Abstract: A catheter includes a distal distension balloon and circumferentially arranged motility measurement balloons proximal of the distension balloon. A manifold includes balloon ports each configured to fluidly couple to a motility measurement balloon, pressure transducer ports, and a priming port. A port selector is coupled to the manifold and movable between different positions. Each port selector position causes the manifold to establish different fluidic couplings between the respective motility balloon, pressure transducer, and priming ports. A pressure sensing device includes pressure transducers each fluidly coupled to one of the pressure transducer ports. The pressure sensing device is configured to coordinate calibration of the pressure transducers at atmospheric pressure with the port selector in a first position and motility balloon pressure measurements with the port selector in a third position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the systems, methods and devices are provided for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, an electrical arc is generated between two spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-filled balloon, creating a subsonic pressure wave. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a plurality of points that allow the electrical arc to form at any one of the plurality of points to, among other things, extend the electrode life.

Abstract: A sponge-based variable-stiffness support structure for natural orifice surgical instrument is to support the surgical instrument and includes: a variable-stiffness sponge pipeline connected with the natural orifice surgical instrument and configured to support the natural orifice surgical instrument in a natural orifice; a hydrophobic breathable film attached to an outer wall of the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline, and configured to isolate the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline from body fluid in the natural orifice; and a gas delivery assembly connected with the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline, and configured to inject high-pressure air or water vapor into a variable-stiffness sponge pipe of the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline; wherein the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline has a stiffness inversely proportional to content of the water vapor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the systems, methods and devices are provided for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, an electrical arc is generated between two spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-filled balloon, creating a subsonic pressure wave. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a plurality of points or extensions that allow the electrical arc to form at any one of the plurality of points to, among other things, extend the electrode life.

Abstract: Methods of using a soft tissue cutting device are disclosed. The methods include providing the soft tissue cutting device, positioning the soft tissue cutting device in a priming slot of a tray configured for receiving and holding the soft tissue cutting device, attaching a priming syringe to the soft tissue cutting device, priming a balloon disposed on a distal end of the soft tissue cutting device by equalizing a first pressure inside the balloon to a second pressure inside the priming syringe, removing the soft tissue cutting device from the priming slot, and positioning the distal end of the soft tissue cutting device on a safety slot included in the tray to determine whether the tissue cutting device has been properly primed.

Abstract: The presently described catheter is an improved multi-function hypospadias catheter adapted to be urethrally inserted and secured within a patient's bladder using an attached internal crescent shaped retention balloon. The inverted crescent configuration of the balloon reduces the contact surface area between the balloon and a patient's bladder wall to reduce bladder spasms. The catheter is removed from the patient (when needed) via deflation of the crescent shaped balloon, which deflates completely so as to not contact a patient's urethra during insertion and removal of the catheter. The catheter includes a double lumen with a one-way flow valve. One lumen provides a passageway to drain urine from a patient's bladder. The second lumen provides a passageway to inflate and deflate the crescent shaped retention balloon.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the subject invention included herein provide devices, systems and methods for aiding the regrooming or refolding of balloons upon deflation. The scope of the inventions in this specification includes methods and devices that reduce the profile of balloons after deflation, reduce or eliminate wings, high-points, irregularities, bunching, thickening, and the like, and facilitate passage of a deflated balloon through a body void or lumen, or through a medical device such as a guide catheter, guide sheath, femoral or radial introducer sheath, and the like.

Abstract: A system (100) for artificially feeding a patient, comprising: a pressure sensor (114) fluidly connectable to an inflatable balloon (B) via a first lumen of a balloon catheter (130); a controller (110) operatively connected to the pressure sensor (114) for obtaining the measured pressure values; a food pump (112) fluidly connectable to a second lumen of the balloon catheter having at least one opening (132) for providing food; the controller (110) operatively connected to the food pump (112) for driving the food pump at a configurable flow rate; wherein the controller (110) contains computer executable instructions comprising: first code fragments for performing a first algorithm (1300) for extracting gastric motility information from the measured pressure values, and second code fragments for performing a second algorithm for dynamically adjusting (708) said flow rate based on said extracted gastric motility information.

Abstract: An integrated targeted kyphoplasty system includes a piercing head, a tube body and a tube body handle. The tube body has an end connected to the piercing head and is provided with a balloon and a guider at an end of the balloon, and another end connected to the tube body handle and provided with a guide knob for controlling the guider to be bent and a pressure pump connector communicating the balloon. The piercing head is provided with a cement outlet, a cement channel is in center of the tube body, and the tube body handle is provided with a cement inlet. The cement outlet, cement channel and cement inlet communicate with each other. The device requires for only one piercing to complete entire KP surgical treatment without changing any tools, greatly decreasing radiation exposure rate of the patient during operation and the pain caused by multiple operations.

Abstract: An volume filling device for treatment of obesity is placed outside the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patient's appetite. By providing the volume filling device outside the stomach wall, contact with stomach acids is avoided, thereby increasing the life of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to treatment programs utilizing expansion elements, such as those associated with occlusion and therapeutic agent delivery devices, systems, and methods. In some more specific examples, treatment programs include expansion-contraction cycles at a pre-selected frequency profile configured to treat a particular condition, such as calcification of an arterial conduit, for example.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes an elongate tubular member with a proximal region and a distal region. A passage extends through the elongate tubular member. The surgical access device also includes a balloon anchor with an expandable portion. A first portion of the balloon anchor extends proximally along the outer surface of the tubular member. The surgical access device also has a valve assembly disposed in the proximal region of the elongate tubular member that is fluidly coupled to the balloon anchor. A disc is slidably disposed on the elongate tubular member and includes a first blade with a first sharpened edge that is configured to penetrate the first portion of the balloon anchor. The first blade is transitionable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a catheter are described, having a balloon configured to slowly inflate and then quickly deflate to create an area of low pressure in the vessels. The balloon can be cycled near the vessels of the kidneys, thereby helping to draw out blood from the kidneys and enhance fluid processing to the bladder.

Abstract: Devices used to pressurize, depressurize, or otherwise displace fluid are disclosed. The devices may be configured as a syringe. The syringe may be configured to generate high-pressure within the syringe to inflate or deflate a medical device, such as a balloon, or to inject a substance, such as bone cement, into a bone, such as a vertebra. The syringe may include a pressure reduction mechanism used to depressurize the syringe.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns polymer catheter designs incorporating joints that break under tension. The joints are generally formed from two tubular elements comprising two different polymers with dissimilar thermal and/or mechanical characteristics, which are overlapped and exposed to heat and pressure. The disclosure also concerns methods of making and using such catheters, for instance to deliver medical implants.

Abstract: An inflation device including a handle mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage threads within the device. In some instances the threads are configured to couple a plunger to a syringe body. The handle mechanism may be configured to (1) provide a mechanical advantage and (2) change the location and direction of the input force, thereby making the device easier to use.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction nozzle that can extend from a guide catheter of the like. The suction nozzle can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. A suction lumen extends from the proximal end of the guide catheter through at least part of the guide catheter central lumen and through the suction tip. Desirable suction flow can be established using the guide lumen to facilitate the suction. Also, a delivery catheter is described with an elastic tip that can track closely over a guidewire. The elastic tip of the delivery catheter can be expanded to provide for the delivery of medical devices past the tip.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system is provided to dilate the ostium of a paranasal sinus or some other anatomical passageway (e.g., within the ear, nose, or throat, etc.). The system may include a dilation catheter, a dilator, a guide catheter, and an inflator. The dilation catheter may be positioned between the dilator and the inflator. The guide catheter is configured to guide the dilator into the affected passageway. The inflator may then be actuated to transfer fluid from the inflator, through the dilation catheter, and into the dilator. The transfer of fluid may inflate the dilator to an expanded state to open or dilate the affected passageway. The inflator may include a body, a plunger assembly, and locking features that selectively secure the position of the plunger assembly relative to the body by moving along a path that is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the plunger assembly.

Abstract: An everting balloon system is disclosed that can be used for biopsy within a body of a patient or animal. The everting balloon system can be used to access a bodily cavity or vessel for tissue specimen collection at specific bodily locations. The everting catheter system described simplifies the process of tissue biopsy.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a joint according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, fixating at least one suture inside a joint space, retrieving the at least one suture from inside the joint space, passing the at least one suture through a graft at a location external to the joint space, shuttling the graft into the joint space and fixating the graft using the at least one suture.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for providing access to a patient. The patient access device comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therethrough. The patient access device further comprises a hollow shaft, an input port and a liquid supply port. At least a portion of the lumen passes through the shaft. The input port is coupled to the lumen, and the lumen and the input port are constructed and arranged to receive an elongate probe. The liquid supply port is in fluid communication with the lumen. The patient access is constructed and arranged to reduce gas from exiting the distal end while a portion of the elongate probe is positioned in the patient access device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.

Abstract: A method and device for the treatment of an aneurysm are provided. Different therapeutic agents are delivered to the aneurysmal site by a reservoir and delivery means in a localized, and, in some embodiments, time-released regimen, to treat, limit and reduce the severity of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting cardiac function are provided. One such device for assisting heart function includes a first plate and an opposing second plate, each plate having an inner surface, a cardiac processor coupled to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, a bladder having an inner chamber and disposed between the inner surfaces, and a first catheter having a proximal end in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder and a distal end having a first pericardial balloon coupled thereto. A gas and/or a liquid within the inner chamber of the bladder can be injected into the first pericardial balloon upon compression of the first plate relative to the second plate, and the gas and/or the liquid can be removed from the first pericardial balloon upon retraction of the first plate relative to the second plate.

Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for accessing and/or removing material from a body lumen. The apparatus includes a tubular sheath including a shaft having a proximal end and an expandable distal end that is expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded, tapered configuration. In one embodiment, the expandable member include inner and outer membranes attached together and to the shaft. Optionally, the inner membrane may include a reinforcement layer and/or the outer membrane may have a longer chord length than the inner membrane, to enhance the expandable member expanding such that a distal opening is defined by the expandable member having s a relatively large diameter tapering proximally to a lumen of the shaft. Optionally, the apparatus may include a dilator and/or one or more treatment devices receivable in the lumen of the shaft.

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: Device for gravity-driven, particularly continuous, control of the filling pressure in a balloon catheter (3), comprising: a balloon reservoir that is statically loaded with a vertically guided weight guide or stamp (9) that weighs vertically on the balloon reservoir, wherein said weight guide or stamp is designed to carry vertically arranged and therewith plumb-vertically acting weight elements (8), and wherein the balloon reservoir is guided in a cylindrical shell (6).

Abstract: The present invention is directed in various methods, devices and systems relating to providing a balloon on a sheath in combination with orbital atherectomy in order reduce the number of steps in the procedure. In certain embodiments, the balloon comprises adjunctive low pressure balloon for prevention of vessel trauma during dilatation.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed, which includes an elongated shaft body, a dilatable balloon in which a distal end portion and a proximal end portion form a dilation chamber inside of the dilatable balloon by being away from each other and being individually bonded to an outer periphery of the shaft body, and a stretch regulation member that connects the outer periphery of the shaft body or an inner periphery of the balloon of the distal end portion of the balloon and the outer periphery of the shaft body or the inner periphery of the balloon of the proximal end portion of the balloon with each other inside the dilation chamber while regulating a stretch occurring between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the balloon during dilation of the balloon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The valve may be biased to be closed, e.g., by a spring element disposed within the balloon. Optionally, the apparatus also includes an actuator for expanding a helical member within the balloon interior, e.g., either before or after expanding the balloon, such that the helical member and balloon may adopt an expanded helical shape for removing material within a body lumen.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an atraumatic urinary catheter. The atraumatic urinary catheter has a first tubule, a second tubule and a third tubule. The first tubule is provided with a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is wide and extended from a proximal end to a distal end of the first tubule and the first channel is open in both ends. The second tubule comprises a third channel, which is connected to a bladder cavity. The third tubule placed on the first tubule and the second tubule as a cover, to form a catheter's balloon. In order to avoid balloon explosion, the sterile water in the balloon is drained by the self-retaining mechanism of the catheter to prevent an irritation and tissue traumatization.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluid into a body lumen during a medical procedure. A distal end of an apparatus may be introduced into a body lumen, and a valve on the distal end may be opened to deliver fluid through a first lumen into the body lumen, e.g., contrast and/or other diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The valve may be closed, and a procedure may be performed within the body lumen, e.g., using a treatment element carried on the distal end. For example, the treatment element may include a balloon that may be inflated when fluid is delivered through the first lumen with the valve closed. Optionally, a prosthesis, energy source, drug platform, and the like may be carried by the balloon for treating the body lumen. In various embodiments, the valve may be located proximal or distal to the treatment element.

Abstract: A pump for use in anal irrigation includes a control unit integrated in the pump. The control unit includes a cylindrical housing element and a valve element fitted in the housing. The valve element and the housing element are adapted for rotating with respect to each other between a position allowing the pump to pump air into a balloon, a position allowing the pump to pump air into a reservoir bag and an evacuation position. The control unit is actuated by a handle attached to the rotatable valve element. The handle extends radially out from the rotatable valve element and the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A deflation device for use in deflating an inflatable or implantable balloon device, comprising, in combination: an endoscope tube, having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen; a cap disposed at the distal end of the endoscope tube and having walls defining a balloon interface chamber; a coring device disposed within the lumen and configured to travel within the lumen such that a distal end of the coring device is extendable beyond the distal end of the cap; wherein the cap is configured to provide a normal surface of a balloon relative to the orientation of the coring device as the coring device is disposed near the distal end of the cap.

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 the field of medical devices. Specifically, the invention relates to an enteral feeding device comprising expandable means which prevents or significantly reduces aspirations from the alimentary tract to the respiratory system. In further aspects, the invention relates to systems comprising said enteral feeding device, methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: A medical device for providing direct port-like endoscopic access to the urinary bladder of a patient and a method of utilizing and inserting the medical device. The medical device can include a hollow tube with a main channel and a separate channel, a cap with an inflation port and a hollow flexible stem fluidly connecting the inflation port and the separate channel. A method can include inserting a needle above the pubic symphysis of a mammal, threading a guide wire through the needle, removing the needle and inserting the medical device. The method can optionally include determining measuring the depth between the skin surface of the patient's suprapubic region and urinary bladder.

Abstract: A handheld resector balloon system includes a balloon catheter with a resecting surface and hub coupled to a handheld pump. The hub includes an inflation port that supplies fluid to a first lumen of the catheter to repeatedly inflate and deflate the balloon in pulsed fashion to resect biological material. The hub may also include a delivery port for delivering an agent, such as drugs, to a second lumen of the catheter for delivery to the distal end of the catheter. The hub may also include an aperture for inserting a device, such as an imaging device, into the second lumen of the catheter. In some embodiments, an imaging module is coupled to a handheld pump, which may include a light source for supplying light, and image circuitry for converting an optical signal from the imaging device to electrical data to be output to a computer.

Abstract: Adjustable balloon catheter including an inner tubular member that has an inflation lumen. An expandable member is coupled to the distal end portion of the inner tubular member and has an inner chamber in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The expandable member is transitionable between a deflated and an inflated configuration. The expandable member defines has a non-cylindrical shape including a first section having a first diameter in the inflated configuration and a second section having a second diameter when in the inflated configuration. The first diameter is different than the second diameter. An outer tubular member is movable relative to the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is moveable between an extended position disposed over the expandable member and a fully retracted position proximal to the extended position. The outer tubular member is selectively positioned between the extended position and the fully retracted position.

Abstract: Methods and devices for biasing a balloon catheter are disclosed. In one example, a medical device may include a catheter shaft and a balloon assembly coupled to a distal region of the catheter shaft. The balloon assembly can define a chamber configured to be inflated and deflated using a fluid supplied from the catheter shaft. A biasing member may be positioned in the chamber of the balloon assembly and may be configured to bias the balloon assembly to a longitudinally extended state without obstructing an exhaust lumen of the catheter shaft. In some cases, the biasing member may be a spring. In other cases, the biasing member may be a coiled portion of a fluid supply line.

Abstract: A catheter having a fluid circuit to control and modulate flow of inflation fluid to and from a balloon.

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 treating a blood clot includes a microcatheter extending through an optional aspiration catheter, and a guidewire subassembly extending through and beyond the microcatheter, the guidewire assembly having a guidewire, an element coupled to and extending around a portion of the guidewire, and a balloon coupled to and extending around the element. The balloon includes or is coupled to a proximal seal in contact with the inner surface of the microcatheter and has at least one radially arranged pore. Infusate flows through the microcatheter into the element and between the element and the guidewire, and out and into the balloon to pressurize the balloon. The infusate escapes the balloon through the pores.

Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.

Abstract: A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve system for an inflatable portion of an indwelling medical device and more particularly to a valve system for fluid regulation of a catheter comprising a fluid inflatable portion that undergoes pressure changes within the body during use. The present invention also relates to methods of treatment using said valve system and indwelling medical devices comprising said valve systems.

Abstract: A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.