Abstract:
A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a first protruding element and a collar. The first protruding element is disposed proximal to a port in the tubular member through which a proximal portion of a tension member may exit. The collar is coaxially disposed about the tubular member and has a second protruding element projecting from an interior surface of the collar. The collar is configured for longitudinal sliding movement relative to the tubular member such that the collar may be moved along the tubular member toward the proximal end of the tubular member thereby interacting with the first protruding element and securing the proximal portion of the tension member between the first protruding element and the collar.
Abstract:
A composite wire guide (10) is formed from a more flexible distal wire guide (16) and stiffer proximal wire guide (12). The flexible and stiff wire guides are joined by a connector (24) that is tapered to provide a smooth transition between the distal and proximal portions. In other embodiments, wire guides may be joined by a joining ring, which may have a cross-section that is uniform, stepped, or tapered.
Abstract:
An implantable medical device having an outer elongated member, an inner elongated member positioned within the outer elongated member and at least one intermediate layer positioned between the outer elongated member and the inner elongated member. At least one of the outer elongated member, the inner elongated member and the at least one intermediate layer contains channels incorporating a pharmacologically active ingredient.
Abstract:
A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member, a locking assembly engaged with a proximal end of the tubular member, and a tension member for drawing a distal end of the tubular member into a desired configuration. The locking assembly includes a connector, a locking arm, and a locking mechanism. The connector has an exterior surface profile that corresponds with an interior surface profile of the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably attached to the connector to enable pivoting movement of the locking arm between an unlocked position and a locked position whereby the tension member is secured between the locking arm and the connector when the arm is in the locked position. The locking assembly may alternatively comprise a connector and a sliding sleeve or a connector having a clamping element disposed therein.
Abstract:
A closing device to create a seal in a cryocontainer for a biological specimen utilizes the temperature-induced phase transformation of shape memory materials to cause an actuator to toggle between a sealed and unsealed state. The temperature inducement occurs naturally within the normal temperature changes that occur during cryogenic vitrification of biological specimens.
Abstract:
A stent (50) is made from a coiled wire (55) and is very smooth along its length and as well its ends. The stent is thus highly atraumatic to patients, and because of its smooth surfaces, it presents a surface to which it is difficult for microbes to cling. The stent may be used in a minimally invasive procedure, such as for a ureteral stent, and may also be used percutaneously. Similar stents may be used in other body areas, such as in draining the biliary tract, the gastro-intestinal tract, hepatic procedures, and in vascular procedures as well.
Abstract:
Instruments for implanting a urethral sling in female patients, and a better technique for implanting the sling, are disclosed. Porcine small intestine submucosa is processed into a sturdy yet assimilable sling for supporting a urethra of a female patient. The sling is implanted using ligature carriers and sheaths to minimize contact between the sling and the vaginal and abdominal tissues of the patient. The ligature carriers are implanted into the patient via a suprapubic or vaginal route (antegrade or retrograde). The sling is then attached to the ligature carriers and is drawn into the patient through the sheaths. Then sheaths are then removed and the sling is adjusted and trimmed.
Abstract:
A single device is provided for performing the diagnostic procedures of sonohysterography and endometrial biopsy. The device includes a cervical seal to occlude the cervix and a substance delivery and removal device to deliver and remove a fluid from the uterus. The substance delivery and removal device may also be used to create a vacuum so that suction occurs near side-ports that are used to collect endometrial tissue samples from multiple locations as the device is rotated or moved laterally within the patient. Additionally, the sample may be taken using a cellular collection device.
Abstract:
A retrieval device is provided for retrieving stones, calculi and other objects from a body. The device may comprise a body (17), a slide assembly (161) slidably attached to the body, an articulator (13) rotatably attached to the body and in communication with the slide assembly, and wires (11a, lib) attached to the articulator and distally to a basket (B), such that moving the slide assembly can retract and extend the basket longitudinally while operating the articulator moves it transversely.
Abstract:
Medical device (10) for delivering therapeutic material to a patient. The device comprises an access sheath (12) having a proximal section (18) extending to a distal section (20). A working lumen (22) is formed in the proximal and distal sections. The distal section has a plurality of side ports (48) formed therethrough in fluid communication with the working lumen. The distal section has a deflection section (42) actuatable to bend at an angle for positioning the side ports in the patient. A needle assembly (14) is configured to move within the working lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In fluid communication with a central lumen is a plurality of needles (80). The needles are disposed within the access sheath in the retracted position and the needles extend through the side ports outwardly from the access sheath in the extended position.