The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Transcutaneous analyte sensor

An implantable lead which has an increased resistance to fracture and has the capability of continued function after fracture of a conductor. The lead is provided with a coiled conductor which may be monofilar or multifilar and which extends along the length of the lead, running from an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead to an electrode at or near the distal end of the lead. In addition, the lead is provided with a stranded conductor which is electrically coupled to the coiled conductor at point along the lead body located proximal to the point of expected breakage of the coiled conductor and at a point along the lead body located distal to the point of expected breakage. The proximal and distal ends of the stranded conductor in some embodiments are also mechanically coupled to the coiled conductor.

Medical electrical lead

Systems and associated methods form larger and deeper lesion patterns by shaping a support body with multiple electrodes in ways that increase the density of the electrodes per given tissue area. The support body can carry either elongated, continuous electrodes or arrays of non-contiguous, segmented electrodes.

Systems and methods for forming large lesions in body tissue using curvilinear electrode elements

A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.

Dynamic fixation device and method of use

Apparatus for introduction into the vessel of a patient comprising a guiding catheter adapted to be inserted into the vessel of the patient and a device adapted to be inserted into the guiding catheter. The device includes a flexible elongate member and a sleeve carried by the flexible elongate member near the distal extremity thereof and extending from a region near the distal extremity to a region spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. The device also includes a guide wire adapted to extend through the sleeve so that the guide wire extends rearwardly of the sleeve extending alongside of and exteriorally of the flexible elongate element into a region near the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate element.

Angioplasty apparatus facilitating rapid exchanges and method

A probe for use within a catheter is disclosed The probe transducer portion is constructed of a crystal hollow cylinder with an inside lead attached to the inner surface of the crystal cylinder One end of the outside lead is positioned close to the outer surface, in a plane tangential to the outer surface, and is coupled to the outer surface of the crystal cylinder by a thin sputtered layer of conductive material The probe transducer also includes a layer of acoustically absorbing material on the proximal end of the crystal, and layer of acoustically coupling material on the distal end of the crystal cylinder The transducer element simultaneously generates an axially oriented signal beam at one frequency and a radially oriented signal beam at 2 different frequency The signal beams are analyzed to calculate the blood flow area and the blood flow velocity, the product of which is the blood flow rate

Ultrasound probe for use with transport catheter and method of making same

A one-handed blood sampling reservoir (80) for an infusion line (74, 82) having a configuration which allows fluid to be drawn into the reservoir and then returned to the patient. Both drawing and returning steps are performed by squeezing two of a plurality of finger grips (180, 274, 126, 180) provided on the reservoir (80). The reservoir may include a bracket (87) which enables one-handed operation in either a hand-held or a pole-mounted configuration. In the alternative, the reservoir and finger grips may be formed by telescoped inner (322) and outer housings (306) without a bracket. The reservoir desirably includes a syringe-like body forming a chamber (102) and a plunger/piston assembly (104) reciprocal therein to vary the volume of the chamber. A narrow gap (G) is provided in the chamber open to both inlet and outlet ports when the piston is fully seated to ensure a consistent and minimum flush volume in the chamber. The reservoir is preferably placed within an infusion line having a pressure transducer (90) therein, and a spring-loaded piston (110, 114) may be adjustable to vary the dynamic response of the fluid pressure system.

Closed, one-handed blood sampling system

A flexible tip catheter for electrically stimulating the heart comprising an elongated body having an elongated passage therein and an elongated conductor partially in the passage. The elongated conductor has a distal end portion outside of the passage which is flexible and resilient along its length. The distal end portion includes a flexible resilient electrode exposed at the outer periphery of the catheter so that current can be passed along the conductor to the electrode to electrically stimulate the heart. The distal end portion is more flexible at distal locations than at proximal locations along its length. The flexibility of the distal end portion and of the electrode greatly reduces the risk of penetration of the heart wall.

Flexible tip cardiac pacing catheter

A guiding catheter adapted to be passed through the right side of the heart into the pulmonary artery and comprising a catheter body having at least first and second lumens extending longitudinally in the catheter body and a port extending from the first lumen to the exterior of the catheter body. The port is between the ends of the catheter and is in the right heart when the catheter is in use. An elongated stiffening element is locked within the second lumen and extends from a location on the proximal side of the port to a location on the distal side of the port. The stiffening element is flexible, but it is sufficiently stiff to cause the catheter to be gently curved along the stiffening element without forming a kink when the catheter is in use. The first lumen is adapted to have an inner catheter passed through it and out of the port into the right heart.

Guiding catheter and method of use

A female electrical connector (164') is carried on an electrical cable (24') including plural electrical conductors (28'). The female connector includes an insulative housing (34a', 34b') defining a blind cavity (36') therewithin and an axial opening outwardly from the cavity. The housing carries a printed circuit board (166) carrying plural wire-like contacts (40') which individually connect with the conductors of the electrical cable. The wire-like contacts extend into the cavity of the connector for deflecting in spring-like contact with electrical contacts (60) carried by a male connector (20) when the latter is inserted into the cavity of the female connector. A comb feature (50') of the female connector is formed by a strong end wall (138') of the blind cavity and in a respective one of plural slots (48') of the comb feature movably receives a free end portion (46') of each one of the plural wire-like contacts. The wire-like contacts are free to move in the cavity in spaced apart parallel relationship between a first position against or adjacent to a shelf surface (52') of the comb feature and the second position spaced from the shelf feature as the matching male connector is mated with the female connector. The end wall (138') of the female connector carries a stop member (190) preventing the male connector from damaging either the wire-like contacts or comb feature of the female connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector too forcefully. Structural features (76', 192) of the female connector allow the insulative housing to be injection molded using dies which open only in the axial direction.

David L. Swendson

Papers

Ultrasound probe for use with transport catheter and method of making same

Closed, one-handed blood sampling system

Flexible tip cardiac pacing catheter

Guiding catheter and method of use

Connector for electrical cable and method of making