A customizable drug delivery system and method utilizing a laser pattern generator (LPG) to define application of a drug delivery payload (DDP) contained within a drug delivery device (DDD) to a drug delivery target (DDT) is disclosed. A computer control device (CCD) supervises the LPG to select a drug payload pathway (DPP) from a drug pathway database (DPD) and writes the selected DPP to the DDD. This pathway patterning process (PPP) modifies the hydrophilic properties of the DDD and enables the DDD to selectively attract and absorb the DDP. The DDD is then injected with the DDP or exposed for drug exposure time (DET) by the CCD and DPD during which the DPP written to the DDD absorbs a controlled amount of DDP. The DDD when subsequently inserted into a drug delivery target (DDT) delivers the DDP to the DDT under controlled delivery rates defined by the DPP and the DET.

A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.

A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.

A method of making an access port, includes providing a port body defining a fluid cavity, positioning a septum over the fluid cavity, and securing the septum to the port body. The septum includes a lower portion having a first diameter, an upper portion joined to the lower portion at a juncture, the upper portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter at the juncture, and a plurality of palpation features joined to the upper portion. Each of the palpation features includes a first end adjacent a central axis of the septum, and a second end extending radially outward, overlapping the juncture.

The invention relates to an implantable valve (1) for a drainage system for discharging cerebrospinal fluid, comprising: a valve housing (10) extending along a valve axis (A), an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) as well as a valve housing (10) surrounding an interior space (4), a valve body assembly (600) arranged in the interior (4) and movably arranged in the interior space (4), a first valve seat (5), wherein the valve body assembly (600) is configured to abut the first valve seat (5) to close a flow connection between the inlet (2) and the interior space (4) of the valve housing (10), a second valve seat (7) which faces the first valve seat (5), wherein the valve body assembly (600) is configured to abut the second valve seat (7) to close a flow connection between the outlet (3) and the interior space (4) of the valve housing (10), and a spring device (800) arranged in the interior space (4) which exerts a spring force on the valve body assembly (600) in the direction of the first valve seat (5).

A system includes a first port comprising a first inlet, a first outlet, a first fluid pathway extending from the first inlet to the first outlet, a second inlet, a second outlet, and a second fluid pathway extending from the second inlet to the second outlet. The system further includes one or more CSF catheters having a first lumen, a first distal opening in fluid communication with the first lumen, a second lumen, and a second distal opening in fluid communication with the second lumen. The one or more CSF catheters are, or are configured to be, operatively coupled with the first implantable device such that the first lumen is in fluid communication with the first fluid pathway and the second lumen is in fluid communication with the second fluid pathway. At least the first distal opening is configured to be placed in the CSF-containing space. The system further includes a second port having a third inlet, a third outlet, and a third fluid pathway extending from the third inlet to the third outlet. The system also includes a port catheter configured to operatively couple the third fluid pathway to the second fluid pathway.

An implantable cranial medical device includes a first fluid flow path, a second fluid flow path, and upper flange portion, and a lower portion. The upper flange portion is configured to rest on a skull of a subject about a burr hole. The lower portion is configured to be placed within the burr hole. The first fluid flow path may extend from a first opening in the upper flange portion to a first opening in the lower portion. The second fluid flow path may extend from a second opening in the upper flange portion to a second opening in the lower portion.

Vascular access kit comprising a guidewire and a needle. The guidewire includes elastic core member ending with guidewire tip segment. Guidewire tip segment comprising widening, guidewire tip rear portion extending distally to the widening, and guidewire tip front portion extending distally from the widening. The needle comprising a beveled opening greater in length than guidewire tip front portion. Guidewire tip rear portion includes a flexing portion configured for causing localized buckling and/or bending for inclining guidewire tip front portion relative to guidewire tip rear portion, in needle beveled opening, when the core member is axially compressed.

A system for the safe and secure connection of medical fluid lines is provided. A shell has an upper portion and a lower portion and the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion via a mechanical bearing hinge on a first shell side. The upper portion defines a first upper slot and a second upper slot, and the lower portion defines a first lower slot and a second lower slot. The periphery of the upper portion has a tongue and the periphery of the lower portion has a corresponding groove such that the tongue of the upper portion fits into the groove of the lower portion. The upper portion has an upper wing on the first shell side and a clasp on a second shell side. The lower portion has a lower wing on the first shell side and a clasp receptacle on the second shell side. The upper wing and the lower wing are graspable to separate the upper portion from the lower portion. When the upper portion is closably coupled to the lower portion, the clasp is engaged with the clasp receptacle, the first upper slot and the first lower slot define a first tubing aperture, the second upper slot and the second lower slot define a second tubing aperture, the tongue fits in the groove, and the shell substantially surrounds and encloses a catheter hub, a dialysis line, or a blood line connection.

A method for generating microbubbles may include providing a syringe having a barrel defining an interior volume, a plunger, a tip and a check valve assembly. The check valve assembly may have an inlet port; a check valve that is configured to open when the plunger is drawn back by a user; and a nozzle in fluid communication with the interior volume and, when the check valve is open, in fluid communication with the inlet port. The method may include drawing liquid into the interior volume; removing a seal from the inlet port and drawing gas adjacent the inlet ports into the interior volume to form microbubbles in the liquid already drawn in; coupling the tip to an intravenous line associated with a patient undergoing a bubble study; and depressing the plunger to force the liquid and the formed microbubbles into the intravenous line.