Abstract: An inflation device includes a syringe body containing a bore. The bore holds a fluid that is used to inflate a separate device such as a dilation balloon. A plunger assembly slides within the syringe bore and contains a sealing member that forms a fluid tight seal with the syringe body. A shut-off valve is disposed within the distal end of the syringe body. The distal end of the syringe body has a fluid bypass channel fluidically coupled to the aperture of a connector. The shut-off valve has a spring-biased moveable piston with a bypass lumen contained therein, wherein the bypass lumen forms a fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel when the pressure of the fluid is below a threshold value. The fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel is interrupted when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a means for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, means for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a means for introducing a sealing member into the open end of said tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary.

Abstract: A controlled volume inflation-deflation device to inflate a balloon to occlude a blood vessel by dialing a knob that locks at rotational positions to locate a plunger at equally spaced locations within a syringe of the inflation-deflation device. The inflation-deflation device includes a releasable latch to lock the proximal and distal housings together to hold the plunger forward for occlusion, and to separate and hold the proximal and distal housings to retract the plunger for perfusion. When the inflation-deflation device is returned to the latched position, the balloon is re-inflated to its previous occlusive diameter. Also, an extension tube made of a lower modulus outer material co-extruded over and miscible with a higher modulus inner material may be used to produce a suitably low compliance extension tube for the inflation-deflation device.

Abstract: The medical device for distributing fluid comprises: a syringe (12) for distributing a contrast product; an actuator (28) which is suitable for acting on the syringe in order to ensure that the contrast product flows at a pressure greater than 30 bar; an injection outlet (14) for injecting the contrast product towards the body of a patient, and being connected to the syringe (12); it further comprises: an inflation outlet (16) for a balloon; a distributor (32) which is connected at the outlet of the syringe (12) and which is suitable for selectively connecting the same syringe (12) to the injection outlet (14) or to the inflation outlet (16); and means (20; 22) for controlling the distributor (32) between a first state which connects the syringe to the injection outlet (14) and a second state which connects the syringe (12) to the inflation outlet (16).

Abstract: A catheter having a drug delivery unit at the distal end thereof. The drug delivery unit includes an actuator capable of assuming an activated and an inactivated configuration. The drug delivery unit also includes a receptacle capable of accepting a therapeutic agent. The actuator and receptacle are in communication with each other such that the actuator transmits force to the receptacle and the receptacle accepts force from the actuator in an activated configuration of the actuator. Also provided is a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site using the catheter of the present invention.

Abstract: A controlled volume inflation-deflation device to inflate a balloon to occlude a blood vessel by dialing a knob that locks at rotational positions to locate a plunger at equally spaced locations within a syringe of the inflation-deflation device. The inflation-deflation device includes a releasable latch to lock the proximal and distal housings together to hold the plunger forward for occlusion, and to separate and hold the proximal and distal housings to retract the plunger for perfusion. When the inflation-deflation device is returned to the latched position, the balloon is re-inflated to its previous occlusive diameter. Also, an extension tube made of a lower modulus outer material co-extruded over and miscible with a higher modulus inner material may be used. The balloon may have tapered ends and a cylindrical center portion so that it increases by more equal increments in outer diameter to incremental equal increases in inflation volume.

Abstract: Novel devices which can be used to both collect blood samples from and administer medical fluids to a patient on a repeated and continual basis using one rather than multiple needle insertions. The device typically includes a main tubing segment confluently connected to a cannula for insertion in the patient's vein. A syringe port and a volumeter for collecting blood branch separately from the main tubing segment. The device is used to collect blood by attaching an empty blood collection syringe to the syringe port, inserting the cannula in the patient's vein, allowing passive flow of blood from the main tubing segment into the volumeter under intrinsic venous blood pressure and capillary action, and then facilitating active flow of blood from the volumeter into the blood collection syringe by extending the syringe plunger. The device may be used to administer medical fluids to the patient through the main tubing segment from a medical fluid syringe or catheter attached to the syringe port.

Abstract: A method for controlling the systemic pressure at the end of a cardiac operation wherein a double-balloon catheter is brought, along a single path, close to the junction of a right atrium with a superior and inferior venacavae. The distance between a first and a second balloon is then adjusted so that they are placed at an adequate position in the superior and inferior venacavae respectively. The balloons are inflated and one checks whether a balance between the outputs of the two sides of the heart has been restored. The balloons are deflated when a new equilibrium is established and the catheter is removed along the same path. A double balloon occlusion device especially designed to perform said operation is also described.

Abstract: A fluid feeder (1, 31) which feeds a fluid into a balloon (4) made of an elastic material so as to inflate, the fluid feeder provided with: a cylinder (12) that is formed in a cylindrical shape provided with a first end (12A) and a second port (12B) on each end thereof and contains the fluid; a plunger (13) that is inserted into the cylinder via the second end in a freely advancing and retracting manner in an axial direction, in order to push out the fluid contained in the cylinder from the first end to the outside of the cylinder; an adjustor (14, 32) that is attached to the plunger and regulates a moving distance of the plunger so as to inflate the balloon to a predetermined diameter; and a fixing portion (15) that is provided on the cylinder and fixes the plunger onto the cylinder to a position which corresponds to the moving distance regulated by the adjustor, wherein: the adjustor has a plurality of engaging projections (18, 33) which regulates the moving distance corresponding to a plurality of the diff

Abstract: A catheter includes an insertion portion at a distal end of an introduction tube that is thinned to an utmost limit, so that the catheter can be easily inserted and operated with patient's pain alleviated, and a catheter kit includes the catheter. An inflatable and deflatable balloon (50) for prevention of undesired come-out is installed at the distal end of the introduction tube (20). The balloon (50) has a rubber balloon-like shape, and is attached to a distal end part (27) of the introduction tube (20) so as to project from the distal end part (27).

Abstract: A fluid feeder which feeds a fluid into a balloon made of an elastic material so as to inflate, the fluid feeder provided with: a cylinder that is formed in a cylindrical shape provided with a first port and a second port on each end thereof and contains the fluid; a plunger that is inserted into the cylinder via the second port in a freely advancing and retracting manner in an axial direction, in order to push out the fluid contained in the cylinder from the first port to the outside of the cylinder; an adjustor that is attached to the plunger and regulates a moving distance of the plunger so as to inflate the balloon to a predetermined diameter; and a fixing portion that is provided on the cylinder and fixes the plunger onto the cylinder to a position which corresponds to the moving distance regulated by the adjustor, wherein: the adjustor has a plurality of engaging members which regulates the moving distance corresponding to a plurality of the different inflated diameters, and the fixing portion has an

Abstract: The balloon inflation device comprises a syringe (2) having a syringe barrel (4) and a syringe piston (6) slidably and rotatably movable. The piston (6) has an exterior threading. The syringe barrel also comprises a retractable mechanism (30) for retaining the piston (6) in the syringe barrel, which mechanism (30) is switchable between a retracted state in which the piston (6) is free to slide in the syringe barrel and an active state in which the free sliding of the piston (6) is impossible and in which the piston (6) can be screwed or unscrewed. The device comprises a pressure gauge (104) for measuring the output pressure of the syringe barrel (4). The pressure gauge (104) is mounted angularly movable with respect to the syringe barrel (4) and around the axis of the syringe barrel (4).

Abstract: An feeding tube and a kit for installation of a feeding tube includes a balloon anchored gastric tube. A protective sleeve on a dilator protects the toroidal balloon from damage during surgical insertion of the feeding tube. In one example, a jejunal tube is integrated with the kit and the gastric tube serves as a gastric sleeve forming an annular region or channels for fluid flow to and/or from the stomach and to/from the jejunum. An integrated gastro jejunal feeding tube unit may include a jejunal tube outlet port at one end, a jejunal balloon port, a gastric sleeve outlet port, one or more gastric balloon ports, one or more gastric balloons, gastric drainage holes, a jejunal balloon positioned at end of the jejunal tube and sleeve. A black silk loop may affix an end of the jejunal tube at a position in the jejunum, and insertion of the jejunal tube may be monitored continuously using an endoscope. Drainage holes may be provided in the jejunal tube and/or the gastric sleeve.

Abstract: A percutaneous single-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A pneumostomy instrument is introduced percutaneously through the thoracic wall, parietal membrane, visceral membrane and into the parenchymal tissue of the lung. The pneumostomy instrument crosses the pleural cavity between the parietal membrane and visceral membrane there being no pleurodesis between the membranes prior to passage of the pneumostomy instrument. A pneumoplasty device at the distal end of the pneumostomy instrument displaces and engages the parenchymal tissue of the lung and the pneumostomy instrument is used to secure the lung and visceral membrane in contact with the parietal membrane and chest wall. The pneumostomy instrument is left in place while a pneumostoma tract heals and pleurodesis occurs between the pleural membranes surrounding the pneumostomy instrument.

Abstract: A medical-balloon inflator includes a pump piston assembly, a movable pivot, and an actuator handle. The actuator handle is operatively connected to the movable pivot and is adapted to translate the pump piston assembly to inflate or inflatingly pressurize a medical balloon when the actuator handle is rotated an angular distance about the movable pivot by a user.

Abstract: A medical device for creating a fistula in a patient has a catheter including a first lumen and a second lumen for forming a fistula inside a body organ of a patient is disclosed. The second lumen may be capable of fluid communication with an internal bolster, wherein the internal bolster is attachable to the catheter near the distal end and is at least partially filled with a liquid. An external bolster may be adjustably attachable to the catheter outside the patient. Methods of use of medical devices according to the present invention are also disclosed. In one aspect of a method of use, at least a portion of the liquid within an internal bolster may be removed. Such a process may substantially collapse the internal bolster for removal of the medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a balloon dilatation catheter, in particular for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), provided with a guide wire, a supply tube extending parallel to the guide wire and serving for inflating a dilatation balloon, as well as the dilatation balloon arranged in the distal area of the supply tube, wherein the dilatation balloon has a tubular configuration with a wall structure comprising a plurality of tube segments arranged adjacent to each other of which at least one is connected with the supply tube.

Abstract: Embodiments include an infusion-occlusion system having a delivery catheter, a guide catheter adapted to receive the delivery catheter, and a guidewire with an occlusion device adapted to be received within the guide catheter. The guide catheter of the catheter kit may be provided with an occlusion device at the distal end of the guide catheter. The delivery catheter may have an accessory lumen, coaxial or co-linear lumen, a supporting mandrel, or an occlusion device at its distal end. Moreover, according to some embodiments, occlusion devices may be a single material or a composite balloon having an inner liner and an outer layer of different materials, a high compliance low pressure balloon, or a filter device that restricts particles from passing through but does not restrict fluid, such as blood. An inflation device with a large volume and low volume syringe can be used to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A syringe holder which is capable of holding a plurality of types of syringes used for expanding a balloon catheter so as to be capable of being detached and attached is proposed. Preferably, a clearance is provided between the syringe holder and the syringe, so that gas can come into sufficient contact therewith during sterilizing treatment. The syringe holder in this arrangement can be formed, for example, by forming a plurality of grooves which are similar to the shape of the syringe and slightly larger than the syringe on a sheet formed of resilient member. Preferably, the shape is devised to prevent dropping off of the syringe from the syringe holder.

Abstract: A syringe holder which is capable of holding a plurality of types of syringes used for expanding a balloon catheter so as to be capable of being detached and attached is proposed. Preferably, a clearance is provided between the syringe holder and the syringe, so that gas can come into sufficient contact therewith during sterilizing treatment. The syringe holder in this arrangement can be formed, for example, by forming a plurality of grooves which are similar to the shape of the syringe and slightly larger than the syringe on a sheet formed of resilient member. Preferably, the shape is devised to prevent dropping off of the syringe from the syringe holder.

Abstract: A system and method is provided including a fluid communications network that sends priming and waste fluid to a waste bag, obviating the presence of open fluid containers in an operating room or catheter lab. The fluid communications network is constructed and arranged to allow nearly automated priming and bubble removal, thereby reducing the possibility of operator caused errors in set-up and reducing the time required for set-up. The fluid communications network is useable for attachment to a balloon catheter for inflation thereof. In order to provide greater control and automation of the inflation of the balloon catheter, a conversion kit is provided that can be used to convert an existing automatic injector into an injector useable for automatically controlling the small amount of injection fluid typically associated with balloon catheters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel composition and methods for altering the proliferation of a cell. Included are wild-type and mutant hKIS polypeptides along with cyclin kinase inhibitors containing mutations that prevent their inhibition with serine/threonine kinases.

Abstract: A pressure relief mechanism is incorporated into a modified syringe-type inflation device that may be coupled to a balloon catheter for inflating and deflating the balloon. An engagement mechanism selectively engages and disengages from a threaded shaft for advancing or withdrawing a plunger placed in slidable, yet sealing fit within a cylindrical chamber. In a first engaging position, the threaded shaft may be forcibly advanced or withdrawn in the cylindrical chamber, while in a second disengaged position, the plunger may be quickly pulled back.

Abstract: A vascular catheter assembly includes an over-the-wire stent deployment catheter and a flow-by-channel assembly. The stent deployment catheter is positioned just below the occluded artery in accordance with standard procedures. The flow-by-channel then shunts blood, and thus all friable plaque, from the high pressure carotid occlusion to the negative pressure extremity to effectively reverse the flow of blood through the occluded artery. The stent is then advanced into the narrowed artery and deployed. Thus, the vascular catheter assembly takes advantage of the collateral blood flow to solve the problem of stroke during endovascular procedures.

Abstract: Multipurpose catheter including a small diameter cylindrical body including a first end, a second end, and at least three internal non-coaxial channels. A connection mechanism is disposed adjacent the first end for communicating with the non-coaxial channels. The connection mechanism comprises an ergonomic monobloc head which is sealingly attached to the first end of the cylindrical body. The monobloc head comprises a bulged wall having at least three independent inlets for communicating with the three non-coaxial channels via bores and two walls which continue from the bulged wall. An inwardly curved connecting wall is also included. The connecting wall is disposed adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body and connects the two walls. The two walls comprise first opposite facing inclined surfaces and second opposite facing inclined surfaces having a different inclination.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is affixed to the outer wall of the catheter so as to provide an air tight seal there between. A slip joint is formed between the distal end of the catheter and the distal end of the balloon to permit the distal end of the balloon to axially move or translate with respect to the distal end of the catheter. The slip joint allows the axial length of balloon to change during inflation or deflation without transferring tensile or compressive forces between the balloon and the catheter, thereby preventing transverse creases from forming in the surface of the balloon and preventing the catheter from bowing. Alternatively, the catheter may be terminated so as to not contact the distal end of the balloon, or the catheter can be segmented so that separate catheter parts are connected to each end of the balloon, thereby eliminating the slip joint altogether.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling and monitoring pressurization data. The methods and systems advance beyond the prior art in their ability to convey pressurization data unambiguously. The methods and systems include a novel combination of visual cues and control features to insure that pressurization data may be analyzed accurately. For example, the visual cues and control features include changing the background color of the display area and providing a pressurization arrow to indicate pressurization or depressurization; a time showing the elapsed time of pressurization or depressurization; a pressurization number indicating the number of pressurization cycles that have occurred; software keys for making configuration choices; and text and graphic display modes. A touch interface may be provide for user interaction. To insure accurate pressure measurements, at least one pressure reference standard may also be utilized.

Abstract: A vascular catheter assembly includes an over-the-wire stent deployment catheter and a flow-by-channel assembly. The stent deployment catheter is positioned just below the occluded artery in accordance with standard procedures. The flow-by-channel then shunts blood, and thus all friable plaque, from the high pressure carotid occlusion to the negative pressure extremity to effectively reverse the flow of blood through the occluded artery. The stent is then advanced into the narrowed artery and deployed. Thus, the vascular catheter assembly takes advantage of the collateral blood flow to solve the problem of stroke during endovascular procedures.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising a fluid dispensing device. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber for retaining, in use, balloon inflation fluid. An outlet attaches, in use, to a catheter inflation lumen, and dispensing means dispenses fluid, in use, from the chamber via the outlet into the catheter lumen. An indicator indicates when a predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed from the outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of volume deficiency disorders of body structures and related syndromes and, more particularly, apparatus that deliver fluid via a catheter at a controlled pressure into a balloon situated within or adjacent a body cavity to effect tissue expansion. A drainage mechanism, especially useful in treating bladder deficiencies, is disclosed which permits drainage of body fluids while the balloon is in its expanded state. The balloon can be adapted to fit within a recess of the catheter, for example, in a folded or rolled state, and the invention also provides means for delivering fluid at a controlled pressure into an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Device (2) for administering a composition in a duct (14) of a human or animal body, comprising means (4) able to enter an inner surface of the duct wall to make blind openings in a thickness of the wall and dispenser means (20) to place the composition in contact with the openings.

Abstract: An improved catheter for delivery of a saline solution to a fallopian tube to be examined by ultrasonic energy and for filling the uterus with a saline solution simultaneously in a sealed position. The device uses first and second expandable balloon sealing elements, one for the fallopian tube opening, the other for the cervix opening to completely seal the fallopian tube and the uterus. The distance between the balloons is adjustable, and a catheterization tip is insertable through a lumen into the fallopian tube. Liquid is provided to the balloons through separate lumens that include cutoff valves for holding the liquid in the balloons. The method employed involves inserting the distal end of the device into the uterus opening while positioning the balloon within the cervical opening and positioning a second balloon in the fallopian tube. The method then includes expanding both balloons so that the cervix and then the fallopian tube are sealed tightly.

Abstract: Trans-esophageal cardiac compression is performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation by introducing into the esophagus a tube (12) having a distal inflatable member, such as a balloon (20). The balloon (20) is positioned in the esophagus (48) at the level of the ventricles of the heart (50). A rapidly cycling pump (16) (such as a compressible bag) is attached to the tube (12), and used to inflate and deflate the balloon (20) on the tube (12). As the balloon (20) inflates, it compresses the ventricles against the sternum (54), increases the transmural pressure across the ventricular wall, and propels blood out of the heart (50) into the aorta and pulmonary arteries. The balloon (20) is inflated and deflated at a rate of approximately 60 cycles to 80 cycles per minute to maintain perfusion of the heart, brain and other vital organs until more definitive therapy can reestablish the contractile activity of the heart.