With Expansible Internal Elements Patents (Class 604/536)
  • Patent number: 11730923
    Abstract: An illustrative drug delivery system implantable in a recipient may include a connection assembly, a source catheter, and a microcatheter. A proximal end portion of the source catheter may be configured to be fluidically connected to a fluid source configured to provide a fluid (e.g., a neurotherapeutic drug). A distal end portion of the source catheter may be configured to be fluidically connected to the connection assembly. The microcatheter may include a proximal end portion configured to be fluidically connected to the connection assembly and a distal end portion comprising an elution opening configured to elute the fluid to a target location (e.g., a brain) within a recipient. The fluid source may be configured to provide the fluid to the target location by way of the source catheter, the connection assembly, and the microcatheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran
  • Patent number: 11602622
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for the delivery of therapeutic substances to the cavities of a patient. The system can include a wearable micropump that is fluidically coupled with a handpiece. The handpiece can be inserted, for example, into the middle ear via a surgical tympanotomy approach. The system can enable a controlled injection of a therapeutic substance directly into the patient's cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcello Peppi, Ernest Soonho Kim
  • Patent number: 11524137
    Abstract: An intravascular heart pump assembly can include a rotor with at least one impeller blade, and a cannula. The present application describes various cannulas that can be manufactured from multiple layers of material to improve flexibility, manufacturability, and durability without increasing an outer diameter of the cannula. In one embodiment, the cannula includes an inflow section having a sheet formed of a shape memory material embedded within a polymer and having at least one lateral hole or aperture in the inflow section. The at least one lateral hole is defined by a first hole in the sheet and a second hole in the outer polymer layer of the cannula. The first hole and the second hole overlap so that blood can enter the cannula through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Emilia Jahangir
  • Patent number: 11311709
    Abstract: A medical connector can include a body having a fluid path with an inlet port, an outlet port, a luer portion, and a post extending through a fluid path. An arm having a latch member is coupled to the body to engage a ridge or thread on an exterior surface of a reciprocal connector. The arm may also include an extension. When the connector is in an open position, the latch member restricts retraction of the reciprocal connector from the outlet port. A seal is coupled to the body and includes a flap extending across the outlet port or a bellows to compress along an axis. In a closed position, the post restricts flow through the luer portion. In an open position, the post permits flow through the luer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Mansour, Soon Park, Jonathan Yeh
  • Patent number: 10183143
    Abstract: An implantable occlusion and tissue ingrowth resistant fluid interface is provided with a housing, an orifice and a catheter port. The housing is formed from at least one biocompatible material and is configured without sharp edges or corners. The housing at least partially defines an internal housing cavity. The orifice member at least partially defines an orifice between the internal housing cavity and an exterior of the housing. The orifice has an elongated transverse cross-section configured with a length that is at least four times its maximum width. The catheter port is located on the housing and is configured to couple with a catheter such that the internal housing cavity is in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is coupled to the catheter port. Embodiments having a moving cylinder, a rotor, and non-chemical surface modifications, as well as methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Bitol Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Ashik A. Mohan, Avinash L. Mohan, Mark J. Bernhard
  • Patent number: 9814652
    Abstract: An attachment arrangement has a housing and a needle located within the housing. The arrangement allows administration ports of different sizes to be inserted into and secured within the housing. In certain embodiments, compliant retainers secure the administration port within the housing. In certain other embodiments, the administration port is secured within the housing when the housing is compressed against the administration port by a housing compression element. Once the administration port is secured within the housing, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the attachment device and the administration port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: D. Gregory Yow, John C. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9295824
    Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the first inner fluid flow channel having a diameter of approximately d1 increasing at a connection point between the first inner fluid flow channel and the secondary female section to form a neck N the secondary female section having an internal diameter of d2 at a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector, where d1 is smaller than d2, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel ex having an internal diameter of approximately d1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ORIDION MEDICAL 1987 LTD.
    Inventor: Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Patent number: 9028466
    Abstract: A universal introducer adapter which can be inserted into a pre-placed introducer of arbitrary dimensions eliminates the need to replace or remove the introducer. The adapter includes a distal portion with a retainer in the form of a soft elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Coordination Center BVBA
    Inventors: Björn Atthoff, Fredrik Preinitz
  • Patent number: 8926588
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: William Berthiaume, Don Tran, Maria Valdovinos, Brent Locsin
  • Publication number: 20140276652
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and methods for securing a medical catheter. The apparatus includes a tube wall that defines a lumen extending longitudinally there through. The tube wall comprising: a plurality of flexible fingers extending along a portion of the tube wall, a longitudinal slot disposed between each pair of adjacent fingers, each of the fingers comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface. An outer protrusion extends outwardly from the exterior surface of each finger. An inner protrusion extends inwardly from the interior surface of each finger. The inner protrusions are configured to frictionally engage an outer surface of the medical catheter disposed within the lumen when the plurality of flexible fingers are moved inwardly in response to an external force applied to the outer protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Shaun D. Gittard
  • Patent number: 8814849
    Abstract: An intravascular valve assembly having a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall. The proximal case portion includes an axially-extending boss that projects distally, with a portion of a distal end of the boss contacting the flow control valve. The valve permits fluid flowing in a distal direction to pass through the slit. Fluid flowing in a proximal direction, however, causes the valve to compresses against the boss and the slit to close, thus restricting fluid flow in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Nexus Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Winsor
  • Patent number: 8808273
    Abstract: A catheter for the treatment of tissue, particularly for the treatment of cardiac tissue to alleviate cardiac arrhythmias includes a connector having mechanical use limiter that may be placed in the handle of the catheter or at any point along the electrical connection pathway to an electro-anatomic mapping system and/or ablation system. The mechanical use limiter has a counter wheel and locking pin which when engaged disables the reconnection of the connector to any mated connector after a predetermined number of uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Caples, Keshava Datta
  • Patent number: 8777932
    Abstract: Catheter connectors, systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to a connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by inward radial compression between an outer surface of a hollow pin located within the catheter and a collet fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the pin. The collet may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by axial displacement of the collet along a longitudinal axis of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahn S. Sage, David W. Lodin, Bruce A. Behymer
  • Publication number: 20140188087
    Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of medical device equipped with a circular hub having an annular recess. The connector includes a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a circumferential region defining a bottom plane and a periphery, and at least two arms substantially parallel to the bottom plane. Each arm spans at least two portions within the circumferential region to releasably engage the annular recess. At least one deflection member that is accessible from the top surface is positioned to deflect the arms. Pressing the connector onto the circular hub engages the arms with the annular recess so the connector can rotate completely about the circular hub. Pressing at least one deflection member to reversibly deflect at least one arm between its two portions of the circumferential region towards the periphery disengages the arm from the annular recess to decouple the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Henry L. Griesbach, III
  • Patent number: 8764730
    Abstract: A catheter apparatus may have a flexible shaft, guidewire lumens passing through the shaft, and a positioning device for positioning the guidewires relative to an external lumen. The positioning device may be an expansible scaffold covered with a retractable sheath. The positioning device may also be one or more balloons that are inflated through an inflation port in the shaft. The catheter apparatus may be operated by inserting a guide catheter into a vasculature with a chronic total occlusion, inserting the catheter apparatus into the guide catheter, and advancing the guidewires through the guidewire lumens and into contact with a chronic total occlusion. The positioning device may be activated before and/or between attempts to pass the guidewires through the chronic total occlusion to interrogate various parts of the chronic total occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Roxwood Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Taber
  • Patent number: 8679090
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a selectively closable male end portion. Embodiments are configured to open upon connection with a female connector or female tipped medical implement. Some embodiments include an internal cavity configured to change size as the connector moves from the open to closed or closed to open positions. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to draw fluid from the male end toward the other end of the connector as the connector closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Anderson, Christopher Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140081245
    Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a collar, and an extension tube assembly. The catheter includes a leading end portion and a trailing end portion. The collar is supported on the trailing end portion of the catheter. The extension tube assembly includes a first section and a second section, each section independent of the other section and including a substantially rigid body portion and a compressible extension tube portion. The body portion of each of the first and second sections is independently engageable with the trailing end portion of the catheter. The collar is configured to engage the first and second sections of the extension tube assembly to secure the extension tube assembly to the trailing end portion of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kurt Haggstrom, Robert Frechette
  • Patent number: 8641685
    Abstract: A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. There is a seal between the retractable post and the body that forms a fluid volume within a portion of the cavity. The fluid path passes through the fluid volume. When actuated, the retractable post is forced away from the tip of the male luer, thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector and decreasing the fluid volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Mansour, Matthew P. Fried
  • Patent number: 8597230
    Abstract: A dialysis system is disclosed including an autoconnection mechanism. The autoconnection mechanism in an embodiment is configured such that (i) a tip protector remover is translated in a first direction towards a plurality of supply line connectors, (ii) the tip protector remover is locked to each of a plurality of supply line tip protectors connected to the plurality of supply line connectors, (iii) the tip protector remover is translated in a second direction away from the plurality of supply line connectors to remove the plurality of supply line tip protectors from the supply line connectors, the tip protector remover is translated in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and (v) solution line connectors are translated towards the supply line connectors to connect each of the solution line connectors to one of the supply line connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Kurt Holmquist, Peter A. Hopping
  • Patent number: 8439859
    Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: AIS GmbH Aachen Innovative Solutions
    Inventors: Joachim Georg Pfeffer, Thomas Schmitz-Rode, Rolf W. Günther
  • Patent number: 8377036
    Abstract: A cannula assembly having a hollow elongate cannula with a proximal end, a distal end, and a central axis. A coiled reinforcing member is disposed along a portion of the hollow elongate cannula and is adapted to provide structural support to the elongate cannula. An intermediate reinforcing band is disposed on the elongate cannula between the proximal end and the distal end to reinforce a perforated section in the wall of the cannula and includes a forward edge, a rearward edge, at least one rib and at least one protrusion extending orthogonally from the forward edge and at least one protrusion extending from the rearward edge. A distal reinforcing band is disposed at the distal end of the elongate cannula and has a plurality of fingers that taper slightly inwardly toward the central axis of the hollow elongate cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Avalon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Jonkman
  • Patent number: 8235971
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, William R. Barron
  • Patent number: 8221390
    Abstract: A flared strain relief member for medical device delivery systems for stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other implantable articles inside a patient's body are provided. An elongate outer sheath has proximal and distal end portions defining a passageway, and the proximal end portion having an outer layer including melt bonding material. A strain relief member has a tubular first end portion of a first outer diameter and a flared second end portion of a greater second outer diameter. The strain relief member has an inner engaging surface that includes melt bonding material, at least a portion of which disposes concentrically about, and melt bonded to, the outer sheath proximal end portion melt bonding outer layer. The strain relief member second end portion is operatively coupled between a handle first connector and handle second connector. Methods of making a flared strain relief member for medical device delivery systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dharmendra Pal, Jeffry S. Melsheimer
  • Patent number: 8211089
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nexus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Winsor, Larry C. Smith, W. Cary Dikeman
  • Patent number: 8182452
    Abstract: A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. Barbs extending along the exterior of the male luer and connected to the retractable post, wherein when the connector is activated, the barbs force the retractable post away from the tip of the male luer thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector. A retention member applies force to the post to force the post to seal the tip of the male luer with the medical connector is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: George Michel Mansour, Matthew Paul Fried
  • Patent number: 8177772
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, William Randy Barron
  • Patent number: 8142417
    Abstract: A clamp adapter for a catheter that has a clamp body that receives an elastomeric clamp bushing. In order to fix a catheter inserted into the clamp bushing, the clamp bushing is axially compressed by a clamp lid. For this purpose, the clamp lid is moved axially on the clamp body with a clamp lever by means of a slotted guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Pajunk GmbH & Co. KG Besitzverwaltung
    Inventors: Horst Pajunk, Heinrich Pajunk
  • Patent number: 8128614
    Abstract: An apparatus for accessing a site within a body includes a cannula and an elongate member. The cannula has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The elongate member has a distal end configured for insertion into the lumen, wherein the distal end of the elongate member is attachable to and releasable from the distal end of the cannula. A method for accessing a site within a body includes inserting a distal end of an elongate member into a lumen of a cannula, detachably attaching the distal end of the elongate member to the cannula, and steering a distal end of the cannula to a desired site using the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Abrams, Michael P. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120041426
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for connecting a catheter to a stem. The locking apparatus comprises a collet sleeve, which includes an annular wall defining a center channel and a plurality of resilient prongs protruding inwardly into a portion of the center channel. The locking apparatus also comprises a lockable insert, which includes an annular wall defining a center channel. The center channel of the lockable insert is coaxial with the center channel of the collet sleeve. The lockable insert is configured to be placed at a first locking position in which the annular wall of the lockable insert asserts no or minimal radial compression against the plurality of the resilient prongs of the collet sleeve, and the lockable insert is further configured to be moved to a second locking position in which the annular wall of the lockable insert radially compresses the plurality of the resilient prongs of the collet sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: MEDICAL COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Raymond Bizup
  • Patent number: 8105318
    Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent G. Copa, Sidney F. Hauschild
  • Patent number: 8083709
    Abstract: A method for connecting a plurality of solution line connectors to a plurality of supply line connectors of a dialysis system includes: translating a tip protector remover in a first direction towards the plurality of supply line connectors to remove a plurality of solution line tip protectors from the plurality of solution line connectors; locking the tip protector remover to each of a plurality of supply line tip protectors connected to the plurality of supply line connectors; translating the tip protector remover in a second direction towards the plurality of solution line connectors to remove the plurality of supply line tip protectors from the supply line connectors; translating the tip protector remover in a third direction different from the first and second directions; translating one of the plurality of solution line connectors and the plurality of supply line connectors the other of the solution line connectors and the supply line connectors to connect each of the solution line connectors to one of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Kurt Holmquist, Peter A. Hopping
  • Patent number: 8043281
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more drugs to one or more internal body locations (such as the cerebrospinal fluid) are disclosed. In various aspects, the systems and methods may involve catheters having infusion sections with permeable membranes and one or more valves that control flow to the infusion sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Justin A. Blanco
  • Patent number: 8007488
    Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Phase One Medical LLC
    Inventor: Adrian C. Ravenscroft
  • Patent number: 7736328
    Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis instrument including at least one pump actuator; a disposable cassette operable with the at least one pump actuator, a plurality of supply lines connected to the disposable cassette, each supply line including a supply line connector and a supply line tip protector; a plurality of dialysis fluid containers, the dialysis fluid containers each including a solution line having a solution line connector and a solution line tip protector; and an auto-connection mechanism including a solution line connector holder, a supply line connector holder, one of the holders fixed, the other of the holders moveable, and a moveable tip protector remover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Kurt Holmquist, Peter A. Hopping
  • Patent number: 7665466
    Abstract: A self-expanding medical occlusion device treats a heart defect in a patient and is inserted into the body in minimally invasive fashion using a catheter system, and includes a braiding of thin threads which exhibits a first preliminarily definable shape as the occlusion device is being inserted into the patient's body and a second preliminarily definable shape in the implanted state, whereby the occlusion device is in a collapsed state in the first shape of the braiding and in an expanded state in the second shape of the braiding. The threads of braiding are composed of a shape memory polymer composite such that braiding deforms from a temporary shape to a permanent shape in consequence of an external stimulus, whereby the temporary shape is given in a first profile form of the braiding and the permanent shape is given in a second profile form of the braiding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Occlutech GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Reiner Figulla, Susann Klebon, Friedrich Moszner, Robert Moszner, Rudiger Ottma
  • Publication number: 20080275429
    Abstract: Catheter connectors, connection systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to an offset connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by compression between a tube located within the catheter and a collar fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the tube. The catheters used with the offset catheter connection systems may include an elastically compressible inner body that is surrounded by a reinforcing braid. After the offset connector tube is inserted into the lumen of the catheter, a collar may be advanced over the exterior of the catheter and the offset connecter tube contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Shahn S. Sage
  • Patent number: 7387624
    Abstract: A connector for coupling medical tubing (e.g., a catheter) to an implantable medical device. The connector, in one embodiment, may include a retaining member surrounding an optional housing. The retaining member may have at least one locking finger that extends through at least one corresponding window in the housing and selectively engages a stem of the medical device to retain the end of the catheter relative thereto. Application of a compressive force applied to the retaining member may cause the locking finger(s) to withdraw from the stem and release the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040055926
    Abstract: A packaging component for use with storage hoops for catheters made from standard catheter hoop tubing to permit storage of an OTW/SW catheter and guide wire exchange system. The packaging component mounts onto the tubing end of a conventional catheter storage hoop. The packaging component includes a passageway extending therethrough and a cavity for receiving the guide member during storage of the OTW/SW catheter in the catheter storage hoop. Resilient members extend into the passageway to prevent passage of the guide member through the packaging component unless sufficient force is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Niall Duffy, John Ryan
  • Publication number: 20030109853
    Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Weston F. Harding, Carolyn E. Brown, Kelly D. Christensen, Tom M. Miner, Ralph L. Sonderegger
  • Patent number: 6562023
    Abstract: A catheter connector includes an outlet tube (34, 36), and a compression seal (140) defining an undulating shape to product ring seals during use. A cam slot formed on a lever arm is useable in locking a locking sleeve (120) of the connector. The lever arm acts as a compensating mechanism for over compression of the seal. The catheter tip (32a) is received in a tip recess (92) of the connector. The connector is useable on an implanted port (20), including a dual port with parallel outlet tubes (34, 36), and a dual lumen catheter (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Deltec Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Marrs, Chad Qinsheng Cai, William L. Beling, Harry A. Puryear
  • Patent number: 6254589
    Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Epimed International, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Sandor Raoz
  • Patent number: 6113572
    Abstract: A catheter connection system is defined by a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof to a medical device. The stem has a plurality of engagement barbs encircling and radially, outwardly extending on an exterior surface of the stem. The engagement barbs can be configured having a variety of different sizes and positions. A locking barb also encircles and radially, outwardly extends on the surface of the stem between the medical device and the engagement barbs. A variety of fastening assemblies are provided for inwardly compressing a portion of a body wall of a selected catheter against the engagement barbs on the stem, when the stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter. The fastening assemblies create a mechanical joinder and liquid-tight seal between the selected catheter and the stem. The selected catheter can be chosen from one of three or more catheters each having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the other of the catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Nelson Gailey, Kelly B. Powers, Kelly J. Christian, Kenneth Arden Eliasen, Donald James Jones
  • Patent number: 6066155
    Abstract: A balloon catheter with a tubular catheter shaft having a proximal and a distal end. The elongated dilatation balloon is arranged on the catheter shaft in the vicinity of the distal end. An indispensable covering sleeve is movable along the catheter shaft. The covering sleeve has a first portion with a first inner diameter surrounding the catheter shaft and a second portion with a second inner diameter being pushable over the deflated dilatation balloon. The second inner diameter is larger than said first inner diameter. The covering sleeve provides continuous adjustability of the fuller expandable balloon length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider (Europe) A.G.
    Inventors: Rainer Amann, Erwin Berger
  • Patent number: 6048332
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include drug delivery catheters that have dimpled porous balloons mounted onto the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, the balloons are adapted for delivering therapeutic agents to the tissue wall of a body lumen, and to this end include a plurality of dimples formed in the exterior surface of the balloon, with each dimple having at least one aperture through which a fluid delivered into the interior of the balloon can extravasate. It is understood that the balloons described herein provide, inter alia, increased coverage of the tissue wall to which the agent is being delivered and less traumatic contact between the agent being delivered and the tissue wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: AVE Connaught
    Inventors: Niall Duffy, Micheal O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 6043273
    Abstract: Methods are provided for conducting surgical procedures in a patient wherein, during the surgical procedure, autonomous ventricular electrical conductivity and escape beats are reversibly and transiently suppressed to facilitate the surgical procedure. Also provided are compositions which are capable of inducing ventricular asystole in a patient. The compositions may include an AV node blocker. In one embodiment, compositions including an atrioventricular (AV) node blocker and a .beta.-blocker are provided, wherein the .beta.-blocker is present in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of AV node blocker required to induce ventricular asystole in the patient. The compositions and methods may be used for inducing temporary ventricular asystole in a beating heart, and to facilitate the performance of a variety of surgical techniques, including minimally invasive microsurgical techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: Francis G. Duhaylongsod
  • Patent number: 6010494
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connection system for connecting a cannula to a device, the system involving a chamber operably coupled to the device, wherein the chamber has two apertures and contains a flexible substance, one of the apertures operably coupled to the device and both apertures operably linked by a channel defined in the flexible substance, the cannula having a cannula diameter and an end with a larger diameter than said cannula diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Disetronic Licensing Ag
    Inventors: Dieter Schafer, Thomas Frei
  • Patent number: 5993437
    Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Epimed International, Inc.
    Inventor: N. Sandor Raoz
  • Patent number: 5919183
    Abstract: An introducer, such as for an endotracheal tube, comprises a solid rod made of an aliphatic polyurethane containing about 20% barium sulphate. The hardness of the material is about 60 Shore D so that the introducer is resilient within a range of deformation and beyond this range it is bendable into a set shape that only resumes its original shape at a slower rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Stephen James Field