Abstract: A balloon catheter which allows for faster preparation and more effective purging of air within the catheter, while also providing a more space efficient design, wherein the balloon catheter includes a tubular outer member and a tubular inner member disposed in the lumen of the outer member such that the outer member and inner member define an annular fluid path between them. A balloon is secured to and circumferentially surrounds an outer surface of the distal portion of the outer member. A tubular seal is disposed circumferentially around the inner surface of the distal portion of the outer member. The inner member is movable longitudinally relative to the outer member from a non-sealing position in which the annular fluid path is open, and a sealing position in which the distal portion of the inner member contacts the seal thereby sealing the annular fluid path at the seal.

Abstract: An occluding catheter for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow to right and left carotid arteries is provided. The occluding catheter includes a shaft that has a proximal end and a distal end, and a proximal occluding balloon carried by the shaft. The proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. A distal occluding balloon is carried by the shaft and is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the proximal occluding balloon. The shaft has a segment that is located between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon. Also provided are alternative arrangements with a single or dual inflation and/or guidewire channel, single occluding balloon, and an associated method of diverting emboli from cerebral circulation.

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 there between, 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 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: 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 system for breaking obstructions in body lumens includes a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the balloon being arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon, and an arc generator including at least one electrode within the balloon that forms a mechanical shock wave within the balloon. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the arc generator.

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 a balloon catheter system for draining and/or supplying fluid from/into hollow organs, body cavities or cysts, comprising a conduit catheter with an open distal end, a hollow needle guided in a separate guide conduit and a balloon surrounding the catheter stem at the distal end of the conduit catheter. The conduit catheter with the hollow needle can be inserted from outside into the hollow organ via a guide catheter, into the body cavity or cyst, the balloon can be filled with filling medium via the hollow needle through an opening formed in the guided duct and provided in the lumen of the balloon, and it can be fixed in the hollow organ, body cavity or cyst. The hollow needle can be removed from the guide duct after filling the balloon. The balloon and the conduit catheter remain in the hollow organ, body cavity or cyst.

Abstract: A rapid exchange balloon catheter including: an outer conduit having a lumen and a wall surrounding the lumen, the wall including a lateral opening formed therein; an inner conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a sealing sleeve for sealing the lateral opening of the outer conduit; a balloon whose proximal margin is attached to the outer surface of the distal end of the outer conduit, and whose distal margin is attached to the outer surface of the portion of the inner conduit that extends beyond the distal end of the outer conduit; a pushing-pulling mechanism disposed in the outer conduit; and a fluid port for the introduction of an expansion fluid and for the removal of the expansion fluid.

Abstract: A valve configured for a lumen of medical device is provided. The valve includes a valve body that may be elastically deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. The valve body includes a lumen having a closed configuration and an open configuration. The lumen may be actuated from the closed configuration to the open configuration by elastically deforming the valve body from the first configuration to the second configuration. The valve body may include a portion configured to form a seal with an interior surface of a lumen of a medical device.

Abstract: A cleaning catheter (200) includes fluid-delivery and suction lumens (520, 530). A flow regulator (700) defines suction and fluid ports (830, 827). A mechanical user control element (320) is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set activation states of the flow regulator (700), and transition between first and third configurations via a second configuration. When the control element (320) is in the first configuration, the flow regulator (700) blocks fluid communication (a) between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530) and (b) between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520). When the control element (320) is in the second configuration, the flow regulator effects fluid communication between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530), and blocks fluid communication between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520).

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 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: The present application provides a device for the simultaneous or the separate perfusion and occlusion of a vessel comprising a body having a distal end, a proximal end, a single lumen (66, 80) extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and at least one opening (63,72) which is in fluid communication with the lumen for delivering a therapeutic treatment to a vessel; and at least one expandable balloon (65,70,81) coupled with the body of the device, said balloon is provided with an interior which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the device through at least one opening (68, 69, 70), said opening is provided with at least one valve (71) which is movable from a closed position, in which fluid communication of the lumen with the interior of the balloon is prevented, to an open position in which the lumen is in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon.

Abstract: A safety balloon catheter includes a catheter having a stretch valve, a connector, a balloon inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon and conveying inflation fluid thereto and therefrom, a hollow second lumen, and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon to the second lumen. The stretch valve has a hollow base fixed in the second lumen at a proximal catheter end and shaped to permit a fluid therethrough and a hollow plug slidably positioned in the second lumen at a given distance from the base to, in a steady state, prevent inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, when actuated, slide within the second lumen to permit inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. The connector connects the base and the plug and has a length greater than the given distance.

Abstract: A tamponade trocar includes an elongate balloon having a closed distal end and is adapted to expand from a small diameter to a large diameter. A cannula is positioned at a proximal portion within the balloon lumen. A rigid stylet is removably positioned within the balloon and cannula lumens. A distal end of the stylet supported balloon is inserted into a perforation in a body wall and advanced into a body cavity while the balloon is unexpanded. The balloon is expanded and the cannula is advanced to a distal portion of the balloon lumen and across the body wall. At this stage, the perforation is dilated and in compressive tamponade. The proximal portion of the balloon may be removed and a seal housing may be coupled to the proximal end of the cannula. The distal end of the balloon may be punctured and opened, making the trocar ready for use.

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 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: 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: A rectal catheter is configured for improved pediatric care. The catheter includes a member that terminates into a rounded tip, a plug mounted about the member, the plug being made of a moldable material, a balloon mounted about the member between the rounded tip and the plug, a conduit that fluidly communicates with the balloon and that extends from the member to enable a pressure source to be operatively connected to the balloon to inflate the balloon, and a pressure relief valve operatively connected to the conduit, the pressure relief valve being configured to open the conduit to atmosphere pressure in response to a pressure in the conduit reaching a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure is selected to attenuate significantly risk of bowel perforation in pediatric patients.

Abstract: A multistage balloon catheter that uses a single lumen to inflate a balloon in stages is disclosed. A fluid port provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen in the balloon catheter to the inner volume of a distal balloon. The distal balloon expands as fluid in delivered to the inner volume of the distal balloon. Once inflated, the pressure continues to rise until a threshold pressure is exceeded. A pressure sensitive inflation valve provides fluid communication into an inner volume of a second balloon disposed at least partially proximal to the distal balloon. The pressure sensitive valve allows fluid communication into the second balloon once the threshold pressure is reached in the first balloon thereby inflating the second 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: 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: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a sample from a source of fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the fluid source via a connector that is configured to improve fluid flow and reduce blood clotting risk. These goals can be accomplished, for example, by employing coatings in or on a connector, positioning a resilient substance at or near the junction, by reducing dead space volume, by using resiliency to improve fit, by extending a portion of one connector to better mate with a portion of another connector, etc.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept relates to a syringe that, when connected to an endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff, automatically inflates the ETT cuff to a safe pressure in a single, full stroke of the syringe, and methods related thereto. The syringe includes a plunger, body, high pressure valve and low pressure valve. The syringe inflates an ETT cuff to a pressure high enough to seal the ETT cuff in a patient's trachea, but not high enough to cause damage. Then the pressure is reduced to a desired optimal pressure by releasing pressure through the low pressure valve.

Abstract: A device and method for applying chemicals to internal tissue of living organisms, including the internal tissue of plants and animals, which organisms reside in mediums such as land, air or water. Piercing elements are engageable with a chemical reservoir in order to coat of the piercing elements with a chemical. Once coated, the piercing elements are used to pierce a living organism's tissue, such as plant tissue, to deliver the chemical.

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: A pre-assembled kit for administering ischemic postconditioning comprising a catheter and a handle having a fluid circuit to control and modulate flow of inflation fluid to and from a balloon wherein the catheter is free from additional assembly and preparation procedures such that it is ready-to-use within a variety of vessel sizes.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods and kits for an inflation system with pressure relief are provided. The system includes an inflatable member, a first shaft connected to the inflatable member, an imaging device extending into said cavity of the inflatable member, a second shaft configured to contain the imaging device, the second shaft having a closed end approximate to the imaging assembly and a open end approximate to the imaging system, the second shaft defining a cavity along a longitudinal axis thereof and configured to be positioned within the cavity of the first shaft; the first shaft and the second shaft defining a channel therebetween in communication with the cavity of the inflatable member; an inflator connected to the first shaft and in communication with the channel for inflating the inflatable member; and a relief valve in communication with the channel and positioned between the inflatable member and the inflator.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon support member having a hollow axial lumen and open distal end for allowing passage of a guidewire therethrough, a balloon disposed around the balloon support member, and an annular balloon seal disposed proximate to a distal end of the balloon catheter. The seal defines a central passageway for allowing passage therethrough of a guidewire extending out the distal end of the balloon support member, and is configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal around each of a plurality of guidewires having different outer diameters.

Abstract: A method for improving tissue uptake of beneficial agent and ejection fraction.

Abstract: A catheter including an outer conduit and an inner conduit movably disposed therein. The inner conduit includes at least one movable part. The proximal end of the inner conduit is angled piercing the wall of the outer conduit. The catheter includes an inflatable intussusceptable balloon having a proximal margin attached to the distal tip of the outer conduit and a distal margin attached to a portion of the inner conduit extending beyond the distal tip of the outer conduit. The diameter of a first portion of the balloon is larger than the diameter of other portions thereof. The catheter includes means for axially moving the inner conduit within the outer conduit, means for introducing expansion fluid into the balloon and means for permitting axial movement of the inner conduit within the outer conduit, unhindered by the passage of the angled proximal part of the inner conduit through the outer conduit.

Abstract: A method of reducing the risk of clinical sequelae to catheter induced vascular injuries may include introducing a guide wire into a vascular sheath residing in a blood vessel, proximally retracting the vascular sheath while leaving the wire in place, and observing indicia of the presence or absence of a vascular injury caused to the blood vessel by the vascular sheath or a procedural catheter previously advanced through the vascular sheath. If indicia of a vascular injury are observed, the method may further involve proximally retracting the guide wire to position the inflatable balloon adjacent the injury and inflating the balloon to reduce blood flow past the injury, while leaving the guide wire in place to provide subsequent access to the injury.

Abstract: When replacing an implanted medical device, the physician may have difficulty locating the new unit in exactly the same space or cavity within the body that held the old unit. Various embodiments and combinations of embodiments of a medical removal/insertion tool are proposed which can be inserted temporarily, as “place holders,” in the space of the implanted medical device to be removed, and used to guide the insertion of the replacement unit and to ensure that the replacement unit is properly situated within the body. In its simplest form, the removal/insertion tool has a “first part” which is configured to facilitate the positioning of the new unit in approximately the same space as the old unit, and a “second part” which serves as a handle for gripping, during use, to insert, position and subsequently remove the first part within the body cavity when replacement is complete.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a control unit and a pump integrated with the control unit. The control unit includes an adjustment knob attached to a major surface of the control unit, a first conduit extending from a side of the control unit to a reservoir that is configured to contain a volume of irrigation liquid, and a second conduit extending from the side of the control unit to an anal probe that is inflatable for fixation of the anal probe within a user. The adjustment knob has a first setting that is selectable to inflate a cuff of the anal probe and a second setting that is selectable to allow the pump to pump gas into the reservoir and thereby transfer the irrigation liquid from the reservoir through the inflated anal probe.

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 collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. The system also includes a retention device for securing system elements in position.

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

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A medical valve has an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. The valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a valving mechanism within the housing to alternatively fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet. The valve is in the open mode when the inlet and outlet fluidly connect. Insertion of a medical implement into the inlet produces a positive fluid displacement at the outlet. In addition, withdrawal of the medical implement as the valve transitions from the open mode to the closed mode produces a substantially neutral fluid displacement at the outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices and methods, for use in a vascular system. The apparatus includes a balloon catheter having an elongate body, balloon, and fluid control valve for ischemic post-conditioning therapy and/or reperfusion.

Abstract: A Foley type catheter of the type including an elongated flexible tube and an inflation lumen, the distal end of the tube being provided with a membrane that is inflated into a balloon by fluid passage though the lumen, wherein to retain the distal end interiorly of a bladder, and a drainage eye, wherein to enable the catheter to drain urine therefrom. The proximal end of the tube is provided with a fluid control valve and a fluid pump, each hand operated as desired. The pump is in the form of a squeeze bulb and/or aspirator and adapted to deform to supply and/or withdraw fluid into and from the lumen and selectively inflate/deflate the membrane. In one embodiment, the pump is in the shape of a pleated bellows that is axially collapsed and end walls forced together and into a suction cup like retaining engagement, and a coil spring acts to restore the shape.

Abstract: A catheter assembly incorporating a pre-biased indicator, the assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and catheter walls defining a catheter lumen. The assembly further includes a base located at the proximal end of the catheter, the base defining an opening to the catheter lumen, the base having a first end and a second end. An inflatable balloon having a predetermined fill volume is located at a distal end of the catheter. An inflation valve is located on the base; the inflation valve is in fluid communication with the balloon through an inflation lumen defined by the catheter walls. The pre-biased indicator located on the base in fluid communication with the balloon is configured to provide a discrete visual signal that the pressure of a fluid in the balloon is different from a predetermined level of pressure or the volume of the balloon is different from the predetermined fill volume.

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 relief valve incorporated within a Luer connector regulates the amount of air pressure applied by a syringe to a balloon at the end of a catheter to prevent bursting of the balloon.

Abstract: The irrigation system comprises a reservoir (1) for irrigating liquid, a probe (3) for arrangement in a user, conduit means (6,7,10,11) for conducting the irrigating fluid from the reservoir to the probe, and a fixation member (5) for fixation of the probe in the user. Pumping means (9) are provided for pumping gas into the reservoir (1) to transfer the irrigating liquid from the reservoir to the probe (3). The fixation member includes an inflatable cuff (5), and the system includes a control unit (8) which may be set in at least a cuff inflating position and a liquid transferring position.

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 relief valve incorporated within a Luer connector regulates the amount of air pressure applied by a syringe to a balloon at the end of a catheter to prevent bursting of the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a slittable delivery device for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device. The delivery device includes a hub and a shaft integrated into the hub. The shaft forms at least a segment of the circumferential surface of the hub. The delivery device may also include a hemostasis valve contained substantially within the hub and a cap on a proximal end of the hub. The cap may include an opening in the cap extending radially outward from a point near a radial center of the cap through a circumferential edge of the cap.