Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Boston Scientific Corporation

Susan M Ostrowski

Richard C Fortier

Fernando Alvarez De Toledo

Albert N Solbjor

Michael Ciannella

A single operator drainage catheter delivery system and method of use. The delivery system includes a guide member having a guidewire lumen extending through a distal portion thereof, with a proximal guidewire port located distal of the proximal end. A placement catheter disposed over the guide member has a catheter lumen extending through a distal portion thereof, with a proximal guidewire port located distal of the proximal end. Locating the proximal guidewire ports as such allows the delivery system to be used by a single person with a shorter guidewire. A drainage catheter is disposed about the guide member distal of the placement catheter. The drainage catheter delivery system preferably includes a means for releasably connecting the placement catheter to the drainage catheter, wherein the releasable connecting means disconnects the drainage catheter upon displacement of the guide member.

Drainage catheter delivery system

An improved elastic band for ligating tissue within a living body comprises a central opening defining an axis. A first curved edge is formed between a first surface extending substantially parallel to the axis and a second surface extending substantially perpendicular to the axis. A method of ligating tissue within a living body using such a ligating band comprises the steps of positioning the elastic band, which has been stretched to increase the size of a central opening extending therethrough, adjacent to a portion of tissue to be ligated. The tissue to be ligated is then drawn through the central opening of the elastic band and the elastic band is released so that the size of the central opening decreases to grip the tissue received therein.

Growing community of inventors

Arlington, MA, United States of America

Susan M Ostrowski