Abstract: A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion.

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: The disclosure is directed to tubular bodies for catheters. An inner tubular catheter body has an inner layer, a braided portion over the inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer is fused to the braided portion for a selected length or lengths of the inner tubular body and is unfused for a selected length or lengths to achieve the desired combination of stiffness and flexibility.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a sheath to be inserted into a living body, wherein the sheath includes a tubular reinforcement layer of at least one layer, which is formed with a spiral slit continuous from the distal side to the proximal side thereof; a termination end of the spiral slit is provided on the proximal side of the slit proximal portion at the site of the proximal side of the spiral slit; and at the same time, there is formed a slit termination portion in which inclination angle of the spiral slit with respect to the circumferential direction of the reinforcement layer is larger than that of the slit proximal portion

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endolumenal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve or other therapeutic or diagnostic device, within a patient's digestive tract. In one application of the invention, an endolumenal bypass sleeve is removeably attached in the vicinity of the gastroesophageal junction to treat obesity and/or its comorbidities, such as diabetes. The bypass sleeve may be at least partially deployed by eversion.

Abstract: A reinforced catheter or sheath includes an inner tube manufactured via an extrusion process from a mixture of thermoplastic and hollow glass beads. The resultant tube exhibits an inner goose bump surface that defines a central lumen. A reinforcement, such as a braid and/or coil is attached to at least a segment of the outer surface of the inner tube. A second tube of thermoplastic is extruded over at least a portion of the reinforcement. The inner goose bump surface exhibits a net low coefficient of friction comparable to that of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter includes providing an outer shaft having a lumen therethrough and at least one catheter component disposed at least partially within the lumen, placing an inner shaft within the lumen such that the at least one catheter component is located between the shafts, thereby forming a catheter assembly having an outer surface, and applying energy to the catheter assembly to melt at least the outer shaft to bond the outer shaft to the inner shaft. A unitary catheter shaft having the at least one catheter component substantially embedded therein results. The durometer of the outer shaft may differ from the durometer of the inner shaft, such that the catheter shaft varies radially in durometer. The durometer of the catheter shaft may also vary longitudinally. A shaping wire may be provided to form the distal end of the catheter shaft into a desired shape.

Abstract: A support catheter that can puncture a heart septum with a guidewire without buckling and that can access difficult to reach arteries such as carotid or renal arteries from the aorta under difficult circumstances is provided. The support catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior wall surface defining a first lumen extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. A second lumen is disposed between the interior wall surface and an outer surface of the catheter body. A plurality of stiffening members is disposed around the second lumen, the plurality of stiffening members being engageable to selectively stiffen the catheter body. In another configuration, the catheter further comprises a second plurality of stiffening members disposed between the first lumen and the second lumen.

Abstract: A tubing assembly having a signal generator placement control device for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems. The control device facilitates control of the position the guidance systems' signal generator relative to the end of the tubing assembly. The tubing assembly includes a tubular insulator coupled to one end of the control device, and the tubing assembly includes a tubular connector attached to the other end of control device. Also, the tubing assembly includes a catheter attached to the tubular connector and an end member attached to the catheter.

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: An apparatus including an elongate body having a lumen extending therethrough and a steering wire associated with the distal portion of the elongate body.

Abstract: An expandable catheter accommodates a medical device that is being removed from a body with a larger diameter than the catheter. The same catheter may be used to reposition a device within the body to an alternative delivery site. A catheter or sheath may be used to deliver a medical device, surgical instrument, or biological sample.

Abstract: Described herein is an applicator tool for sleeving an elongated device, the tool including a hollow, continuous base section, at least two arm members extending laterally from the base section, the arm members and the base section defining an axial passage extending therethrough, and an elastomeric sleeve positioned over a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the arm members and axially aligned with the axial passage, wherein each arm member is radially flexible such that the axial passage can be radially compressed or expanded, and wherein the axial passage allows for a movable positioning of the elongated device.

Abstract: In a method and device for mounting an elongated member inside an elongated, elastic, flexible tubing, initially having an inside cross-sectional dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the outside cross-sectional dimension of the elongated member, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the flexible tubing is expanded by applying a pressurized fluid to the inner bore of the tubing, and inserting the elongated member into the tubing while the pressurized fluid is being applied.

Abstract: Composite catheter braids can be formed from a plurality of filaments, some of which can include significant amounts of molybdenum. Filaments including stainless steel and other materials can be used in combination with filaments including molybdenum. Individual filaments can be composed of single metals, or can represent alloys. Composite catheter braids can be employed in intravascular catheters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body passage cleansing device suitable for being passed through an internal channel of an endoscope, comprising a distal plug having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said plug comprises channels, apertures and/or nozzles which are capable of allowing the passage of a fluid therethrough from said proximal end to said distal end, wherein said plug is connected to the distal end of a wire or other actuating means; wherein at least an outer portion of said distal plug is capable of being elastically deformed such that the external diameter and/or outline thereof may be reduced in response to inwardly-directed compression forces exerted thereon; and wherein said channels, apertures and/or nozzles are in a closed conformation when said distal plug is subject to said compression forces, and in an open conformation when said plug is not subject to said compression forces.

Abstract: The length of a reinforced tube that is made of a fluid-tight tube with an external helical support structure and an elastomeric material disposed at least in the trough between successive turns of the helical support can be adjusted by peeling a strip of the elastomeric material away from the trough. This renders a portion of the helical support structure usable as an external thread, after which an internally threaded structure can be screwed down onto the helical support structure.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first and second multi-linked mechanisms is steerable and includes a modular link assembly at an end thereof. The modular link assembly includes a base, and a tip removably connected to the base.

Abstract: High performance guide catheters are described as suitable for neurovascular access. They are constructed using a machined core, in which the core includes transition features from a proximal to distal-most section of the device.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated member and a reinforced retention structure. The device can be used for draining substances from organs or abscessed areas within a body of a patient. The elongated member is made of a flexible material. The reinforced retention structure extends from or is formed integrally with the elongated member and comprises an elastic member and the flexible material. The reinforced retention structure provides retention strength while providing flexibility and patient comfort. The use of the reinforced retention structure also provides increased stability to the device within the patient's body and combats migration and/or expulsion of the device. The nature of the reinforcement in the retention structure may extend into the elongated member, which allows for larger drainage openings in the device and increases the radiopacity of the device.

Abstract: A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is a liquid crystal polymer block formed of repeating units comprising mesogenic groups and the B block is a non-liquid crystal polymer block.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: Devices that facilitate insertion of tube-like structures, e.g., catheters and other medical devices, into passages in mammalian bodies, e.g. in the human body. Devices according to various embodiments of the invention provide greater stiffness and/or rigidity to elongated tube-like structures. According to some embodiments, a portion or the entire insertion facilitation device can be removed from the tube-like structure after insertion thereof. According to some embodiments of the invention, an insertion facilitation device comprises a releasable engagement arrangement to releasably engage the stiffener and a tube-like structure to inhibit or prevent relative motion between the stiffener and tube-like structure.

Abstract: A catheter having a flexible outer tube and a lubricious inner tube bonded within the flexible outer tube. One catheter has a distal outer tube formed of a substantial portion of a first, flexible material, an inner tube having a lubricious inside wall surface formed of a second, lubricious material, and an outer tube wall surface compatible with heat bonding the inner tube outside wall surface to the outer tube wall surface. A preferred flexible material is polyether block amide (PEBA) and a preferred lubricious material is polyethylene. One catheter utilizing the invention includes a flexible distal outer tube having an orifice through the tube wall and an inner tube inserted through the orifice having a lubricious inner layer surrounded by a tie-layer, surrounded in turn by the same flexible material forming the outer tube.

Abstract: To prevent a small diameter catheter 10 of soft material from collapsing when being used to aspirate a blood clot 25, the lumen 16 of the catheter contains a longitudinal member 26 having radially-extending fin elements 33. The longitudinal member may itself be a catheter having a lumen 22 through which passes a wire 27 having at its distal end an expandable basket 28 for retrieving the clot.

Abstract: A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is formed of mesogenic repeat units and the B block is a soft block.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first and second multi-linked mechanisms is steerable and includes a modular link assembly at an end thereof. The modular link assembly includes a base, and a tip removably connected to the base.

Abstract: A device and method for performing probing and intubation of the nasolacrimal system includes a tubular probe through which a tracer fluid is injected and collected in the nasal cavity to verify that the tip of the probe has passed through an obstruction and reached the nasal cavity. A sleeve fitted over the probe has distal segment that is inflated in order to retain the sleeve in the nasolacrimal system once the tubular probe has been withdrawn. Removal of blood and other obstructions encountered during the probing or intubation process is accomplished by connecting the proximal end of the probe to a suction device.

Abstract: A catheter for medical procedures comprises a shaft portion having a distal end insertable into a body lumen, the shaft portion having a wall defining a working lumen extending therewithin and a first strengthening element coupled to the wall to increase a burst pressure of the shaft portion, wherein the first strengthening element cooperates with a base material of the wall to define a flexible region of the shaft portion allowing the shaft portion to be atraumatically inserted into the body lumen.

Abstract: Fastener for securing a tube to a patient having a sleeve of variable length capable when lengthened of gripping the tube.

Abstract: The extensible intravenous (“i.v.”) drip line tubing uses a helical accordion support structure on which the i.v. tubing is attached. The helical accordion backbone has some tendency to spring back, but this is not relied upon to extend and return the i.v. tubing it carries. The carrier structure keeps the i.v. tubing from getting tangle or kinked. A centrally located retractable line, which is located within the center of the helical accordion structure, acts as the retracting mechanism, as it tends to allow the accordion structure to be pulled into an extended position, while upon rewinding the central cord, the helical accordion support structure can be pushed toward a collapsed position without the i.v. drip line tubing becoming tanked, kinked, and thereby blocked. As a safety feature, so the i.v. line does not encounter and strain between it and the point of entry of the i.v. line into the patient, is one or more wrist and or armbands to which the i.v. carrier is attached by a short, strong line.

Abstract: A sheath for delivering a lead or other device into a body lumen is adapted to be removed from around the delivered lead or device via a longitudinally extending feature. This feature of the sheath may be a ripcord, a seam or interlocking features the releasably engage one another.

Abstract: A catheter (2) is used in medical applications, for example for the retrieval of a sample from a patient or the insertion or retrieval of medical devices such as filters, stents (3) to and from the patient. The catheter (2) includes an expandable tip (6) at a leading portion of a catheter tube portion (5). This expandable tip (6) can retrieve or deliver samples, medical devices, etc. (3), which are slightly larger than the dimensions of a main catheter tube (5) inserted into the patient. The expandable tip (6) can also include extension members (10) which provide axial support to the expandable tip (6) but which still allow expansion in the radial direction.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device includes a helically wound coil having a plurality of windings having an outer perimeter and forming a coil length and a plurality of joining elements disposed on only a portion of the outer perimeter and along the coil length. Each joining element couples two coil windings.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for the use of magnetic traction to maintain the patency of a tubular anatomical structure, whether a vessel, duct, the trachea, bronchus, bile duct, ureter, vas deferens, fallopian tube, or portions of the digestive tract, as to constitute means for extraluminal stenting. An extraluminal stent consists of a perimedial or medial intravascular and an extravascular component. The intravascular component consists of ferromagnetic spherules implanted aeroballistically or stays implanted by means of a special hand tool, while the extravascular component consists of a pliant jacket or mantle that has magnets mounted about its outer surface.

Abstract: A medical device with improved flexibility characteristics and methods of using the same. The medical device may include a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate region. In at least some embodiments, the column strength or flexibility of the intermediate portion is generally greater than the column strength or flexibility at the distal end.

Abstract: Medical tubing (T), such as a guidewire, a stent, a catheter or a hollow needle, made of a kinked rigid-rod polyarylene exhibiting a outstanding characteristics including high torqueability, high pushability and high flexibility and which can be easily thin-wall extruded under especially harsh conditions.

Abstract: A catheter having a flexible outer tube and a lubricious inner tube bonded within the flexible outer tube. One catheter has a distal outer tube formed of a substantial portion of a first, flexible material, an inner tube having a lubricious inside wall surface formed of a second, lubricious material, and an outer tube wall surface compatible with heat bonding the inner tube outside wall surface to the outer tube wall surface. A preferred flexible material is polyether block amide (PEBA) and a preferred lubricious material is polyethylene. One catheter utilizing the invention includes a flexible distal outer tube having an orifice through the tube wall and an inner tube inserted through the orifice having a lubricious inner layer surrounded by a tie-layer, surrounded in turn by the same flexible material forming the outer tube.

Abstract: A method of forming an introducer sheath having a crease-free tapered distal tip portion. A mandrel is provided having an outer configuration comprising an elongated body and a tapered distal tip portion. A generally tubular inner liner comprising heat shrinkable PTFE, is positioned over the mandrel. The inner liner is heat shrunk to the outer configuration of the mandrel, in a manner that avoids the formation of creases along the inner diameter of the liner. A reinforcing member is positioned over a length of the inner liner, and an outer jacket is positioned over the reinforcing member and the inner liner. The liner, reinforcing member, and outer jacket are heated in a heat shrink enclosure, whereby the outer jacket melts and bonds to an outer surface of the inner liner.

Abstract: A catheter device comprising: a micro-fabricated elongated outer member having an outer surface and an interior surface forming a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a plurality of fenestrations made through said outer surface and said interior surface into at least a portion of said lumen; and an outer elastomer laminate layer in contact with at least a portion of said outer surface and filling said plurality of fenestrations, and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: A guidewire device comprising: a micro-fabricated elongated outer member having an outer surface and an interior surface forming a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein said outer member is formed from two or more stock materials; and an inner member disposed within a portion of said lumen, and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: A catheter device comprising: a micro-fabricated elongated outer member having an outer surface and an interior surface forming a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and an outer elastomer laminate layer in contact with at least a portion of said outer surface, and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: A guidewire device comprising a micro-fabricated elongated outer member having an outer surface and an interior surface forming a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a plurality of fenestrations made through said outer surface and said interior surface into a least a portion of said lumen; an outer elastomer laminate layer in contact with at least a portion of said outer surface and filling at least a portion of said plurality of fenestrations; and an inner member disposed within a substantial portion of said lumen, and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: A graft, for example, an arterio-venous shunt graft, is provided, which in a first aspect of the subject invention, is formed with longitudinal ribs. With fibrotic tissue ingrowth between the ribs, a composite rib/tissue layer is formed about the graft. The ribs provide counteracting lateral force against the embedded tissue to seal punctures formed therethrough during hemodialysis procedures. To provide additional surface area for puncturing, the graft may be formed with a truncated cross-section. With a second aspect of the invention, the graft is mounted onto a strip to prevent kinking, twisting or bending during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: Catheters such as guide catheters can be configured for delivery of devices to vasculature portions such as intracranial spaces while retaining a desired level of flexibility. A catheter having an elongate shaft can include removable support means that can provide column support to the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft can include anchoring means that releasably secure the removable support means. The catheter can be deployed within a patient's vasculature, followed by deploying the removable support means.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter comprising a catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first longitudinally extending central lumen configured to deliver blood, and at least three longitudinally extending lumens positioned radially of the central lumen and configured to withdraw blood from a patient. At least one blood delivery opening is formed in the distal portion of the catheter body and in fluid communication with the first lumen and configured for passage of blood therethrough. At least three blood withdrawal openings are formed in the outer wall of the catheter body, wherein each of the openings is in fluid communication with one of the at least three lumens and is configured for passage of blood from a patient.

Abstract: A multi-layered plastic body for containing, storing or conducting a medical, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, cosmetic or other product, the plastic body including a first layer made of a stress fracture resistant plastic material, and at least a second layer adjacent to the first layer and made of a plastic material exhibiting a lower resistance to stress fractures than the first plastic material. The invention encompasses a suitable method of making the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter and method of making the same including an outer tubular member having a length, an outer surface, an inner surface and a lumen therethrough. The catheter also includes an inner tubular member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a lumen therethrough, at least a length of the inner lumen is disposed in the lumen of the outer tubular member. The catheter also includes a support member biasing a portion of the outer surface of the inner tubular member against a portion of the inner surface of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: The instant invention relates generally to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter introducer catheters (introducer catheters with lumens greater than about 6 French) having increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. Introducer catheters according to the teachings herein may also include curved distal ends and flared (that is, funnel-like) transition sections within their lumens.

Abstract: A medical device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes an inner liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, a reinforcing layer surrounding at least a portion of the liner; and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing layer and inner liner. The liner and outer layer may include multiple sections having different properties than one another, adjacent sections attached together by seams, which may be offset from one another. Apparatus and methods for making tubular devices with coated liners are also provided.