Abstract: Medical systems are disclosed which may include an elongate shaft member and a plurality of steering lines operable to cause bending of the elongate shaft member via movement of at least one of the steering lines. A respective second end portion of a first proximal steering line may terminate at a first proximal termination portion of the elongate shaft member, and a respective second end portion of the first distal steering line may terminate at a first distal termination portion of the elongate shaft member. The elongate shaft member may be formed of materials of different hardness to provide preferential bending in desired directions.

Abstract: A detachment system for delivering an implantable medical device to a target location of a body vessel has a generally hollow distal tube. The distal tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a compressible portion of the tube itself, between the proximal and distal ends which is axially movable from a compressed to an elongated condition. A generally hollow proximal tube has a proximal end and a distal end. A coupling joins the proximal and distal tubes. An engagement system engages and deploys the implantable medical device engaged at the distal end of the distal tube. The engagement system moves the compressible portion to the compressed condition when engaging the implantable medical device, and deploys the implantable medical device and releases the compressible portion to the elongated condition.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an elongated tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an outer surface and a lumen and the distal portion of the elongated tubular member comprising an expandable occlusion tip, the expandable occlusion tip having a central lumen and comprising a plurality of lobes, the expandable occlusion tip having an unexpanded state and an expanded state, in the unexpanded state the lobes extend distally from the elongated tubular member, in the expanded state, the lobes radially expand and are adapted to restrict flow in a patient's vessel.

Abstract: An introducer sheath is disclosed, which includes a tube body that is percutaneously inserted into a body lumen; and a hub that is connected to a proximal portion of the tube body. The tube body contains a polyvinylidene fluoride resin, a ratio of a thickness to an inner diameter of the tube body is 1/16 or lower, and a ratio of a kink radius to an outer diameter of the tube body is 9.5 or lower.

Abstract: An adjustable diameter catheter includes a wall extending in an axial direction surrounding a lumen of the catheter, the wall having at least one outer spring and at least one inner spring arranged coaxially to the outer spring. The at least one outer spring surrounds the at least one inner spring. The at least one inner and outer springs each have a distal end which are connected to one another. The at least one inner and outer springs each have a plurality of windings. A winding direction of the at least one outer spring is opposite to a winding direction of the at least one inner spring.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.

Abstract: Catheters are disclosed that are configured for insertion into the vasculature connected to the prostate gland of a male patient or uterus of a female patient. Such catheters may comprise a conduit having one or more bends. Conduits with a general U-shaped bend and a compound curve are within the scope of this disclosure Methods related to the catheters, including methods of use and methods of manufacture, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for therapeutic and/or diagnostic use in or on a patient's body. The device can have a sheath and a tool. The sheath can be made, at least in part, from a laminate. The laminate can have reinforcement fibers in longitudinal, latitudinal, helical, and/or other configurations around the sheath. The tool can be at least partially within the sheath. The tool can be attached to the sheath at one or more lengths along the tool. The sheath can be removed from the tool and replaced.

Abstract: The application relates to a tube for being introduced into an object. The tube (1), which is preferentially a catheter, comprises a tube-like braid (2) made from electrically conductive strands (3), wherein ends (4) of the strands (3) are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the tube (1). Since the ends of the strands are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the tube, local radio frequency heat generated during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure is not concentrated at a single longitudinal location, but distributed along a staggered region in the longitudinal direction of the tube, in which the ends of the electrically conductive strands are staggered. This distribution of the radio frequency heat along the longitudinal direction of the tube reduces the maximum temperature produced by radio frequency heating and, thus, the likelihood of damaging the object, in which the tube is to be introduced, due to heat.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter shaft and a tip. The catheter shaft includes an inner layer, a first reinforcing layer disposed around an outer periphery of the inner layer, an intermediate layer, a second reinforcing layer disposed around an outer periphery of the intermediate layer, and an outer layer that covers the second reinforcing layer. The tip includes a proximal end portion that extends in an axial direction of the catheter and is joined to at least the intermediate layer and the outer layer, between the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer. The proximal end portion increases the joining strength between the intermediate layer and the tip and the joining strength between the outer layer and the tip. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tip from easily detaching from the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cleaning a surgical device, and or end effectors associated with the device, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device includes a housing, a plurality of shafts extending distally from the housing, a port disposed at a proximal end of the shafts to form a proximal compartment and an end effector receiver disposed at a distal end of the shafts to form a distal compartment. A fluid and/or a vacuum source can be supplied at the port, through the proximal compartment and shafts, and to the distal compartment. The supplied fluid or vacuum source can be effective to remove fluid and/or tissue from the distal compartment. A plurality of seals can be provided on an outer-most shaft in the compartments to seal fluid from the compartments from entering a housing and/or an outside environment. Other devices and exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, and a braid provided on an outer periphery of the inner layer. The braid includes a first wire and a second wire that are woven together. The catheter further includes a tip provided on a distal end of the inner layer and a distal end of the braid. A residual portion having a sharp shape formed at a distal end of the first wire when the first wire is cut is not left untreated, but is formed into a bulging portion.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an inner liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, a coil positioned over the inner liner, and an outer jacket positioned over the liner and the coil. The outer jacket is bonded to the inner liner between the coil turns. The coil turns have a cross-section comprising opposing end portions, and a center portion disposed between the opposing end portions. The center portion has a thickness not exceeding about one-third of a thickness of the end portions for reducing a bending modulus of the coil, and the end portions have a generally curved outer surface. At least a distal end portion of the outer jacket has a durometer between about 70 and 90 on the Shore D scale.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an introducer for introducing interventional catheters into the vasculature comprising a distal tip, a proximal end, a structural layer, an inner layer, and an outer layer. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes inserting an intramural crossing device into the vascular lumen, positioning at least the distal tip of the crossing device in the vascular wall, advancing an orienting device over the crossing device such that an orienting element of the orienting device resides in the vascular wall, inserting a reentry device, and re-entering the true vascular lumen.

Abstract: A malleable cannula for fluidically coupling with an anatomical structure includes a flexible cannula body wall having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending longitudinally between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end defines a first opening to the lumen and the distal end defining a second opening to the lumen. A channel is defined by a portion of the cannula body wall and extends longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The channel has a first end oriented toward the proximal end of the cannula body wall. A malleable member is provided within the channel and is fixedly connected to the cannula body wall at the first end of the channel. The malleable member is configured to assume and maintain a formed shape of the cannula body wall.

Abstract: A catheter includes a flexible shaft having a lumen arrangement and a length sufficient to access a target vessel of a patient. A balloon at the distal end of the shaft is fluidly coupled to the lumen arrangement. The balloon body comprises a first material and a second material different from the first material. The second material comprises a hydrophilic polymer that becomes electrically conductive in response to absorption of the conductive fluid. The fluid conductive regions facilitate perfusion of the conductive fluid through the balloon body to an inner wall of the target vessel during ablation of perivascular tissues. A cooling arrangement is configured for one of receiving a thermal transfer fluid from the lumen arrangement or facilitating perfusion of blood passing through the target vessel to cool the balloon body during ablation of the perivascular tissues.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a pulsation generator which converts a fluid into a pulsed fluid, a fluid supply unit (supply pump) which supplies the fluid to the pulsation generator, an ejection tube which has an ejection opening communicating with the pulsation generator, a suction tube into which the ejection tube is inserted with play, a suction channel provided between the suction tube and the ejection tube, a suction opening provided at an end of the suction channel in a vicinity of the ejection opening, and a suction unit (suction pump) which sucks fluid in such a manner that the fluid introduced from the suction opening passes through the suction channel. The ejection opening is held by an inner circumferential part of the suction opening. According to this structure, vibration of the ejection tube in the vicinity of the ejection opening can be reduced.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus, the apparatus comprising: (a) a cutting tool comprising an axial member with a proximal end and a distal end, the axial member characterized by at least two adjacent axial sections, wherein differences between each of the sections are visually discernible when viewed in a projection x-ray image; and (b) a hollow tube adapted for parallel alignment with the cutting tool and selectively axially positionable to be adjacent at least a selective one of said axial sections and block x-ray radiation from at least one of passing through or passing adjacent said selected section so that said projection indicates a relative axial position of said hollow tube and said cutting tool.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter comprising a longitudinally extending elongated body portion, with at least two septa extending longitudinally through the entire body portion, and defining a central lumen and two side lumens. The central lumen is oblong shape in cross section and positioned between the side lumens. The septa forming the central lumen are configured to flex outwards when the central lumen is under pressure, whereby a cross sectional area of the central lumen resultantly increases to increase flow capacity through the central lumen. In some embodiments, the central lumen has a defining inner surface such that a radius of curvature of the central lumen inner surface is, in all locations, equal to or greater than a radius of curvature of an outer surface of a guide wire used for insertion of the multi-lumen catheter. The septa are each configured to fail under pressure before failure of the outer wall.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an operating member with which curving operation of a catheter distal part can be easily carried out without moving a comparatively-large member. An operating member has a rotational operation part (10) that is fixed to an elongated body (100) for medical use and rotates the elongated body for medical use about the axis, pull wires (20) fixed to the elongated body for medical use, and a pull operation part (30) that is connected to the pull wires and curves at least part of the elongated body for medical use in a direction intersecting the axial direction by pulling the pull wire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire.

Abstract: The invention relates to the guidance, positioning and placement confirmation of intravascular devices typically inserted percutaneously into the venous or arterial vasculature. An endovenous access and guidance system is described that includes an elongate flexible member adapted and configured to access the venous vasculature of a patient; a sensor disposed at a distal end of the elongate flexible member and configured to provide in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the venous vasculature of the patient; a processor configured to receive and process in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the venous vasculature of the patient provided by the sensor and to provide position information regarding the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member within the venous vasculature of the patient; and an output device adapted to output the position information from the processor.

Abstract: A medical device for collecting cells includes a perforated tube and a brush disposed therein for collecting cells from tissue adjacent the tube. The tube includes a perforated portion and tissue can be drawn into the perforations in response to a vacuum applied to the tube. The brush can be inserted into the tube with the head portion of the brush aligned with the perforated portion to collect cells form the tissue that has been drawn into the perforations by the vacuum. The brush can be removed from the tube and another brush can be inserted to increase cell collection amounts.

Abstract: A catheter body having a variable stiffness along its longitudinal length and a method for manufacturing same is disclosed wherein an inner layer having an uninterrupted length serves as a backbone for segments of coextrusion of, e.g., Pebax or nylon and a tie layer which are then bonded to the backbone to create a multi-stiffness catheter body.

Abstract: A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A hub assembly and methods of attaching the same to a catheter shaft. The hub assembly includes a strain relief coupled to a hub. The strain relief may be mechanically coupled to the hub. The hub assembly may be manufactured in a non-clean room environment, and subsequently connected to the catheter shaft in a clean room.

Abstract: A method of treating a prostate condition, including the steps of providing a needleless injector that includes a body at a proximal end, an injection shaft extending from the body to a distal end of the injection shaft, an injection orifice at the distal end of the injection shaft and positioned for fluid ejection in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the injection shaft, a pressure source in communication with the fluid chamber, and an extendable tissue tensioner located at the distal end of the injection shaft proximal to the injection orifice; inserting the injection shaft into a urethra so the injection orifice is located within the prostatic urethra; actuating the tissue tensioner to contact urethral tissue, and injecting fluid from the injection orifice into the prostate.

Abstract: A body of a catheter includes an inner layer, a braid, and an outer layer. The braid includes first and second wires. The first and second wires can be joined together such that the distal end portion of the first wire winds itself around a side surface of the second wire. A joint includes a first joint portion positioned at the intersection point, a second joint portion positioned beyond the first wire in a width direction of the first wire, and a third joint portion positioned beyond the second wire in a width direction of the second wire. Thus, even when the first and second wires have small thicknesses for size reduction of the braid, the first and second wires can be joined together with high joint strength by increasing the area of the second joint portion or the thickness of the third joint portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter includes wrapping a sheet of material having an inner adhesive layer around a reinforcement member. The catheter manufactured is a resilient tube having a channel extending therethrough. The resilient tube has an adhesive inner layer and a bendable reinforcement member which extends through the channel.

Abstract: Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.

Abstract: A catheter for use with a medical infusion or other fluid system. The catheter may include a flexible elongate tubular core that is resistant to radial collapse, and a separate tubular tip member forming the catheter distal tip. The catheter may further include a flexible, e.g., elastomeric, jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the tubular core. The jacket may have a radial compliance that is greater than that of the tubular core. The jacket may further define an outer diameter that is about 4 to about 6 times greater than an outer diameter of the core.

Abstract: Distal access balloon guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens, or inflating balloons affixed to the distal end of the guide catheter system are described. A Distal access balloon guide catheter having a proximal region, an optional medial region of intermediate flexibility, and distal region possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio. The balloon is inflated by means of a kink-resistant secondary lumen embedded within the walls of the balloon guide catheter system tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a catheter, comprising: a lumen having a distal end and a proximal end; one or more marker bands circumferentially arranged around the lumen; a support structure extending from the proximal end of the lumen to the most distal marker band; and a top jacket positioned annularly with respect to the lumen, comprising five durometers of material, wherein the support structure and top jacket alternate along the length of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, a braid, an outer layer, and a distal tip. A recessed region having a first side and a second side is formed in a distal end portion of the braid, a length of the first side being longer than the sum of a wire width of a first wire and a distance between two adjacent first wires, a length of the second side being longer than the sum of a wire width of a second wire and a distance between two adjacent second wires. The distal tip is bonded to the inner layer in the recessed region. By providing the recessed region, the number of peaks formed in the distal end portion of the braid is made smaller than that in the existing case.

Abstract: An endoluminal device comprises a tubular member and a reinforcement member that is separable from, or together with, a wall of the tubular member, and removable in-situ.

Abstract: The invention is a delivery catheter, e.g., a guide catheter, having an imaging element in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. Catheters of the invention are able to placement of the catheter in proximity to an ostium, thereby increasing the efficiency of contrast delivery while reducing the risk of ischemia due to blocked blood supply. The invention additionally assists in maintaining catheter position during delivery of a fluid from the catheter, resulting in better performance with less fluid. For example, a catheter of the invention can be used to produce improved fluoroscopic images with less overall contrast. This improvement reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast while decreasing the length of time for a procedure, i.e., because of a need to re-contrast.

Abstract: A gastric feeding tube and method of use where the tube is of sufficient length for insertion into an esophagus of a subject via the nose or mouth. The gastric feed tube comprises a tube having a distal portion, a middle portion and a proximal portion, an outer surface and an inner surface forming a wall of the tube having a thickness and wherein the wall of the tube defines a lumen of a defined geometry, the lumen having an opening at a distal end of the tube for positioning in a stomach or jejunum of the subject and an opening at the proximal end of the tube for positioning outside of the nose or mouth of the subject wherein the lumen extends longitudinally through the tube connecting the opening at the distal end of the tube and the opening at the proximal end of the tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a guide extension catheter with a retractable wire. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal shaft having a first outer diameter. The guide extension catheter may further include a distal sheath attached to the proximal shaft and having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. Further, the distal sheath may have a central lumen defined therein and a secondary lumen formed along a wall surface of the distal sheath.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device may include an elongate core member and a tubular member disposed about a portion of the core member. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The medical devices may be configured to have a preferential bending direction.

Abstract: Medical devices such as catheters can include structure or provision that permit a physician or other health care professional to adjust the stiffness of at least a portion of the medical device. In some instances, the medical device may be adjusted prior to inserting the medical device into a patient. In some cases, the medical device may be adjusted while in use within the patient.

Abstract: An elastic percutaneous elastic introducer sheath is disclosed which can locally expand and reduce to accommodate a transcatheter medical device. The elastic introducer sheath includes a non-circumferentially continuous elastic frame, a liner, and a jacket.

Abstract: A needleless injector including a body including a fluid chamber; an outer shaft extending from an outer shaft proximal end to an outer shaft distal end, wherein the outer shaft includes an outer shaft lumen to accommodate an injection shaft; an injection shaft located within the outer shaft lumen and moveable lengthwise and/or rotationally within the outer shaft lumen, wherein the injection shaft includes an injection shaft proximal end, an injection shaft distal end, an injection shaft terminus, and an injection lumen. The injector further includes an injection orifice at the distal end of the injection shaft and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through the injection lumen; a pressure source in communication with the fluid chamber; and an optical device that allows viewing a location at a distal end of the device.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. A medical device may include an elongate tubular member. The tubular member may include a first circumferential tube segment, a second circumferential tube segment disposed next to the first circumferential tube segment, and a third circumferential tube segment disposed next to the second circumferential tube segment. The first tube segment and the second tube segment may be separated by a first set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment and the third tube segment may be separated by a second set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may be connected to the first tube segment with a proximally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may also be connected to the third tube segment with a distally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. A ring may be defined in the second tube segment between the proximally-extending beam and the distally-extending beam.

Abstract: A bi-directional perfusion cannula is provided that includes an elongate tube for insertion into an artery. The elongate tube has a first aperture at a distal end of the tube which is forward during insertion and configured so that blood can flow into the artery in the direction of insertion, an elbow formed in the elongate tube, and a second aperture formed in or slightly rearward of the elbow and configured for supplying blood into the artery in a second direction which is generally opposite to the insertion direction.

Abstract: The present application relates to a molecular exchange device (1) for use with an analysis and control apparatus and a method of manufacturing a molecular exchange device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of products for a tapered catheter tip and methods of forming a tapered distal tip for a catheter. An exemplary tapered catheter tip of the invention includes a proximal segment, a distal segment, and a midsection there between. The midsection includes at least two tip materials in an overlapping configuration and the distal segment includes one of the at least two tip materials.

Abstract: An anastomosis device that includes a catheter body is provided. A distal end portion of the catheter can include a spring device to prevent the formation of blood clots and to improve the flow of urine out of the catheter. The device may be used, for example, in performing procedures such as a vesico-urethral anastomosis in association with a radical prostatectomy, or with an end-to-end urethral anastomosis.

Abstract: The present application relates to method of arresting telescopic endwise relative movement in a medical device between an end portion of an elongate member, preferably being a cylinder, and an end portion of a tube, preferably being a cylindrical tube, that receives the end portion of the elongate member. The method is of particular use in the construction of stent delivery systems. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a length of deformable blocking material; imparting relative endwise movement to draw the blocking material, into the gap and reversing the direction until the blocking material length suffers deformation.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient for facilitating concurrent electrical sensing and fluid flow is provided and includes an outer flexible tube having a proximal end, a principal lumen extending therealong to the proximal end, and at least one radial aperture through the wall communicating with the lumen as well as a secondary lumen adjacent to the tube outer-wall surface and extending therealong. The catheter assembly including a depth electrode within the secondary lumen, extending along the length thereof. The depth electrode having electrical contacts exposed to brain tissue along the flexible tube.