Abstract:
A blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members, each of the members tipped with a retainer encompassed within bio-resorbable cover material. Upon delivery into a blood vessel, the locator and anchor members position the filter near the vessel centerline. After a period of time, the bio-resorbable cover material resorbs, allowing the retainer on the members to penetrate and attach to the vessel wall. A method of implanting the filter includes delivering the filter into a blood vessel and allowing the bio-resorbable cover material to resorb so retainers on the members can engage the vessel walls.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position.
Abstract:
Methods for the deposition of silver-comprising films on nonconducting substrates, and, more particularly, to deposition of such films that are very thin, are provided. The surface of nonconducting substrates is modified with a superabsorbent polymer to increase silver deposition when compared to a non-modified surface. Also provided are films produced using a swelling agent, whereby porosity of the surface of the nonconducting substrate is increased, thereby permitting increased silver deposition when compared to an unmodified surface.
Abstract:
A blood filter device for placement in a blood vessel including a plurality of anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly about a first hub. A filter basket is preferably positioned upstream from the anchor members. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The filter basket is made up of a number of filter members configured to retain blood clots within the basket without completely blocking blood flow or applying additional force to vessel walls. Portions of the filter members may project radially outward to position the basket near the vessel centerline, but the filter basket preferably does not include hooks or anchors for anchoring the filter basket to the blood vessel.
Abstract:
A retractable catheter for use in an implant delivery system, the catheter including an elongate tubular sheath made of a relatively flexible material, and a pull element for transmitting a pull force to the sheath to retract it longitudinally. The pull element includes an end portion disposed in the relatively flexible material, at least the thickness of the end portion being substantially less than its length.
Abstract:
A vascular prosthesis configured for direct connection to an artery. The vascular prosthesis may include a tube of material other than autologous vascular tissue, having an end formation, which is configured for surgical connection to an opening formed in the artery, and a narrower portion prior to commencement of the end formation. The end formation may have an enlarged chamber adapted to induce a concave section in said blood vessel upon attachment thereto.
Abstract:
A split tip dialysis catheter having an outer tube and an inner tube, the two tubes which can be arranged over at least a portion of their length in a coaxial configuration. The inner tube may be connected to the outer tube at a proximal bifurcation, secured at a distal end of the outer tube or both, but generally the inner tube will remain free to move relative to the outer tube to optimize functionality. In addition, the inner tube can be arranged to be removable from the catheter for replacement thereof.
Abstract:
A temporary filter is described for use in percutaneous intravascular procedures for the treatment of diseased blood vessels, such as angioplasty or stent placement procedures. The guide wire which is used to direct a catheter (such as a balloon catheter) to a treatment site contains a deployable filter. The guide wire is moveable independently of the catheter and can be used to position the filter at a desired location downstream of the treatment site. The guide wire includes parts moveable with respect to each other and the filter is connected to these parts in such a way that it can be deployed and collapsed by relative movement of the parts.
Abstract:
A ureteroscope system including a handpiece, a catheter, one or more sensors, and a processor is described. The handpiece includes a working channel port and a working channel in fluid communication with the working channel port. The catheter is secured to the handpiece and includes a distal end defining a working channel opening in fluid communication with the working channel. The one or more sensors are positioned and configured to detect a position of at least a portion of a laser fiber. The processor is configured to determine if an emitting end of the laser fiber configured to emit laser light is outside the working channel and spaced at least a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter.
Abstract:
A vena cava filter is described, having one or more frame members or an elongated member arranged in helical fashion. A plurality of filaments connect frame members or portions of the elongated member. The filaments may be made of suture material. Hooks may be placed on a free end of the filaments, along the length thereof, or on one or more frame members to engage the blood vessel wall and anchor the filter. A retrieval member may be positioned on the filter to facilitate withdrawal of the filter from the blood vessel.