96 results about "Venous access" patented technology

A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchors may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia. A radial restraint, comprising a wire, thread or cuff, may be used to ensure expansion does not exceed the preset diameter. The valve support may optionally comprise a drug elution component. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart. A blood pump may be inserted into the catheter to ensure continued blood flow across the implantation site during implantation procedure. When the outer sheath is retracted, the prosthetic valve assembly expands to an expanded position such that the valve and valve support expand at the implantation site and the anchor engages the lumen wall. Insertion of the catheter may optionally be performed over a transseptally delivered guidewire that has been externalized through the arterial vasculature. Such a guidewire provide dual venous and arterial access to the implantation site and allows additional manipulation of the implantation site after arterial implantation of the prosthetic valve. Additional expansion stents may be delivered by venous access to the valve.

A blood collection device includes a needle hub with a flashback chamber and a vent plug covering the flashback chamber. The vent plug permits a flow of air across the vent plug but prevents a flow of liquid across the vent plug. An intravenous cannula is mounted to the hub and extends into the flashback chamber. A non-patient cannula is mounted to the hub and also extends into communication with the flashback chamber. A passive shielding device is mounted to the hub and can be moved from a proximal position where the intravenous cannula is exposed to a distal position where the intravenous cannula is partly shielded. The flashback chamber can be observed to provide an early indication of venous access. A fluid collection tube then can be placed in communication with the non-patient needle and can simultaneously trigger movement of the safety shield.

A dual mode handheld ultrasonic device is provided for guiding a venous access catheter into a patient's peripheral vein. It provides B-mode imaging with a predetermined aperture and operating frequency which locates and displays a gray scale cross-sectional image of the target blood vessel. A single doppler beam in a separate mode detects the same blood vessel and creates a single scanline image superimposed to such B-mode cross-sectional image. Simultaneously, the intensity of the positive doppler shift detected by the single doppler beam as it hits the target blood vessel activates a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) indicator lights with varying voltage requirements mounted in the scanhead. Activated LED indicator lights forms an arrow pointing inferiorly perpendicular to the target vessel which guides a physician or a paramedical professional to the precise catheter insertion spot on a patient's extremity while simultaneously viewing the target blood vessel's cross-section on the display screen.

We describe connectors for safely and conveniently injecting measured doses of sterile liquid medications into a patient via one or more infusion ports in intravenous access assemblies. Each connector comprises a tubular injector divided by a rigid septum which holds a hollow needle sharp on each end safely recessed in a leading and in a trailing chamber. The leading chamber snugly holds the trailing limb and penetrable cap of an inserted standard infusion port. The trailing recess snugly holds the leading end of a cartridge with a leading penetrable diaphragm, a bore containing liquid medication, a cartridge piston and trailing bore suitable for insertion of a separate cartridge plunger having markers for measuring doses delivered; or, alternatively, the pentrable cap and trailing limb of second similar infusion port attached by trailing tubing to a large measured volume infusion source. When assembled such that the trailing cap of infusion port is penetrated by the needle in the leading chamber and the leading diaphragm of the cartridge or, alternatively, the leading penetrable cap on a second infusion port is penetrated by the needle in the trailing chamber, such that flow can proceed through the needle, precisely measured doses of sterile liquid medication can be injected into the venous access assembly without possibilities for the user to touch, get stuck or finger-contaminate the needle or its contents. Unique features added to increase the efficiency of the system are a biased leading end on the tubular injector to conveniently and securely accommodate a Y-infusion port; an eccentric needle in the connector, such that rotation prevents the leading sharp end of the needle from passing through the infusion port cap via the same track; and an easily removed biased cap for keeping the cartridge diaphragm sterile.

Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing vasodilatation and / or controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired vacuum pressure to the skin of the extremity of a mammal. In some cases it is also desirable to provide heat to regions of the extremity of the mammal to further dilate the veins or arteries in the patient. In some cases it is also desirable to apply a contact pressure to regions of the extremity of the mammal to improve perfusion of these regions. In one embodiment, the device includes a device that is adapted to rigidly enclose a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein so that a sub-atmospheric pressure can be applied to the mammal's extremity, which is further discussed below.

A hemodialysis and vascular access system comprises a subcutaneous composite PTFE silastic arteriovenous fistula having an indwelling silastic venous end which is inserted percutaneously into a vein and a PTFE arterial end which is anastomosed to an artery. Access to a blood stream within the system is gained by direct puncture of needle(s) into a needle receiving site having a tubular passage within a metal or plastic frame and a silicone upper surface through which needle(s) are inserted. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, percutaneous access to a blood stream may be gained by placing needles directly into the system (i.e. into the PTFE arterial end). The invention also proposes an additional embodiment having an arterialized indwelling venous catheter where blood flows from an artery through a tube and a port into an arterial reservoir and is returned to a vein via a port and a venous outlet tube distinct and distant from the area where the blood from the artery enters the arterial reservoir. The site where blood is returned to the vein is not directly fixed to the venous wall but is free floating within the vein. This system provides a hemodialysis and venous access graft which has superior longevity and performance, is easier to implant and is much more user friendly.

A central venous catheter is provided having a proximal tube segment, a distal tube segment and a transition tube segment interposed between the proximal and distal tube segments which are preferably formed as a single integrated tube containing polymer material of different durometer and varying amounts of radiopaque filler material. The polymer durometer of the proximal segment is higher than the polymer durometer of the distal segment. By contrast, the percentage by weight of the filler material contained in the distal segment is higher than that of the proximal segment. The variation in the polymer durometer and the filler amount along the length of the tube provide the desired tensile strength, hardness, chemical resistance and fatigue resistance at the proximal segment and at the same time provide the desired flexibility and radiopacity at the distal segment.

The present invention provides a kit apparatus and a methodology to prevent the primary causes of arteriovenous graft thrombosis; and provides a durable vascular access for successful long term use in hemodialysis. The invention employs a patient-customized prosthetic endograft as an subcutaneously implanted vascular access; and utilizes a surgical method for endovascular insertion of the prosthetic endograft into a pre-chosen vein, which does not require a distal anastomosis, and thus allows the distal outflow end of the implanted vascular access to remain unattached and freely floating at a precisely located anatomic position within the internal lumen the pre-chosen vein.

A system for perfusing a localized site within a body includes a catheter assembly having a venous access line that is adapted to deliver perfusate to the localized site, a venous or arterial drainage line adapted to drain perfusate from the localized site, and an occlusion device adapted to prevent some or substantially all physiological blood flow between the localized site and the systemic circulation of the body during and in the course of perfusing and draining perfusate to and from the localized site. The system may include a blood circuit associated with the catheter assembly to facilitate blood conditioning for use as the perfusate, in the course of a controlled perfusion and / or drainage of untreated, treated, or inactivated treated blood to and from the localized site. A delivery machine may control the blood circuit and catheter assembly in order to both deliver perfusate to, and drain some or all perfusate from, the localized site in a manner that provides perfusate to substantially only the localized site.

A blood processing device for collecting and exchanging blood components includes a venous-access device for drawing whole blood from a subject and returning unused blood components to the subject. The system may also include a blood component separation device that separates the drawn whole blood into a first blood component and a second blood component. The blood component separation device may also be configured to send the second blood component to a second blood component storage container. The system may use a return line that fluidly connects the venous-access device and the blood component separation device to return the first blood component to the subject. The system may also have a first and second pressure sensor located on the return line. The first pressure sensor may be located between the blood component separation device and the venous-access device and may determine a first pressure within the return line. The second pressure sensor may be located on the return line between the first pressure sensor and the venous-access device and may determine a second pressure within the return line. A pump connected to the return line may control the return flow rate within the return line based on a subject access pressure determined based on the first pressure and the second pressure.

Implantable devices for evaluating body-associated fluid transport structures and methods for using the same are provided. In some instances, the implantable devices include an elongated structure with at least one hermetically sealed integrated circuit sensor stably associated therewith and a transmitter. The devices find use in a variety of different applications, including monitoring the function of various types of body-associated fluid transport structures, such as arteriovenous fistulae, vascular grafts, catheters, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and implantable central venous access devices.

A system is set forth for detection of catheter location for intravenous access, comprising a catheter having a light source for illuminating a needle tip thereof; and an infrared detector and image projector for simultaneously detecting image vasculature and the location of the needle tip below the surface of the skin and in response projecting an image onto the skin to reveal the location of the needle tip relative to the vasculature.

A blood processing system for collecting and exchanging blood components includes a venous-access device for drawing whole blood from a subject and returning blood components to the subject. The system may also include three lines connecting the venous access device to a blood component separation device and an anticoagulant source. A blood draw line fluidly connects to the venous-access device to the blood component separation device. An anticoagulant line connected to an anticoagulant source, introduces anticoagulant into the drawn whole blood. A return line, fluidly connected to the venous-access device and the blood component separation device, and returns uncollected blood component to the subject. A draw pump, an anticoagulant pump, and a return pump, respectively control the flows through the draw line, anticoagulant line, and the return line. The blood component separation device separates the drawn blood into a first blood component and a second blood component. The blood component separation device also may be configured to send the first blood component to a first blood component bag.

A catheter system and method of use for re-establishing venous access near an occluded vessel.

A device for controlling visibility and access to central venous access devices is comprised of a two-sided body fitted around the torso of a patient. The device has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface is fitted with a layer of absorbent, wicking material and further includes strips of anti-slip material to fix the device in place. A flexible window is positioned between two lumen retaining flaps and fixed between the interior and exterior surfaces. A pair of indentions is positioned above and below the window. A pair of locking closures is attached to the body over the indentions. The body includes a flexible closure including a resilient gauze section to provide flexibility and size adjustability. The window allows visual access to the intravenous site and prevents patient tampering. The intravenous lines are protected from breakage and tampering by the locking closures, indentions, and lumen retaining flaps.

A method for collecting plasma includes determining the weight and hematocrit of a donor, and inserting a venous-access device into the donor. The method then withdraws blood from the donor through a draw line connected to a blood component separation device, and introduces anticoagulant into the withdrawn blood. The blood component separation device separates the blood into a plasma component and a second blood component, and the plasma component is collected from the blood component separation device and into a plasma collection container. The method may then calculate (1) a percentage of anticoagulant in the collected plasma component, and (2) a volume of pure plasma collected within the plasma collection container. The volume of pure plasma may be based, at least in part, on the calculated percentage of anticoagulant. The method may continue until a target volume of pure plasma is collected within the plasma collection container.

A set (FIG. 1&2) designed to provide a durable access to the portal vein and to divert portal blood to the systemic circulation in order to relieve congested portal system. The set is composed of a duct (1) and a shunt tube (7). The duct is composed of a covered flexible tubular braid with two opened ends. One end has flaring edges and forms the inner opening (2) while the other end is sealed to form a hub (3). To insert the duct into the intrahepatic portal vein through the percutaneous route the duct is mounted over a puncture needle (13) and contained in a small-constrained diameter by means of a peel-away sheath (16). After the position of the inner opening of the duct has been adjusted to the desired location the said sheath is peeled away to allow the duct to expand. The shunt tube (7) is composed of a long flexible vascular graft (8) equipped at its upper end with a head (9) while its lower end is free to be sutured with the femoral vein (21). The said head is cupped at the inner side (10) to fit in the hub (3) of the said duct (1), while back of the said head has a window covered with an elastic membrane (11). This shunt tube is applied in case both a portal access and a porto-systemic shunt are required. In case of only a durable portal access is needed, a plug (4) with a central window covered by an elastic membrane (6) is applied to the hub of the duct. This prevents bleeding from the duct and simultaneously allows entrance of needles, catheters, etc. to the duct and portal vein.

Described is a catheter which includes a reinforced polymer shaft. The polymer includes nano particles having a dimension of less than about 6 nm. Described is also a method of forming a medical device. Granules of a selected polymer are prepared. Reinforced granules of the selected polymer are prepared. The reinforced granules include nano particles. The granules and the reinforced granules are then mixed in a ratio selected to obtain a desired concentration of the nano particles. The granules and the reinforced granules are extruded to form a substantially tubular element.

A waterproof, disposable, protective cover is disclosed that can completely cover a venous access device and protect it from water, for example while a patient is bathing. The cover includes a flat, adhesive outer band and an inner sheet that is able to cover the device. Superior water resistance results because no part of the protected device protrudes beyond the cover. Short-term use of the cover avoids any need to provide access to the protected device and / or expose the covered skin to air. The inner sheet can be transparent, allowing careful application and avoidance of contact between the adhesive and the device or the region of skin penetration. The disposable cover can be rectangular or square, have rounded corners, and / or be sized to protect a Groshong catheter, an intravenous access device, a Porta-cath (port) device, and / or a PICC Line. Square embodiments can measure 4 or 8 inches on a side.

Provided is a non-coring needle for venous access implantatable port. In one embodiment the non-coring needle comprises a puncturing assembly comprising two wings having a central sleeve, an L-shaped needle coupled to the sleeve, the needle including an annular groove or enlargement on its bent portion, and a plastic tubing coupled to the sleeve; and a syringe barrel comprising an internal chamber having a forward opening, and an elongate slot formed on the syringe barrel and being in communication with the chamber. The groove or enlargement is located at a first dent of the slot when the needle is concealed in the chamber in a non-use position, the groove or enlargement is located at a forward second dent of the slot when the needle is fully extended from the opening for use, and the groove or enlargement is permanently locked at a rear triangular recess of the slot when the needle is fully retracted into the chamber.

A catheter with three spiral heat exchange elements surrounding a central supply tube and communicating with a source of heat exchange fluid in a closed loop for effecting patient temperature control and at least two infusion lumens for providing access to the central venous blood supply when the catheter is placed in the central venous system. An anchor can be provided to suture or tape the catheter to the skin of a patient.

A description is given of a method and devices for reducing anticoagulant dilution of the blood components obtained during blood extraction. This is achieved by means of the priming of the apheresis apparatus with anticoagulant from the anticoagulant reservoir up to a point close to the venous access device located in the extraction / return tube.

The present invention is a simple-to-use IV placement assist device with a base, finger interfaces extending from the base, and mechanical means to engage a needle hub. A catheter advancer is slidably integrated with the base to guide advancement of a catheter linearly along the insertion plane defined by the orientation of the base. In addition, a stabilizer component comprising a traction pad and means of constraining unintended movements of the needle and catheter, which is placed on the patient's skin, may be used along with the base and catheter advancer. The IV placement assist device stabilizes and guides the critical needle insertion and catheter advancement steps of a complication-prone and very common procedure.

Compositions and methods of employing compositions in flushing and coating medical devices are disclosed. The compositions include combinations of a chelating agent, anticoagulant, or antithrombotic agent, with a C4-C9 carboxylate antimicrobial agent, such as octanoic acid. Methods of using these compositions for coating a medical device and for inhibiting catheter infection are also disclosed. Particular combinations of the claimed combinations include, for example, octanoic acid or other C4-C9 carboxylate antimicrobial agent together with EDTA, EGTA, DTPA, heparin and / or hirudin in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

A venous access catheter shaft and method of using and manufacturing such a catheter is provided. In one aspect of the invention, a catheter is provided comprising a base polymer having a Shore A durometer of 85A or lower, with 2.0% percent by weight of surface modifier, and a radiopaque filler comprising between 20-40 percentage by weight. In another aspect of the invention, a method reducing thrombus accumulation on a venous access catheter is provided wherein the catheter surface's resistance to thrombus formation is enhanced during indwell time by lowering the durometer rating of the base polymer of the catheter without increasing the amount of surface modifier additive. In another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a catheter shaft is provided, wherein the shaft is formed comprising a base polymer having a Shore A durometer of 85A or lower, with 2.0% percent by weight of surface modifier, and a radiopaque filler comprising 30% by weight barium sulfate, and optionally a colorant of 0.2% weight.