Abstract: A blood access device includes (i) a first layer, a bottom surface of the first layer including (a) an adhesive or (b) a hook and loop material for securing the first layer to a patient, a first conductive attachment material located at a top surface of the first layer; (ii) a first conductor contacting the first conductive attachment material; (iii) a second layer, a second conductive attachment material located at a bottom surface of the second layer, the first and second conductive attachment materials configured to be releasably secured to each other; (iv) a second conductor contacting the second conductive attachment material; and (v) a blood vessel access member carried by the second layer.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve arrangement for use in an extracorporeal blood circuit having at least one arterial blood line and at least one venous blood line, the valve arrangement having at least one first valve arranged in the arterial blood line, a second valve arranged in the venous blood line, a fourth valve arranged in a first arteriovenous connection line between the arterial blood line of the circuit and the venous blood line of the circuit, and a fifth valve arranged in a second arteriovenous connection line between the arterial blood line and the venous blood line; and/or a third valve arranged for establishing a fluid connection in a blood line between the arterial blood line and the venous blood line of the circuit; and/or a sixth valve arranged between a blood treatment device and an air venting device of the circuit.

Abstract: An access disconnection system includes: a material capable of absorbing blood from a patient, a light emitter positioned to emit light onto a first portion of the material, the first portion spaced at least a threshold distance from a second portion of the material, the second portion located so as to cover arterial line and venous line access points to the patient, the threshold distance including a distance from the access points to provide for an allowable amount of blood seepage from either access point due to a needle stick, a receiver positioned adjacent to the light emitter to receive light reflected off of the first portion of the material, and circuitry coupled to the light emitter and receiver and configured to provide an output (i) when light received by the receiver reaches a particular level or (ii) indicative of an amount of light received by the receiver.

Abstract: A cannulation system for perfusing a patient's circulatory system, includes an inflow cannula having a first end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system and a second end adapted to be connected to a blood pump, an outflow cannula having a first end adapted to be connected to the blood pump and a second end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system at a location downstream of the first end of the inflow cannula. The flow of blood from the pump is in series with the normal blood flow of the circulatory system of the patient and creates a localized region of hypertension.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter is provided which includes a catheter body having a proximal and a distal end and defining at least one lumen. The at least one lumen includes a distal opening and a side opening formed through a sidewall of the catheter body. The side opening communicates with the at least one lumen, and includes guiding structure positioned adjacent a distal side of the side opening configured to smoothly redirect blood flow into the at least one lumen. The guiding structure may be defined by a raised wall, or in the alternative, an angled distal wall of the side opening.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters with improved tip configurations, including a triple-lumen catheter which may be useful for apheresis. In one variation, the catheter has three lumens with distal openings angularly spaced apart and staggered axially with respect to one another. In another variation, the catheter has two lumens exiting distally and one centrally positioned lumen exiting proximally. A third variation is a catheter with a single distal opening and two proximal openings. The staggered lumen openings along the axial length of the catheter may decrease recirculation while maximizing flow rates.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood treatment for the single-needle mode, the apparatus having an extra-corporeal blood circuit with a blood infeed line running to the inlet and a blood return line leading away from the outlet, of a blood treating unit, includes in the blood return line a device, e.g., container, for amassing blood, which is in flow-permitting connection for gas transfer with a device, e.g., container, for storing gas. A pressure is calculated and set in the device for storing gas before the arterial and venous phases are started, with two constraints. First, the pressure should be sufficiently low to ensure both no infusion of air into the patient and also regulated flow of blood into the patient even at opposing pressures lower than ambient pressure. Second, the pressure should be sufficiently high to expel blood from the device for amassing blood into the device for storing gas.

Abstract: A method of delivering a medicament to a limb of a patient body includes isolating a circulatory system of the limb from a circulatory system of the patient body, wherein the limb circulatory system is substantially all limb arteries and substantially all limb veins located between an isolation region and an end of the limb. A perfusion catheter is inserted into a limb artery in an antegrade position, while a collection catheter is inserted into a limb vein in a retrograde position. The blood flow of the limb circulatory system is then circulated by collecting the blood flow with the collection catheter and delivering the blood flow with the perfusion catheter. A medicament is perfused into the limb circulatory system with the perfusion catheter.

Abstract: A terminal clamp for a moisture sensor to be placed on a patient's skin in order to monitor a vascular access to a patient includes first, lower and second, upper legs for clamped fixing of terminal tab of moisture sensor, rear end pieces of the legs being connected. The terminal clamp includes terminal contacts for contacting electrical contact points of terminal tab, and a guide piece having a slot-shaped cutout for receiving terminal tab. Slot-shaped cutout of guide piece is bounded laterally by two stop elements so that terminal tab is held in terminal clamp in a predetermined position, in which terminal contacts of terminal clamp contact the electrical contact points of terminal tab. Upper leg comprises a latching device, which is fixed in slot-shaped cutout in a snap-in manner when terminal clamp is closed to lock upper leg in position on lower leg.

Abstract: Implantable access port for removal and/or return of fluids to a patient, comprising an internal conduit connectable at its proximal end to the access port and at its distal end to a vascular structure of the patient; an external conduit connectable at its proximal end to the access port and at its distal end to an extracorporeal device; and a transcutaneous coupling member destined to be anchored in a tissue of the patient and comprising a first valve system operable to be in an open or closed configuration; the coupling member further comprises a second valve system removably connectable to the first valve system and operable to be in an open or closed configuration, such as to establish fluid communication between the internal and external conduits when the first and second valve systems are connected and in open configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for removal of contrast from blood. In one aspect, the invention provides a catheter for removal of contrast from the veins that drain the cerebral circulation. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for removing contrast from blood by contacting the blood with a sorbent.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: A device for detecting moisture for use with a device for monitoring an access to a patient for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus is described. The device for detecting moisture is constituted as a two-dimensionally extending fabric to be placed on the patient's skin, having an electrically conductive structure as a moisture sensor and constituted by non-conductive and conductive warp and weft threads configured to produce in the woven fabric a defined electrically conductive structure through spatial separation of the warp and weft threads. By the use of conductive warp and weft threads, an electrically conductive structure can be constituted having sections running in different directions, thereby creating a moisture sensor exhibiting a particularly high degree of sensitivity. The electrically conductive structure is preferably terminated with a terminating resistor, preferably not a component part but rather part of a connection part of the device, so that production is simplified.

Abstract: Catheters and their uses for vascular access to a patient are described. The catheter comprises an arterial lumen and a venous lumen which run along the shaft of the catheter for most of the length. Near the catheter tip, the two lumens can twist around the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The catheter shaft has two openings, one where the arterial lumen begins the twist and another about 180 degrees into the twist. The catheter shaft also contains an opening for the venous lumen near the nose of the catheter shaft. The orientation of the arterial lumen opening on opposite sides of the shaft eliminates the possibility of side port occlusions since the catheter can't be pressed against a vessel wall that blocks both suction openings simultaneously. And using these openings at each point reduces the chance of occlusion due to blood clots and fibrin sheaths. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a state of a blood line in a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, including the steps of: acquiring at least a first pressure value from a first sensor mounted at a first point of a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a blood line in which the blood is subjected to a pulsating thrust; acquiring at least a second pressure value from a second sensor mounted at a second point, distinct from the first point of the blood line of the circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, and correlating at least a first value, correlated to the first pressure value, and at least a second value, correlated to the second pressure value, with at least a threshold value, in order to obtain a datum representing a state of the blood line.

Abstract: A device for fixing a segment of tubing in the form of a loop, for an apparatus by which a fluid is fed to or out from a patient via tubing, in particular for monitoring vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment, and a tubing and an arrangement for monitoring, each having the device for fixing the segment, are also described. The fixing of the segment includes a guiding piece and a securing piece. The guiding piece fixes intersecting portions of the segment which forms an eye, thereby forming a loop which contracts under a tractive stress. The securing piece fixes a portion of the segment forming the eye such that when the loop tightens, that portion of the segment does not slip through the guiding piece. Alternatively, intersecting portions of the segment are fixed in a loop only by a guiding piece formed as an annular body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing blood from an extracorporeal blood circuit and/or a functional device, each connectable or connected with a blood treatment apparatus for the purpose of blood treatment of a patient. The blood treatment apparatus of the method comprises or is connected with at least one extracorporeal blood circuit with a line having interior portions, the extracorporeal blood circuit comprising at least one arterial line section and at least one venous line section, wherein a first section of the arterial line section is configured to be connected with a second section of the venous line section, and further comprises at least one blood pump for conveying blood within the line interior portions. The method includes the step of operating the blood pump in a second conveying direction which is opposite to a first customary conveying direction. It further relates to corresponding apparatuses.

Abstract: A medical port includes a main channel with a lumen to conduct a first fluid through the port, a secondary channel aperture of a secondary channel to add a second fluid in the main channel, at least one housing element and at least one actuation element arranged to be transferable relative to the housing element from a first position into a second position, a seal section, which is arranged to be rotatable between a first position of the seal section, in which the seal section does not close, seal or cover the secondary channel aperture and a second position of the seal section, in which the seal section closes, seals or covers the secondary channel aperture, when the actuation element is transferred from the first position to the second position. A blood hose including at least one port, and a medical treatment apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring an access to a patient for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with an extracorporeal blood circuit are described, as well as an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a device for monitoring the vascular access. The device and method are based on the monitoring of a characteristic property of the blood, in particular the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood flowing in the arterial blood line of extracorporeal blood circuit I of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus A. In the event of an incorrect vascular access, the flow conditions change in the communicating intra- and extracorporeal blood circulation system. These changes in the flow conditions can be detected as a change in the haemoglobin concentration. A disconnection of venous puncture cannula for the patient access is ascertained by a reduction in the haemoglobin concentration in the blood in arterial blood line.

Abstract: A fuel-cell powered medical fluid processing machine or dialysis machine is disclosed. The machine is intended for remote or rural areas where standard household or utility power is not available or is subject to interruption. The fuel cell is powered by hydrogen or other source of protons, or may instead be powered by methanol or ethanol, such as a direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cell may be operated directly, as in powering a portable, wearable dialysis device, or may be operated indirectly, to generate and store power in an electric power storage device of the medical fluid or dialysis device. The medical fluid processing machine or dialysis machine may include circuitry allowing for use by household or utility power while also including a fuel cell for use when other power is not available. A catalytic heater may be used to warm the dialysis fluid.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus and associated methods are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources, can be received and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid. In further embodiments, the containment chamber will also include a procoagulating agent, wherein a clotting cascade can be initiated when the blood fluid is accepted into the sterile containment chamber.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit having arterial and venous blood circuits, a blood pump, a blood purifying device, an indicator applying device that applies a predetermined indicator to the blood flowing extracorporeally through the blood circuit, a detecting device that detects the indicator applied by the indicator applying device, an arithmetic device that calculates, based on the indicator detected by the detecting device, a recirculation rate, and a calculating device that calculates an ideal extracorporeally circulating blood flow that results in the recirculation rate being no more than a predetermined value when the recirculation rate calculated by the arithmetic device is greater than the predetermined value. The recirculation rate is a proportion of a recirculated blood flow, which is reintroduced to the patient from the venous blood circuit and directed again to the arterial blood circuit, relative to an extracorporeally circulating blood flow.

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: Multi-lumen catheters with improved tip configurations, including a triple-lumen catheter which may be useful for apheresis. In one variation, the catheter has three lumens with distal openings angularly spaced apart and staggered axially with respect to one another. In another variation, the catheter has two lumens exiting distally and one centrally positioned lumen exiting proximally. A third variation is a catheter with a single distal opening and two proximal openings. The staggered lumen openings along the axial length of the catheter may decrease recirculation while maximizing flow rates.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a first return lumen, a plurality of withdrawal lumens, a first clamping member and a plurality of intake extension tubes. Each intake extension tube communicates with an intake lumen of the catheter to provide fluid communication with the respective intake lumens. The intake extension tubes are positioned in a stacked arrangement, and the clamping member has a plurality of posts to receive the stacked tubes to limit lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: Multifunction needle/catheter devices and applications. In one instance, the device includes a substantially tubular and flexible catheter, where the catheter has an opening at an end of a distal section of the catheter and one or more apertures longitudinally spaced away from the end of the distal section, and a removable substantially rigid core capable of facilitating vein cannulization, the removable substantially rigid core being disposed within the catheter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological site, e.g., a physiological efferent fluid collection site, are provided. Aspects of the invention include fluid removal (e.g., aspiration) devices having a fluid removal element and a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of the fluid removal element. The flow modulator is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into the fluid removal element. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of producing a population of cells and materials for use therewith. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method of generating the growth of a population of blood-derived cells and materials for use therewith. The method of the present invention facilitates cell growth by virtue of the migration of blood-derived cells from the vasculature of a vascularised receptacle to the acellular tissue support matrix of said receptacle. These findings have now facilitated the design of means for reliably and efficiently deriving cellular populations from blood-derived cells, such as the generation of bone marrow cells including haemopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, for use in a wide variety of clinical and research settings.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out selected fluid management and/or renal replacement patient therapy is characterized by an interactive operator control system having operator inputs for selectively changing a panel kit, replacing a filter cartridge, and/or changing to a different patient therapy during a currently running patient therapy, and providing operator instructions for carrying out tasks for completing same. In one embodiment, the interactive operator control system is also characterized by automatically serially identifying different setup steps to be carried out during system setup, displaying the successive steps substantially throughout the system setup as well as displaying on the operator interface screen sequential tasks to be carried out for each of the different setup steps.

Abstract: A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment and an arterial segment. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening, is separate from the venous segment, and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment. In one embodiment, the distal region is un-split, but includes symmetrically opposed lateral openings, as well as distal openings, in communication with the first and second lumens for providing a functional stagger for blood flow in both forward and reverse catheter flow directions.

Abstract: The system for removing blood containing contrast dye includes an inner catheter having a fixed proximal end and a distal free end, and an outer catheter coaxially disposed around a portion of the inner catheter, defining an inner channel and an annular outer channel. The fixed end of the inner catheter is coincident with the proximal end of the outer catheter, and the distal end of the inner catheter extends outward from the outer catheter. An annular suction orifice is defined between the distal end of the outer catheter and the inner catheter. First and second balloons are mounted adjacent the distal ends of the outer and inner catheters. The distal free end of the inner catheter extends beyond the second balloon. In use, the first and second balloons are inflated in the coronary sinus and blood containing contrast dye is then removed from between the first and second balloons.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood machine includes a blood circuit; an access device enabling the blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second coupling devices for connecting to first and second tubes of the circuit; first and second electrodes held by the first and second coupling devices to contact blood flowing through the blood circuit, the electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes, wherein at least one of the coupling devices includes a stem portion enabling at least one of the first and second contact members to contact at least one of the first and second electrodes, respectively, on an outer portion of the at least one electrode without disturbing blood flowing through the coupling device; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for removing thrombus outside of a hemodialysis. The hemodialysis catheter comprises an elongate shaft comprising a plurality of lumens. A first lumen has a first distal port. The first lumen is configured for the flow of a fluid in a first direction. A second lumen has a second distal port proximal to the first distal port. The second lumen is configured for the flow of the fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A third lumen has a third distal port proximal to the second distal port. An elongate device is disposed through the third lumen. The elongate device has an operable member on a distal end or a device to connect to an operable member disposed on the elongate shaft. The operable member is configured to engage and remove thrombus from an exterior surface on the elongate shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microdialysis catheter comprising a multilumen tube (10) and a membrane (11), said tube exhibiting at least two longitudinally arranged inner channels (13,14), said channels extending from a proximal (20) end of the tube to the distal end (21) of the tube, whereat through-holes (12,15) are provided, one from each of said at least two channels to the outside of said tube, said channels (13,14) blocked for passage of liquid distally of the respective through-holes, a tubular membrane (11) arranged circumferentially around the tube (10) such as to cover the at least two through -holes (12,15), said membrane is sealingly fastened (22) to the tube thereby forming a dialysis chamber (18) between the tube and the membrane.

Abstract: A method for treatment of COPD, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia including creation of an artificial arterio-venous fistula and installation of a flow mediating device proximate the fistula. The flow mediating device is operated to limit flow as medically indicated to provide the optimum amount of bypass flow.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a method and apparatus to perfuse heart and/or other organs with a resuscitation fluid to replace blood circulation in the vascular system to resuscitate cardiac arrest patient.

Abstract: A tube set for a blood handling apparatus, in particular an extracorporeal blood handling apparatus with an extracorporeal blood circuit or an apparatus for peritoneal dialysis, and a blood handling apparatus that has such a tube set are described. The tube set includes a device for collecting particles provided in a tube line portion of the tube set downstream of the tube portion placed in the occluding hose pump. The device for collecting particles prevents retention of solid substances that are possibly contained in the dialysis fluid, substituate or peritoneal solution. The tube set also has a device for limiting the pressure in the tube line portion between the occluding hose pump and the device for collecting particles. The device for limiting the positive pressure prevents an excessive positive pressure from building up in the tube line when fluid flow through the device for collecting particles is reduced or interrupted.

Abstract: An access disconnection system includes: an arterial line; a venous line; a transmitter configured to transmit a sound wave in one of the arterial and venous lines when connected to a patient; a receiver configured to receive the sound wave from the other of the arterial and venous lines when connected to the patient; and electronic circuitry coupled to at least one of the transmitter and receiver, the circuitry configured to send a disconnection output indicative of a change in the sound waves received by the receiver from the transmitter sufficient to expect that an access disconnection of one of the arterial line and venous lines has occurred.

Abstract: An access disconnection system includes a blood treatment machine including a housing, an access site detection housing separate from the blood treatment machine housing, a transmitter positioned in the access site housing and configured to transmit an ultrasound wave into a blood stream of a patient, a receiver positioned in the access site housing and configured to receive a reflection of the ultrasound wave from the blood stream of the patient; and electronic circuitry in communication with the transmitter and the receiver. The electronic circuitry is supported by the access site detection housing, and the transmitter is configured to send a wireless disconnection output to the blood treatment machine. The disconnection output is indicative of a change in the reflected ultrasound wave received by the receiver sufficient to expect that an access disconnection of one of the arterial line and the venous line has occurred.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selective cooling of a target site include a catheter having a supply lumen and a delivery lumen, with inlet and exit ports. Blood is withdrawn from the supply lumen and cooled or heated in a control unit. The treated blood is sent to the targeted area via delivery lumen. The supply lumen can act as an insulator for the delivery lumen.

Abstract: A hollow fiber bundle that is formed by arranging a plurality of porous hollow fiber membranes 8 in one direction; a heat exchange pipe bundle that is formed by arranging and laminating a plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 in one direction crossing the hollow fiber membranes and is apposed with the hollow fiber bundle; and a potting material 10 that is filled in a region including both end parts of the hollow fiber membranes and the heat exchange pipes and forms a blood channel extending across the hollow fiber membranes and the heat exchange pipes are provided. The housing includes: blood ports 3a, 3b that face both ends of the blood channel; gas headers 4a, 4b that form gas ports 5a, 5b facing both ends of the hollow fiber bundle; and heat exchange headers 6a, 6b that form heat exchange liquid ports 7a, 7b facing both ends of the heat exchange pipe bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for monitoring access to vessels during extracorporeal blood treatment. The invention forms a loop in the arterial and/or venous line and provides device for fixing a section of the line in a loop. When the line is stressed under tension, the loop contracts and the line finally kinks. The modification of the diameter of the line and the formation of a kink in the line leads to a rise of pressure in the line, which is monitored by a pressure monitoring device. If the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the aspirating cannula is in danger of slipping out of the vessel access or has partially or completely slipped out, thus allowing the threshold value to be determined for alarms.

Abstract: A device (FIGS. 1b, 8c, 14b) for storing and dispensing a fluid and fluid energy using continuous analog modification of the total surface area of one or more solid surfaces against which, on one side of such surface(s), the fluid to be stored and dispensed may proximally and forcibly act and against which, on the opposed side of such surface(s), one or more elastic elements may act, withal producing the effect of a substantially constant static pressure across a range of deformation of the elastic element(s), i.e., a piezoequilibrative effect.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient during renal replacement or other therapies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen.

Abstract: A catheter for collecting fluid such as blood from a vessel such as a coronary sinus of a patient has an elongated, flexible tubular portion and an annular sealing member spaced from a distal end of the tubular member. A proximal end of the tubular member is adapted to be connected to a source of suction for applying suction to a collection lumen of the tubular member. The distal end is placed in a blood vessel with the sealing member spaced from opposing surface of the vessel in an absence of a suction applied to the collection lumen. Suction is applied to the collection lumen in an amount sufficient to draw blood from the vessel through the fluid inlet and into the collection lumen and further sufficient to urge the opposing surface of the vessel to migrate into sealing engagement with the sealing member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.