Abstract: A proximally trimmable catheter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a multi-lumen catheter tube, one or more extension tubes, and a hub for fluidly connecting the two. In a first unlocked state, the hub is axially slidable along the catheter tube. The hub includes tube pins that are in fluid communication with the extension tubes. A cutting member is positioned to longitudinally cut the catheter tube during axial sliding of the hub along the catheter tube such that distal portions of the tube pins remain disposed within the lumens of the catheter tube. When positioned as desired, the hub is locked into a second locked state and is no longer axially slidable along the catheter tube. The tube pins are fluidly sealed within the lumens of the catheter tube as to establish fluid communication between the extension tubes and the lumens via the tube pins.

Abstract: A valve assembly for vascular access, comprising a body defining a lumen adapted for flowing blood, the body including a luer housing for connection with a first blood conduit and a barb housing for connection with a second blood conduit and a plurality of slitted membranes disposed within the body portion, each of the slitted membranes generating a partial pressure drop for flow therethrough, each of the partial pressure drops being smaller than a total pressure drop for flow through the body portion.

Abstract: An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbicidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.

Abstract: An antiseptic cap assembly for use with a connector includes a cap with a base and an annular portion extending from the base. The annular portion defines a first chamber having an open end. The cap is made of an absorbent material. The antiseptic cap assembly also includes a cap holder having a generally cylindrical sidewall defining a second chamber sized to receive the cap.

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

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an intravascular catheter that includes a proximal hub and a distal elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, the hub is designed to mitigate the introduction of air into a patient's vasculature during the delivery of a second device through the catheter into the patient's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening.

Abstract: A multiple-line connective device for use in a medication infusing system includes a connective device body forming a main flow passage from an inlet to an outlet along a longitudinal axis, the main flow passage including an interior surface having a raised surface feature configured to induce turbulent liquid flow through the main flow passage. One or more branches extend from the connective device body, each defining at least one branch passage in communication with the main flow passage. Each branch passage enters the main flow passage at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis that imparts a flow through the branch passage that has a directional component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and in the direction from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device and system is operable to fluidly couple a pair of fluid delivery conduits. One embodiment includes a fluid delivery device sized to meet ANSI/AAMI ID54:1996(R) 2005 and not mate with ANSI/HIMA MD70.1 or ISO 594/1 and ISO 594/2 standards for intravenous ports and connectors to prevent accidental intravenous delivery of fluids intended for enteral delivery.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infusion set for an intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as insulin. The infusion set comprises an infusion part (OB) for insertion into a patient and a connector (OA) for connecting the infusion part with a medical device through a tube (7), the connector being axially displaceable relative to the infusion part. The infusion part comprises an adhesive support (1), a base part (2) with a first set of guiding means (13) and at least two retention devices (4) for locking the connector to the infusion part, a cannula extending from said base part and being in fluid communication with a cavity which is optionally covered with a membrane, the cavity is further adapted to receive a second cannula extending from the connector, which second cannula is in fluid communication with the tube.

Abstract: A connecting structure for a connector in which a male-side connector and a merging pipe are connected by screwing together a female screw having protrusions formed on the inner peripheral surface of a lock ring and a male screw comprising protrusions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the merging pipe is provided with engaging recess parts on the female screw and engaging projections on the outer peripheral surface of the merging pipe which are able to engage with the engaging recess parts whereby when the male screw and the female screw are screwed together to reach an appropriate screwed state, the engaging protrusions engage with the engaging recess parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing access to a target site in a living body, comprises a first elongated member including a proximal opening to a first lumen and a branching point at a distal end thereof and a second lumen open to the first lumen at the branching point, the second lumen extending to a second lumen distal opening at a first connector, the first connector configured to engage a proximal end of a first lumen of a multi-lumen catheter in combination with a third lumen open to the first lumen at the branching point, the third lumen extending to a third lumen distal opening at a second connector, the second connector configured to engage a proximal end of a second lumen of a multi-lumen catheter.

Abstract: A disposable urine bag is provided. The bag includes an upper delimiting edge, a lower delimiting edge and lateral delimiting edges defining a space in the bag. The lower delimiting edge includes a drain valve, whose first drain mouthing in a first hollow element communicates with the space in the bag, and whose second mouthing in a second element is situated outside the delimiting edges of the bag. The drain valve is a disposable valve including a seal between the first and the second element and at least one indicator situated in the area of the seal. A disposable urine bag is provided whereby the drain valve seal may be broken without using significant finger strength and without a risk of the user being soiled with urine.

Abstract: The present invention provides low profile intravascular ultrasound catheters adapted to access sites within the patient's body through narrow blood vessels, e.g., the radial artery. In an embodiment, a low profile catheter comprises an catheter sheath, a short guidewire receiver attached to the distal end of the catheter sheath, and a telescope assembly at the proximal end. The catheter sheath comprises a main portion and a tapered portion for increased flexibility toward the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, a rotatable and translatable imaging core is received within the catheter sheath for ultrasound imaging. A short guidewire receiver is used to allow the imaging core to be advanced farther distally with respect to the distal end of the catheter. In an embodiment, the catheter sheath extends through a portion of the telescope assembly to provide enhanced support of the imaging core within the telescope assembly.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a hub, an elongated conduit, and at least one lumen therein. The lumen includes a proximal lumen section, a distal lumen section, and an intermediate lumen section extending between the proximal and distal lumen sections. The cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the distal lumen section. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the proximal lumen section. In certain embodiments, the lumen tapers from the distal and/or proximal lumen sections to the intermediate lumen section.

Abstract: Devices having male connectors for preventing connection to non-compatible female connectors are described. An exemplary male connector includes an elongate tip and a collar disposed coaxially around the elongate tip including a plurality of ribs disposed on either an inside surface or an outside surface of the collar for preventing entry of a non-compatible female connector into a channel formed between the elongate tip and the collar. One or more embodiments pertain to a device with a male connector and a compatible female connector including a threaded portion for engaging a corresponding threaded portion of the male connector.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir.

Abstract: An infusion system includes an infusion catheter defining a fluid passage extending between a proximal catheter end and a distal catheter end, and having a plurality of infusion ports in communication with the fluid passage and defining an infusion zone. A filtration device is provided which may be retrofitted upon the infusion catheter and includes a filter sleeve coupled to a slidable control sleeve. The filter sleeve is deformable between a first configuration having a radially contracted footprint and a second configuration having a radially expanded footprint, responsive to sliding the control sleeve over the infusion catheter such that the deformable filter sleeve buckles outwardly from the infusion catheter.

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 catheter that comprises a hub, an elongated conduit, and at least one lumen therein. The lumen includes a proximal lumen section, a distal lumen section, and an intermediate lumen section extending between the proximal and distal lumen sections. The cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the distal lumen section. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the proximal lumen section. In certain embodiments, the lumen tapers from the distal and/or proximal lumen sections to the intermediate lumen section.

Abstract: A syringe for an injector that has at its nozzle end a connection to the fluid delivery tubing that prevents, reduces, or eliminates fluid leaks, by virtue of a ridge on the external surfaces of the connector which engage to tubing. Furthermore, the syringe and injector are configured to permit the syringe to be oriented in more than one manner on the injector.

Abstract: To provide a balloon catheter and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the balloon catheter, whereby the degree of welding can be appropriately adjusted and the balloon catheter can be formed so as to have a desired surface profile suitable for various uses including medical use. With a shaft 14 inserted through a catheter tube 30a inserted into an end portion 28b of a balloon and also with a pressure tube 32a fitted around a welding section where the end portion 28b of the balloon 28 is lapped over the catheter tube 30a, the shaft 14 is heated by emitting laser light from a laser radiation unit 8 to the welding section while the shaft 14 is rotated by a chuck, to weld the welding section.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes at least one pump actuator, a disposable cassette operable with the at least one pump actuator, a plurality of disposable cassette supply connections, and plurality of dialysis solution lines. Each of the plurality of solution lines is connected to a dialysis solution container. The system further includes an autoconnection mechanism configured to connect the plurality of supply connections to the plurality of dialysis solution lines. The system additionally includes an autoidentification system configured to automatically identify information associated with the plurality of dialysis solution lines to determine at least one of (i) dialysis solution type (ii) dialysis solution volume, or (iii) a number of the plurality of dialysis solution supply containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The elements of the apparatus are organized so that it is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing.

Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.

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

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a device to a catheter used to mediate a procedure in a patient's body, the fastener dimensioned so that it and the device can be introduced into the patient's body with the catheter and comprising: a clutch controllable to lock the fastener onto and to unlock the fastener from the catheter; and a controller operable to control the clutch selectively to Clock onto and unlock from the catheter when the catheter and fastener are inside a body of a patient.

Abstract: A device for introducing a catheter guide wire into a vessel of a patient has a connector and a straightener for a J-shaped end of the guide wire, the connector having an axial bore, and its distal end and proximal end permitting a connection of the Luer type to a needle and to a syringe, respectively. The connector supports, on its inside, a sealing valve equipped with a slit, and the axial bore has, in its portion between the sealing valve and the distal end of the connector, a leaktight mating surface, the shape of which is such that it permits liquid-tight mating with the outer surface of the distal end of the straightener, when the latter is introduced into the connector via the sealing valve.

Abstract: A flow adapter has a housing, a connector disposed on the distal end of the housing, a valve member disposed within the housing, and a side port disposed on the housing. The housing has a first opening in a proximal end of the housing, a second opening in a distal end of the housing, and a passageway extending between the first and second openings. The first and second openings and the passageway are configured for the passage of an elongate medical device there through. The connector is in communication with the second opening and is configured for attachment to the medical introducer. The side port is fluidly connected to the passageway by one or more conduits extending along a side of the housing and the conduits are configured to direct the flushing fluid to a proximal portion of the passageway adjacent to the first opening.

Abstract: A body is disclosed that includes a tubular portion with an internal bore and an external surface and a first opening wherein the internal bore terminates at the first opening. The body has a second opening and a fluid passage extending through the body from the internal bore to the second opening. The internal bore is configured to couple to an external surface of a first tube and the external surface is configured to couple to an internal surface of a second tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the assembly is a low profile percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) device and comprises a body, a feeding tube, a cap and an inner sleeve assembly. The body includes a base portion and a sleeve portion, the base portion dimensioned to engage the skin of a patient, the sleeve portion extending upwardly from the base portion. The feeding tube has a distal end adapted to be anchored to the inside of a patient and a proximal end inserted up through the base portion and the sleeve portion. An inner sleeve, sized to engage the inside surface of the feeding tube, is removably inserted through the feeding tube, the inner sleeve having a proximal end to which a tubular fitting is secured. Food and/or medications are dispensed to the patient through the fitting and the inner sleeve and, in this manner, prevent clogging of the feeding tube.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter hub, an elongate catheter member extending from the catheter hub and having at least one longitudinal lumen for passage of fluids, an extension tube extending from the catheter hub and defining an internal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen of the catheter member and a clamp positionable about the extension tube. The catheter hub defines a reduced profile to facilitate passage of the catheter hub through a surgical tunnel. The clamp includes first and second clamp sections and defines a longitudinal clamp axis. The clamp has a longitudinal opening for passage of the extension tube and a movable member adapted to move from a first position to a second position to substantially close the internal lumen. The first and second clamp sections are separable to facilitate transverse positioning of the clamp sections about the extension tube.

Abstract: A medical device including: a cannula, a first tube joined to the cannula; a second tube joined to the cannula; and a unitary fastener secured to the first tube, cannula and second tube, the fastener being subject to opposing forces from the first and second tubes.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.

Abstract: An exemplary infusion system for accessing an implanted device is disclosed comprising an insertion assembly, a hub comprising a sealable path configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, a flexible catheter attached to the hub and configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, and an extension tube attached to the hub. The hub may comprise a manifold element configured to provide fluid communication between the flexible catheter and the extension tube. The hub may also comprise a septum configured to seal the sealable path upon removal of the insertion assembly from the flexible catheter. The extension tube may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly. Exemplary methods of providing a fluid communication path to an implanted device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of coupling a catheter to a stem are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stem extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end, and the stem can include at least one enlargement positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. In some embodiments, a catheter can be positioned over the at least one enlargement and over a region of the stem that is proximal to the at least one enlargement. In further embodiments, a collar can be mated to the stem.

Abstract: A co-axial catheter assembly (100), including a first lumen (110) having a first distal end (114) and a first proximal end (112), and a second lumen (120) having a second distal end (124) and a second proximal end (122). The second lumen (120) extends co-axially with the first lumen (110), wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen and the second distal end extends distally of the first distal end. A method of manufacturing the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cannula (5) for a laryngotracheal anesthesia device (1) comprising a semi-rigid elongate tube (6) including a proximal end (14), to be connected to a syringe (2) containing the anesthetic liquid, and a distal end (15), to be inserted into the cavity of the larynx up until it is inside the trachea of a patient, a plurality of anesthetic liquid outlets (16) being provided, from the distal end (15), on a predetermined area of the length of said tube (6). According to the invention, said tube (6) is inwardly curved over the entire length thereof between said proximal end (14) and said distal end (15), and said tube (6) is open at the distal end (15) thereof and makes it possible to receive an assembly forming a flexible tip (9) comprising an axial outlet (33) for liquid anesthetic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device, having a hollow catheter (1) in the catheter cavity (29) of which a moveable shaft (2) is guided, having a proximal coupling device, for detachable coupling of a drive device (11), the coupling device having a coupling cavity (7) which is open towards the drive device and into which the shaft (2) or an extension (5) of the shaft protrudes with a connection element for mechanical coupling of a motor shaft (16), the coupling cavity having a germ barrier (9, 9?) for reducing the pathogenicity of pathogenic substances or microorganisms.

Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: A catheter holder which is compact and which can be relatively easily released while holding the unhoused portion of the catheter stably includes: an attachment portion for receiving or being attached to a portion of a holding tube housing a portion of the catheter, and a plurality of hold portions integral with the attachment portion and holding an unhoused portion of the catheter, which is exposed outside the holder tube.

Abstract: An improved injection site (12) for infusion of parenteral fluids and the like is provided, having a pressure-actuated valve (20) and a novel split septum unit (24), which effectively prevent reflux of blood into the assembly (10). The septum unit (24) includes a resilient split septum body (64) which is precompressed so that the septum body (64) is caused to protrude proximally (78) upon insertion of a cannula (16). Consequently, upon removal of the cannula (16), there is essentially no “drumming” or creation of friction-induced negative pressures sufficient to generate blood reflux. The preloaded septum body (64) also has its proximal surface (74) essentially flush and coplanar with the adjacent proximal end (66b) of the tubular septum holder (66) to enhance the cleanliness of the unit (24).

Abstract: A cleaning device for a medical implement is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a cap having an opening to an inner cavity, the opening being adapted to receive a site of the medical implement. The cleaning device further includes a compressible cleaning material that contains a cleaning agent prior to receipt of the site of the medical implement, i.e. the cleaning material is pre-loaded with the cleaning agent. The compressible cleaning material is at least partially secured in the inner cavity and adapted to swab and clean the site with the cleaning agent.

Abstract: A catheter connection system and a method of connecting the catheter connection system to a catheter. The catheter connection system includes a hub assembly and a collar. The hub assembly includes a cannula extending from a distal end thereof, and a collet defining an inner surface spaced apart from the cannula to permit passage of a catheter wall between the body and the cannula. The collet includes a proximal barb on an outer surface and the collar includes an attachment barb on an inner surface, engagement of the respective barbs acting to provide a permanent connection between the collar on the collet, while permitting free rotation of the collar about the collet.

Abstract: A valved connector configured to control the leakage of bodily fluid from within a patient. The valved connector including a seal positioned within a lumen of the body of the valved connector. The distal end of the valved connector is adapted to permit access to, or coupling of an apparatus. A proximal end is adapted to be threadably coupled to a secondary device. The needless connector valve being configured to be openable by a dilator or post of an apparatus which is connected to the proximal end of the needleless connector. In the event that a luer coupler or other secondary apparatus is not available, a needle, cannula, trocar, or other instrument can be threaded through the main lumen of the valved connector opening the valve and allowing the passage of fluid directly through the needle, trocar, cannula, or other instrument.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system that includes a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The catheter has a body with a lumen defined therein. The body of the catheter includes a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a bulbous region made from an elastically deformable material. While in a first state the bulbous region has a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region is reduced relative to that while in the first state.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body and a layer of the body that communicates with a pathogenic environment to discourage adhesion of a pathogen to the layer and thus repress pathogenic activity. A method of repressing pathogenic activity in a vascular access device includes providing the device with a body, and coating the body with a layer that discourages adhesion of a pathogen to the layer.

Abstract: Connector for medical use comprising: a body joined to a line or adapted to be connected at one of its ends to a tubing in which a fluid flows, and a male luer lock connection comprising a base mounted rotatingly on the body and cooperating by friction with it, without any possible translational movement. The base is joined to a hollow tubular body, having a threaded inner surface and a male central luer cone. The outer surface of the body and the inner surface of the base of the connection, cooperating by friction, have a spherical then cylindrical shape.

Abstract: This connection assembly includes a tip defining a longitudinal axis and including a mounting area for mounting an adaptor thereon, and the adaptor including a mounting portion of thermoplastic material, forming a radial surface, which define a mounting opening for mounting the adaptor onto the tip. The mounting area includes at least one first portion having an outer surface which is located at a first distance from the longitudinal axis (A) and at least one second portion, adjacent to the first portion, having an outer surface which is located at a second distance from the longitudinal axis, the second distance being different from the first distance, the radial surface being located after assembly of the adaptor over the first portion and the second portion; The mounting opening and the at least one first portion and second portion are so dimensioned such that the radial surface of the mounting portion is in close contact with the outer surfaces of both the first portion and the second portion.