Abstract:
Method for fabricating a catheter including providing an inner tubular member formed from a first polymeric material, the inner tubular member having a distal section, a distal end, and a lumen defined therein by a first inner diameter; necking down at least a portion of the distal section of the inner tubular member to form a necked tip having a second inner diameter; and removing a portion of polymeric material from an inner surface along the necked tip to define a third inner diameter for the necked tip. The method can include positioning the distal section of the inner tubular member in a balloon having a working length, a distal neck, and a distal leg, with the distal end of the inner tubular member extending distally beyond a distal end of the distal leg, and coupling the distal leg of the balloon to at least a portion of the distal section of the inner tubular member.
Abstract:
Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone access and dilatation and/or cavity creation or enlargement using a narrow gauge, preferably 11-gauge or smaller, cannula wherein a catheter/expandable element assembly meeting medical protocols is designed, adapted and fabricated to fit through the interior of the associated 11-gauge or smaller cannula.
Abstract:
A balloon catheter having a radiopaque coil embedded in the catheter's body corresponding to a landmark of the balloon or other location on the catheter body. The radiopaque coil can be viewed under fluoroscopy to located the balloon or other structure of the catheter. The coil can be readily inserted in the manufacturing process by inserting it between two layers that form the catheter body, and then sealing the coil inside the catheter at the desired location. This facilitates both the manufacturing process and prevents the marker from being dislodged during the manufacturing, navigation, or inflation process.
Abstract:
A balloon catheter (10) having a shaft (16), a balloon (14), and an external delivery tube (12) is disclosed. Methods of using the balloon catheter having an external delivery tube are also disclosed. In one example, the balloon catheter is an agent delivery catheter including a catheter body extending between catheter proximal and distal portions. An inflatable balloon assembly (100) is coupled with the catheter body. An agent delivery assembly (102) is coupled with the catheter body and the inflatable balloon assembly. The agent delivery assembly includes a delivery lumen (32) extending through the catheter body, and an agent delivery tube extending along an exterior balloon surface (64). The agent delivery tube includes at least one delivery orifice (70) directed outside of the exterior balloon surface. The agent delivery assembly is isolated from fluid communication with the inflatable balloon assembly.
Abstract:
This invention is generally related to catheters for insertion into a body cavity, duct or vessel, and more particularly to a tip or plug for a catheter. The catheter tip is constructed and arranged to form a seal on the end portion of the catheter tube, while a sleeve secured or formed integrally to the tip cooperates with the catheter tube to form a first balloon that encapsulates the tip of the catheter and a second balloon that positions the catheter within the body cavity, duct or vessel.
Abstract:
This application provides a pressure sensing catheter (200). The illustrative catheter includes, in its proximal end (220), a transducer base (250) or housing that is permanently attached to the catheter shaft (202). The base includes, inserted there into, one or more miniaturized pressure transducer assemblies (540), which are in fluid communication with corresponding pressure lumens that extend down the shaft and are in communication with one or more predetermined balloons (240) by discrete channels or ports, which provide a fluid passage between the interior space of the balloon and the corresponding pressure lumen. In alternate example the catheter can include a fluid infusion/flushing lumen and port interconnected to a proximal fluid connection.
Abstract:
Medical devices and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a medical device or a medical device component includes contacting a non-fluid first member and a second member, the first member comprising a first polymer and an alignable material different from the first polymer; aligning the alignable material; and bonding the first and second members together.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly comprises an elongate shaft (22) having a proximal end (30) and a distal end (32). The assembly also comprises a flexible distal tip (46) having a proximal end coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and having a distal end. The flexible distal tip has at least one groove (54) in a surface thereof.
Abstract:
The present invention relates a process for making a unitary component which may be used with catheters. More specifically, one embodiment of this invention relates to a process for producing a unitary component having a tip integrally formed with a means for expansion. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of producing a catheter having a unitary component wherein the tip of the unitary component is integrally formed with a means for expansion. Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the remainder of the disclosure.