Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080233167 | UROLOGICAL MEDICAL DEVICES FOR RELEASE OF PROSTATICALLY BENEFICIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - According to an aspect of the invention, urological medical devices are provided, which comprise a prostatically beneficial agent selected from alpha-adrenergic blockers, antispasmodic agents, anticholinergic/antimuscarinic agents, calcium channel blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, hormone-affecting agents, anti-cancer agents, and combinations thereof, among others. The urological medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion into a subject's urinary tract, whereupon at least a portion of the prostatically beneficial agent is released into the subject's prostatic urethra. The release profile of the prostatically beneficial agent is effective to treat a prostatic disorder, for example, benign prostate hypertrophy, prostate cancer or prostatitis, among others. Other aspects of the invention are directed to treating prostatic disorders. | 09-25-2008 |
20080234659 | UROLOGICAL MEDICAL DEVICES FOR RELEASE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - According to an aspect of the present invention, urological medical devices are provided, which contain one or more urologically beneficial agents selected from alpha-adrenergic blockers, calcium channel blockers, and combinations thereof, among others. The urological devices are adapted for implantation or insertion into a subject's urinary tract, whereupon at least a portion of the urologically beneficial agent is released. Such agents are urologically beneficial, for example, in that they may relieve pain and/or discomfort associated with the medical device and/or act as stone expulsion agents (i.e., they facilitate stone passage), among other benefits. According to an aspect of the present invention, a method of treating kidney stones is provided which comprises: (a) diagnosing the presence of kidney stones within a subject and (b) implanting or inserting a urological medical device into the subject which contains at least one urologically beneficial agent. The medical device is adapted to release the at least one urologically beneficial agent in vivo in an amount effective to promote kidney stone expulsion. | 09-25-2008 |
20080319539 | Resorption-controllable medical implants - Bioresorbable medical implants are designed to have different resorption rates over time or over the topography of the implants. The resorption of the medical implants are controlled by including layers having differing resorption rates. The layers resorb sequentially over time through sequential exposure to body fluids. A resorption-controllable medical implant includes a series of two or more layers. The first layer includes a first bioresorbable material. The second layer includes a second bioresorbable material and resorbable particles of a first kind dispersed within the second bioresorbable material. Additional layers of bioresorbable material alone or including resorbable particles may be added to slow or speed resorption and achieve desired control over the resorption of the implant. Resorbable particles can be added in differing amounts or kinds in various segments of the implant to provide topographically differing resorption rates. | 12-25-2008 |
20090076318 | Expandable surgical implants and methods of using them - Disclosed herein are expandable surgical implants that may be expanded one or more times by directly or indirectly uncinching one or more expansion loops. Use of the expandable surgical implant permits a physician to expand, with minimal invasion, a surgical implant that was over-tensioned by a surgeon during implantation or became over-tensioned due to changes in the patient's anatomy. | 03-19-2009 |
20090117053 | LOCAL DELIVERY OF 5-AMINOLEVULINIC-ACID BASED COMPOUNDS TO TISSUES AND ORGANS FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES - In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a 5-aminolevulinic-acid-based compound (ALA-based compound) is delivered locally to a tissue or organ within a subject's body. In another aspect, a method of diagnosis or treatment is provided which comprises: (a) locally delivering an ALA-based compound to a tissue or organ within a subject's body and (b) illuminating the tissue or organ with light having a wavelength suitable to induce fluorescence of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). In some embodiments, a local therapeutic agent is delivered to the targeted tissue or organ for treatment. In another aspect, formulations containing the ALA-based compound are provided. | 05-07-2009 |
20090171143 | DEVICES AND METHOD FOR TREATING PELVIC DYSFUNCTIONS - In one embodiment, a method includes securing an implant that includes a pre-formed loop to a vaginal apex. An end of the suture is inserted through a selected portion of a pelvic tissue to dispose at least a portion of the implant within a pelvic region of the patient. The end of the suture is drawn through the loop while simultaneously advancing a uterus to approximate the vaginal apex to the selected portion of pelvic tissue. An apparatus includes an implant and a suture coupled to the implant having a pre-formed loop. configured to receive a portion of a delivery device therethrough. A trocar is coupled to an end of the suture that can be releasably coupled to an end of the delivery device. The trocar can be inserted through a pelvic tissue and drawn through the loop forming a knot to secure the implant to the pelvic tissue. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171377 | MESHES OF VARIABLE CONSTRUCTION - According to one aspect, the present invention provides a substantially two-dimensional surgical mesh comprising a base material, a first area having a first characteristic and a second area having a second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The surgical mesh may further comprise a third area having a third characteristic that may be the same as or different from the first and second characteristics, and so on. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171465 | Polymeric Regions For Implantable Or Insertable Medical Devices - According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise polymeric regions that comprise high vinyl acetate content EVA (or another soft polymer) and a therapeutic agent. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise (a) a first region comprising a first EVA and (b) a second region adjacent to the first region that is of lower durometer than the first region. | 07-02-2009 |
20090248169 | URETERAL STENTS FOR RELEASE OF UROLOGICALLY BENEFICIAL AGENTS - According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents. | 10-01-2009 |
20090281558 | SURGICAL MESHES WITH RADIOPAQUE COATINGS - According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable medical articles are provided, which comprise a surgical mesh that is at least partially covered with a coating that comprises a radiopaque material such as a metal or a metallic compound. The radiopaque material is present in the coating in an amount such that the coated portions of the mesh are visible using radiographic imaging techniques. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of making and using such medical articles. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281635 | ANTIMICROBIAL MEDICAL DEVICES - According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided whose surfaces are partially covered with a coating that further comprises silver nanoparticles. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of making and using such medical devices. | 11-12-2009 |
20090326450 | STEERABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A steerable medical device is used to controllably introduce a guidewire or other medical instrument into a body of a patient and direct placement of the guidewire or other medical instrument in the body of the patient. The steerable medical device can include an elongated member, a steering mechanism, and an attachment member. The elongated member extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a deflectable distal portion that is deflectable off of the longitudinal axis. The steering mechanism is adapted to control longitudinal and rotational movement of the elongated member and to control off-axis deflection of its deflectable portion. The attachment member is removably couplable to another medical device. The attachment member is moveably coupled to the steering mechanism and the elongated member. | 12-31-2009 |
20100042207 | RESORPTION-CONTROLLABLE MEDICAL IMPLANTS - Bioresorbable medical implants are designed to have different resorption rates over time or over the topography of the implants. The resorption of the medical implants are controlled by including layers having differing resorption rates. The layers resorb sequentially over time through sequential exposure to body fluids. A resorption-controllable medical implant includes a series of two or more layers. The first layer includes a first bioresorbable material. The second layer includes a second bioresorbable material and resorbable particles of a first kind dispersed within the second bioresorbable material. Additional layers of bioresorbable material alone or including resorbable particles may be added to slow or speed resorption and achieve desired control over the resorption of the implant. Resorbable particles can be added in differing amounts or kinds in various segments of the implant to provide topographically differing resorption rates. | 02-18-2010 |
20100145467 | Porous Ureteral Stent - In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient. | 06-10-2010 |
20100160848 | Ureteral Stent - In some embodiments, a ureteral stent includes an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, which is coupled to the first portion. The first portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within a kidney of a patient. The second portion of the elongate member, which has a sidewall that defines a lumen, is configured to deliver fluid from a first location of the sidewall of the second portion to a second location of the sidewall of the second portion via capillary action. The second portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within at least one of a bladder and a ureter of the patient. | 06-24-2010 |
20100294282 | OCCLUSION OF FALLOPIAN TUBES IN A VERTEBRATE SUBJECT - According to one claim of the invention, a method for occluding a fallopian tube in a vertebrate subject is described, which comprises comprising transcervically delivering a solid blocking material into the fallopian tube. In various embodiments, a fluid sealing material is delivered along with the solid blocking material. Other claims of the invention pertain to articles of manufacture, delivery devices and kits for use in occluding the fallopian tubes of a vertebrate subject. | 11-25-2010 |
20110064774 | BULKING AGENT - The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents. | 03-17-2011 |
20110091519 | CONTROLLING RESORPTION OF BIORESORBABLE MEDICAL IMPLANT MATERIAL - The resorption of a medical implant can be controlled with the use of particles embedded in a resorbable bulk material forming the implant or portion thereof. The implant can be removed from a body of a mammal by natural biological mechanisms after use. The resorption of the implant can involve swelling and/or hydrolyzing of the particles within the implant upon contact with a body fluid such that porosity and flow of fluid within the bulk material of the implant is increased. Resorption of the implant may also involve the use of particles with magnetic properties embedded within the implant such that an applied magnetic field causes the particles to vibrate within the bulk material thereby increasing the porosity and thus the flow of fluid, hence facilitating resorption of the implant. The resorption rate of the implant can be controlled by modulating swelling, hydrolysis, or movement of the embedded particles. | 04-21-2011 |
20110106108 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF MESH-BASED DEVICES - In some embodiments, a stylet includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a medial portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion of the stylet is configured to be releasably coupled to a first portion of an implant. The medial portion of the stylet has at least one retention member configured to be releasably coupled to a second portion of the implant. | 05-05-2011 |
20110152914 | LESS TRAUMATIC METHOD OF DELIVERY OF MESH-BASED DEVICES INTO HUMAN BODY - In some embodiments, a method includes extending a dilator into a body of a patient in a first direction such that a distal end portion of the dilator extends from the body. The dilator defines a lumen therethrough. At least a portion of the dilator is disposed within the body when the distal end portion extends from the body. At least a portion of an implant is passed through the lumen defined by the dilator. The dilator is removed from the body by moving the dilator in the first direction. | 06-23-2011 |
20110171272 | UROLOGICAL MEDICAL DEVICES FOR RELEASE OF PROSTATICALLY BENEFICIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - According to an aspect of the invention, urological medical devices are provided, which comprise a prostatically beneficial agent selected from alpha-adrenergic blockers, antispasmodic agents, anticholinergic/antimuscarinic agents, calcium channel blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, hormone affecting agents, anti-cancer agents, and combinations thereof, among others. The urological medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion into a subject's urinary tract, whereupon at least a portion of the prostatically beneficial agent is released into the subject's prostatic urethra. The release profile of the prostatically beneficial agent is effective to treat a prostatic disorder, for example, benign prostate hypertrophy, prostate cancer or prostatitis, among others. Other aspects of the invention are directed to treating prostatic disorders. | 07-14-2011 |
20110184228 | COMPOSITE SURGICAL IMPLANTS FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR - According to one aspect of the invention, composite implants for soft tissue repair a provided which comprise (a) a substantially two-dimensional piece of biologic matrix material and (b) one or more non-absorbable synthetic polymeric filaments. | 07-28-2011 |
20120016490 | URETERAL STENTS FOR RELEASE OF UROLOGICALLY BENEFICIAL AGENTS - According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents. | 01-19-2012 |
20120029273 | IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING IN-VIVO ULTRASOUND IMAGES OF THE SAME - An implant includes a substrate and a carrier coupled to the substrate. The carrier including a plurality of objects configured to reflect energy emitted by an ultrasound device. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a plurality of air bubbles that are configured to reflect energy emitted by an ultrasound device. In one embodiment, a method of forming a bodily implant includes forming a substrate, disposing a plurality of air bubbles within a carrier, and applying the carrier to the substrate. | 02-02-2012 |
20120116425 | MESHES OF VARIABLE CONSTRUCTION - According to one aspect, the present invention provides a substantially two-dimensional surgical mesh comprising a base material, a first area having a first characteristic and a second area having a second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The surgical mesh may further comprise a third area having a third characteristic that may be the same as or different from the first and second characteristics, and so on. | 05-10-2012 |
20120150096 | IMPLANTABLE OR INSERTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES FOR CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY - Implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which comprises: (a) a biocompatible polymer; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an analgesic agent, an anesthetic agent, and an antispasmodic agent. The medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion at a site associated with pain or discomfort upon implantation or insertion. In many embodiments, the therapeutic will be selected from at least one of (i) ketorolac and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., ketorolac tromethamine) and (ii) 4-diethylamino-2-butynylphenylcyclohexyl glycolate and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., oxybutynin chloride). Also provided are uses for the implantable or insertable medical devices, which uses comprise reducing pain or discomfort accompanying the implantation or insertion of such devices. Further uses may comprise reducing microbial buildup along the device. Methods for manufacturing implantable or insertable medical devices are also provided. | 06-14-2012 |
20120165659 | RADIOPAQUE IMPLANT - In some embodiments, an implant includes a substrate and a radiopaque portion. The radiopaque portion is coupled to the substrate. The radiopaque portion has a first portion extending along a first axis and a second portion extending along a second axis different than the first axis. In some embodiments, the substrate has a perimeter that defines a shape having a first size. The radiopaque portion forms a shape having a second size. The shaped formed by the radiopaque portion is substantially the same as the shape defined by the perimeter of the substrate. The first size is greater than the second size. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165956 | UROLOGICAL MEDICAL DEVICES - According to an aspect of the present invention, urological medical devices are provided which comprise a substrate and hyaluronic acid, which is releasably disposed on or in the substrate. | 06-28-2012 |
20120191006 | STEERABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A steerable medical device is used to controllably introduce a guidewire or other medical instrument into a body of a patient and direct placement of the guidewire or other medical instrument in the body of the patient. The steerable medical device can include an elongated member, a steering mechanism, and an attachment member. The elongated member extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a deflectable distal portion that is deflectable off of the longitudinal axis. The steering mechanism is adapted to control longitudinal and rotational movement of the elongated member and to control off-axis deflection of its deflectable portion. The attachment member is removably couplable to another medical device. The attachment member is moveably coupled to the steering mechanism and the elongated member. | 07-26-2012 |
20120290065 | Pre-Positioned Anastomosis Device and Related Methods of Use - Embodiments of a medical device and related methods of use are provided in the disclosure. The medical device includes an elongate member having a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and a tapered lumen extending between the first and second openings. The diameter of the first end may be smaller than that of the second end. The medical device also may include a securing mechanism protruding from one of the first or second ends to penetrate tissue. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290100 | MEDICAL APPARATUSES FOR DELIVERY OF UROLOGICALLY BENEFICIAL AGENTS - The present invention provides implantable or insertable medical apparatuses that deliver one or more urologically beneficial agents to the urinary tract. In one aspect, the medical apparatuses comprise a reservoir, a catheter, an implantable or insertable urological medical device, and an optional pump. | 11-15-2012 |
20120303133 | POROUS URETERAL STENT - In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient. | 11-29-2012 |
20120316385 | BODILY IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF TREATING FECAL INCONTINENCE USING BODILY IMPLANTS - A bodily implant is provided that includes a support member and an arm member. The support member is configured to be placed within a body of a patient such that the support member surrounds a rectum of the patient. The arm member extends from the support member and is configured to be coupled to a portion of the body of the patient to help retain the support member in place within the body of the patient. | 12-13-2012 |
20130041390 | METHODS, COMPOSITIONS AND KITS FOR PERFORMING ANASTOMOSIS PROCEDURES IN CONJUNCTION WITH A RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY PROCEDURE - In some aspects, a surgical procedure for the removal of a prostate gland is provided. The procedure comprises: (a) positioning an implant material within the urethra, (b) removing the prostate, thereby creating a urethral stump and a bladder neck, wherein the implant material occupies the urethral stump, the bladder neck, or both, and (c) securing the bladder neck to the urethral stump in an anastomosis procedure to establish a path of urine flow from the bladder to an external urethral opening (e.g., the meatus). Subsequently, the implant material is removed from the urethra, for example, by natural urine voiding or by flowing a removal fluid through and/or around the implant material in the urethra. In other aspects, a medical kit is provided. | 02-14-2013 |
20130066144 | TISSUE ANCHOR WITH INSERTION DEVICE - In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member and a tissue anchor. The elongate member defines a lumen. The elongate member has a retention member disposed within the lumen. The tissue anchor has a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a base portion extending between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The tissue anchor has a first configuration and a second configuration. The first arm portion is substantially linear when the tissue anchor is in its first configuration and the first arm portion is non-linear when the tissue anchor is in its second configuration. The tissue anchor is biased to its second configuration. The tissue anchor is configured to be disposed within the lumen defined by the elongate member such that the retention member engages the tissue anchor to help retain the tissue anchor in its first configuration. | 03-14-2013 |
20130084315 | CONTROLLING RESORPTION OF BIORESORBABLE MEDICAL IMPLANT MATERIAL - The resorption of a medical implant can be controlled with the use of particles embedded in a resorbable bulk material forming the implant or portion thereof. The implant can be removed from a body of a mammal by natural biological mechanisms after use. The resorption of the implant can involve swelling and/or hydrolyzing of the particles within the implant upon contact with a body fluid such that porosity and flow of fluid within the bulk material of the implant is increased. Resorption of the implant may also involve the use of particles with magnetic properties embedded within the implant such that an applied magnetic field causes the particles to vibrate within the bulk material thereby increasing the porosity and thus the flow of fluid, hence facilitating resorption of the implant. The resorption rate of the implant can be controlled by modulating swelling, hydrolysis, or movement of the embedded particles. | 04-04-2013 |
20130118502 | OCCLUSION OF FALLOPIAN TUBES IN A VERTEBRATE SUBJECT - According to one claim of the invention, a method for occluding a fallopian tube in a vertebrate subject is described, which comprises comprising transcervically delivering a solid blocking material into the fallopian tube. In various embodiments, a fluid sealing material is delivered along with the solid blocking material. Other claims of the invention pertain to articles of manufacture, delivery devices and kits for use in occluding the fallopian tubes of a vertebrate subject. | 05-16-2013 |
20130190720 | BULKING AGENTS - The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents. | 07-25-2013 |
20130204078 | POROUS SURGICAL FILMS - According to an aspect of the present invention, surgical films for soft tissue repair are provided. The surgical films comprise at least one sheet of a non-filamentous material within which pores are formed. Further aspects of the invention, among others, pertain to methods of using such surgical films and to kits containing such surgical films. | 08-08-2013 |
20130331948 | URETERAL STENT - In some embodiments, a ureteral stent includes an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, which is coupled to the first portion. The first portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within a kidney of a patient. The second portion of the elongate member, which has a sidewall that defines a lumen, is configured to deliver fluid from a first location of the sidewall of the second portion to a second location of the sidewall of the second portion via capillary action. The second portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within at least one of a bladder and a ureter of the patient. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338570 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TISSUE REMOVAL AND FOR DELIVERY OF A THERAPEUTIC AGENT OR BULKING AGENT - According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical device is provided, which comprises the following: (a) a hollow elongate body (e.g., a elongate cylinder, such as a needle) having distal and proximal ends; and (b) a rotatable member comprising a tissue morselizer and an elongate shaft (e.g., an auger-like tissue-drilling bit). In the devices of the present invention, the elongate shaft is disposed within the hollow elongate body and cooperates with the hollow elongate body to (i) advance material (e.g., morselated tissue) toward the proximal end of the hollow elongate body when the shaft is rotated in a first direction, and (ii) advance material (e.g., a therapeutic agent and/or a bulking agent) toward the distal end of the hollow elongate body when the shaft is rotated in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. According to another aspect of the invention a method of treatment is provided that comprises: (a) inserting the a medical device like that above into the tissue of a patient; (b) morselizing and removing tissue from within the patient while rotating the shaft in a first direction, thereby creating a void within the patient; and (c) introducing a therapeutic agent and/or a bulking agent into the void. | 12-19-2013 |
20140031610 | SURGICAL SLINGS - The invention relates generally to surgical implants, and in various embodiments to surgical implants configured for promoting growth of collagenous tissue at an anatomical site. | 01-30-2014 |
20140072636 | BULKING AGENTS - The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, ancurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081080 | ACCESS DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A system for accessing a patient's body may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and two lumens. The elongate member may include two lumens and a thickness of material extending between external and internal surfaces of the elongate member. The system may also include a first illumination device associated with a first of the two lumens such that a portion of the first illumination device may extend into the thickness of material. A second illumination device may be associated with the second of the two lumens such that a portion of the second illumination device may extend into the thickness of material. Further, the system may include an imaging device having a first portion extending into the thickness of material, a second portion protruding into the first of the two lumens, and a third portion protruding into the second of the two lumens. | 03-20-2014 |
20140142721 | URETERAL STENT WITH DRUG DELIVERY RESERVOIR - According to one aspect, the invention pertains to a ureteral stent that includes a proximal retention structure configured for retaining the proximal portion in the urinary bladder, which contains a balloon reservoir for storing a pressurized fluid that contains a urologically beneficial drug. In another aspect, a ureteral stent is provided that includes a reservoir for storing a pressurized fluid that comprises a urologically beneficial drug and an outlet remote from the reservoir, wherein the outlet includes a hydrogel material that, upon implantation of the ureteral stent, shrinks as the salinity of surrounding urine drops and expands as the salinity of surrounding urine increases. In other aspects, the invention pertains to a system for introducing a urinary stent into the body of a patient. In yet other aspects, the invention pertains to methods for treating patients. | 05-22-2014 |
20140214175 | URETERAL STENT WITH DRUG-RELEASING STRUCTURE - According to one aspect of the present disclosure, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body, at least one deployable retention structure, and at least one sleeve and/or sheet of drug-releasing material. In various embodiments, at least one sleeve and/or sheet of drug-releasing material is deployed concurrently with the deployment of at least one deployable retention structure. The ureteral stents of the present disclosure are adapted to release the urologically beneficial drug into a subject. | 07-31-2014 |
20140242139 | CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY - A medical device for placement in a body of a mammal is provided. The medical device comprises (1) a polymeric matrix forming the device and defining a lumen through the device, the matrix comprising polymer macromolecules and defining spaces between the polymer macromolecules; (2) a drug contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix; and (3) a material contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix to affect diffusion of the drug out of the polymeric matrix when the medical device is placed in the body of the mammal. | 08-28-2014 |
20140255458 | INJECTABLE BULKING COMPOSITIONS - According to an aspect of the invention, injectable bulking compositions are provided which contain the following: (a) fibers that are configured to prevent migration to locations in the body remote from the injection site, for example, because they have a minimum length that is sufficiently large to prevent migration of the fibers and/or because they have surface features that stimulate host tissue response to lock the fibers in position and (b) a carrier in an amount effective to render the composition injectable. | 09-11-2014 |
20140276588 | INJECTION DEVICES WITH CONTROLLABLE DEPTH ADJUSTABILITY AND METHODS OF USE - An injection device for injecting a material into tissue may include a sheath having a distal end. The injection device may also include an injector having an outlet tube. The outlet tube may be received in the sheath, and may include a distal portion with a penetrating tip for penetrating the tissue. The sheath and the outlet tube may be slidable relative to each other, to extend a length of the distal portion from the distal end. The injection device may also include an adjuster operatively coupled to at least one of the sheath and the outlet tube. The adjuster may be configured to control relative movement between the sheath and the outlet tube for selectively adjusting the extended length. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276997 | MULTI-COMPONENT-FILAMENT-BASED SURGICAL MESHES - According to an aspect of the present disclosure, surgical meshes are provided that contain at least one multi-component polymeric filament. The multi-component polymeric filament further contains at least two components of differing composition. | 09-18-2014 |