Abstract: A catheter has an outer peripheral portion (15) in the form of a tube and an internal, wall (16, 26) within the tube forming a plurality of lumens (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b). Axially extending linear contrastradiography sections (17a, 17b, 27a, 27b) of radiopaque material are formed at a plurality of intersection points between the outer peripheral section and the wall, the peripheral extent (a, b) of the respective contrastradiography sections being different.

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: An endovascular device tip assembly and method of making the same, incorporating a radiopaque marker usable with catheters and other suitable endovascular devices is provided. The tip assembly incorporates a radiopaque marker device by providing a counterbore within a primary bore of a tubular tip of an endovascular device. The marker device is fitted securely within the counterbore and the tubular tip is further deformed distally of the marker in order to secure the marker within the device.

Abstract: A system of catheter devices and methods for forming channels or passageways between a luminal anatomical structure (e.g., a blood vessel) and a target location (e.g., another blood vessel, an organ, a mass of tissue, etc.) for the purpose of rerouting blood flow or for delivering a substance or instrument, etc. to the target location.

Abstract: A medical catheter for inserting into a body includes a bump tubing section with proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end is configured to mate with a hub. The bump tubing section has an intermediate portion extending away from the proximal end with a substantially constant outer diameter and thickness, and a taper portion adjacent the distal end with generally decreasing inside and outside diameters to provide a gradually increasing flexibility toward the distal end of the bump tubing section. The bump tubing section is comprised of a polymer having a predetermined flexural modulus. A tip section is disposed distally of the distal end of the bump tubing section comprising a distal liner and a distal cover such that at least a majority of the tip section has a substantially constant stiffness and a flexural modulus substantially equal to or greater than the predetermined flexural modulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device. In particular, the present invention concerns a medical device which can be detected by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Abstract: An engagement system for a surgical sensor assembly, formed of a sensing component in a fixed position and a lead wire in an electrical communication therewith. The engagement system employs a jacket of heat shrink polymeric material to hold the sensing component to the lead wire and eliminates the employment of soldering and welding and crimping which can damage such sensing components. The system is employed in combination with catheters having a lumen for control wires for surgical instruments.

Abstract: A catheter tip assembly comprises a catheter tip having a fill port and an inner lumen having at least one cavity. The cavity is in communication with the fill port. The cavity is constructed and arranged to receive a radiopaque material through the fill port. The radiopaque material adhesively engages the catheter tip to a catheter.

Abstract: A method for making a deflectable catheter includes positioning a flexible element along a catheter liner. A flexible element distal portion extends along at least a portion of a deflectable distal end portion of the catheter liner. At least one anchor is engaged to the flexible element distal portion. The flexible element resides radially between the catheter liner and a band extending at least part way around a perimeter of the liner. An encapsulant, positioned around at least the flexible element distal portion, forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the deflectable distal end portion of the liner. The anchor and band are within the sidewall so that the encapsulant transmits pushing and pulling forces from the at least one anchor to the deflectable distal end portion of the liner.

Abstract: Ureteral access sheaths can have a nonuniform axial-stiffness. A nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath can have an inner liner defining a longitudinally extending and generally uniform bore. A non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket can define a longitudinally tapered outer surface, and a reinforcement layer can be encapsulated between the inner liner and the non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket. The reinforcement layer can have a non-uniform axial-stiffness. For example, a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be thicker than a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. A coil of wire can be included in the reinforcement layer, and a diameter of the wire in a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be larger than a diameter of the wire in a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. In some instances, the diameter of the wire tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a carotid sheath that has a proximal portion that is stiffer than the distal portion of the sheath as a result of the proximal portion having a higher durometer of the outer plastic coating of the sheath's proximal portion with a lower durometer for the plastic coating on the more flexible distal portion of the sheath. Another means to increase the flexibility of the sheath's distal portion compared to a stiffer proximal portion is by having a slightly smaller outside diameter for the outer plastic coating of the distal portion of the sheath. A more flexible distal portion of the sheath allows easier access for angiography, angioplasty or stenting when the sheath is used to access the tortuous path encountered when entering the carotid arteries.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to a guidewire formed from an elongated shaft, at least a portion of the shaft having an outer layer, a plurality of channels formed through the outer layer, and an inner core. The outer layer is formed from a material non susceptible to erosion by an erosion agent and the inner core is formed from a radiopaque material susceptible to erosion by the erosion agent. When exposed to the erosion agent, core material adjacent to the channels is removed to form a pattern of integral radiopaque segments or markers with a plurality of voids therebetween. By controlling the location of channels and the rate of erosion of the core material, the pattern of integral radiopaque segments and voids allow for in situ measurement when viewed under fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A catheter has an outer peripheral portion (15) in the form of a tube and an internal wall (16, 26) within the tube forming a plurality of lumens (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b). Axially extending linear contrastradiography sections (17a, 17b, 27a, 27b) of radiopaque material are formed at a plurality of intersection points between the outer peripheral section and the wall, the peripheral extent (a, b) of the respective contrastradiography sections being different.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, an outer layer, a reinforcement layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a marker composed of a contrast material for confirming the position of the distal end portion of the catheter from outside the living body. The reinforcement layer is composed of a spiral first filamentous member, with a gap provided between those portions of the first filamentous member which are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the catheter. The marker is formed by spirally winding a second filamentous member having a filament diameter smaller than the gap, and has a portion in close contact with the inner layer in the gap.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a catheter having an outer surface, a distal end, and at least one interior lumen, wherein the outer surface includes multiple aspiration passageways in fluid communication with an interior lumen. A preferred embodiment comprises multiple aspiration passageways formed into a helical pattern.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: Catheters and a method of preparation thereof, the catheter comprising a catheter body, a juncture hub, extension lines and connectors, the catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, a tip region having a length of 10 cm measured from the distal end of the catheter body, and at least two lumen, each of the catheter body lumen having a proximal end, a distal end, a Lumen Aspect Ratio of at least 3:1, and an intraluminal surface, the distal ends of the at least two catheter body lumen being (i) non-coterminus or (ii) laser-cut, the exterior surface of the catheter body in the tip region or the intraluminal surface of the two catheter body lumen comprising a hydrophilic polymer layer having an Average Dry Thickness of at least about 50 nanometers.

Abstract: Catheters and a method for preparation thereof, the catheter comprising as component parts thereof a catheter body, a juncture hub, at least one extension line and at least one connector, each of said component parts comprising an exterior surface, at least one lumen having an intraluminal surface and a bulk polymer, wherein the intraluminal or external surface of a first of said component parts and the exterior or intraluminal surface of a second of said component parts comprise a hydrophilic polymer layer thereon having an Average Dry Thickness of at least about 50 nanometers and the first and second component parts comprise bulk polymers having different chemical compositions

Abstract: A splittable cannula includes a radiopaque marker placed at or near the distal end of the cannula. The radiopaque marker may be a unitary piece, or may consist of several portions. The cannula may include a sheath or catheter body with a grooved score line running along a portion of the sheath body and a radiopaque marker located at a distal end of the body and abutting the body. The radiopaque marker may be located within the lumen of the sheath, may be embedded in the sheath wall, or may be affixed to the external sheath wall. The radiopaque marker may be scored, notched, grooved, or contain apertures longitudinally. The notches, grooves, apertures, and/or score lines in both the sheath or catheter body and the radiopaque marker serve to provide a weakened tear path. An electrode lead may be coupled with the radiopaque marker.

Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an elongate outer tube, an elongate inner member extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and an articulation sheath surrounding the outer tube between a handle of the assembly and a distal-most portion of the outer tube. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable within the sheath; and an inner diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than that of the handle and the distal-most portion of the outer tube. Navigation of the assembly through a venous system, for deployment of an implantable medical device, is facilitated by deflection of the sheath, to orient a distal-most portion of the outer tube, within which an entirety of the medical device is contained/loaded, and by subsequent advancement of the distal-most portion, with respect to the sheath, to move the distal end of the inner member, along with the contained/loaded device into proximity with a target implant site.

Abstract: A drainage or infusion catheter comprises a flexible tube that terminates at the distal portion thereof in an apertured spiroid. The flexible tube has one or more subcutaneous cuffs, affixed at the midportion of the tube, and one or more pairs of opposed offsets of the tube between the proximal end and the distal portion thereof.

Abstract: A catheter has a control handle with at least an outer thumb control and an inner second thumb control. A longer puller wire has a distal end anchored at or near a distal end of distal deflectable portion. A shorter puller wire has a distal end anchored at or near a distal end of the proximal deflectable portion. For the shorter puller wire, a shorter compression coil has a distal end at or near a proximal end of the intermediate deflectable section. For the longer puller wire, a longer compression coil has a distal end at or near a distal end of the shorter puller wire. The inner and outer thumb controls include engagement members releasable by rotation of one thumb control relative to the other. When disengaged, the thumb controls each can be moved longitudinally relative to each other. When engaged, the thumb controls are coupled together for longitudinal movement as a single unit relative to the control handle.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising an elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lumen therebetween, and a balloon at the distal end of the tube, in fluid communication with the lumen. A magnetically responsive element at the distal end of the device sized and shaped to orient the distal end of the device in an operating region in a subject upon the application of a magnetic field from an external source magnet.

Abstract: The long nose manipulatable catheter includes a main lumen, a wire lumen with a push-pull wire therethrough, and a flexible joint region. The catheter section includes a control including a handle and a wire control member engaging the push-pull wire for manipulating the flexible joint region. The push-pull wire may be tapered, having a proximal portion of a first diameter and a smaller diameter distal portion. A coil may be placed around the smaller diameter to prevent buckling of the smaller diameter portion. A strapping coil may also disposed around the outside of the catheter, and an outer covering may be disposed around the strapping coil. An outer covering of a mesh may also be disposed around the distal tip of the catheter.

Abstract: An infusion catheter assembly has the ability to infinitely titrate the length of a porous fluid distribution section in situ. The infusion catheter assembly thereby provides a length of infusion that can be infinitely varied over a prescribed range, to control the effective infusion length and the rate of infusion. Using the infusion catheter assembly, a physician has the capability to treat only the length of the vessel desired, thereby preventing excessive drug/patient exposures. The porous fluid distribution section can include an array of spaced apart apertures that vary in size and/or density along the length of the porous fluid distribution section, such that the flow rate remains essentially constant for a given inlet pressure independent of the effective infusion length.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a tubular body portion (11) including an elongate portion (13) made of a transparent material, and at least one substantially linear contrast-radiography portion (14a, 14b) made of an X-ray opaque material and extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongate portion. The body portion (11) is hollow to allow passage of a liquid therethrough. A majority of the transparent material is composed of an aromatic polyurethane, while the material forming the at least one contrast-radiography portion (14a, 14b) is a mixture composed at least mainly of the X-ray opaque material and an aliphatic polyurethane.

Abstract: A steerable delivery catheter includes an outer sheath with a housing disposed at a distal end thereof to define a chamber for a medical device, the chamber having an open distal end and a proximal inner shelf. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the sheath and has an abutment attached to the distal end of the shaft, the abutment being slidably contained within the chamber. During navigation of the catheter, when the inner shaft is tensioned the abutment engages the shelf to apply a compressive force to the sheath to selectively deflect a distal region of the catheter. When the catheter has been navigated to the deployment site the sheath is withdrawn while the abutment maintains the medical device in place as it is deployed. A delivery method also is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to method and apparatus for crossing an obstruction in a tubular member, and more particularly to a medical device method for crossing of a chronic occlusion in a subintimal or interstitial space of an artery.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to method and apparatus for crossing an obstruction in a tubular member, and more particularly to a medical device method for crossing of a chronic occlusion in a subintimal or interstitial space of an artery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid delivery enables navigation through tortuous, spatially restricted body anatomy to access narrow diameter body lumens for the continuous delivery of fluids, including therapeutic fluids, to the lumen in an atraumatic manner that avoids damage to the body lumen. The fluid delivery device can have a flexible conduit having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending along an interior of the flexible conduit providing a fluid flow path between the proximal and distal ends, where the lumen transitions into a micro-lumen exiting through a port through which a high concentration of fluid injected into the lumen exits laterally out along an image viewable zone at the distal end of the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit has a maximum outer diameter sized sufficient to navigate narrow diameter body lumens.

Abstract: A medical catheter for inserting into a body includes a bump tubing section with proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end is configured to mate with a hub. The bump tubing section has an intermediate portion extending away from the proximal end with a substantially constant outer diameter and thickness, and a taper portion adjacent the distal end with generally decreasing inside and outside diameters to provide a gradually increasing flexibility toward the distal end of the bump tubing section. The bump tubing section is comprised of a polymer having a predetermined flexural modulus. A tip section is disposed distally of the distal end of the bump tubing section comprising a distal liner and a distal cover such that at least a majority of the tip section has a substantially constant stiffness and a flexural modulus substantially equal to or greater than the predetermined flexural modulus.

Abstract: A site marker deployment device includes a housing defining a first portion, an outer cannula at least partially interposed within the first portion and having a proximal end and a distal end defined by an outer cannula aperture, an inner member at least partially interposed within the outer cannula, a first biasing portion, a second biasing portion, wherein the second biasing portion will selectively urge the outer cannula to move proximally relative to the inner member, and a site marker selectively disposed within the outer cannula adjacent the inner member, near the distal end of the outer cannula. The first biasing portion will selectively urge a site marker at least partially within the outer cannula.

Abstract: There is provided a microcatheter having a proximal solution lumen and a distal tip portion with a guidewire lumen. The microcatheter and methods of use thereof allows for introduction of solution into a vessel while manipulating the guidewire and/or the microcatheter itself. The solution may be a contrast solution, for viewing of the vessel, a therapeutic or diagnostic solution, or any other type of solution.

Abstract: Systems for less invasive medical procedures comprise a filter device mounted on an integrated guiding structure and an aspiration catheter. These components can be used together or separately, and the system can be used with other medical devices that are designed for less invasive procedures, such as procedures in a patient's vasculature. The catheter can have a radiopaque band that is held in place under metal wire embedded within the polymer forming the tube of the catheter. In some embodiments, the aspiration catheter has a small diameter distal portion that can access into small diameter vessels in which the distal portion has a smaller average diameter than the remaining tube of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter or catheter delivery system that incorporates a series of radiopaque markers at discrete, intervals corresponding to units of measurement, such as millimeters, such that structures and blockages within a body lumen can be measured in vitro using the catheter under fluoroscopy. The apparatus and method avoids estimation errors by directly measuring the designated lesion, allowing for improved selection of stents and balloons.

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: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. A polymeric member may be disposed along an outer surface of the tubular member. The polymeric member may have an uneven outer surface.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath having nonuniform axial-stiffness adapted for proximal pushability needed for placement while also having distal flexibility to minimize trauma to the body lumen and ureter. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating the reinforcement layer with the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer encapsulated between a single axial-stiffness jacket and the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer with the inner liner.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices and methods for capturing embolic debris. An embolic protection device includes a pigtail catheter having a lumen for housing a guidewire. The distal portion of the catheter has one or more apertures in fluid communication with the lumen and one or more radiopaque markers on the distal-most section. The device includes a self-expanding filter coupled to a side of the catheter and a movable outer sheath surrounding the catheter. The outer sheath holds the filter in a collapsed configuration when surrounding the filter. The outer sheath is proximally retracted to deploy the filter. A method of capturing embolic debris includes inserting a guidewire into a body lumen, tracking the device over the guidewire, retracting the guidewire, positioning the device using the radiopaque marker, retracting the outer sheath and deploying the filter, performing a procedure, and advancing the outer sheath to recapture the filter.

Abstract: A method of positioning a main stent at a vessel bifurcation includes positioning a main guidewire in the main vessel; and advancing a stent delivery system to a position proximate the bifurcation. The stent delivery system includes a catheter with a flexible side sheath attached thereto and a main stent positioned over the catheter. The flexible side sheath is positioned to pass through the side opening in the main stent. The method also includes advancing a branch guidewire through the flexible side sheath and into the branch vessel; and subsequently, advancing the catheter over the main guidewire while advancing the flexible side sheath over the branch guidewire while viewing relative movement of a marker positioned on the flexible side sheath with respect to at least one marker positioned on the catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to a catheter having a metal hypotube proximal shaft and a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit electrically connected to the metal hypotube such that the metal hypotube operates as an antenna for transmitting and receiving modulated RF signals between the RFID integrated circuit and an external receiver configured to read the electronic identification information carried by the RFID integrated circuit. The hypotube and RFID integrated circuit are embedded in a luer hub of the catheter. The RFID integrated circuit contains electronic identification information such as model/serial number, manufacturing information and other summary information for improving traceability of the catheter and removing paper work associated with product tracking.

Abstract: A dual lumen guidewire support catheter for accurately crossing a chronic total occlusion in a vessel is disclosed. The dual lumen guidewire support catheter includes a first lumen portion and a second lumen portion sharing a common side and a common distal end. The first lumen portion can be a rapid exchange or over-the-wire portion, while the second lumen portion is an over the wire portion. One or both of the portions can include a discontinuity to enable removal of a guidewire following placement through or at an occlusion or lesion.

Abstract: A catheter (100) having a catheter body (102) having a proximal end (106) and a distal end (104) and a proximal portion fixedly connected to the proximal end. A magnet (120,220,320) is disposed around the catheter body (112) distally of the proximal portion and may be contained within a hub (208, 308).

Abstract: A multilumen catheter assembly and method of making the catheter assembly is provided that involves providing a plurality of tubes, each tube having a first end, a second end, at least one lumen, and at least one surface, selectively heating at least a portion of the surface of at least a first tube of the plurality of tubes, and contacting the selectively heated portion of the tube with a portion of the surface of a second tube to form a multilumen catheter shaft that is joined together along at least a portion of the length of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of transvascular retrograde access placement into a central blood vessel and to devices that facilitate these methods. The method includes positioning a vascular catheter within the vessel such that its distal end faces a desired exit site on the vessel wall, passing a penetrating device from the catheter through the vascular exit site and skin of the patient; and passing a secondary vascular catheter through the exit site and into the central blood vessel. In another aspect, the method includes penetrating outward from within the vessel to form a pass-through site on a wall of the vessel that exits the patient; and placing the vascular access device into the vessel through the pass-through site. Typical vessels that may be accessed include central veins, but may include other veins as well as arteries.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a first medical probe having indicia, and a second medical probe in a coaxial arrangement with the first medical probe. The second medical probe has a detector (e.g., an optical detector) configured for detecting a passage of the indicia as the first and second medical probes are moved relative to each other. In one embodiment, the first medical probe is an inner medical probe, and the second medical probe is an outer medical probe. The medical system further comprises an electromechanical driver coupled to the first and second medical probes, and a controller configured for directing the electromechanical driver to move the first and second medical probes relative to each other, and for receiving signals from the detector indicating the relative movement between the first and second medical probes.

Abstract: In a medical guide wire 1, a helical spring body 3 is made of austenitic stainless steel wire treated with a solid-solution procedure, and tightly drawn with a whole cross sectional reduction ratio as 90%-99.5%. A metallic wire element of the helical spring body 3 is heat treated at low temperature within a range in which a tensile rupture strength of the helical spring body 3 rapidly increases by partly or totally making use of a conductive heat generated when a core wire 2 and the helical spring body 3 are in part bonded by means of a welding member 4. This makes it possible to improve a mechanical strength property, especially a fatigue-resistant property against a repetitive bending action of the helical spring body 3.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a catheter for positioning in a contralateral femoral approach in highly angulated iliac bifurcations. The catheter comprises an elongate shaft, an adjustable element, and a wire entrance port on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft has a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, a curved portion, and a distal portion. The curved portion connects the intermediate portion and the distal portion. The adjustable element is configured to encompass the distal portion and the intermediate portion together in a closed position. The adjustable element can be removed away from the distal portion permitting the distal portion in an open position. The wire entrance port is disposed in the intermediate portion near the curved portion. The distal portion is biased to be spaced away from the intermediate portion in the open position. The adjustable element is connected to an operating wire configured to advance and retreat through the wire entrance port.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, an outer layer, a reinforcement layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a marker composed of a contrast material for confirming the position of the distal end portion of the catheter from outside the living body. The reinforcement layer is composed of a spiral first filamentous member, with a gap provided between those portions of the first filamentous member which are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the catheter. The marker is formed by spirally winding a second filamentous member having a filament diameter smaller than the gap, and has a portion in close contact with the inner layer in the gap.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a trans-gastric jejunal tube (TJ) that avoids migration of the tube upwardly into the stomach. It does this because of alternating stiff and flexible sections. The stiffer sections resist migration and the more flexible or softer portions allow the tube to bend around the pyloris sphincter and into the jejunum. This also allows for a larger diameter feeding lumen than would otherwise be the case.