Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080208166 | PRE-FORMED DELIVERY CATHETERS - A delivery catheter includes a pre-formed and resilient heart-wrapping segment. The segment may have a relaxed span that allows the segment to wrap around a left side of a heart from an anterior epicardial surface to a posterior epicardial surface, when the catheter is advanced along the epicardial surface, having been inserted from a sub-xiphoid access site. | 08-28-2008 |
20080228165 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRODUCING ELEMENTS INTO TISSUE - Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty. | 09-18-2008 |
20080300574 | Intravenous Catheter Insertion Device and Method of Use - An intravenous catheter insertion device and method of use are described. The insertion device coordinates movement of an access needle, a coaxial intravenous catheter and a flexible safety guidewire. A vein is punctured with the access needle, then an actuation member on the insertion device is used to advance the safety guidewire into the vein. The safety guidewire allows the access needle and the intravenous catheter to be safely advanced into the vein. Then, the actuation member is actuated to simultaneously withdraw the access needle and the safety guidewire, leaving only the intravenous catheter in the vein. The intravenous catheter is then disconnected from the insertion device and connected to a source of intravenous fluid, medication, etc. | 12-04-2008 |
20090030400 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTRACRANIAL ACCESS - A delivery catheter for accessing the intra-cranial vascular includes a rigid proximal section and a distal section having an outer diameter and flexibility suitable for advancement into the intra-cranial vasculature, such as the Petrous segment or the Cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. The wall thickness and rigidity of the catheter decrease from the proximal section to the distal section, preferably in discrete segments each having reduced wall thickness and/or durometer relative to proximally adjacent sections. An intra-cranial access system includes the delivery catheter and a selection catheter insertable through the lumen of the delivery catheter. The selection catheter is shaped to facilitate selection of the target branch of the neurovasculature off the aortic arch and allows the delivery catheter to be advanced over the selection catheter into the selected branch. | 01-29-2009 |
20090036871 | MATERIAL REMOVAL CATHETER AND METHOD - A catheter device and methods useable to extract material from a body conduit, e.g., a blood vessel, are provided. The catheter comprises a flexible catheter advanceable into the body conduit, an opening in a wall of the catheter in fluid communication with a material collection chamber, and a controllably arcuate segment near the distal tip of the catheter and the opening. The catheter may include a sliding member, located within a lumen of the catheter, used to move the material entering the catheter through the arcuate segment opening, into the material collection chamber and away from said opening. The catheter may include a single mechanism utilized to both generate a vacuum to cause material to enter the catheter at the arcuate segment opening and also cause the sliding member to travel, inside the catheter, moving material away from the opening and into the material collection chamber. | 02-05-2009 |
20090048577 | Multi-Port Catheter System with Medium Control and Measurement Systems for Therapy and Diagnosis Delivery - A series of embodiments of multi-lumen, multisegmented (or variable diameter) catheters and associated multi-channel flow control and measurement systems and methods for simultaneous delivery of a medium to a plurality of locations is described. The need for precise, stable reliable, and repeatable flow control in therapy delivery catheters is crucial to the efficacious treatment of the clinical manifestations of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and other such maladies. Such treatments may involve the placement of multi-lumen catheters into peripheral arterial trees, with the subsequent need to govern the flow dynamics within each individual lumen of the multi-lumen device in such a way that an optimum distribution of the agent is achieved intra-arterially. Combinations of pumps, flow monitors, pressure monitors, feedback loops and related hardware and software collectively capable of achieving this goal are described. In other embodiments, this device and method could be used for infusions into tissues and solid organs, and microcoil systems can be added to the various components of the catheter systems to improve the imaging quality during MR-guided procedures. | 02-19-2009 |
20090062769 | RAPID EXCHANGE CATHETER CONVERTER - Designs and methods for devices that prevent accidental or inadvertent lateral removal of a guidewire from the guidewire entry tool of a rapid exchange catheter. A first device takes the form of a funnel sized and shaped to slide into the guidewire entry tool. Another illustrative device is shaped and adapted to slide into the guidewire exit slot of the guidewire entry tool, blocking the slot until the converter is removed. In further embodiments, guidewire entry tools include a guidewire exit slot allowing for selective movement of a guidewire laterally from within a catheter. The slot may be designed with structures adapted to prevent inadvertent lateral movement of a guidewire from within the slot. The slot may be formed in a zigzag shape or may include a number of protrusions. Alternatively, the guidewire entry tool may include a split ring that rotates from a first position to a second position, the first position allowing lateral removal of a guidewire and the second position preventing such removal. | 03-05-2009 |
20090143764 | INFUSION CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH REDUCED BACKFLOW - Catheters assemblies having structural configurations operable to reduce backflow along the catheter assembly track, and methods of making and using such catheter assemblies. Catheters assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention find use in various applications including the treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions. An exemplary catheter assembly includes, in one illustrative embodiment, a flexible proximal catheter body portion, and a distal portion of a smaller diameter than the body portion. The distal portion includes a sealed distal tip or end and one or more side flow openings to permit flow of therapeutic substance from the catheter along an axis that is different than, e.g., skewed relative to, a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the catheter assembly. | 06-04-2009 |
20090264860 | INFUSION CATHETER SYSTEM WITH TELESCOPING CANNULA - An infusion catheter system includes an elongated catheter body and an inner elongated cannula body. The catheter body has a sidewall perforated with a plurality of side ports and the cannula body may have an outlet opening in a distal end. The side ports of the catheter body are selectively in fluid communication with the outlet opening of the cannula by moving the cannula between a first and second position within the catheter body. | 10-22-2009 |
20090318891 | Delivery device, system, and method for delivering substances into blood vessels - A delivery device delivery system and a method for delivering substances into blood vessels. The delivery device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. A first substance reservoir is disposed within the body and at least one cannula extends from the first end of the body. The cannula includes a cannula tip having a cannula opening therethrough and a cannula sheathing defining an interior passage in fluid communication with the first substance reservoir. A means is provided for delivering the first substance from the first substance reservoir through one of the at least one cannula, and a means is provided for delivering the second substance through one of the at least one cannula. | 12-24-2009 |
20090318892 | Removable Core Implant Delivery Catheter - A microcatheter comprising a sleeve and removable core with an atraumatic tip that allows delivery and navigation of the catheter to a site in remote small diameter vasculature over a guidewire. The core is removed upon achieving desired vascular access, leaving the sleeve in place for delivery of various therapeutic implants or systems. | 12-24-2009 |
20100016835 | MODULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention is a modular implantable medical device that is used deliver materials or energy into a patient's physiology, or from one region of a patient's physiology to another. The device includes a port element with a passageway therethrough for directing and anchoring a conduit element in a desired location. Both elements can be adjusted during placement to maximize the safety, comfort, and efficacy of use. In one embodiment, the port element is comprised of two components such that the passage way is formed after the components are assembled. This modularity enables a large diameter section of the conduit to be advanced past the port location, and the port to be assembled about a smaller proximal section of the conduit, thereby establishing full contact between the port and conduit elements to anchor the device in an optimal position. | 01-21-2010 |
20100016836 | Methods and Apparatus for Acute or Chronic Delivery or Substances or Apparatus to Extravascular Treatment Sites - Methods and apparatus for delivery of substances or apparatus to target sites located outside blood vessels within the body of a human or animal patient. A vessel wall penetrating catheter is inserted into the vasculature, positioned and oriented within a blood vessel near the target extravascular site and a penetrator is advanced from the catheter so as to penetrate outwardly through the wall of the blood vessel in the direction of the target site. Thereafter, a delivery catheter is passed through a lumen of the penetrator to the target site. A desired substance or apparatus is then delivered to or obtained from the target site. In some applications, the penetrator may be retracted into the vessel wall penetrating catheter and the vessel wall penetrating catheter may be removed, leaving the delivery catheter in place for chronic or continuous delivery of substance(s) to and/or obtaining of information or samples from the target site. Alternatively, a delivery catheter having an occlusion member or balloon may be advanced into a vein or venule and the occlusion member or balloon may be used to occlude the lumen of the vein or venule during and after injection of a substance through the catheter, such that the substance will not be carried away by normal venous blood flow and will remain in the vein or venule for a sufficient period of time to have its intended effect (e.g. to enter adjacent tissues through capillary beds drained by that vein or venule). | 01-21-2010 |
20100030186 | EXTENDABLE ASPIRATION CATHETER - An intravascular aspirating assembly comprising an elongate guidewire having a proximally facing filter disposed on a distal portion thereof, a single operator exchange aspiration catheter disposed on the guidewire, the aspiration catheter having a proximal end, a distal end and an aspiration lumen extending therebetween, an extension catheter slidably disposed in the aspiration lumen and having a length greater than that of the aspiration catheter. | 02-04-2010 |
20100042069 | Remote sensing catheter system and methods - A remote sensing catheter system including an injection catheter and a collection catheter. In one method of use, an external sensor of the system determines the timing of operation of the collection catheter. In another method of use, a sensor determines the volume of medium in the injection. | 02-18-2010 |
20100076403 | VARIABLE STIFFNESS DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM - A direct injection system with a small diameter that can be easily placed at a desired treatment location is provided, where the system comprises an outer guide catheter having a predefined bend at the distal end. For example, the outer guide catheter may be no larger than a 7 Fr catheter. According to the invention, various mechanisms may be used to alter the curvature of the predefined bend in the catheter, allowing an operator to easily place the distal end of an injection catheter at a desired treatment location. Alternatively, the injection catheter itself has a predefined bend at the distal end, wherein the curvature can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the injection catheter within a guide catheter. | 03-25-2010 |
20100191222 | MYOCARDIAL INJECTOR WITH SPRING LOADED PROTECTIVE ARRAY - A system is provided for performing injections in the ventricle of a patient. The system includes an injection catheter with a proximal and distal end. Importantly, a flexible array is mounted at the distal end of the injection catheter and is moveable between a protective configuration and a flared configuration. Also, a needle of variable length is mounted on the distal end of the injection catheter and is covered by the flexible array when the array is in its protective configuration. In order to manipulate the flexible array, a locking mechanism is mounted on the proximal end of the injection catheter for engagement with the flexible array. When selectively operated, the locking mechanism moves the array from its protective configuration to the flared configuration, holds the array in its flared configuration for an injection, and subsequently moves the array back to its protective configuration. | 07-29-2010 |
20100286658 | INVENTORY SPARING CATHETER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Some embodiments relate to a catheter system having a changeable or adjustable working length. The catheter system can comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a first axial lumen configured to receive a guidewire formed through at least a portion of the catheter body. A first opening can be formed through a portion of the catheter body and be in communication with the first lumen. The sheath can be rotatable, axially movable, or otherwise changeable from at least a first position to a second position, wherein the sheath can substantially cover the first opening in the catheter body in the first position, and can substantially expose the first opening in the catheter body in the second position. | 11-11-2010 |
20110144621 | Method for Using a Guidewire Locking Device - A guidewire locking device assembly ( | 06-16-2011 |
20110152836 | Method and Apparatus for Arterial and Venous Cannulation - A method and apparatus for cannulating vessels and cavities are provided. Such an apparatus includes a y-adaptor having a front leg configured to hold a needle, a guide-wire leg configured to receive a guide-wire, and a syringe leg configured to hold a syringe for aspiration. Once the needle is inserted into the desired vessel or cavity, the syringe may be aspirated to determine if the insertion was successful. Then, a guide-wire may be pushed into the guide-wire leg and into the needle via the front leg of the apparatus. Once the guide-wire has reached the targeted vessel or cavity, a catheter or cannula may be positioned over the guide wire and advanced to the desired location. | 06-23-2011 |
20110251591 | CATHETER APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULATURES - A catheter apparatus may have a flexible shaft, guidewire lumens passing through the shaft, and a positioning device for positioning the guidewires relative to an external lumen. The positioning device may be an expansible scaffold covered with a retractable sheath. The positioning device may also be one or more balloons that are inflated through an inflation port in the shaft. The catheter apparatus may be operated by inserting a guide catheter into a vasculature with a chronic total occlusion, inserting the catheter apparatus into the guide catheter, and advancing the guidewires through the guidewire lumens and into contact with a chronic total occlusion. The positioning device may be activated before and/or between attempts to pass the guidewires through the chronic total occlusion to interrogate various parts of the chronic total occlusion. | 10-13-2011 |
20110288529 | AUGMENTED DELIVERY CATHETER AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a catheter apparatus with an anchoring device to stabilize the catheter tip when in use, such as when infusing, injecting, or delivering substances, devices or other catheters into a patient. The apparatus according to various embodiments deploys an anchoring device that stabilizes the catheter tip and enables adjustment of the blood flow during use. | 11-24-2011 |
20120016339 | Method and Apparatus for Intraoperative Cardiac Tissue Injection - The apparatus provides for injecting therapeutic agents at precise locations into the bodily tissue. The apparatus comprises an end effector that is guided to a precise location by motion controllers on a handle. At a precise location, the end effector attaches via a vacuum to the cardiac tissue. A flexible needle is advanced through a deflecting tunnel in the end effector to a desired depth. A therapeutic agent is then introduced via the flexible needle into the cardiac tissue. All these manipulations can be controlled by one hand and can be viewed via imaging methods. | 01-19-2012 |
20120296314 | Long Catheter Infusion Insertion Method and Apparatus - A long catheter can be inserted into a patient while eliminating the need for a sterile field by incorporating the long catheter into an infusion tubing and carrying it in with the infusion. The long catheter has a structure that prevents it from leaving the infusion set when fully extended and therefore becomes a connector for fluids to transfer down the long catheter by infusion through the infusion set. Use of an adjustable seal connector allows the catheter to be stopped at varying points during insertion and even to allow the catheter to be reversed by pulling suction on the infusion set and retracting the catheter back into the tubing. This also remains within the sterile confines of the infusion set and therefore is prevented from becoming contaminated. | 11-22-2012 |
20120323220 | ENDOLUMINAL DRUG DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS - A device and method for delivering a drug from inside a body lumen to tissue surrounding the body lumen. An endoluminal drug delivery device includes a dual-lumen catheter for housing a guidewire and a needle connectable to a drug source. The guidewire exits the catheter through an opening at the distal end, and the needle exits the catheter through an exit port in the outer wall of the catheter. A distal portion of the catheter has a single lumen and includes a taper, allowing the distal tip to act as a dilator. The device optionally includes a catheter lumen splitter and/or a handpiece assembly. A method of delivering fluid to tissue surrounding a body lumen includes inserting a guidewire into the body lumen, tracking the device over the guidewire, deploying the needle through the exit port to the tissue, delivering fluid, and retracting the needle into the catheter. | 12-20-2012 |
20130030410 | Venous heated ablation catheter - A catheter for delivery of sclerosant to a tubular member or vein of the body to cause ablation. The catheter has one or more balloons located near the distal end to enhance effectiveness of the sclerosant and prevent its delivery to the deep venous system. The catheter has an orifice located near the distal end of the catheter to direct the sclerosant into the vessel and one or more effluent openings to provide for removal of the sclerosant fluid. A heating member such as an electrical resistance element, a Laser probe, or an RF electrode located within the catheter lumen or on the outside of the catheter shaft heats the sclerosant fluid to improve its ablation effectiveness. | 01-31-2013 |
20130053822 | EXPANDABLE CATHETER SYSTEM FOR FLUID INJECTION INTO AND DEEP TO THE WALL OF A BLOOD VESSEL - A catheter-based/intravascular fluid injection system with application to renal denervation includes a multiplicity of needles which expand open around a central axis to engage the wall of a blood vessel, or the wall of the left atrium, allowing the injection of a cytotoxic and/or neurotoxic solution for ablating conducting tissue, or nerve fibers around the ostium of the pulmonary vein, or circumferentially in or just beyond the outer layer of the renal artery. The expandable delivery system includes expandable components that facilitate positioning of a multiplicity of injection needles against the inside wall of a blood vessel from where they can be advanced. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into the tissue of the wall of the targeted blood vessel. | 02-28-2013 |
20130090626 | VASCULAR DELIVERY METHODS - A vascular method is disclosed comprising introducing a first flexible wire into a blood vessel, wherein the blood vessel has a first vessel end and a second vessel end and wherein the first flexible wire has a first end and a second end, sliding an angiotip along the first flexible wire in a direction away from the first end of the wire and toward the second end of the wire, frictionally engaging the first flexible wire with the angiotip, and pulling the first flexible wire through the blood vessel in the direction of the second vessel end, wherein the pulling of the first flexible wire pulls the angiotip through the blood vessel in the direction of the second vessel end. | 04-11-2013 |
20130110083 | Anti-Thrombogenic Catheter and Method | 05-02-2013 |
20130158512 | BACKLOADABLE OPTICAL SHAPE SENSING GUIDEWIRES - An optical guidewire system employs an optical guidewire ( | 06-20-2013 |
20130184680 | ASSISTIVE METHOD AND VISUAL-AID DEVICE FOR VASCULAR NEEDLE INSERTION - A vascular access device is provided with a needle assembly, a catheter assembly configured to slidably receive the needle assembly, and a light emitting assembly configured to couple to the needle assembly. The light emitting assembly and the needle assembly cooperate to shine a beam of light down the bore of the needle to assist with aligning the needle with a penetration site on target tissue. Systems and methods associated with these devices are also disclosed. | 07-18-2013 |
20130190726 | MOTION COMPENSATING CATHETER DEVICE - A catheter system allows for percutaneous intervention on the fast-moving structures inside the heart. The device consists of a steerable catheter sheath, an actuated, multi-degree of freedom moving catheter, and a catheter end effector, such as a fixation device. An actuator controls the motion of the catheter guide-wire in the catheter sheath to follow the motion of the target tissue. A control system controls the actuator and compensates for mechanical characteristics of the system including friction and backlash. A 3-D imaging system can be used to view the motion of the target tissue and the catheter end effector and produce 3-D imaging data. The 3-D imaging data can be used by the control system to track the target tissue and accurately position the end effector with respect to the moving target tissue allowing a clinician to repair the target tissue while it is moving. The system can be used to perform mitral valve annuloplasty wherein the actuated catheter compensates for the heart valve motion and an end effector fixation device is used to place fixation items, like anchors or staples, into the heart valve tissue to fix the annulus. | 07-25-2013 |
20130211382 | DIRECTION CHANGING DEVICE, MEDICAL ASSEMBLY HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD - In one form, a direction changing device is provided including: a first mounting section; and a second mounting section, wherein an axial direction of the first mounting section and an axial direction of the second mounting section intersect each other or are parallel to each other in plan view, and in a condition where a catheter or a sheath introducer in which the catheter is inserted is mounted to the first mounting section and the second mounting section, the catheter or the sheath introducer adopts a curved shape such that a catheter or sheath introducer portion mounted to the first mounting section extends proximally to distally in one direction and a catheter or sheath introducer portion mounted to the second mounting section extends proximally to distally in another direction with the directions being different from each other. | 08-15-2013 |
20130253474 | CATHETER APPARATUS WITH TELESCOPING LUMEN CATHETERS AND ITS USE IN METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULATURES - The invention provides for methods and catheter apparatus for passing one or more guidewires (via the use of one or more telescoping guidewire lumens) through a chronic total occlusion of a vasculature. The catheter apparatus may include: a catheter shaft having a distal end; one or more telescoping guidewire lumen catheters passing longitudinally through the shaft, wherein the one or more guidewire lumen catheters are capable of telescoping beyond the distal end of the catheter shaft; an expansible distal portion of the shaft; and a retractable sheath covering at least a portion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft, wherein retracting the retractable sheath from the expansible distal portion of the shaft directly activates the expansible distal portion of the shaft causing expansion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft. | 09-26-2013 |
20130274712 | HAPTIC SYSTEM FOR BALLOON TIPPED CATHETER INTERVENTIONS - Embodiments of this invention include hand-held handles and systems for balloon-tipped catheter interventions that enable a user to appreciate a combination of palpable sensations as though his or her hand is actual anatomic tissue in situ in real time. The system may include a haptic handle coupled to the proximal end of the catheter where the haptic handle includes a balloon-shaped haptic interface that exhibits geometric characteristics reflecting an anatomy of the interventional balloon and provides tangible sensations representative of tissues surrounding the interventional balloon. Multiple sensors and actuators may be used to create a non-virtual, transparent experience communicated to a user with a three dimensional, volumetric haptic display. In one embodiment, the sensors are positioned about or within an inflatable balloon positioned at the distal aspect of an inserted catheter used to treat cardiac and vascular diseases such as coronary or peripheral vascular occlusion and ablation of cardiac tissue. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274713 | Minimizing Resistance to Catheter Advancement During Vascular Cannulation - A hypodermic needle minimizing resistance to catheter advancement during vascular cannulation includes a needle shaft and a needle tip including an open needle bevel extending along middle and proximal portions of the open bevel until a distal end of the needle shaft, wherein a most distal portion of the open bevel is filled to prevent flashback. The hypodermic needle also includes a catheter overlying the needle shaft in the resting position. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274714 | Method Of Accessing A Renal Artery Of A Patient - Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (⅓ mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible. | 10-17-2013 |
20130281980 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR ANCHORING A GUIDEWIRE DURING A PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION - A medical device for anchoring a distal end of a guidewire in a catheter within a coronary artery during a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention including a catheter for being introduced into a coronary artery and a guidewire extending through the catheter. A first anchor device is provided at the proximal end of the guidewire outside of a patient's body and a second anchor is provided at the distal end of the guidewire and catheter to facilitate the movement of interventional devices in the body. | 10-24-2013 |
20130304030 | MEDICAL GUIDEWIRE SYSTEM WITH PLURAL PARALLEL GUIDEWIRES - Guidewire system includes a guidewire jacket, at least two guidewires, and a handle. The guidewires are initially constraint within the guidewire jacket and may be introduced into a diagnostic or other catheter to deliver the guidewires to a target region in a patient's vasculature. The handle detachably retains the guidewires so that they may be advanced simultaneously with the guidewire jacket. The guidewires may be then detached and manipulated individually to locate them properly within the region. After removing the guidewire jacket and the diagnostic catheter, the two or more guidewires provide a trackable yet flexible path for the introduction of interventional catheter or sheath. | 11-14-2013 |
20130310804 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCESSING A HOLLOW ORGAN - The methods, devices and systems described herein relate to accessing a hollow organ with increased accuracy and safety. In one example, they relate to transseptal crossings of the atrial septal wall, preferably from the right atrium into the left atrium. Numerous different devices are described for performing access methods, each of which can be used with a piercing stylet that transitions to an atraumatic configuration after piercing the intervening tissue. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317481 | VASCULAR ACCESS CONFIGURATION - One embodiment is directed to a method for creating translumenal vascular access, comprising utilizing a dilator adaptor to assist with forming a substantially atraumatic geometric outer junction between a dilator member/introducer member assembly and a guidewire which may be somewhat undersized relative to a lumen formed through the dilator member, thereby creating a geometric fit gap which may be suboptimal from a tissue interfacing perspective. The dilator adaptor may be interposed between the guidewire and dilator member to assist in remedying this fit mismatch, and in generally providing a preferred outer instrument interface for insertion through a small defect in a vessel to gain access to a lumen defined through the vessel. | 11-28-2013 |
20130331819 | Method of Accessing a Contralateral Femoral Artery of a Patient - Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (⅓ mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible. | 12-12-2013 |
20130345676 | INTERVENTIONAL CATHETER ASSEMBLIES, CONTROL SYSTEMS AND OPERATING METHODS - An interventional catheter assembly has an operating head and catheter system that are inserted and navigated within a patient's body while an operator controls the system externally of the operating head. An operating head is positioned at or near a distal end of the catheter system and coupled to a drive shaft and drive system for rotation. A guidewire brake control system interrupt prevents the drive system from being actuated when the guidewire brake is in a released position, and a selectable guidewire brake interrupt override control permits an operator to translate and/or rotate the drive shaft and operating head while the guidewire is simultaneously moved. This allows withdrawal of the guide wire and the operating head from the target site while rotating the operating head. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345677 | DUAL LUMEN CATHETER WITH CONTRASTRADIOGRAPHY SECTIONS TO IDENTIFY THE LUMENS - A catheter has an outer peripheral portion ( | 12-26-2013 |
20140018773 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal member having a proximal outer diameter. A distal sheath member may be attached to the proximal member. The distal sheath member may have a proximal sheath portion and a distal sheath portion. The proximal sheath portion may have an outer diameter greater than the proximal outer diameter. The proximal sheath portion may have a first cross-sectional profile. The distal sheath portion may have a second cross-sectional profile different from the first cross-sectional profile. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018774 | CATHETER DEPLOYMENT DEVICE - An apparatus for deploying a needle within a lumen is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having a threaded bushing radially disposed therein. The bushing rigidly couples with a nose cone having a guide tip disposed at an end opposite the bushing for penetrating an arterial wall of a lumen. During operation, a user incrementally advances the bushing within the housing, thereby incrementally advancing the guide tip into the lumen. The nose cone also includes a flex guide having a slot configuration which couples with the guide tip which deploys into the lumen along with the guide tip. | 01-16-2014 |
20140025038 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR TRANSEPTAL ATRIAL PUNCTURE USING AN ENGAGEMENT CATHETER PLATFORM - Multichannel systems for engaging a bodily tissue and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary multichannel system for engaging a tissue of the present disclosure, the system comprises an engagement catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a first lumen and second lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, an inducer sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and defining a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured for insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, and a dilator defining a first channel and a second channel extending therethrough and a tapered tip at the distal end of the dilator, the dilator sized and shaped for inserted into the lumen of the inducer sheath. | 01-23-2014 |
20140031793 | COMPACT SPRING INSERTER FOR DRUG DELIVER INFUSION SET - An infusion set ( | 01-30-2014 |
20140039461 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETERS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Guide extension catheters and methods of manufacturing and using guide extension catheters are disclosed. An example guide extension catheter may include a distal sheath having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a central lumen extending therebetween. The guide extension catheter may also include a proximal shaft having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the distal sheath, the proximal shaft including a distal opening. The guide extension catheter may also include a coupling member for securing the distal sheath to the proximal shaft. The coupling member may include a distal portion attached to the distal sheath and a proximal portion disposed within the distal opening of the proximal shaft. | 02-06-2014 |
20140052105 | DOUBLE BALLOON CATHETER AND METHODS FOR HOMOGENEOUS DRUG DELIVERY USING THE SAME - The present disclosure is directed to a catheter for site-specific delivery of a therapeutic agent to a blood vessel of a patient. The catheter further includes an elongated shaft having at least one inner lumen, a distal end and a proximal end and proximal and distal vessel-conforming balloons where each is separately positionable and inflatable, and when inflated, substantially restricts blood flow in the vessel and creates a treatment window of a defined but variable length for delivery of the therapeutic agent. The catheter optionally includes at least one marker band adjacent to the proximal balloon and at least one marker band adjacent to the distal balloon. At least one lateral aperture positioned in the window is in fluid communication with a drug delivery conduit located within either the inner shaft or the outer shaft to provide a homogeneous concentration of the therapeutic agent to the window. | 02-20-2014 |
20140058359 | INTRODUCER SHEATH FOR PERFUSION REGULATION SYSTEM - A reperfusion system and method of perfusing a blood vessel using the reperfusion system are provided. A sheath has a sheath wall and a lumen that each extend to a distal end to define a distal opening. A distal portion of the sheath wall has at least one wall opening. A balloon catheter has a lumen that extends to the distal end to define a distal opening. The balloon catheter has an inflatable balloon attached to a distal portion. A conduit has a first end in fluid communication with the lumen of the sheath and a second end in fluid communication with the lumen of the balloon catheter. The reperfusion system is configured to allow blood to enter each of the distal opening and the at least one wall opening of the sheath, flow through the sheath, the conduit, and the balloon catheter, and exit through the distal opening of the balloon catheter. The sheath is introduced into body tissue. The balloon catheter is advanced through the sheath to the blood vessel. The balloon is inflated. Blood is allowed to enter each of the distal opening and the at least one wall opening of the sheath, flow through the sheath, the conduit, and the balloon catheter, and exit through the distal opening of the balloon catheter. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058360 | Self-Contained Inserter For Drug Delivery Infusion Set - An infusion set ( | 02-27-2014 |
20140066899 | HEMOSTASIS VALVE AND SYSTEM FOR GUIDE CATHETER CONTROL - A combined hemostasis valve and drive mechanism is provided. The hemostasis valve has a valve body with a first and second leg. The first leg has a proximal port, a distal port and a lumen extending between the proximal port and the distal port. At least one valve is located in the lumen adjacent the proximal port to permit an interventional device to be passed therethrough. The second leg extends at an angle relative to the first leg and is in fluid communication with the first leg. A rotating male luer lock connector is rotatably connected to the first leg proximate to the distal port. It is configured to secure a guide catheter and has a driven member. The drive mechanism has a drive member removably interfacing with the driven member and a motor operatively connected to the drive member. The motor rotates the guide catheter about its longitudinal axis in a first direction and opposing second direction in response to rotation of the motor in a first direction about an axis of the motor and an opposing second direction about the axis of the motor, through rotation of the drive member, driven member and rotating male luer lock connector. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066900 | SYSTEM FOR GUIDE CATHETER CONTROL - A system for the advancement or retraction of a guide catheter has a base member, support, linear actuator and bedside support. The base member has a hemostasis valve affixed which includes a valve body with a first leg having a proximal port, a distal port and a lumen with a linear axis extending between the proximal port and the distal port. At least one valve is located in the lumen adjacent the proximal port to permit an interventional device to be passed therethrough. The valve body has a second leg extending at an angle relative to the first leg and has a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen of the first leg. The support is affixed to the base member such that it functions to move the base member and its affixed valve in concert with the movement of the linear actuator along its linear axis. The liner actuator to which the support is affixed has a linear axis along which it may be advanced or retracted in a continuous or incremental manner. The bedside support is slidingly affixed to the linear actuator to allow the linear actuator to move relative to the bedside support. | 03-06-2014 |
20140081241 | MICROCATHETER TIP - The present invention is directed to a dilator having a stiffened shaft for use as part of an introducer sheath assembly. The dilator includes a stiffener tube and a tip of the dilator which extends distally to the dilator stiffener tube. The transition between the stiffener tube and the tip of the dilator is positioned such that when the dilator is positioned within the catheter sheath, the transition is also positioned within the catheter sheath. By positioning the transition between the stiffener tube of the dilator and the tip of the dilator inside the catheter sheath, the catheter sheath can provide strain relief subsequent to lateral movement of the tip of the dilator in a manner that can prevent kinking of the dilator tip at the transition between the stiffener tip and the tip of the dilator. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081242 | VALVED CATHETER - A valved catheter is provided which includes a slit that opens readily in both directions either when a fluid is caused to flow from the interior to the exterior thereof or when a fluid is caused to flow from the exterior to the interior thereof, and that prevents inadvertent closure thereof from the opened state. The valve includes an openable slit that penetrates from the inner surface to the outer surface of a distal end section of a valved catheter with a closed distal end, and edge portions on the two sides of the slit are formed along the direction in which the valved catheter extends. The slit includes a linear shape in the cross-section of the distal end section of the valved catheter that extends in a position away from a center line “c” that passes through the center of the valved catheter in parallel with this center line “c” whereupon, either one of the edge portions deforms more readily than either one of the other edge portions. | 03-20-2014 |
20140088560 | INTRA-LUMINAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Apparatus and methods providing intra-luminal access and, in particular, to needle, catheter, and guidewire structures and methods of using the same to access a vascular or other body tissue lumen. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088561 | Renal Neuromodulation for Treatment of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure - A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094778 | Shape Memory Medical Device and Methods of Use - A method of treating a patient includes providing a guidewire having an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body including a shapeable portion disposed proximate the proximal end, the shapeable portion being malleable so as to be shaped into a shape and remain in the shape until reshaped. The distal end of the elongate body is advanced into a vasculature of the patient. The shapeable portion of the elongate body is shaped into a first shape that prevents advancement of the guidewire further into the vasculature of the patient. | 04-03-2014 |
20140100550 | CATHETER DISCRIMINATION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM - An infrared detector and image projector system is set forth comprising an IR imager/projector for capturing an image of a vein and a needle and projecting the image on a surface; and a discrimination and guidance system for discriminating the needle from the image, calculating parameters of the needle and based on these parameters causing the IR imager/projector to project the image of the needle and vein and additional information to assist in visualizing needle alignment with the vein and insertion through tissue into the vein. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107615 | BIODEGRADABLE MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHOD TO CONTROL DEGRADATION OF THE BIODEGRADABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - An implantable biodegradable device having two or more layers composed of one or more biodegradable materials is disclosed. The two or more layers are coated with one or more drugs. The implantable biodegradable device further having one or more inert layers is composed of a biodegradable material. The one or more inert layers of the implantable biodegradable device are degraded in response to introduction of one or more external triggers when the implantable biodegradable medical device is placed within a living organism. Further, a layer of the two or more layers having a position above an inert layer is degraded prior to degradation of the inert layer. Subsequently, a layer of the two or more layers having a position below the inert layer is degraded subsequent to degradation of the inert layer. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107616 | Bloodless Arterial Percutaneous Insertion System - A needle connector assembly comprises a hemostatic segment and a side tube. The hemostatic segment comprises an opening permitting passage of a guidewire therethrough. The hemostatic segment comprises a proximal portion comprises a perimeter ring and a spanning member. The distal portion comprises a bell or rounded configuration. Upon insertion of a guidewire, the hemostatic segment generally seals around the guidewire such that blood or other fluids are prevented from entering the area proximal to the hemostatic segment. The side tube comprises a closed distal end and is positioned between the proximal end and the distal end of the needle connector assembly. The side tube is in fluid communication with the passageway of the connector assembly and is adapted to receive blood or other fluids. The connector assembly is adapted for connection with a needle assembly. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107617 | LOW PROFILE INTRODUCER APPARATUS - An introducer apparatus includes an outer sleeve and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a profile such that at least a portion of the distal end of the outer sleeve tapers in the distal direction at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The distal open end of the outer sleeve has a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch, and is sized such that a first wire guide is receivable therethrough. The inner cannula includes a tapered distal end portion. The inner cannula distal open end is sized such that a second wire guide is receivable therethrough, and the first wire guide is not receivable therethrough. The tapered distal portion of the inner cannula extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve, such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is provided between the outer sleeve tapered portion and the open distal end of the inner cannula. | 04-17-2014 |
20140121642 | DUAL FUNCTION MEDICAL DEVICES - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a dual function medical device. The dual function medical device may include an inner guidewire. An outer guidewire may be disposed about the inner guidewire. The outer guidewire may include a tubular member having a plurality of slots formed therein. A torque member may be coupled to the dual function medical device. The torque member may be configured to independently attach to the inner guidewire and the outer guidewire. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121643 | IMPLEMENTS FOR IDENTIFYING SHEATH MIGRATION - Attachable implements, systems, and methods for identifying the migration of a medical device extending through a percutaneous insertion site of a patient's skin are disclosed. In one embodiment, an attachable implement for identifying migration comprises a attachable implement body having a coupling surface and a skin contacting surface, the coupling surface arranged to couple to a surface of the medical device, and the skin contacting surface arranged to contact the skin of the patient; wherein the attachable implement body is arranged to be side mountable on the medical device and wherein the attachable implement is configured to move from a first position adjacent to the patient's skin to a second position remote from the patient's skin. Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121644 | TRANSVASCULAR METHODS OF TREATING EXTRAVASCULAR TISSUE - An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular and/or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes which expand with open ends around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, and/or nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel, or in prostatic tissue. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into and beyond the tissue of the vessel wall. The preferred embodiment of the catheter includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened injection needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall. | 05-01-2014 |
20140171913 | CATHETER WITH ADJUSTABLE GUIDEWIRE EXIT POSITION - Novel catheter systems including those having guidewire lumens that can convert from an Over-the-Wire mode to a Rapid Exchange mode are useful and effective when crafted such that this conversion happens without adjusting the position of the guidewire in a body lumen. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171914 | MEDICAL DEVICES WITH A LOCKING MEMBER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical may include a guide catheter. The guide catheter may include an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween. An inflatable locking member may be disposed within the lumen. The locking member may be configured to longitudinally secure the position of a medical device extending through the lumen relative to the catheter shaft. The guide catheter may also include an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the inflatable locking member. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180250 | INTRAVENOUS CATHETER AND INSERTION DEVICE WITH REDUCED BLOOD SPATTER - An venous access catheter is combined with a needle, guidewire, and actuator where the needle is disposed coaxially over the guidewire and the catheter is disposed coaxially over the needle. A hub at a proximal end of the access catheter includes a wiping element to clean blood from the needle and guidewire as they are removed and a side port to allow connection of fluids after the access catheter is placed. | 06-26-2014 |
20140200551 | ARTERIAL CANNULA FOR CARDIAC SURGERY - An arterial cannula for cardiac surgery includes a pledget/stopper assembly and an introducer. The pledget/stopper assembly is mechanically mated with an external surface of the cannula in proximity to its tip. The introducer has suitable dimension for being placed coaxially inside the cannula. The introducer has at its end a blade or a sharp edge that protrudes the cannula tip no more than 5 mm. | 07-17-2014 |
20140207108 | SYSTEM FOR DEPLOYING A CAPACITIVE SHAPE MEMORY CATHETERIZATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A system for deploying a shape memory catheterization device within a patient, includes a catheter for endovascular insertion of the shape memory catheterization device. A heat source heats the shape memory catheterization device above the transition temperature. A transformation data generator includes a circuit driver for driving a circuit that includes at least one capacitive element of the shape memory catheterization device and a detection circuit for generating transformation data based on a capacitance of the at least one capacitive element, wherein the transformation data indicates a shape transformation of the shape memory catheterization device from a catheterization shape to a transformed shape. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207109 | SYSTEM FOR DEPLOYING AN INDUCTIVE SHAPE MEMORY CATHETERIZATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A system for deploying a shape memory catheterization device within a patient, includes a catheter for endovascular insertion of the shape memory catheterization device. A heat source heats the shape memory catheterization device above the transition temperature. A transformation data generator includes a circuit driver for driving a circuit that includes at least one inductive element of the shape memory catheterization device and a detection circuit for generating transformation data based on an inductance of the at least one inductive element, wherein the transformation data indicates a shape transformation of the shape memory catheterization device from a catheterization shape to a transformed shape. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207110 | VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICE FOR REPRODUCIBLE INSERTION OF A CANNULA INTO A PUNCTURE SITE - A vascular access device for reproducible insertion of a cannula, comprising a carrier, a holder and a guide device, such that the guide device is designed as an inclined plane on one side and serves to support and guide a cannula, so that accurate guidance of the cannula is ensured, always in the same puncture angle and at the same depth of penetration in a puncture channel. | 07-24-2014 |
20140214004 | Intravascular Devices Having Artificial Muscles and Associated Systems and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular device includes at least one artificial muscle segment. In some instances, the artificial muscle segment or a plurality thereof is configured to move a distal portion of the intravascular device, change the shape of the tip of the intravascular device, rotate a portion of the intravascular device, and any combination thereof. A method for using an associated intravascular device is also provided. The method includes inserting an intravascular device into a vessel of a patient. The intravascular device has an actuator segment. The method further includes moving a portion of the intravascular device by selectively rotating the actuator segment and returning the portion of the intravascular device to a pre-activation position by selectively deactivating the actuator segment. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214005 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VENIPUNCTURE AND CATHETER PLACEMENT - Intravenous access is achieved by introducing a catheter having a guidewire safety tip at its distal end. The safety tip can be advanced and retracted using a slider disposed over an access needle which is initially present in the catheter. After the catheter has been properly positioned, the access needle and guidewire may be removed so that the catheter is available for use. | 07-31-2014 |
20140221979 | Angled Tip Catheter - A catheter having improved ability to cross body passage obstructions and that more easily allows backloading of a guidewire into the lumen of the catheter is comprised of a tip, a shaft, and a lumen. The distal end of the catheter tip is oriented at an angle other than 90° to the lengthwise axis of the catheter tip. A guidewire may be easily backloaded into the elongated catheter lumen at the location of the angled catheter tip. | 08-07-2014 |
20140249507 | Systems and Methods for Delivering Drugs to Selected Locations Within the Body - A transvascular system ( | 09-04-2014 |
20140249508 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER WITH A RETRACTABLE WIRE - Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a guide extension catheter with a retractable wire. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal shaft having a first outer diameter. The guide extension catheter may further include a distal sheath attached to the proximal shaft and having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. Further, the distal sheath may have a central lumen defined therein and a secondary lumen formed along a wall surface of the distal sheath. | 09-04-2014 |
20140276611 | Trapping Sheaths and Guide Catheters - Introducer sheaths and (e.g., guide) catheters with inflatable trapping elements for trapping and/or stabilizing devices (e.g., guidewires, catheters, and/or the like) in a primary lumen of the sheath or catheter. Such sheaths and catheters may be configured for endovascular, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and/or urological procedures. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276612 | STEERABLE CATHETERS - Embodiments of steerable catheters are disclosed. The catheters may include a plurality of generally arcuate-shaped struts connected at proximal and distal ends of a handle. The handle is connected to a tubular portion at a distal end of the handle. The tubular portion includes a resilient component positioned near a distal tip of the tubular portion. The catheter includes a pull wire fixed to a point at or near the distal tip of the tubular portion. Upon manual compression of the handle, the struts are squeezed together, lengthening the handle, and extending the pull wire proximally. The proximal extension of the pull wire can cause the distal tip of the catheter to deflect. The catheter can be rotated greater than 360° around a longitudinal axis. The compressible handle can allow a user of the catheter tactile feedback and control over navigation of the catheter. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276613 | CATHETER SYSTEM - In a catheter system and method for controlling such a system, a first working component is carried by a shaft and has at least one characteristic that is adjustable. A first control line extends within the shaft and operatively couples a first actuator with the first working component such that actuation of the first actuator acts on the first control line to adjust the first working component. A second control line separate from the first control line extends within the shaft and is operatively coupled to a second working component such that acting on the second control line adjusts at least one characteristic of the second working component. A compensator assembly is associated with the handle, with the second control line being operatively coupled to the compensator assembly. The compensator assembly is operable, in response to actuation of the first actuator, to inhibit slack from forming in the second control line. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276614 | SUBSTANCE DELIVERY DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A substance delivery device includes an elongated tubular body having opposing proximal and distal ends, a plunger assembly slidably received within the tubular body at the proximal end thereof, and a hollow needle secured within the tubular body at the distal end thereof. The tubular body includes a longitudinal opening located between the proximal and distal ends that is adapted to allow a substance cartridge to be inserted within the tubular body. The plunger assembly includes a plunger that is in slideable sealing engagement with an inside wall of the tubular body, an engagement head positioned proximate an opposite end of the longitudinal opening, and a rod extending between and connecting the plunger and engagement head. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276615 | DELIVERY CATHETER HAVING IMAGING CAPABILITIES - The invention is a delivery catheter, e.g., a guide catheter, having an imaging element in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. Catheters of the invention are able to placement of the catheter in proximity to an ostium, thereby increasing the efficiency of contrast delivery while reducing the risk of ischemia due to blocked blood supply. The invention additionally assists in maintaining catheter position during delivery of a fluid from the catheter, resulting in better performance with less fluid. For example, a catheter of the invention can be used to produce improved fluoroscopic images with less overall contrast. This improvement reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast while decreasing the length of time for a procedure, i.e., because of a need to re-contrast. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276616 | CATHETER-BASED DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING SPECIFIC ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS OF THE HUMAN AORTIC VALVE - A valve-plane-defining catheter includes a hollow flexible sheath having a distal end and defining a distal opening, a guidewire assembly, and three radiopaque valve-nadir markers. The guidewire assembly has a guidewire slidably disposed in the flexible sheath and having a distal end, three wire arms each having a terminating end and a proximal end offset from the terminating end and attached to the distal end of the guidewire to dispose the three wire arms approximately 120 degrees from one another about a circle defined by the terminating end of the three wire arms. The three radiopaque valve-nadir markers disposed respectively at the terminating end of each of the three wire arms, each of the valve-nadir markers being sized to fit within the distal opening. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276617 | Directional Guide Catheter Assembly - A guide catheter assembly includes an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed, at least partially, within the outer sheath. A tether tethers the inner catheter to the outer sheath. The guide catheter assembly has a first configuration where the tether is untensioned and distal ends of the outer sheath and inner catheter are pointing in a first direction. In a second configuration of the guide catheter assembly, the tether is tensioned, the distal end of the outer sheath is pointing in the first direction, the distal end of the inner catheter is pointing in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and the tether is oriented at an angle different from both the first direction and the second direction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276618 | Boosting Catheter and Related Systems and Methods - The various embodiments herein relate to a boosting catheter for positioning through a conventional guiding catheter into the vasculature of a patient, the boosting catheter having a distal tubular member and a proximal elongated shaft coupled to the distal tubular member. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276619 | Extendable Intravenous Catheter - An intravenous catheter has a tip portion, an extendable portion and a proximal portion attached to a hub. The extendable portion has a refracted position and an extended position. A wire may be incorporated in the intravenous portion. The wire may have a receiver disposed in the tip portion. An extender tool is insertable and removable from the catheter. The extender is dimensioned to engage the receiver upon insertion into said catheter and lengthen the extendable portion of said catheter to said extended position when inserted. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276620 | AUXILIARY SMALL VASCULATURE GUIDEWIRE - The invention generally relates to an auxiliary guidewire for an intravascular procedure. The invention provides an auxiliary guidewire that slips over a primary guidewire and can provide a very fine extension beyond the end of the primary guidewire. The primary guidewire can be taken to its limit within the fine vasculature, and the auxiliary guidewire can then extend further into the fine vasculature. The primary guidewire can be taken to a bifurcation. The primary guidewire and the auxiliary guidewire can be sent down separate branches of the bifurcation. A physician can select which of the primary guidewire and the auxiliary guidewire are within the branch that needs to be treated by, for example, consulting an angiography display. | 09-18-2014 |
20140303596 | SHEATH DEVICE FOR INSERTING A CATHETER - In a sheath device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body, comprising a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when used as intended the distal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement in the patient's body and the proximal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement outside the patient's body, and wherein the first sheath comprises a tubular section and a sheath housing, which is disposed at the proximal end of the section and comprises a receiving channel for a catheter, according to the invention the tubular section is detachably held in a clamping element of the sheath housing in a non-positive manner so as to be able to easily shorten the tubular section. | 10-09-2014 |
20140330251 | DUAL BEND RADII STEERING CATHETER - A bi-directional steerable catheter that, for a given tip deflection angle, generates a first articulation radius in a first lateral direction and a second articulation radius in a second lateral direction, the second articulation radius being different than the first articulation radius. The catheter includes two pull wire portions that can be individually and selectively put under tension to cause deflection of the tip in a corresponding lateral direction. Actuation of a first of the pull wire portions causes a shift in the neutral axis of the catheter over a portion of the steering section, resulting in articulation over a shorter length of the steering section and thus a smaller bend radius. Actuation of a second of the pull wire portions does not result in a neutral axis shift, so that articulation is over substantially the entire length of the steering section, resulting in a larger bend radius. | 11-06-2014 |
20140358123 | TREATMENT METHOD USING CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND CATHETER ASSEMBLY - In the treatment method, a surgeon introduces a catheter assembly into a blood vessel in an arm, and delivers a distal portion of the catheter assembly to a predetermined position of a lower limb through the blood vessel in the body. Moreover, in the treatment method, the surgeon pulls an inner catheter out of an outer catheter, causes a treatment device to advance to the treatment target through the inside of the outer catheter, and treats the treatment target by the treatment device. | 12-04-2014 |
20140371718 | REENTRY CATHETHER AND METHOD THEREOF - Embodiments of the invention are directed towards a rapid exchange catheter configured for insertion into a subintimal space and crossing an occlusion in a subintimal space. The catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first lumen configured to receive a first wire, the first lumen extending longitudinally through a least a lateral port of the catheter, and a second lumen having at least a portion distal of the lateral port and extending through at least the distal end of the catheter. The catheter also includes an exchange port arranged on a exterior portion of the catheter configured to the receive a second wire and second rapid exchange port in communication with the second lumen. Moreover, other embodiments of the invention are directed towards methods for using the rapid exchange catheter to cross an obstruction in a vessel, e.g., a total or partial occlusion, in a subintimal space. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371719 | CATHETER AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Catheters are disclosed that are configured for insertion into the vasculature connected to the prostate gland of a male patient or uterus of a female patient. Such catheters may comprise a conduit having one or more bends. Conduits with a general U-shaped bend and a compound curve are within the scope of this disclosure Methods related to the catheters, including methods of use and methods of manufacture, are also disclosed. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371720 | CATHETER POSITIONING SYSTEM - A catheter positioning system includes a catheter needle assembly comprising a catheter having a permanent hub and a needle carried in the catheter lumen. A releasable clamp is used to compress the catheter against the needle to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other. The clamp is periodically released after being moved a short distance toward the target vessel or nerve and is repositioned a short distance from the skin entry point to further advance the catheter needle assembly. The clamp is configured to be removed from the catheter by movement in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the catheter while the catheter hub remains in place. After successful placement of the catheter, the clamp may be snapped apart or opened along a hinge without moving the catheter from its final position. | 12-18-2014 |
20140378945 | Variable Stiffness Catheter - A device and method for inserting a variable stiffness catheter into a subject with a catheter body being in relatively stiff state at a first temperature and a more flexible state at a second temperature. A temperature sensitive polymer is incorporated into the catheter that varies in stiffness depending on the temperature. The stiffness of the catheter is regulated by being in thermal contact with a circulating fluid within the catheter, or by being connected to resistive members in thermal contact with temperature sensitive alloys or polymers. The variable stiffness catheter can therefore be guided through the vasculature while in a relatively flexible state, but be changed into a relative stiff state during ablation procedures. | 12-25-2014 |
20150038943 | INTRAVENOUS CATHETER INSERTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - A catheter insertion device with a housing and an interior space. An access needle and a guide wire supported by and moveable relative to the access needle. A restraining element attached to a handle to limit the motion of the guide wire relative to the access needle. A catheter insertion device with a housing and an interior space. An access needle and a guide wire channel attached to the access needle. A guide wire supported by the guide wire channel. A handle attached to the guide wire to move the guide wire relative to the guide wire support channel. A method of introducing a catheter into a vessel by inserting a guide wire substantially contained within a housing into a vessel. Next, advance a catheter over the guide wire and into the vessel. Next, withdraw the guide wire out of the vessel and completely into the housing. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038944 | FLEXIBLE MEDICAL ARTICLE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A method of making a flexible medical article or tube, for example, a sheath for a vascular access device, is provided. The method can include extruding a polymer, for example, a polycarbonate-urethane copolymer, to form a tube and annealing the extruded polymer. The method can further include cutting the extruded tube to a desired length before or after annealing, flaring one end of the annealed tube and over-molding the flared portion onto a hub, and forming the other end of the tube into a tip. A sheath formed by such a method is also provided. | 02-05-2015 |
20150051584 | CATHETER INSERTION DEVICE - A catheter insertion device that allows for single-handed insertion of the catheter within the vasculature of the patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a handle, a needle cannula partially within the handle, a guidewire partially within the handle and the needle cannula, and a first actuator connected to the handle and the guidewire. The first actuator is movable in a proximal direction relative to the handle to cause the guidewire to move in a distal direction away from the handle, and is movable in a distal direction relative to the handle to cause the guidewire to move in a proximal direction towards the handle. The catheter insertion device can also include a needle support that stabilizes the needle cannula during insertion of the needle cannula into a patient. | 02-19-2015 |
20150112306 | DUAL RAPID EXCHANGE CATHETERS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - In one instance, a catheter for replacing or adding a guide wire into a patient is provided. The catheter includes a first rapid exchange lumen, a second rapid exchange lumen, and a releasable wire-securing device. A second guide wire is placed in the second rapid exchange lumen and secured into position. The catheter is then advanced along the first guide wire until in position, and then the second guide wire is released from the wire-securing device and advanced into the desired position. The catheter is then removed. Other catheters and methods are also disclosed. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112307 | DUAL RAPID EXCHANGE CATHETERS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - In one instance, a catheter for replacing or adding a guide wire into a patient is provided. The catheter includes a first rapid exchange lumen, a second rapid exchange lumen, and a releasable wire-securing device. A second guide wire is placed in the second rapid exchange lumen and secured into position. The catheter is then advanced along the first guide wire until in position, and then the second guide wire is released from the wire-securing device and advanced into the desired position. The catheter is then removed. Other catheters and methods are also disclosed. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112308 | METHOD INVOLVING USE OF AN ASSEMBLED INDWELLING ASSEMBLY - A method involves positioning an assembled indwelling assembly adjacent a patient, wherein the assembly includes an inner needle, a hub fixed to the inner needle, a hollow outer member in which the inner needle is positioned, a hub fixed to the hollow outer member, and an elongated member axially overlapping an intermediate portion of the hollow outer member. The method also includes moving a distal portion of the assembly to puncture a blood vessel of the patient with the sharp needlepoint while the elongated member contacts the hollow outer member, advancing the hollow outer member in a distal direction along the inner needle to insert a distal portion of the hollow outer member to a target position in the blood vessel, and moving the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the hollow outer member. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112309 | ANCHORING AN INTRAVENOUS CANNULA - Some embodiments of a medical system include a subcutaneous anchor device that extends outwardly from side wall of an intravenous cannula so as to secure the intravenous cannula in a position relative to a skin penetration point. | 04-23-2015 |
20150126967 | CATHETER APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULATURES - A catheter apparatus may have a flexible shaft, guidewire lumens passing through the shaft, and a positioning device for positioning the guidewires relative to an external lumen. The positioning device may be an expansible scaffold covered with a retractable sheath. The positioning device may also be one or more balloons that are inflated through an inflation port in the shaft. The catheter apparatus may be operated by inserting a guide catheter into a vasculature with a chronic total occlusion, inserting the catheter apparatus into the guide catheter, and advancing the guidewires through the guidewire lumens and into contact with a chronic total occlusion. The positioning device may be activated before and/or between attempts to pass the guidewires through the chronic total occlusion to interrogate various parts of the chronic total occlusion. | 05-07-2015 |
20150133893 | METHOD OF INDWELLING A NEEDLE ASSEMBLY - A method of indwelling a needle assembly includes providing an assembled indwelling needle assembly having an inner needle, an inner needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle, a hollow outer needle in which the inner needle is inserted, an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, and a pressing member; pressing down on the pressing member while moving the indwelling needle assembly to puncture a blood vessel; advancing the outer needle along the inner needle such that the outer needle is inserted in the blood vessel; holding the pressing member against the outer needle and holding the outer needle hub such that the outer needle is maintained indwelling in the blood vessel while simultaneously pulling the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the outer needle. | 05-14-2015 |
20150141960 | Catheter Loading Device and Method of Using Same - A catheter loading device includes a guidewire section, a catheter section, and a hinge that connects a proximal end of the guidewire section to a distal end of the catheter section. The guidewire section is rotatable relative to the catheter section about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position. When the guidewire section is in the first position, a longitudinal axis of a guidewire positioned in a channel of the guidewire section is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a lumen of a catheter positioned in a receiver of the catheter section. When the guidewire section is in the second position, the longitudinal axis of the guidewire positioned in the channel is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lumen of the catheter positioned in the receiver. | 05-21-2015 |
20150290431 | Medical Component Insertion Device Including a Retractable Needle - An insertion device for use in assisting with the placement of a medical device within the body of a patient is disclosed. For example, the insertion device can be employed to assist with the placement of an introducer, which provides a conduit for insertion of a catheter into the body. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a needle that is removably disposed within a bore defined by the medical device, and a needle retraction assembly. The needle retraction assembly can position the needle in any one of a first position wherein a distal tip of the needle is disposed a predetermined distance distal to a distal end of the medical device, a second position wherein the needle distal tip is disposed distal but proximate to the distal end of the medical device, and a third position wherein the needle distal tip is retracted within the medical device bore. | 10-15-2015 |
20150306356 | Catheter Insertion Device - A modular catheter insertion assembly is disclosed. The insertion assembly includes a hub module releasably connected to an insertion module coupled to a hollow needle assembly and a catheter. The hub module is further releasably connected to a guidewire module with a loop housing configured to accommodate a guidewire. | 10-29-2015 |
20150313630 | Solid Introducer Needle for Catheter - A solid introducer needle with a light guide unit for catheter assemblies is provided, which comprises a sharp rigid needle-like member and a light guide, forming a substantially monolithic structure. The monolithic structure is thus non-transparent for optical radiation over its entire length, allowing optical radiation to be emitted solely at the distal end thereof. Unit is preferably provided with an adapter, via which adapter unit may be connected to an electronic module, thus forming a catheter assembly. The light guide is configured to receive by its proximal end at least one light beam from at least one light source of the electronic module device, to further conduct said optical radiation beam throughout internal space thereof and to emit optical radiation beam at a distal end thereof. Optical radiation, thus emitted at the distal end of the unit, is preferably of such a wavelength, to be strongly absorbed by blood and walls of the blood vessels. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314105 | Intravascular Catheter Assembly - A peripheral intravascular catheter assembly comprising a tubular introducer needle and an adapter connected to the proximal end of the light guide. An introducer needle comprises a connection hub and a needle member. The needle member has a lumen, a distal end and a proximal end. The assembly may be further provided with a cannula tubing surrounding at least a portion of the needle member, with at least one light source and with an electronic module, configured to power the light source. The light guide has a distal end and a proximal end and extends along the lumen of the needle member. The adapter may be connected to the electronic module to the connection hub of the introducer needle so that light emitted by at least one light source is capable of entering the light guide, but blood flowing through the lumen of the needle member is prevented from contacting said light source. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314106 | Devices and Methods for Accessing the Vasculature of a Patient - Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (⅓ mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314107 | Catheter Control Systems - A medical manipulation assembly comprises an elongated distal steerable portion with a distal working channel extending through the elongated distal steerable portion. The assembly also comprises an elongated proximal steerable portion arranged proximally of the elongated distal assembly portion. A proximal working channel extends through the elongated proximal steerable portion. The assembly also comprises a distal steering mechanism to bend the distal steerable portion in response to movement of the distal steering mechanism. The assembly also comprises a proximal steering mechanism to bend the proximal steerable portion, independently of the distal steerable portion, in response to rotational movement of the proximal steering mechanism. The assembly also comprises distal pullwire(s) extending between the elongated distal steerable portion and the distal steering mechanism and proximal pullwire(s) extending between the elongated proximal steerable portion and the proximal steering mechanism. The distal and proximal portion working channels are configured to receive a visualization instrument. | 11-05-2015 |
20150320975 | RE-ENTRY STYLET FOR CATHETER - A stylet for re-entry into a vessel includes an elongate body including a proximal portion, a middle curved portion, a pointed distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the proximal portion, the middle curved portion, and the pointed distal end. The proximal portion and the middle curved portion have substantially circular cross-sections. The middle curved portion has a pre-shaped curve along the longitudinal axis configured to match a curve of an occlusion-crossing device. The pointed distal end has an s-curve along the longitudinal axis and a flattened portion along the longitudinal axis, the flattened portion having a substantially oblong cross-section. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320977 | System and Method for Inserting a Catheter - The invention provides methods and systems for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel. A catheter set comprising a pre-loaded stylet in a catheter is connectable to a guidewire. The guidewire may be introduced into the patient through a hollow needle. The stylet can then be connected to the guidewire, and the catheter advanced over the stylet and the guidewire into the access site and into position in the blood vessel of the patient. The invention reduces the time and placement steps required to position a catheter in a vessel and lowers the associated procedural costs. The invention reduces the frequency and severity of complications generally associated with introducing a catheter, thereby improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. | 11-12-2015 |
20150328433 | CATHETER APPARATUS WITH TELESCOPING LUMEN CATHETERS AND ITS USE IN METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULATURES - The invention provides for methods and catheter apparatus for passing one or more guidewires (via the use of one or more telescoping guidewire lumens) through a chronic total occlusion of a vasculature. The catheter apparatus may include: a catheter shaft having a distal end; one or more telescoping guidewire lumen catheters passing longitudinally through the shaft, wherein the one or more guidewire lumen catheters are capable of telescoping beyond the distal end of the catheter shaft; an expansible distal portion of the shaft; and a retractable sheath covering at least a portion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft, wherein retracting the retractable sheath from the expansible distal portion of the shaft directly activates the expansible distal portion of the shaft causing expansion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft. | 11-19-2015 |
20150335860 | CATHETER WITH MARKINGS TO FACILITATE ALIGNMENT - For treating a treatment area in the vasculature, this disclosure relates to a first, pre-dilatation catheter having a first shaft including a first distal portion adapted for positioning at the treatment area and a first proximal portion including a first marking at a first location. A second, dilatation catheter includes a second shaft including a second distal portion adapted for positioning at the treatment area and a second proximal portion including a second marking at a second location substantially matching a first location of the first marking. Related methods are disclosed. | 11-26-2015 |
20150335865 | Bidirectional Introducer Catheter - A bidirectional introducer includes a dilator having a distal end portion that includes a first section having a distal first section end, a second softer section having a proximal second section end and a distal second section end and a third reinforced section having a proximal third section end, wherein a) the distal first section end is coupled to the proximal second section end and the distal second section end is coupled to the proximal third section end and b) i) at least a portion of the first section is characterized by a first rigidity and at least a portion of the second softer section is characterized by a second rigidity that is lower than the first rigidity and ii) at least a portion of the third reinforced section is characterized by a third rigidity that is higher than both the first rigidity and the second rigidity. | 11-26-2015 |
20150352329 | CATHETER WITH ADJUSTABLE GUIDEWIRE EXIT POSITION - Catheters including those having guidewire lumens that can convert from an Over-the-Wire mode to a Rapid Exchange mode are useful and effective when this conversion happens without adjusting the position of the guidewire in a body lumen. | 12-10-2015 |
20150352330 | DELIVER ASSIST DEVICE FOR GUIDE CATHETER - A deliver assist device for use in combination with a guide catheter includes an elongate proximal shaft and a flexible distal section that extends distally from the elongate proximal shaft. The flexible distal section includes at least a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion having a second flexibility. A lumen configured to accommodate a guidewire extending therethrough extends through the flexible distal section. A tapered distal tip extends distally from the flexible distal section. | 12-10-2015 |
20150359540 | Selectively Delivering Particles into the Distal Portion of the Left Gastric Artery - Methods and apparatuses for embolizing an artery in a living subject using a catheter are disclosed. The catheter has a lumen and also has a balloon located near the distal end of the catheter. The distal end of the catheter is introduced into the artery, and the balloon is inflated to form a seal that prevents blood in the artery from flowing past the balloon. A mixture that includes embolic particles and contrast agent is injected through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon. The subject's own blood or another fluid that contains platelets is injected through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon. Subsequently, the balloon is deflated and the distal end of the catheter is withdrawn. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360003 | Over-the-Needle Catheter Sleeve - The present disclosure is directed to an over-the-needle (OTN) catheter assembly having a sleeve configured thereon. The catheter includes a body having an outer diameter. The body also includes a proximal end and a distal end and defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. A needle is configured within the lumen of the catheter and extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The sleeve is configured around a portion of the outer diameter of the catheter that passes through an insertion site of the catheter. Further, the sleeve includes a length extending from a first end to a second end and is configured to prevent the catheter from collapsing along the length of the sleeve. In addition, the sleeve is configured to prevent leakage from the insertion site of the catheter. | 12-17-2015 |
20150367085 | VEIN ACCESS NEEDLE GUIDE ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF USE - A needle guide assembly for vein access including (a) a guide having a peripheral edge, a convex portion, a concave portion and an aperture, where the concave portion and the convex portion meet each other to define the aperture between the concave portion and the convex portion, each of the convex portion and the concave portion extending away from the aperture in opposite directions from each other in a tapering manner and terminating the tapering at respective locations away from the peripheral edge, the convex portion being made of a transparent or translucent material, and (b) a retaining means for retaining the guide to skin. A venipuncture method includes retaining the needle guide assembly onto the skin of a patient and using the needle guide assembly to guide a needle to puncture the skin and access a vein. | 12-24-2015 |
20160008522 | DRUG COATING LAYER, METHOD OF CONTROLLING MORPHOLOGICAL FORM OF DRUG COATING LAYER, MEDICAL DEVICE, AND METHOD OF DELIVERING DRUG | 01-14-2016 |
20160008571 | Catheter with a Rotation Capability | 01-14-2016 |
20160008572 | Boosting Catheter and Related Systems and Methods | 01-14-2016 |
20160008573 | Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods for Inserting Catheters Having Enhanced Stiffening and Guiding Features | 01-14-2016 |
20160008578 | DUAL NEEDLE DELIVERY SYSTEM | 01-14-2016 |
20160008584 | Guidewires and Methods for Percutaneous Occlusion Crossing | 01-14-2016 |
20160015934 | SHEATH - At least one distal side slope path is formed by penetrating an outer peripheral wall in the vicinity of a distal portion of a sheath main body and at least one proximal side slope path is formed by penetrating an outer peripheral wall in the vicinity of a proximal portion of the sheath main body. The at least one distal side slope path is inclined onto a proximal side from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the sheath main body and the at least one proximal side slope path is inclined onto a distal side from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the sheath main body. Therefore, blood is made to flow into a lumen and is made to flow out from the lumen along the blood flow in a blood vessel. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015935 | VASCULAR ACCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A vascular access system includes a catheter having an inner lumen in communication with an open distal end; a guidewire at least partially positioned in the catheter lumen and extending out the open distal end thereof, respective proximal and distal stops secured to the guidewire; and a centering device slidably mounted on the guidewire such that the centering device may freely within the catheter lumen relative to the guidewire between the proximal and distal stops, wherein the centering device substantially aligns a longitudinal axis of the catheter with a longitudinal axis of the guidewire proximate the centering device. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015939 | ABSORBENT AND ANTIMICROBIAL CUFF FOR CATHETER PLACEMENT - An cuff is described that facilitates the attachment of the catheter to a patient's skin for creating a secure attachment between the catheter and the patient's skin. The cuff that facilitates the attachment of the catheter to the patient's skin can be an absorbent and antimicrobial cuff. In some embodiments, the cuff can be utilized with a skin strip and/or a cover strip. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015940 | GUIDING CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A guiding catheter assembly includes a guiding catheter which has a catheter main body and a protective sheath in covering relation to the outer peripheral portion of the catheter main body, and a dilator insertable into the guiding catheter. The protective sleeve can be moved in an axial direction with respect to the catheter main body. The protective sheath has a thin film portion which is formed of a tube-like thin film and through which the catheter main body can be inserted, and a housing portion which includes a lumen through which the catheter main body can be inserted. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015944 | Guide Catheters with Guidewire Deflection Features - A guide catheter system for use in treating the sinus cavity or Eustachian tube is described. The system includes a guide catheter that has a proximal end and a distal end and an elongate shaft between the proximal end and the distal end and a guidewire. The guide catheter includes a deflection feature on a distal tip of the distal end for deflecting the guidewire at a predetermined angle. | 01-21-2016 |
20160022901 | METHOD INVOLVING USE OF AN ASSEMBLED INDWELLING ASSEMBLY - A method involves positioning an assembled indwelling assembly adjacent a patient, wherein the assembly includes an inner needle, a hub fixed to the inner needle, a hollow outer member in which the inner needle is positioned, a hub fixed to the hollow outer member, and an elongated member axially overlapping an intermediate portion of the hollow outer member. The method also includes moving a distal portion of the assembly to puncture a blood vessel of the patient with the sharp needlepoint while the elongated member contacts the hollow outer member, advancing the hollow outer member in a distal direction along the inner needle to insert a distal portion of the hollow outer member to a target position in the blood vessel, and moving the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the hollow outer member. | 01-28-2016 |
20160022964 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR INTRACRANIAL VESSEL ACCESS - The invention relates to systems and methods for intracranial vessel access. In particular, a system including a co-axial combination of a steerable variable thickness microwire operatively supporting a tapered larger bore support and larger bore distal access catheter is described. Methods of advancing the intracranial access system through the vasculature are also described. | 01-28-2016 |
20160030667 | INSERTION DEVICE FOR AN INFUSION SET - An insertion device for an infusion set includes an advancement unit or a sliding element for moving the infusion set along a central axis from a proximal position into a distal position, a retaining element for retaining the infusion set that includes a guide element, a base part for accommodating the retaining element that includes a mating guide element and a contact surface for placing the insertion device on an application point of a patient's body, and a head part arranged rotatably about a central axis in relation to the base part. Upon relative rotation between the head part and the base part in one direction, the guide element of the retaining element can be guided with the mating guide element provided on the base part such that the retaining element is movable along the central axis relative to the base part from the distal position into the proximal position. | 02-04-2016 |
20160030709 | OPENING SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING CATHETER DELIVERY - A ball-tipped mandrel, separate or integrated on a device delivery assembly, can be used to ease delivery and/or retrieval of an ancillary device within a body vessel having tortuous anatomy. A ball-tipped mandrel can be moved through a catheter as a part of a preparation procedure prior to insertion into a body vessel of a patient. A ball-tipped mandrel can be moved through a catheter during or after insertion into a body vessel of a patient in preparation for delivery of an ancillary device. A ball-tipped mandrel can be integrated onto the distal portion of a device to produce dilation during device delivery. | 02-04-2016 |
20160030715 | Control handles for catheters - A plunger-type control handle for controlling the deflection of a distal tip of a catheter. The control handle includes a spool driven by a gear, the spool being connected to the proximal end of at least one pull wire. For bi-directional deflection, a second proximal end of a pull wire is connected to the spool such that when one of the proximal ends is collected by the spool, the other of the proximal ends is released in an equal amount. The gear is operatively coupled to the plunger and engages a gear rack disposed on the control handle housing, such that when there is relative movement between the housing and the plunger, the gear and spool are rotated. In one embodiment, a switching mechanism is provided that reverses the rotation direction of the gear and spool, thereby providing full stroke resolution of the plunger in each of the bi-directional directions. | 02-04-2016 |
20160030716 | NEEDLE IN CATHETER CANNULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A cannulation system which may comprise a needle disposed within a catheter is disclosed. The needle may be coupled to a needle wire to facilitate displacement of the needle within the catheter. In some embodiments, a guidewire may be disposed within the needle and/or the catheter. This system and associated methods may facilitate needle placement and vascular cannulation. | 02-04-2016 |
20160045715 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH SEGMENTED STABILIZATION SYSTEM - A catheter assembly with segmented or step-wise deployment stabilization system includes a base or handle, puncture needle extending from the handle, and a deployment mechanism or mechanisms to selectively extend from the distal end of the needle for first length a hollow stabilizing component and as a second step to a second further length a stabilizing guide wire element. The needle will gain sub-dermal access to the patient to the intended position for deployment of a catheter. Hollow stabilizing component provides for a first additional guide and support for a catheter sheath from the distal end of the needle. The stabilizing wire element provides additional length, guide and support for the catheter sheath. The hollow stabilizing component has some degree of flexibility as does the guide wire to minimize chance of damage to surrounding tissue. The user can feel resistance and have the opportunity to retract either component and attempt redeployment without a retraction of the puncture needle and a second poke of the patient's skin. In the example for peripheral venous catheterization, the system reduces the probability of blood vessel puncture. The deployment mechanism can have a guiding system which ensures the proper sequence of deployment. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045716 | DOUBLE-ENDED WIRE GUIDE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - The present invention generally relates to double-ended wire guides for use in a percutaneous procedure within a body cavity and to methods of using such devices. In certain embodiments, the wire guide includes a break-away discontinuity near at least one end of the wire guide. | 02-18-2016 |
20160058489 | METHOD FOR PAINLESS RENAL DENERVATION USING A PERI-VASCULAR TISSUE ABLATION CATHETER WITH SUPPORT STRUCTURES - An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular and/or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes which expand around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, and/or nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel, or in prostatic tissue. The system may also include a means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into and beyond the tissue of the vessel wall. The catheter may also include structures which provide radial and/or lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes expand uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened injection needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall. A method can involve injection/infusion of the ablative fluid over an extended time period of at least 10 seconds or with two injections at two different penetration depths to reduce or eliminate patient pain during ablation. | 03-03-2016 |
20160058978 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GUIDING A CATHETER - An apparatus ( | 03-03-2016 |
20160058979 | Guide-Wire Kit and Assembly, Use and Mounting Methods | 03-03-2016 |
20160074627 | Vascular Re-entry Catheter - A catheter has a guide-tip including at least one wing for crossing a CTO lesion in an artery via exploring the subintimal space. The catheter can includes one or more exit port(s) and radiopaque marker(s) for steering a re-entry wire through one of the exit ports. The catheter may include a number of spiral-cut sections with varying characteristics to provide different strength and flexibility along the axial direction. | 03-17-2016 |
20160089512 | CONCEPTS FOR CATHETER CONTROL AND STABILIZATION - A catheter guide device configured to facilitate precise placement of a downstream end of a catheter within a patient. The catheter guide device comprises a torque assembly configured to frictionally engage an exterior surface of a catheter and a hub configured to engage a catheter sheath and thereby prevent rotation of the catheter sheath relative to the hub. The torque assembly is rotatably secured to the hub such that rotating the torque assembly relative to the hub rotates the catheter relative to the catheter sheath and thereby moves the downstream end of the catheter within the patient. The hub additionally comprises a detent mechanism configured to engage a plurality of gear teeth on an exterior surface of the torque assembly to thereby impede unintended rotation of the torque assembly relative to the hub. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089515 | WIRE GUIDE FOR TRAVERSING BODY PASSAGES - A wire guide for feeding a medical catheter through the body passage of a patient to a distant target site within the body has a variably flexible distal portion. The distal portion facilitates threading the guidewire in a tortuous path through acute bends at branch junctions in the body passages of the patient. The wire guide end is able to feed into very delicate vessels such as ventricles of the brain and the spinal canal without puncturing the wall or damaging organs. | 03-31-2016 |
20160096002 | Segmented Catheter Structure and Improved Catheter Tip and Related Systems, Methods, and Devices - Certain embodiments herein relate to an extension catheter for positioning through a conventional guiding catheter into the vasculature of a patient, the extension catheter having a distal tubular member and a proximal elongated shaft coupled to the distal tubular member, wherein the proximal shaft has a length or section containing at least one discontinuous or segmented structure, and further wherein such structures that can be modified or varied to modify the torsional compliance characteristics of the device. Further embodiments relate to a multi-layer catheter having a protective wrap at or near the distal end of the catheter. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096003 | Advanced Electromagnetic Motion and Tracking Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter System with Extended Endovascular Applications - A method of inserting a catheter and catheter placement apparatus that were designed for improving the safety and efficiency in the placement of a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) implant are described. The invention enables placement of the catheter into the body while the catheter is maintained in a sterile environment. | 04-07-2016 |
20160101262 | CATHETER - Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. The multi-layer coil can include first and second coil layers wound in opposing directions. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads. In an example, the one or more helical threads are positioned around a distal end portion of the shaft body. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer and can also include one or more helical threads around its outer surface. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101265 | MEDICAL GUIDE ELEMENT WITH DIAMETER TRANSITION - Improved methods for percutaneously creating, entering and/or dilating an opening in the wall of a blood vessel or other anatomic structure. The improvement comprises deploying a guide element having a proximal segment and a distal segment, the diameter of said distal segment being greater than the diameter of said proximal segment at their juncture, and which at said juncture forms an abrupt circumferential step comprising a proximally-facing surface. Said proximally-facing surface abuts the catheter's tip and shields said tip, thereby facilitating passage of said catheter as it enters and passes through said opening in said wall of a blood vessel or other anatomic structure. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101267 | Anchoring Device and Methods for Use - An anchoring guide wire and methods for use are provided, where the guide wire comprises a non-coiled segment, a first expandable segment, and a leading segment, wherein the first expandable segment is configured to transition between a constrained state and a deployed state. | 04-14-2016 |
20160114125 | Variable Stiffness Balloon Catheter and Related Systems and Methods - The various embodiments herein relate to balloon catheters, and more specifically to balloon catheters having variable stiffnesses. | 04-28-2016 |
20160121078 | COMPRESSION RESISTANT HOSE - Described herein is a hose, wherein the hose has a length having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The hose is comprised of a first layer; and a second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer extend along at least a portion of the length and wherein a longitudinal compressive force applied to either the distal end or the proximal end of the hose causes the first layer to lock against the second layer. | 05-05-2016 |
20160128821 | HOLDING ZONE FOR INTRAVASCULAR MEDICAL DEVICE - A catheter that includes storage for an embolic protection device in an accessible, out-of-the-way location within the advancing catheter. | 05-12-2016 |
20160136390 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING THERAPY ON TISSUE - An apparatus for positioning a device relative to tissue may include an emitter and a detector coupled to the device. The emitter may emit energy onto the tissue. The detector may detect energy reflected from the tissue. The detector may also generate a detector output signal indicative of a characteristic of the reflected energy. The apparatus may also include a processor that receives the detector output signal from the detector. The processor may determine whether there has been relative movement between the device and the tissue based on the detector output signal. The processor may also generate a processor output signal based on the relative movement. The apparatus may also include an actuator assembly engaging the device. The actuator assembly may receive the processor output signal from the processor. The actuator assembly may also move the device based on the processor output signal. | 05-19-2016 |
20160136393 | ADJUSTABLE STIFFNESS CATHETER - The present invention relates to a catheter that has adjustable stiffness that enables a user to select the stiffness of at least one region of the catheter during insertion and navigation through a body lumen. A preferred embodiment of the invention works in combination with a guidewire to enable placement of the catheter at a position within the vascular system, for example, to enable treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The catheter can include segments that undergo relative movement in response to actuation by the user to adjust the flexibility of the at least one region, preferably located at or near the distal end of the catheter. | 05-19-2016 |
20160136394 | GUIDING CATHETER FOR RENAL ARTERY AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - A catheter body of a guiding catheter configured to be introduced into the renal artery, the catheter body including a plurality of abutting portions abutting at least two sites of the inner wall of the aorta on the abdominal side relative to the heart when the distal portion is disposed in the renal artery. A method for using a guiding catheter for the renal artery including providing the guiding catheter for the renal artery; inserting the guiding catheter from an artery in the arm and disposing a distal portion of the guiding catheter in the renal artery via the aorta; and causing the plurality of abutting portions to abut the inner wall of sections further on the abdominal side than the heart, in the aorta. | 05-19-2016 |
20160158492 | PARTIALLY SHRINKABLE TUBING WITH MULTIPLE LUMENS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A partially shrinkable tube includes a plurality of lumens. At least one lumen of the plurality of lumens may be shrinkable from an expanded state to an unexpanded state. At least another lumen of the plurality of lumens may remain in an unexpanded state. Methods for manufacturing and using such tubing are also disclosed. | 06-09-2016 |
20160158502 | Methods and Devices for Transcarotid Access - Disclosed is an arterial access sheath for introducing an interventional device into an artery. The arterial access sheath includes an elongated body sized and shaped to be transcervically introduced into a common carotid artery at an access location in the neck and an internal lumen in the elongated body having a proximal opening in a proximal region of the elongated body and a distal opening in a distal region of the elongated body. The internal lumen provides a passageway for introducing an interventional device into the common carotid artery when the elongated body is positioned in the common carotid artery. The elongated body has a proximal section and a distalmost section that is more flexible than the proximal section. A ratio of an entire length of the distalmost section to an overall length of the sheath body is one tenth to one half the overall length of the sheath body. | 06-09-2016 |
20160158505 | APPLICATOR FOR ANTISEPTIC OR MEDICATIONS - Disclosed herein is an applicator that can be advanced over an in-situ guidewire and into the subcutaneous tissue or tract prior to CVC placement or replacement, allowing sterilization of the subcutaneous tissue or tract before CVC introduction. The unique shape of the applicator allows sterilization of the skin surface as well as the subcutaneous tissue or tract of the original CVC that lies beneath the skin, which are difficult to reach and effectively sterilize with other applicators. | 06-09-2016 |
20160184557 | OVER-THE-NEEDLE GUIDEWIRE VASCULAR ACCESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire. | 06-30-2016 |
20160184560 | Balloon Catheter With Elastomeric Sheath and Methods - Balloon catheters that include a balloon and an elastomeric sheath, each having a surface with a therapeutic agent disposed thereon, along with methods of making and methods of using the disclosed balloon catheters. | 06-30-2016 |
20160193448 | INTRODUCER ASSEMBLY WITH CAP AND METHOD OF USING SAME | 07-07-2016 |
20160250447 | ATRAUMATIC MICROPUNCTURE GUIDEWIRE AND GUIDEWIRE EXTENSION | 09-01-2016 |
20160250449 | SOFT LOCK WIRE GUIDE AND NEURO-SURGERY ASSEMBLY USING SAME | 09-01-2016 |
20190143082 | CATHETER INSERTION DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |