Abstract: A catheter comprising: a shaft (1) having a proximal end (2) and a distal end (3), the distal end terminating in a tip (4); a drainage opening (7) located at the distal end of the shaft, the drainage opening communicating with a drainage lumen (8) of the shaft; a balloon located at the distal end of the shaft, the balloon comprising a first region secured to the shaft, a second region secured to the shaft and an elastic-walled conduit extending between the first region and the second region, the elastic conduit extending over the tip.

Abstract: Delivery system for fixation device, including guide catheter with proximal end portion having proximal end port, distal end portion having distal end port, and inner surface defining inner lumen extending in fluid communication between proximal end port and distal end port. Delivery catheter extending through the inner lumen to define annular space between outer surface of the delivery catheter and inner surface of the guide catheter. A pressure sensor proximate the proximal end portion in fluid communication with the annual space to monitor fluid pressure. The distal end portion of the guide catheter includes flow passages in fluid communication between an exterior of the distal end portion and the annular space.

Abstract: Minimally invasive catheter relates to the field of eversible catheters. It is primarily intended for use as a urinary catheter, but is also usable in other fields. As a urinary catheter this minimally invasive catheter 1 used as an indwelling or intermittent catheter with transurethral or suprapubic approach. This catheter has specific technical solution for eversible motion where tubular membrane 2, attached between distal part 36a of the handle 36 and distal part 3a of the inner tube 3, can in one case free slide between these two parts and in another be fixed to form hermetically sealed space 14. Free sliding of membrane ensures eversible principle of motion during placement and withdrawal of the catheter 1. Fixation of membrane allows a formation of hermetically sealed space 14 with fluid to make catheter surface smoother and softer, and a balloon 33 to hold catheter 1 in place for prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A disposable injector with a piston actuation ram is mounted in a housing, is loaded by a spring energy accumulator and can be unlocked by a displaceable trigger device. The piston actuation ram can be supported by a tensioning rod mounted in the housing. The trigger device comprises a trigger ring displaceable relative to the housing. The tensioning rod can be supported directly or indirectly by a bearing surface of the trigger ring. The bearing surface encloses an angle of between ten degrees and forty five degrees with the longitudinal direction of the disposable injector. The point of the angle lies offset with respect to the trigger ring in the triggering direction of the disposable injector. A disposable injector with increased trigger reliability is developed.

Abstract: A catheter procedure system including a bedside system and a remote workstation is provided. The bedside system includes a catheter including an expandable percutaneous intervention device, a robotic catheter system configured to move the catheter, and an inflation device configured to cause expansion of the expandable percutaneous intervention device. The remote workstation includes a user interface configured to receive a at least first user input and a second user input and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface for remotely controlling both the robotic catheter system and the inflation device. The remote workstation includes a monitor configured to display information related to the expandable percutaneous intervention device.

Abstract: A balloon ablation catheter achieves reduction in diameter of the balloon upon balloon contraction and increased reliability of the thermocouple temperature sensor, which balloon ablation catheter is less likely to be influenced by the heating liquid discharged into the balloon and able to control the balloon surface temperature with high accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a catheter and method of using a catheter with two balloons and at least one inlet opening located on the proximal end of the catheter. The two balloons are adapted to retain the catheter within the body cavity and facilitate the flow of gases and fluids into one or more inlet openings. The invention also provides inlet openings located at different levels of the catheter tube to allow for complete drainage of fluid from the body cavity. The unique design of the present invention provides complete drainage of a body cavity and reduces damage and trauma to the body cavity.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: A catheter used for treatment of complex vasculature, such as a bifurcated aneurysm, is provided with an inflatable balloon at a distal portion thereof. The shape, location and material of the inflatable balloon are selected such that when inflated, the balloon conforms to the shape of the complex vasculature, or at least a portion thereof, without appreciably deforming the vessel walls. In this manner, the balloon can be used to control flow in the vasculature, for example occluding a selected branch of the vasculature during introduction of material in order concentrate the material and minimize its disbursement by blood flow.

Abstract: The body has a fluid inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid and a fluid outlet port connected to the retention balloon. A first passage connects the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. A second passage in the body is connected to the balloon fluid return path and is at the pressure of the retention balloon. A valve prevents fluid flow through the first passage when actuated. The valve includes a pressure-responsive member movable to a position to obstruct fluid flow in response to fluid pressure in the second passage exceeding the predetermined level. Flexible means such as a membrane defines a normally open portion of the first fluid passage, which is closed by the moveable means bearing on the membrane when pressure exceeding the predetermined level actuates the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and systems that alter intracranial compliance, cerebral blood flow and/or intracranial pressure pulsatility/waveform by oscillating the contraction and expansion of a compressible composition within the cranial or spinal cavities such that they increase intracranial capacity. The contraction and expansion of the compressible composition in the oscillating compliance devices can be due to an individual's intracranial pressure, the result of the expansion and compression of a reservoir which is mediated by the contractility of the heart or driven by a pump gaited to a biorhythm. The invention also relates to methods for protecting an individual's brain from abnormal arterial pulsations and for altering an individual's cerebral blood flow using the devices and systems of the invention.

Abstract: A hemostasis component for an invasive medical device has an inflatable cylinder affixed to the medical device at a location aligned with an ingress point of a patient. An inflation source is in fluid communication with the inflatable cylinder and a flow control valve that is effective to regulate the flow of fluid from the inflation source to the inflatable cylinder is provided. The flexible cylinder is located on the proximal end of a tunneling catheter, where it exits the skin. A thin tube is provided to inflate the flexible cylinder. In the event of bleeding, the flexible cylinder is inflated for as long as is needed to achieve hemostasis, without having to place sutures. Inflation is a simple procedure that can be done by the patient, as opposed to having to place a suture, which must be performed by a physician or a physician's delegate, under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A drug introduction sleeve is disclosed that includes a selectively expandable body portion. The body portion is defined by a first open end and a second open end. A hollow interior is formed within the body portion. The body portion is selectively expandable from a first unexpanded configuration to a second expanded configuration whereby the volume of the hollow interior is increased when the body portion is expanded to the second expanded configuration, sufficient to temporarily retain a drug bolus.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus for a balloon dilation catheter having a shaft with a dilation balloon attached to the distal end of the shaft and an inflation/deflation lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon includes a pressure relief port formed through the wall of the inflation/deflation lumen with a pressure relief member secured across the pressure relief port to form a fluid tight seal such that the fluid tight seal formed by the pressure relief member fails at a predetermined pressure to release pressure from the inflation/deflation lumen through the pressure relief port.

Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal separator. The separator is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter. Importantly, the diameter of each lumen is dimensioned to sequentially receive particles therethrough, to prevent the particles from flocculating before they enter the stream of the second fluid. A recollection chamber in fluid communication with the separator allows for reconsolidation of the fluid after leaving the separator and for minimizing the damage caused to the vessel when the fluid exits the catheter. An inflatable balloon, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid and increase retention of particles in targeted tissue.

Abstract: Catheter balloon assemblies (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body vessel are provided, as well as related methods of manufacturing and methods of treatment. The catheter balloon assemblies may include a concentrically disposed dual balloon assembly at the distal portion of the catheter having an inner balloon (44), a porous outer balloon (42) concentrically arrayed around the inner balloon and a catheter shaft (30) adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent to the body vessel through the apertures in the outer balloon. Radial outward expansion of the inner balloon may urge the outer balloon into contact with the wall of a body vessel, where the therapeutic agent may be delivered from the catheter shaft through apertures in the outer balloon directly to the wall of the body vessel.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method implemented by a powered inflation device to prepare a balloon catheter for use during a medical procedure. In this embodiment, the method includes drawing an amount of medical fluid from a fluid reservoir into the inflation device during a first motorized operation of the inflation device, removing an amount of air from the balloon catheter during a second motorized operation of the inflation device, and injecting the amount of medical fluid from the inflation device into the balloon catheter during a third motorized operation of the inflation device to inflate a balloon located at a distal end of the balloon catheter. The powered inflation device may be a stand-alone device in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the powered inflation device is coupled to an angiographic injector system. When it is coupled to an angiographic injector system, the balloon inflation device and the injector system may be controlled by a common control panel, or console, in one embodiment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for managing delivery of fluid into a vessel. A balloon catheter with a 3-way valve is introduced into an occluded vessel. The 3-way valve permits fluid, such as a contrast dye, to be injected into the vessel lumen. The valve is also configured to permit the balloon portion of the catheter to be inflated by means of the same lumen used to inject the contrast dye into the vessel. Bloodstream pressure can also be measured before and after dilation to confirm the procedure was successful. This apparatus and method provides for a quick, safe, and reliable treatment of an occluded vessel, among other things and works with known and later developed systems.

Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal separator. The separator is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter to reduce particle flocculation. An inflatable balloon, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid. A reinforcing member is employed to strengthen the catheter wall under the inflatable balloon. With this arrangement, the catheter does not kink or collapse due to the pressure exerted on the catheter wall when the balloon is inflated. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member includes an annular shaped ring. In another embodiment, the separator is positioned under the balloon and acts as the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A medical instrument including an inflatable balloon and a plurality of filamentary tool elements with a proximal movable section that is attached to a wall of the balloon and with a distal end projecting freely from the balloon, wherein the proximal end forms a substantially cylindrical shape when the inflatable balloon is inflated and deflated and the distal end bends inwards from the substantially cylindrical shape when the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: Medical devices for delivering a bioactive agent and methods of use thereof are provided. The device includes a balloon having micro-needles for delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: Device for electrically isolating the pulmonary veins in atrial fibrillation for treatment thereof by means of ablation of a circumferential zone of tissue in a position where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium, comprising: a catheter (1) having a terminal part and a distal part and comprising a first tubular element (2); a second tubular element (4) concentric with said first tubular element (2) and an axial rod-like element (6) which extends beyond the distal end of said first and second tubular elements (2; 4); a first tubular toroidal element (13) supported by a plurality of tubular arms (11) which extend from said distal end towards said toroidal element (13) forming a kind of cage which can be opened in umbrella fashion around the distal end of said catheter (1), said tubular arms (11) and said toroidal element (13) being in fluid communication with each other and with said second tubular element (4) of said catheter (1); and a second toroidal tubular element (9) in fluid communication by means of

Abstract: The colorectal delivery device provides a device for rectal delivery of therapeutic compositions to the colon of a patient. The composition may be a foam application in some embodiments. The device allows medical personnel to add therapeutic drugs to the pressurized canister immediately prior to administration to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters for treating a luminal system of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to catheters having a flexible membrane positioned at a distal portion of the catheter, the flexible membrane retained in a substantially unexposed conformation prior to deployment. Preferably the flexible membrane is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a localized environment when deployed to an exposed conformation.

Abstract: Methods are describe for treating intraluminal locations such as in a patient's lung. The device is a catheter which has an elongated shaft with an inner lumen, preferably defined by an inner tubular member, formed of heat resistant polymeric materials such as polyimide and high temperature vapor is directed through the inner lumen into the intraluminal location to treat tissue at and/or distal to the location. The outer surface of the catheter is also formed of heat resistant material. An enlarged or enlargeable member, such as a balloon, is provided on a distal portion of the catheter shaft to prevent proximal flow of the high temperature vapor upon discharge from the catheter.

Abstract: Medical devices including a substrate that are expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state; a coating on the substrate, the coating having a drug agent incorporated therein; and a sheath over the coating. The sheath is expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state and has at least one perforation therein. The medical devices are configured such that when the substrate is in a compressed state, the sheath is also in a compressed state and the perforation is substantially closed. When the substrate is in an expanded state, the sheath is also in an expanded state and the perforation is substantially open. The invention also includes a method of using the medical devices for the controlled, localized delivery of a drug agent to a target location within a mammalian body.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue comprises introducing into a hollow organ a support device and, after insertion, arranging the support device into a non-yielding configuration substantially filling the hollow organ and substantially preventing walls of the hollow organ from moving inward in combination with inducing contraction of the hollow organ around the support device to cut off blood flow through at least a portion of the walls of the hollow organ and removing the support device after blood flow has been cut off for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medico-technical device for at least partially introducing into a body passage. Said device comprises an elongate, tubular, flexible internal body (2), an elongate exterior enveloping body (3) which surrounds, at least partially, said internal body (2) on the periphery thereof, and a device (4) for transferring the device (1) from a flexible state to a rigid state and vice-versa. The invention is characterized in that the internal body (2), which is in the form of a double tube (5), comprises an inner tube (6) which forms an inner wall (8) of the internal body (2) and an external tube (7) which forms an external wall (9) of the internal body (2), said external tube (7) surrounding the inner tube (6) in a concentric manner on the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated with a liquid inflating medium by a syringe through a flow line. Air in the flow line and the balloon is displaced into a return line. The balloon is deflated by drawing the liquid inflating medium from the balloon along with the air in the return line into the syringe where the air is trapped in the syringe. The balloon is reinflated and deflated by the syringe until the level of air in the liquid inflating medium has been reduced to a predefined level. A first non-return valve and a second non-return valve are provided in the flow and return lines, so that the liquid inflating medium is prevented from flowing from the balloon to the syringe in the flow line and from the syringe to the balloon in the return line.

Abstract: A partial-length catheter, or an extendable tube or sleeve member of the catheter, is selectively movable within the prostatic urethra to open a urine drainage passageway through and obstructed portion of the prostatic urethra or to open the external urinary sphincter muscle and thereby discharge urine from the bladder. A control element is manipulated at a position exterior of the urinary canal to selectively move the catheter or the extendable tube or sleeve member, thereby selectively controlling urine discharge.

Abstract: A catheter configured for delivering an agent to a patient's vessel wall is described. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon substantially covered by a expandable cage such that when the inflatable balloon is inflated the expandable cage substantially surrounds an outer surface of the inflated balloon. The inflatable balloon is configured to be deployed within a lumen against a lumen wall and separated from the lumen wall by the expandable cage in an expanded state, and is adapted to provide an agent delivery to a treatment site, and the expandable cage is further collapsible and is removable from said lumen.

Abstract: An ischemic postconditioning system and related method comprising a catheter including a plurality of lumens and at least one expandable member with at least one chamber including a moveable plunger and a return mechanism operatively engaged with the plunger. The moveable plunger divides the at least one chamber into first and second volumes. A first pressure source is provided having a first fluid at a first pressure and is disposed in fluid communication with the first volume of the chamber. Further, a second pressure source is provided having a second fluid at a second pressure and is disposed in fluid communication with the second volume of the chamber. Similarly, the at least one expandable member is disposed in fluid communication with the second volume of the chamber. The first fluid supplied by the first pressure source displaces the plunger in a first direction delivering at least a portion of the second fluid into the at least one expandable member.

Abstract: The devices of the present disclosure are rheolytic thrombectomy catheters with a self-inflating distal balloon. A self-inflating balloon is located distal to an inflow gap or orifice and distal to a fluid jet emanator, which self-inflating balloon is inflated and expanded by the utilization of internal operating forces consisting of forwardly directed high velocity fluid jet streams and/or entrained thrombus particulate therein. The self-inflating balloon, when inflated, impinges on the wall of the blood vessel to isolate sections of the blood vessel distal and proximal to the inflated balloon in order to prevent flow of thrombus particulate, fluids and the like distal to the self-inflating balloon and to provide a stagnant nonflow region proximal to the self-inflating balloon. The devices of the present disclosure also provide for a uniform spacing of the catheter tube with respect to the thrombus and/or wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device that has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration wherein one or more polymeric network layers are applied to the substrate and microparticles embedded in the polymeric network. The polymeric network layer or layers is/are configured to retain the microparticles when the device is in a collapsed configuration and to release the microparticles when the device is in an expanded configuration. Methods for delivering a therapeutic agent using the device and making the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined fluid injection and inflation system is disclosed and includes a fluid delivery system including at least one pressurizing device, a fluid path, and a control unit. The fluid path is adapted to connect the pressurizing device to a patient via a catheter including a balloon and inserted in the patient. The control unit is operable to control the fluid delivery system. In operation, the control unit selectively actuates the fluid delivery system to operate in a fluid injection mode or in a balloon inflation mode. In the fluid injection mode the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for a fluid injection procedure. In the balloon inflation mode, the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for inflating the balloon associated with the catheter. An operator control may be connected to the control unit for controlling the fluid delivery system and may be a handheld device.

Abstract: An activation circuit for selectively providing an electrical current to one or more electroactive polymers (EAPs) in a medical device is disclosed. The activation circuit may include a sensor for sensing a measure related to a parameter of an elongated member and/or a balloon of the medical device. The electrical current may be provided to the one or more EAPs according to the sensed parameter of the elongated member and/or the balloon of the medical device. In some cases, the activation circuit may include a comparator for comparing the sensed measure to a threshold to determine when the electrical current is applied to the EAPs. The parameter may be a pressure, a fluid flow, a temperature, and/or other suitable parameter.

Abstract: Medical devices for delivering a bioactive agent(s) and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: A tracheo-oesophageal fistula catheter (1) comprises an elongate conduit (2) having a proximal and a distal end, the conduit (2) comprising a plurality of lumens commencing adjacent to the proximal end; means (8, 9) for substantially sealing a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, the means being attached to the conduit (2) adjacent to the proximal end and comprising two elements (8, 9) to be placed on either side of the fistula; and at least one expandable balloon (7) attached to the conduit (2) adjacent to the distal end, and in fluid connection with at least one of said lumens; wherein at least one lumen is a gastric lumen, the gastric lumen extending along the full length of the conduit and having an outlet (6) at the distal end of the conduit (2), and wherein at least one element of the means for sealing the fistula comprises an expandable balloon in fluid connection with at least one of said lumens.

Abstract: An ischemic postconditioning system and related method comprising a catheter including a plurality of lumens and at least one expandable member with at least one chamber including a moveable plunger and a return mechanism operatively engaged with the plunger. The moveable plunger divides the at least one chamber into first and second volumes. A first pressure source is provided having a first fluid at a first pressure and is disposed in fluid communication with the first volume of the chamber. Further, a second pressure source is provided having a second fluid at a second pressure and is disposed in fluid communication with the second volume of the chamber. Similarly, the at least one expandable member is disposed in fluid communication with the second volume of the chamber. The first fluid supplied by the first pressure source displaces the plunger in a first direction delivering at least a portion of the second fluid into the at least one expandable member.

Abstract: Multiple-balloon catheters, and methods of treatment therewith, are provided including an inflatable inner balloon at least partially enclosed by an expandable outer balloon that has holes. The annular space between the inner balloon and the outer balloon is configured to promote delivery of the fluid evenly through holes in the outer balloon to avoid problems of underloading and/or overloading. Preferably, the annular space is in communication with the holes, and the annular space is configured to receive and then to release and distribute the fluid via the holes in a substantially uniform manner such that even amounts of fluid are released in the distal and proximal holes. The inner balloon may have various configurations including being tapered relative to the outer balloon. The outer balloon may also be tapered accordingly. The device may also include raised portions disposed in the annular space and configured to define channels having various configurations.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed including a “no-fold” balloon at a distal end thereof that surrounds a distal portion of a guidewire shaft having a compliant shaft or tubular section for selectively gripping a guidewire there within. Upon introduction of inflation fluid at low pressure values, the compliant shaft section of the guidewire shaft is radially compressed to “lock” onto the guidewire while an outer diameter of the no-fold balloon remains unchanged. The simultaneous compression of the compliant shaft section against a guidewire located within the guidewire lumen and the filling of the balloon with inflation fluid without expanding the balloon provides a clinician with a conjoined balloon catheter and guidewire ensemble that together may be pushed through a tight stenosis such as a chronic total occlusion (CTO).

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter includes a stiff proximal tube and a relatively flexible tapered distal tube, a guide wire tube being provided in the distal tube, with an aperture for access to the guide wire lumen being provided at the junction between the distal tube and the proximal tube, the tubes being bonded together at their junction.

Abstract: An enteral feeding unit that reduces the occurrence of gastro-esophogeal-pharynegal reflux during feeding includes an automatable feeding pump with a feedback sensor for sensing a relative pressure in a patient's stomach and esophagus, and a regulator system for controlling and monitoring feeding rate to the patient as a function of the relative gastro-esophageal pressure. The system includes a stomach probe that provides a fluid-tight closure of the esophagus. The stomach probe includes a tampon-bladder for watertight closure of the esophagus, in which the tampon-bladder is formed of flexible and/or elastic material. At least an inner cavity of the bladder is provided for the reception of a fluid medium.

Abstract: A system for inflating a balloon (8) of a balloon catheter (4) with a liquid inflating medium which removes air during inflation of the balloon (8) comprises a vertically mounted syringe (36) containing the liquid inflating medium for inflating the balloon (8). Air in the system is displaced into a return lumen (30) and a return line (46). Air drawn into the syringe (36) with the liquid inflating medium is trapped between a piston (39) of the syringe and a top surface of the liquid inflating medium in the syringe, and thereby separated from the liquid inflating medium. Re-inflating and deflating of the balloon continues until the level of air in the balloon, the flow and return lumens and the flow and return lines (44,45) has been reduced to a predefined level. Then, an accurate determination of the inflation pressure can be read from first and second pressure sensors (50,51; 52,53) on the return and flow lines, respectively.

Abstract: A balloon control apparatus includes a balloon, a flow rate adjustment section, a setting section and a control section. The balloon is attached to an insertion section of an endoscope and/or an insertion aid instrument for guiding insertion of the insertion section of the endoscope. The flow rate adjustment section adjusts an air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or an exhaust flow rate from the balloon. The setting section sets the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate. The control section controls the flow rate adjustment section so that the air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or the exhaust flow rate from the balloon become the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate set by the setting section.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a compartment capable of receiving and holding a substance in a liquid form is disclosed. The compartment is inflatable from a deflated state to an inflated state, such that when the compartment is in the deflated state, the outer wall of the membrane is substantially impermeable to the substance, and when the compartment is in the inflated state, the substance is allowed to permeate through the outer wall.

Abstract: A combination aspiration/irrigation and illumination device using optical fibers circumferentially disposed around the aspiration conduit for transmitting illuminating light to a cavity to be aspirated. The ends of the optical fibers being formed at an angle relative to the aspiration conduit so as to direct the illuminating light inward to provide intensified illumination ahead of the aspiration conduit.

Abstract: A system and method for inflating and deflating a catheter balloon using osmosis. An elongate catheter shaft has a proximally disposed osmotic membrane in fluid communication with a distally mounted balloon through a fluid-filled catheter lumen. The balloon is inflated by exposing the exterior of the membrane to a solution that is hypotonic relative to the solution within the catheter lumen. The balloon is deflated by exposing the exterior of the membrane to a solution that is hypertonic in relation to the solution within the catheter lumen.