Fixation and protective components for use with implantable medical devices, such as access ports and catheters, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve is employed about a catheter so as to distribute compressive loads and ensure patency of the catheter lumen, even in areas prone to pinch-off. A catheter assembly in one embodiment thus comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen. A protective mesh sleeve is disposed about an external portion of the catheter tube so as to cover at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube. The protective sleeve is configured to distribute a compressive load on the catheter tube so as to ensure patency of the at least one lumen of the catheter tube.

A system and method is provided for applying an anti-pathogenic material to various surfaces of a medical device, wherein the method includes identifying various surfaces of the medical tests which include noncritical dimensions, and limiting the application of the anti-pathogenic material to those surfaces. Some aspects of the invention further include the application of an anti-pathogenic lubricant material to various parts or components of a medical device to reduce friction.

The application relates to a medicament carrier which is suitable for the treatment and prevention of pathological conditions in the urogenital region of a person, in particular in the area of the urethra. Said medicament carrier comprises a biocompatible material that cannot melt at the person's body temperature. The medicament carrier is prepared, e.g. at least partially coated, with an active substance or with a mixture of active substances. The medicament carrier is provided with a recovery string (6) for removing same from the body orifice after completion of the treatment. Active substances can be administered generally in the urogenital region using the medicament carrier. The medicament carrier can also be used for microbial reconstitution of the urogenital tract and for sterile catheterization.

The invention relates to a medical apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising an antimicrobial surface coating, wherein the antimicrobial surface coating is a powder coating. It further relates to a method for controlling microbes and microorganisms on a surface of a medical apparatus, wherein a powder coating contains components, in particular additives, with an antimicrobial effect.

Aspects of the invention relate to a metal material and product made from the metal material having biological properties, such as antibiotic properties.

Reusable catheter products (10) are provided for storing, transporting, and sterilizing reusable urinary catheters. The products include a case (12) comprising a proximal section (30), a middle section (40), and a distal section (32). The case includes a cavity (16) configured to receive a catheter (14); the cavity includes a hydration fluid (18). The catheter comprises a distal end, a proximal end and a tubular section therebetween and includes a hydrophilic coating. When the catheter is inserted into the case, the hydration fluid sterilizes and lubricates the catheter.

Refreshing stylets, catheter systems, and methods thereof are disclosed. The refreshing stylet can be configured to fit within a lumen of a catheter such as hemodialysis catheter. The refreshing stylet can include an elongated hollow body having a proximal portion coupled to a needleless connector, a distal portion ending in a distal tip, an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a side hole. The exterior surface can be coated with a sustained-release formulation including one or more anti-thrombotic agents. The sustained-release formulation can be configured to contact a luminal surface of the catheter and prevent thrombus formation thereon. The side hole can be configured to provide a locking solution to the lumen of the catheter for locking the catheter between uses.

A peritoneal dialysis catheter includes: a catheter tube defining a lumen for carrying peritoneal dialysis fluid to at least one aperture located at or near a distal end of the lumen; at least one cuff located along the outside of the catheter tube; an access site proximally spaced from the at least one cuff, the access site allowing an antimicrobial agent to be introduced into the catheter tube; a reservoir operable with the catheter tube and in fluid communication with the access site, the reservoir storing an amount of the antimicrobial agent received from the access site after an antimicrobial agent introducer is removed from the access site; and a delivery area of the catheter tube in fluid communication with the reservoir, the delivery area positioned so as to target delivery of the antimicrobial agent to the at least one cuff or other desired location along the catheter tube.

A barbed microcatheter includes a hollow tube having an elongated lumen, outwardly projecting barbs, fluid egress openings, a tissue anchor secured to a proximal end of the hollow tube, and a needle secured to the distal end of the hollow tube. The needle is used to form a first tissue opening at the first end of the wound. The hollow tube is pulled through the first tissue opening until the tissue anchor abuts against tissue at the first end of the wound. The needle is used to form a second tissue opening at the second end of the wound. The hollow tube is pulled through the second tissue opening so that barbs engage wound tissue. After cutting away the needle, a therapeutic fluid is introduced into the elongated lumen and passes through the fluid egress openings for infusing the wound with the therapeutic fluid.

A coated urinary catheter or urinary stent device includes a urinary catheter or stent which, in a deployed position, includes or defines a protective surface area and a protected surface area and a coating upon at least a portion of the protective surface area. The coating includes a lubricant and an antimicrobial and/or pH buffering material. The device is configured such that, upon application of negative pressure to the catheter or stent, tissue of a urinary tract of a patient conforms or collapses onto the protective surface area and is thereby prevented or inhibited from occluding one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations of the catheter or stent.