the placement of the tip of the tube in a desired location in the pleural space. The tube may be connected to a portable suction/fusion device via a click connect device. The tube may also include an improved tip and a tab for extending the cannulas maintains the corridor of stability.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter (e.g., a balloon catheter) includes a guidewire tube extending through a catheter body and a coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the guidewire tube. In some examples, the coating is an elastomeric coating. The coating is configured to increase friction between the portion of the outer surface of the guidewire tube and an inner surface of the catheter body when the portion of the outer surface contacts an inner surface of the catheter body.

Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an outer tubular layer and an initially folded inner tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer expands and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal support rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.

Abstract: Sizing catheters that include an inner member and an outer member. The inner member includes an elongate shaft and a plurality of radiopaque markers spaced axially from each other and secured to an outer surface of the shaft, the span of radiopaque markers defining a first portion of the inner member. The outer member that is disposed snugly around and in substantial contact with the inner member along at least the first portion of the inner member.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retention member and a method of manufacture of the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a sleeve disposed around the cannula from a proximal end to a distal end. The sleeve can include a balloon formed by a stretch blow molding process following local heating once advanced over the cannula. Once formed, the balloon can be conditioned to constrict against the cannula. A conditioning aid can be advanced over the balloon when it is still formable to constrict the balloon against the cannula.

Abstract: A clot removal device for removal of an occlusion from a lumen in a patient's body is provided. The clot removal device has a lumen, an elongated member positioned within the lumen and extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, a handle attached to the proximal end of the lumen, a first expandable member positioned along a length of the elongated member, a second expandable member positioned along the length of the elongated member, wherein the second expandable member is distal to the first expandable member relative to the handle.

Abstract: An orientable catheter (10, 110, 210) comprising a first tubular body (16, 116, 216) having a distal portion with shape memory (26, 126, 226) which is curved at rest, and a second tubular body (38, 138, 238) having a distal stiffening portion (54, 154, 254) forming a stiffening element capable of sliding relative to the first tubular body (16, 116, 216) between a stiffening position in which the stiffening element (54, 154, 254) imposes a straightened configuration on the distal portion with shape memory (26, 126, 226), and a retracted position in which the stiffening element (54, 154, 254) does not interfere with the resting curved configuration of the distal end with shape memory (26, 126, 226).

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: An introducer includes a dilator received in a lumen defined by an introducer sheath and including a dilation end extending distally beyond a distal end of the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath includes a flat wire reinforcement having a hollow cylindrical shape sandwiched between an inner PTFE tube and an outer nylon tube. The outer nylon tube includes a distal segment that extends distally beyond the PTFE tube, which extends distally beyond the PTFE tube, which extends distally beyond the flat wire reinforcement. A withdrawal support wire has a distal end attached to a distal end turn of the flat wire reinforcement and extends in a proximal direction in parallel with a longitudinal axis between an outer surface of the nylon tube and an inner surface of the PTFE tube. The withdrawal support wire is configured to be in tension when the sheath is placed in tension to inhibit distal stretch separation breakage.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an introducer sheath with a partially annealed metal frame. The introducer sheaths described herein include a hub coupled to a shaft. The shaft comprises a braided wire frame with (i) an annealed distal portion that prevents the braided wire frame from unraveling at a distal end, and (ii) a second portion that is unannealed; a jacket encompassing the braided wire frame; and a liner forming an inner wall.

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.