77 results about "Entry site" patented technology

Devices and methods for achieving directed placement of guidewires or other flexible rails over which other catheters or other devices may be introduced to a targeted location. A guidewire directing device includes a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal peripheral opening for directing a guidewire laterally from the device, and may have a deflecting member with a predetermined deflection angle in the lumen adjacent the peripheral opening. A snaring device is also provided that includes one or more lumens through which a snare or other grasping member is directed for releasably capturing or coupling to a guidewire. The snaring and target guidewire devices may include cooperating end effectors for releasably coupling or securing the devices together. The devices may be used for directing, snaring and / or manipulating one or more guidewires between two blood vessels connected by an interstitial channel, for example, to “floss” a guidewire through the coronary arterial and venous systems between two percutaneous entry sites and / or to bypass a lesion in a vessel using proximal and distal interstitial channels communicating with an adjacent vessel.

An assembly structured to introduce a trocar or other medical instrumentation into a body cavity through an entry site formed in the cavity wall. The introducer assembly includes a base formed of a semi-rigid, flexible and / or a semi-flexible material having an instrument receiving passage extending there through, and further including an exterior sealing surface extending between proximal and distal portions of the base. The sealing surface has a predetermined configuration which is shaped to conform to the shape of the entry site as the base passes into the entry site. A fluid restricting seal is thereby established between the exterior of the base and the peripheral tissue surrounding the entry site, particularly when the entry site is formed by an incision commonly utilized an open laparoscopic procedure.

Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing body lumens and / or for delivering instruments into body lumens, e.g., vessels within a patient's vasculature. A flexible sheath is provided that is expandable from a contracted condition to an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen therein. The sheath is lubricious and has a relatively thin wall, thereby providing a collapsible / expandable guide for delivering fluids and / or instruments through tortuous anatomy and / or into relatively narrow passages. The sheath is advanced from an entry site to a body lumen in the contracted condition. Once the sheath reaches a target body lumen, the sheath is expanded to the enlarged condition, thereby defining a lumen within the sheath, and fluids and / or instruments are introduced into the body lumen via the sheath lumen. Upon completing the procedure, the sheath is removed from the body lumen.

A closure device or system seals or closes an opening in a body cavity. The closure device is deployed proximate to an entry site to the body cavity. A needle or instrument is inserted through the closure to form an incision through the body wall to insert a treatment device or instrument. Following withdrawal of the treatment device or instrument, the closure device seals or closes the incision.

A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters. An infrared sensing device is mounted proximate a drip chamber to ascertain a drip count, while a temperature sensor is disposed within a holder that is positioned toward the entry site on a patient. A heat controller controls the heaters based on a drip count, while a safety controller disables heater operation in response to liquid temperature exceeding the desired temperature. Thus, the safety controller and heat controller, in combination, control the heating assembly heaters based on liquid temperature and flow rate, respectively. Alternatively, the liquid-filled bag may be heated to a desired temperature whereby the heating assembly includes a single heater controlled by a controller to maintain the liquid at the desired temperature during infusion of the liquid into a patient.

A method and apparatus for retroperfusing cerebral venous vasculature with autologous venous blood through a percutaneous entry site which incorporates a double-lumen catheter, a self-inflating pressure-regulated balloon mounted on the catheter and a perfusion outflow region either distal to the balloon for direct perfusion into the superior sagittal sinus, or proximal to the balloon for perfusion into the transverse sinus near the junction of the superior sagittal sinus.

A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters. An infrared sensing device is mounted proximate a drip chamber to ascertain a drip count, while a temperature sensor is disposed within a holder that is positioned toward the entry site on a patient. A heat controller controls the heaters based on a drip count, while a safety controller disables heater operation in response to liquid temperature exceeding the desired temperature. Thus, the safety controller and heat controller, in combination, control the heating assembly heaters based on liquid temperature and flow rate, respectively. Alternatively, the liquid-filled bag may be heated to a desired temperature whereby the heating assembly includes a single heater controlled by a controller to maintain the liquid at the desired temperature during infusion of the liquid into a patient.

This invention is a cannulation apparatus, and related methods for providing indirect access to a surgical site within a patient. The cannulation apparatus includes at least two fluid flow paths that are slidable coupled (40) (50) to one another, and selectively positional within the patient. The first, the second flow path s may be advanced through a single incision disposed remotely from the surgical field to first, and second predetermined locations within the patient. Exemplary sites for the incision include the groin region or in the neck region of the patient. The cannulation apparatus, and method of the present invention are particularly suited for use in providing cardiopulmonary support during cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The cannulation apparatus of the present invention also provides an entry site for one or more support devices used in the surgical procedure.

Lay flat tubing is used as a fluid conductor for transferring fluid to and from the body of a patient. The lay flat tubing lies flat or collapsed when not in use, utilizing minimal space during transportation and storage, but which expands to form a passage when used to conduct fluid. A plurality of lumens may be formed in the lay flat tubing. At least one lumen transports infused fluid end-to-end from a source to an entry site on a patient, or in the alternative from an entry site on or in a patient. All lumens are isolated with respect to each other in order to prevent crossover of fluid from one lumen to the other.

Systems and methods for three-dimensional guidance and monitoring of a cryotherapy procedure, including virtually performing the procedure. A method of virtually performing a cryotherapy procedure includes: selecting a target object from three-dimensional image data displayed in three dimensions; selecting a three-dimensional ablation zone; selecting, from a library of virtual cryoprobe needles, a cryoprobe needle with a three-dimensional ablation zone that corresponds to the selected ablation zone; comparing the location of the target object with the selected ablation zone, the location of the ablation zone encompassing the target object to the greatest extent being an optimal location, determining, via a processor, a virtual trajectory for the virtual cryoprobe needle from an entry site to the target object when the ablation zone of the virtual cryoprobe needle is in the optimal position; and calculating a result of the procedure based on the target object, the selected ablation zone, the selected needle, and a duration of treatment. Guidance may also optionally be provided during an actual cryotherapy procedure, based upon three dimensional image data and / or data from one or more sensors, for example according to the results of the virtual cryotherapy procedure.

Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing body lumens and / or for delivering instruments into body lumens, e.g., vessels within a patient's vasculature. A flexible sheath is provided that is expandable from a contracted condition to an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen therein. The sheath is lubricious and has a relatively thin wall, thereby providing a collapsible / expandable guide for delivering fluids and / or instruments through tortuous anatomy and / or into relatively narrow passages. The sheath is advanced from an entry site to a body lumen in the contracted condition. Once the sheath reaches a target body lumen, the sheath is expanded to the enlarged condition, thereby defining a lumen within the sheath, and fluids and / or instruments are introduced into the body lumen via the sheath lumen. Upon completing the procedure, the sheath is removed from the body lumen.

The invention provides a multi-tool instrument for use in surgical procedures. The tools can be rapidly deployed and retracted during a surgical procedure without requiring exchange of instruments, without compromising the integrity of the anatomical entry site, without obstructing the surgical field of view, and without harming the patient.

A device according to present invention embodiments measures the temperature of fluid within an IV line at selected locations. The device may be in the form of a fitting including a projection in fluid communication with a fluid channel to receive a temperature sensor. A thermally conductive receptacle may be disposed in the projection to receive the temperature sensor and partially extends into the fluid channel for contact with the fluid. The temperature sensor may be coupled to a temperature display device and / or controller to display the measured temperature and / or control a thermal element to regulate fluid temperature. The fitting may further include a looped configuration and / or a control valve that controls the flow of fluid through the fluid channel. In addition, the device may further be connected to, or be in the form of, a needle hub to measure fluid temperature proximate the entry site on a patient.

An introduction assembly and method for the insertion of medical instruments through a thoracic passage into a selected one of either the left or right atrium of the heart. Catheters or other instruments dedicated to performing required cardiac maneuvers are passed through an introductory sheath having a distal end disposed within the targeted atrium. Upon completion of the required cardiac maneuvers the instruments are removed from the atrium and a closure assembly is passed through the introductory sheath into a closing relation to an entry site, formed in the pericardium and corresponding atrium wall, to facilitate healing thereof. The introductory assembly and method facilitates the concurrent, operative disposition of a plurality of catheters or other instruments into the interior of the selected atrium through different thoracic passages and entry sites thereby allowing synergistic interaction between the multiple catheters in the performance of the required cardiac maneuvers.

Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis at a wound site following an endovascular procedure. Such wound sealing is necessary generally following a percutaneous procedure where a percutaneous cannula is withdrawn from the vasculature leaving an entry site to the vessel that could bleed if steps are not taken to stop said bleeding. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the catheterization laboratory following interventional cardiology or interventional neuroradiology procedures. The devices utilize the introduction sheath that was originally used for the procedure as a guide for the closure. The closure device is inserted through the introduction sheath once any therapeutic or diagnostic devices have been removed. The closure device comprises a two-part sealing material housed in a reservoir system, a mixing chamber, a delivery cannula, exit ports, and a vessel location device. The sealing material generally comprises materials such as albumin and polyethylene glycol, or the like. The sealing device works in conjunction with the already placed sheath to eliminate the step of replacing said sheath, an action that increases procedural time and may contribute to further wound damage and reduced sealing effectiveness.

A detection and guide system provides access to desired blood vessel locations. An implant formed of a biocompatible material is implanted within a mammalian body proximate an outer surface of a blood vessel. The detection and guide system may be configured to be positioned outside the mammalian body to detect the implant and to guide a needle to the desired entry site of the biological boundary structure. A needle guide may be coupled to a housing of the detection and guide system and directed at an angle such that positioning the implant detector over the implant aligns an opening through the needle guide with the desired entry site. The detection and guide system may, for example, provide metal detection of a metallic implant or magnetic detection of a magnetic implant.

An introducer for a catheter and a closed-end infusion catheter are provided. The catheter may be porous or may have a number of holes in which to infuse anesthetics into a body area of a patient. The introducer allows for introducing and proper placement of the catheter in the body of the patient. In addition, a method for using the introducer to place the catheter in the body of the patient is provided. The introducer may pierce the skin of the patient and may be inserted through the subcutaneous layer to an exit site. After a portion of the introducer protrudes through the exit site, the catheter may be attached to the introducer. The introducer may be pulled into the body, through the subcutaneous layer and out of the body at the original entry site. The introducer may then be removed, and the catheter may be pulled into place and sutured to the skin.

An elongated device adapted for insertion, including self-insertion, through the body, especially the skull is disclosed. The device has at least one effector or sensor and is configured to permit implantation of multiple functional components through a single entry site into the skull by directing the components at different angles. The device may be used to provide electrical, magnetic, and other stimulation therapy to a patient's brain. The lengths of the effectors, sensors, and other components may completely traverse skull thickness (at a diagonal angle) to barely protrude through to the brain's cortex. The components may directly contact the brain's cortex, but from there their signals can be directed to targets deeper within the brain. Effector lengths are directly proportional to their battery size and ability to store charge. Therefore, longer angled electrode effectors not limited by skull thickness permit longer-lasting batteries which expand treatment options.

The present invention is directed to non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant polioviruses for the treatment of various forms of malignant tumors. The recombinant polioviruses of the invention are those in which the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) of the wild type poliovirus was exchanged with the IRES of other picornaviruses, and optionally P1, P3 or the 3'NTR thereof was exchanged with that of poliovirus Sabin type. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the administration of the non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant poliovirus to the tumor directly, intrathecally or intravenously to cause tumor necrosis. The method of the present invention is particularly useful for the treatment of malignant tumors in various organs, such as: breast, colon, bronchial passage, epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and genito-urinary tracts, liver, prostate and the brain. Astounding remissions in experimental animals have been demonstrated for the treatment of malignant glioblastoma multiforme, an almost universally fatal neoplasm of the central nervous system.

An improved angiographic catheter that allows selective catheterization of the bilateral pelvic arteries via a unilateral single common femoral arterial entry site for the purpose of introducing radioopaque iodinated contrast solutions for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The catheter has an optimal length, specific tapered and curved regions, and a progressively tapering diameter along its length. The catheter is made from a hybrid of soft, flexible hydrophilic and reinforced materials to allow for conformational changes in order to accommodate to the variety of vascular anatomy encountered in clinical angiographic practice.

Lay flat tubing is used as a fluid conductor for transferring fluid to and from the body of a patient. The lay flat tubing lies flat or collapsed when not in use, utilizing minimal space during transportation and storage, but which expands to form a passage when used to conduct fluid. A plurality of lumens may be formed in the lay flat tubing. At least one lumen transports infused fluid end-to-end from a source to an entry site on a patient, or in the alternative from an entry site on or in a patient. All lumens are isolated with respect to each other in order to prevent crossover of fluid from one lumen to the other.

A method for conditionally knocking out and altering gene function and genetic sequences that can be used in such methods, for use in gene trapping and gene targeting. Specifically, the genetic sequence is a inducible gene silencer comprising: (a) a splice acceptor sequence; (b) an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) sequence; (c) a nucleotide sequence coding for a reporter protein; (d) a polyadenylation sequence; and (e) a pair of oppositely oriented recombination site sequences, which cause single cycle inversions in the presence of a suitable recombinase enzyme, flanking elements (a) through (d).

An occlusion device for vascular surgery, suitable for clogging treatments of vascular entry sites and for endovascular interventions such as embolizations of blood vessels, treatment of arteriovenous malformations or small aneurysms, arterial dissections and the like, by releasing in an operation region a quick setting surgical glue or haemostatic fluid, through an outlet mouth of a duct. The device prevents the surgical glue from contacting within the duct a patient's biological fluids, in particular blood, which would close the duct. In the case of clogging treatments of vascular entry sites, a backflow preventing device may be provided, preferably provided by a coupling device between the duct and an introducer sheath by which an outlet mouth is kept in contact to keep in a one-way fluid tight contact against the outer surface of the introducer sheath until an injection pressure P2 is applied to cause release of the surgical glue.

A method for occluding a body vessel in a patient to block or reduce blood flow therethrough includes puncturing a blood vessel wall at a proximal vessel entry site with a hollow needle and extending the needle through the proximal entry site into the vessel lumen. The needle is extended through the vessel lumen and extended through the vessel wall at a distal vessel exit site into the extravascular space surrounding the distal vessel exit site. An expandable biocompatible material, such as expandable extracellular matrix (ECM) material, is then ejected though the distal end of the needle into the extravascular space. Then, while continuing to eject the expandable biocompatible plug material, the distal end of the needle is retracted back through the distal vessel exit site into the vessel lumen, such that the plug material continuously extends between the extravascular space surrounding the distal vessel exit site into the vessel lumen. When the plug material is delivered into the lumen of the vessel, the plug material expands, anchoring the plug material to the vessel wall, whereby the plug material forms an occluding plug in the vessel lumen blocking or reducing blood flow therethrough.

The invention relates to compositions, specifically novel nucleic acid constructs encoding a cardiovirus 2A polypeptide operably linked to suitable promoters. Also, disclosed are methods whereby the nucleic acid constructs are introduced into cells or cell free systems to regulate cellular mRNA transcription and cap-dependent or internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-dependent mRNA translation.

The present invention provides a method and components thereof of performing genetic modification under a drug-free environment. The method comprises the steps of generating a trapped mammalian cell library by trapper constructs (including the element of piggyBac terminal inverted repeats (TIRs)), reporter constructs, and helper constructs (including a sequence of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)). The present art allows: (1) to target & identify the silenced loci; (2) to separate genes with low-level expression at certain differentiation stages; (3) to evaluate the efficiency of gene targeting in the silent or repressed loci. The present invention avoids the biased gene targeting observed in the prior arts, and eliminates the needs of introducing antibiotic genes into the host genome which may lead to a potential threat of drifting antibiotic resistant genes into environment.

The device of the present invention includes a modular, implantable catheterization port that is composed of a body portion, an interior port and an exterior port. The interior and exterior ports are selectively attachable to the body portion such that the device can be assembled by a clinician at the skin entry site without compromising the position of other portions of the device within and outside of the patient. The device further includes a first skirt and a second skirt that surround the exterior port at its junction with the body portion. Both skirts are designed to gradually affix themselves into the surrounding tissues of the patient's body during the initial phase of healing. The first skirt is composed of a bio-absorbable material such that in subsequent phases of healing its connection to the surrounding tissues diminishes, leaving the second skirt to maintain a mature, secure, and permanent connection to the tissues. The bio-absorbable material can be selected prior to assembly in order to ensure that the first skirt is fully absorbed at the conclusion of the procedure, thus permitting an easy and less-invasive removal of the device from the patient.

The invention discloses an automatic road charging method, comprising that: a mobile terminal which is based on the NFC protocol establishes communication with a card distribution device arranged at a first toll station; the mobile terminal adopts the positioning technology to record the driving track starting from an entry site; the mobile terminal which is based on the NFC protocol establishes communication with the card sender arranged at a second toll station to determine an exit site and reports the driving track between the entry site and the exit site to a server; the mobile terminal receives a driving expense payment request obtained by calculation by the server according to the driving track; and the mobile terminal utilizes an NFC electronic payment function to realize payment. The automatic road charging method disclosed by the invention solves the problems that the artificial charging is slow, and the ETC cross-province charging is not convenient, and tax evasion happens.