In one embodiment, system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration includes a housing having a first port adapted for connection to a vacuum source and a second port adapted for connection with an aspiration catheter, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the housing, a measurement device coupled to the pressure sensor and configured for measuring deviations in fluid pressure, and a communication device coupled to the measurement device and configured to generate an alert signal when a deviation in fluid pressure measured by the measurement device exceeds a pre-set threshold. In another embodiment, the system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration further includes a vacuum source for connection to the first port and an aspiration catheter having an aspiration lumen for connection to the second port.

A method for improving a flow condition through a catheter inserting a distal end of a sheath within the vasculature of a subject, placing the aspiration catheter through the sheath and advancing the aspiration catheter such that an open distal end of the aspiration lumen is distal to a distal end of the sheath and is in proximity to a thrombus within a blood vessel of a subject, coupling an extension conduit in fluid communication with a lumen of the sheath to a second fluid source, and activating a pump such that pressurized fluid from the first fluid source is applied to the supply lumen of the aspiration catheter, wherein when an active flowing condition is not present, fluid from the second fluid source is caused to flow through the lumen of the sheath.

The present invention relates to a guiding needle for a suction tube, which is for increasing accuracy and preventing medical accidents by enabling an operator to accurately recognize the bent direction of the needle and to stably hold the needle by means of a handle portion formed inside the rear end of the needle connected to a tube or by means of a separate fixing handle coupled to the inside of the rear end of the needle. In other words, the present invention relates to a needle having the rear end thereof coupled to one end of a tube connected to a drainage container for discharging body blood of a patient, wherein the needle has a coupling part formed inside the rear end thereof and comprises a fixing handle detachably coupled to the coupling part.

Devices and methods for controlling intracompartmental pressure in muscle compartments and, potentially, reducing the incidence of compartment syndrome are disclosed. A device according the invention is a thin, elongate member with an outer layer. The device has a proximal end, which has a coupling constructed and adapted to connect with tubing, and a distal end. The outer layer is at least somewhat permeable to liquids and to cells, either by way of perforations along its length or because of its natural properties. Within and encased by the outer layer lies a core, also porous, and typically an open-celled foam. The core is compressible under the range of suction pressures typically applied in medical contexts. A guide wire may initially be present in the device to aid in its placement. Methods for making such devices, especially on an ad hoc basis, are also disclosed.

Methods and apparatus for guiding medical care based on sensor data from the gastrointestinal tract are described utilizing an apparatus which can be used with enteral feeding. Generally, the apparatus includes an elongated body having a length configured for insertion into a stomach and at least one pair of electrodes located along the length of the elongated body and positionable for placement within the stomach. A controller in electrical communication with the at least one pair of electrodes is included and the control may also be configured to measure a conductivity or impedance between the pair of electrodes and to determine a gastric residual volume of the stomach based on the measured conductivity or impedance.

A method is provided for facilitating urine output from the kidney, including: (a) inserting a catheter including: a drainage lumen including a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's kidney, renal pelvis and/or in the ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis and a proximal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion including a funnel support including at least one sidewall, wherein the funnel support includes a first diameter and a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter, the second diameter being closer to an end of the distal portion of the drainage lumen than the first diameter, wherein the proximal portion of the drainage lumen is essentially free of or free of openings; and (b) applying negative pressure to the proximal portion of the drainage lumen for a period of time to facilitate urine output from the kidney.

A ureteral catheter includes a drainage lumen having a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and/or bladder and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's kidney, renal pelvis, and/or in the ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis. The distal portion includes a retention portion for maintaining positioning of the distal portion of the drainage lumen. The retention portion includes a plurality of sections, each section having one or more openings on a sidewall of the retention portion for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen. A total area of openings of a first section of the plurality of sections is less than a total area of openings of an adjacent second section of the plurality of sections. The second section is closer to a distal end of the drainage lumen than the first section.

The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for performance of collecting fluid emanating from or adjacent to a surgical site or wound. It does so utilizing a highly absorptive biocompatible sponge, such as polyvinyl alcohol or other material, which is connected to wall suction via a common hole running through the base of this sponge. The sponge configuration can vary (e.g. circular, linear, or other) and may be affixed to the drape via Velcro, magnetic, tape, staples or other method, so that abuts the drape surface; a raised portion may also serve as a “dam” to prevent fluid going to unwanted regions (e.g. onto the surgeon's feet, floor, or other undesired draped or undraped region).

Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.

A vibrating hand held surgical instrument for loosening tissue of a patient for liposuction or body contouring procedures. The instrument includes a motor connected to a vibration actuator having an eccentric rotating mass and an end effector for engaging tissue operatively connected to the vibration actuator, wherein the motor rotates the eccentric mass to cause the end effector to vibrate to loosen tissue. A flexible shaft having first end and second ends dampen the vibration to the motor and to the operator handle.