Abstract: A method of applying an elongate magnetic element to the surface of an internal body structure includes applying a magnetic field to the elongate magnetic element to orient the elongate magnetic element in a selected orientation; and applying a magnetic gradient to the elongate magnetic element to draw the elongate magnetic element against the surface of the body structure.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a flexible, elongated tubular member and is comprised of a tube of superlastic metal which in response to changing temperatures resists to a greater or less degree the bending moment imposed by a biasing element, thereby altering the shape of the tubular member as a function of temperature and producing a broad range of shapes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a catheter, such as a drainage catheter, to a patient's body and decoupling the catheter from the body are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the flexibility of a catheter cannula and allow for a self-contained system that secures the catheter cannula within the body while bodily fluid is draining. In one embodiment, the catheter is coupled to the body by compressing a proximal hub member to a distal hub member, causing the cannula to curl and form an anchoring configuration (i.e. a loop, pigtail, j-curve, malecot, etc.). In compressing the portions, one or more fingers within the proximal hub member force a cord into one or more corresponding channels within the distal hub member, thereby shortening the amount of cord in the cannula. The proximal and distal hub members can be locked together in the compressed position for as long as the catheter is to be coupled to the body.

Abstract: Apparatus (800) for targeted release of a molecule carried in a circulating reservoir, comprising: at least one electrode (804); and a controller (810) adapted to electrify said electrode (804) with at least one electric field, said electric field operative to have at least one desired effect related to said circulating reservoir with said molecule, wherein said electrode and said electrification are adapted such that at least one of said effects is selectively applied to a particular blood vessel that carries blood through tissue and wherein said at least one effect that is selectively applied comprises a release effect, which releases said molecule from said circulating reservoir that circulates in said blood vessel.

Abstract: An injection catheter is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. A tip section comprising a flexible tubing is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section has a needle passage extending therethough. The needle passage has a proximal region having a proximal diameter and a distal region having a distal diameter less than the proximal diameter. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. An injection needle extends through the tip section, catheter body, and needle control handle and has a proximal end attached to the needle control handle and a distal end within the needle passage. The injection needle is longitudinally slidable so that its distal end can extend beyond the distal end of the tip section upon suitable manipulation of the needle control handle.

Abstract: A catheter handle includes a steering controller with a self-locking mechanism to be used in conjunction with a steerable catheter shaft. A compression spring portion of the self-locking mechanism is located between the steering controller and a handle shell and causes alternating protrusions and recesses on the steering controller and on the handle shell to engage, thus locking the steering controller into a fixed position with the handle shell. Through a single-handed operation, an operator enables steering controller rotation by applying a force to the steering controller, which disengages the steering controller from the handle shell. The operator then adjusts the profile of a distal-end region of the catheter by rotating the steering controller. When the desired profile of the distal-end region of the catheter has been obtained, the operator removes the force from the steering controller and the spring decompresses to reengage the steering controller with the handle shell.

Abstract: A catheter handle includes a steering controller to be used in conjunction with a steerable catheter shaft, and a steering tendon tensioning device. The operator deflects the profile of a distal-end region of the catheter by rotating the steering controller. Spring devices located on the steering tendons maintain the steering tendons in tension during manipulation of the steering controller. A locking device locks the steering controller in place relative to the handle.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator array comprising a plurality of individually trained shape memory alloy actuators to provide relative movement of different actuator array portions and a thin-film heating element positioned adjacent at least one shape memory alloy actuator to thermally activate the actuator for movement away from its initial shape. A shape memory alloy medical device such as a catheter or a conduit is further provided comprising a lattice network or scaffolding of individually activated and oppositely trained shape memory alloy actuators set with a predetermined shape to provide a full range of directional movement within a body, and a network of thin-film heating elements to selectively activate a combination of actuators for movement or variable stiffness.

Abstract: A tubular medical device comprises a tubular body, a lumen, a compression-resisting member inserted in the lumen so that it cannot move in the direction of the axis of the tubular body, with its distal end located at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the tubular body toward the proximal end, a pull wire whose distal end is secured near the distal end of the tubular body at a position deviated from the axis of the tubular body and which is led in the tubular body to the proximal end of the tubular body, and a pulling mechanism for pulling the pull wire toward the proximal end of the tubular body which is attached to the proximal end of the tubular body and has an manipulating dial. The compression-resisting member consists of a main body and a secured portion. The compression-resisting member main body, and has a property of resisting compression in the axial direction of he tubular body. The secured portion retains the rain part in place in the lumen.

Abstract: A double catheter includes an outer, resilient catheter having shape memory and a hook-shaped distal end, an inner, pliable catheter slidably disposed in the outer catheter and of greater length than the outer catheter so that a distal end portion of the inner catheter can be extended or retracted from a distal end opening of the outer catheter to vary the overall length of the double catheter, the inner catheter preferably having an internal lumen suitable for the introduction of contrast media, and a mechanism operable from the proximal end of the outer catheter for changing the curvature of the hook shaped distal end of the outer catheter. Such a catheter of the invention can cannulate the coronary sinus without significant manipulation.

Abstract: Implantable cylindrical device for connecting a hose arranged outside of the human or animal body to a hose arranged inside of the said body, wherein an anchoring plate falling away peripherally from the skin surface is arranged around the cylindrical device. This allows the skin to unroll over the anchoring plate subject to a tilting moment of the port body.

Abstract: A method of applying an elongate magnetic element to the surface of an internal body structure includes applying a magnetic field to the elongate magnetic element to orient the elongate magnetic element in a selected orientation; and applying a magnetic gradient to the elongate magnetic element to draw the elongate magnetic element against the surface of the body structure.