Abstract:
A biodegradable intralumenal device that is capable of drug delivery. The device has circular hoops connected by one or more flexible links defining a substantially cylindrical configuration capable of having a closed configuration and an open configuration. Each hoop mateably connects with or interlocks with an adjacent hoop in the open configuration in order to retain this configuration subsequent to delivery of the device.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a drainage catheter including an elongated hollow drainage tube having a proximal end, a distal end, a tip, a flexible region adjacent the tip, a filament routing channel, a hub associated with the proximal end of the elongated hollow drainage tube, and a filament member associated with the flexible tip for altering the shape of the flexible tip to facilitate retention of the drainage tube in a patient's body. The filament member is slidably positioned within the filament routing member in the distal end of the drainage tube to permit removal of same from the catheter. The filament member exits the catheter through the hub, which further includes at least one filament member passageway. The filament member passageways enable slidable movement of the filament member therein, while also maintaining a liquid tight seal from leakage through the hub. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the drainage catheter including the steps of associating the filament member with an insert member, positioning the insert member and the filament member inside the distal end of the elongated hollow drainage tube, energizing the distal end of the elongated hollow drainage tube proximate the insert member to secure the insert member and filament within a filament routing channel in the elongated hollow drainage tube, and forming a hub on the proximal end of the elongated hollow drainage tube around the filament member to create a liquid tight seal.
Abstract:
A biopsy device includes an outer cannula, an inner rod, a sheath operably associated with the outer cannula, a handle assembly removably attachable to the sheath, and a release member for releasably attaching the handle assembly to the sheath. In one embodiment, a locking element associated with the sheath comprises a pair of notches located on either side of the sheath, and a locking element associated with the handle assembly comprises a pair of slots in communication with an opening within the handle assembly. The release member comprises a rotatable collar located in a channel on the handle assembly. When the release member is rotated from a first position to a second position, a portion thereof protrudes through the slots into the notches on the sheath, thereby locking the sheath in place.
Abstract:
A filter retrieval system for retrieving a previously implanted medical filter, and methods of using the retrieval system, are disclosed. The filter retrieval system has a flexible shaft, a retrieval element, and a handle with an actuator. The flexible shaft may be catheter-based, and has a proximal and a distal end, and has an opening near its distal end. The handle is affixed to the shaft near the proximal end of the shaft, and the actuator is adapted to manipulate the retrieval element to grasp or hook or otherwise engage a portion of the filter, and then pull the filter in through the opening into a passage or lumen of the catheter shaft. The retrieval system is capable of retrieving a filter in into a proximal and distal space defined by the flexible shaft, though only one space at a time.
Abstract:
A wound closure assembly and method for its use. The wound closure assembly includes a curved inserter having a distal end and a proximal end, a filamentary element extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the proximal end of the curved inserter, a first anchor coupled to the filamentary element between its first and second ends, and a second anchor positioned at the distal end of the filamentary element. The filamentary element is configured to form a slip knot between the first and second anchors so as to enable the distance between the first and second anchors to be decreased by pulling on the proximal end of the filamentary element. The distal end of the curved inserter is received within a channel in the first anchor that extends along its longitudinal length.
Abstract:
A stent attachment and deployment mechanism is utilized to prevent the distal end of an endoprosthesis comprising fixation barbs or other fixation mechanism from deploying prior to the remaining sections of the fixation device. With this stent attachment and deployment mechanism accurate deployment may be achieved.
Abstract:
A filter retrieval system for retrieving a previously implanted medical filter, and methods of using the retrieval system, are disclosed. The filter retrieval system has a flexible shaft, a retrieval element, and a handle with an actuator. The flexible shaft may be catheter-based, and has a proximal and a distal end, and has an opening near its distal end. The handle is affixed to the shaft near the proximal end of the shaft, and the actuator is adapted to manipulate the retrieval element to grasp or hook or otherwise engage a portion of the filter, and then pull the filter in through the opening into a passage or lumen of the catheter shaft. The retrieval system is capable of retrieving a filter in into a proximal and distal space defined by the flexible shaft, though only one space at a time.
Abstract:
A filter retrieval system for retrieving a previously implanted medical filter, and methods of using the retrieval system, are disclosed. The filter retrieval system has a flexible shaft, a retrieval element, and a handle with an actuator. The flexible shaft may be catheter-based, and has a proximal and a distal end, and has an opening near its distal end. The handle is affixed to the shaft near the proximal end of the shaft, and the actuator is adapted to manipulate the retrieval element. When an operator manipulates the actuator, the retrieval element is adapted to protrude slightly from the shaft opening. As the actuator is operated, the retrieval element can grasp or hook or otherwise engage a portion of the filter, and then pull the filter in through the opening into a passage or lumen of the catheter shaft. The retrieval system is capable of retrieving a filter in into a proximal and distal space defined by the flexible shaft, though only one space at a time.
Abstract:
An aneurysmal repair system that utilizes a modified apex and delivery device is designed for accurate endoprosthesis delivery and deployment. The modified apex utilizes segments that overlap and hold one another down as well as the fixation barbs attached thereto. The delivery device holds or secures at least one section of the apex and may be easily released by retraction of a hold down member.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a bone marrow biopsy needle including an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, a hollow section therebetween and a handle portion associated with the proximal end, and an inner rod having a proximal end, a distal end and a handle cap. The handle portion further includes a grip enhancement member which is formed from a material distinct from at least a portion of the handle portion, such as rubber. The grip enhancement member may take the form of insert members which fit into cavities in the handle portion of the outer cannula. The grip enhancement member not only enhances the gripping surface of the bone marrow biopsy needle, but also provides cushioning for a user and adds weight to the handle portion to facilitate weight distribution throughout the outer cannula handle.