The disclosed systems and methods are configurable central nervous system (CNS) delivery solutions for therapeutics, such as genetic medicines. The systems and methods first infuse a therapeutic bolus within intrathecal space and subsequently infuse a flush fluid to move the therapeutic bolus rostrally toward a target area and achieve a desired spread in the spine and/or brain. The second location can be at a location caudal to the delivery location of the therapeutic bolus.

The present invention includes the provision and use of a novel method and apparatus for anchoring a catheter line to the tissue of a patient (e.g., the internal fascia of a patient) for pain pump drug delivery. In one preferred form of the invention, the invention includes the provision and use of a catheter line fixation device including a housing and a collet assembly. The catheter line fixation device is intended to be adjustably secured to a catheter line, and the catheter line fixation device is intended to be secured to the tissue of a patient (e.g., the internal fascia of a patient), so as to secure the catheter line to the tissue of the patient.

Drug delivery systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to deliver a drug to a patient in coordination with a physiological parameter of the patient (e.g., the patient’s natural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation or the patient’s heart or respiration rate). In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to use a combination of infusion and aspiration to control delivery of a drug to a patient. Catheters, controllers, and other components for use in the above systems are also disclosed, as are various methods of using such systems.

A needle assembly 10 compromising an infusion needle 11 that includes a needle cannula 13 made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol. The needle cannula is cold-worked or heat annealed to produce a preformed bend 16 that can be straightened within passageway 21 of a coaxial outer cannula 12 for introduction into the body of a patient. Upon deployment from the outer cannula, the needle cannula substantially returns to the preformed configuration for the introduction or extraction of materials at areas lateral to the entry path of the needle assembly. The needle assembly can compromise a plurality of needle cannulae than can be variably arranged or configured for attaining a desired infusion pattern.

Identifying target anatomic locations in a subject's body, and delivering medicinal substances thereto, following transtissual progression (penetrating, cutting through body tissue) and reaching body tissue with medical device distal tip. Involves acquiring mechanical properties of body tissue. Exemplary medicinal substance is, or includes, a drug (anesthetic agent), and exemplary target anatomic location is epidural space in subject's body. Exemplary system includes: cannular member enclosing cannula lumen; pusher-probe having distal end in cannula lumen and positionable from retracted to protruding positions, wherein pusher-probe distal end protrudes out of cannula distal end; and extending mechanism including cam member, a follower shiftable from first to second stations on cam member, and plunger selectively traveling in cannula lumen while forcing relative motion between cam member and follower, wherein pusher-probe distal end repositions between retracted and protruding positions. Optionally, includes data-information analyzing device having triggering mechanism via a winged hub member and associated components.

In one embodiment, a cerebrospinal fluid detection system includes a detection device including a detection compartment containing one or more indicators configured to indicate whether or not fluid received within the compartment contains cerebrospinal fluid and a port configured to pass fluid aspirated from a patient into the compartment.

Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.

The present invention provides methods and systems for conditioning cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by removing target compounds from CSF. The systems provide for a catheter flow path and exchange of a majority volume portion of CSF in the CSF space. The removal and/or delivery of specific compounds can be tailored to the pathology of the specific disease. The removal is targeted and specific, for example, through the use of specific size-exclusion thresholds, antibodies against specific toxins, and other chromatographic techniques, as well as delivery and/or removal of targeted therapeutic agents.

A medical apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used for dissociating adhesion to an epidural space and alleviating stenosis to a spinal canal; and comprises: an insertion part including a first end configured to be inserted into a human body and a second end opposite to the first end, and having a first through hole extended from the first end to the second end and formed inside the insertion part, an expansion part configured to be expandable and formed on an outer surface of the insertion part at a predetermined distance apart from the first end of the insertion part, a pair of wires extending in the insertion part and fixed to a region of the first end of the insertion part, a main body, a dial installed to the main body, and a rotation control part coupled to the dial.

Systems, catheters, and methods for accessing and treating along the central nervous system are disclosed. A system for processing cerebrospinal fluid is disclosed. The system may include a catheter having a proximal subassembly and a distal subassembly. A pump and filtration system may be coupled to the catheter. An infusion lumen for infusing cerebrospinal fluid filtered by the pump and filtration system may be defined along the distal subassembly. The distal subassembly may define a plurality of infusion openings in fluid communication with the infusion lumen. The infusion openings may increase in size distally along the distal subassembly.