Abstract: A single operator exchange biliary catheter having a common distal lumen. The biliary catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion defining an ancillary lumen and a distal portion defining a common guidewire and ancillary lumen. The common distal lumen reduces the profile of the distal portion of the shaft. The elongate shaft also includes a proximal guidewire port disposed between the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the shaft to facilitate single operator use. A seal may be disposed adjacent the proximal guidewire port to thereby seal the port. Preferably, the shaft includes a single lumen distal portion and a bitumen proximal portion. The single lumen distal portion of the shaft may be curved and may include a tapered or spherically shaped distal tip.

Abstract: An endoscopic catheter distal end position control that enables precise control of distal catheter sheath ends relative to each other while accommodating the long length and flexibility of typical catheters and proximal, remote hand-operable control mechanisms. In a catheter assembly employing this control, an elongated flexible tubular sheath is provided having a distal end and a proximal end. A distal end member is internal to the sheath; this end member is reciprocally axially moveable relative to the sheath distal end between a retracted position that is proximal of the sheath distal end and an extended position in which the end member protrudes beyond the sheath distal end. An elongated end member interconnector is provided, with a distal end of the interconnector being connected to the end member and a proximal end of the interconnector being connected to a position actuator for axially reciprocating the end member relative to the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A single operator exchange biliary catheter having a common distal lumen. The biliary catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion defining an ancillary lumen and a distal portion defining a common guidewire and ancillary lumen. The common distal lumen reduces the profile of the distal portion of the shaft. The elongate shaft also includes a proximal guidewire port disposed between the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the shaft to facilitate single operator use. A seal may be disposed adjacent the proximal guidewire port to thereby seal the port. Preferably, the shaft includes a single lumen distal portion and a bi-lumen proximal portion. The single lumen distal portion of the shaft may be curved and may include a tapered or spherically shaped distal tip.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for attachment to the distal end of a ligating device having proximal and distal ends with a lumen extending therebetween and being adapted for supporting a plurality of ligating bands includes a support for attachment to the distal end of the ligating device and for carrying the plurality of ligating bands and having a passage communicating with the lumen; and a dispenser including a first displacement element looped about each of the bands in series attached to the support and extending through the passage and lumen whereby proximal motion of the operator element from the proximal end of the ligating device transfers individually the most distal ligating band off the distal end of the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for use with subcutaneous access ports for continuous or intermittent infusion therapy. These catheters utilize a pretensioned, helical coil which is incorporated into a flexible cannulated portion. This feature allows the flexible cannula to be bent without kinking under normal use. This flexibility provides a great deal of comfort to the patent. These catheters also incorporate a puncture needle which is positioned axially down the length of the catheter such that the sharp point at the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter. This combination of a pretensioned, flexible catheter and a puncture needle achieves a stiffness sufficient to penetrate the tough, self-sealing septum used in subcutaneous access ports, yet, once the puncture needle is removed the patient is left with a comfortable alternative to commonly used hypodermic needles.

Abstract: An endoscopic catheter distal end position control that enables precise control of distal catheter sheath ends relative to each other while accommodating the long length and flexibility of typical catheters and proximal, remote hand-operable control mechanisms. In a catheter assembly employing this control, an elongated flexible tubular sheath is provided having a distal end and a proximal end. A distal end member is internal to the sheath; this end member is reciprocally axially moveable relative to the sheath distal end between a retracted position that is proximal of the sheath distal end and an extended position in which the end member protrudes beyond the sheath distal end. An elongated end member interconnector is provided, with a distal end of the interconnector being connected to the end member and a proximal end of the interconnector being connected to a position actuator for axially reciprocating the end member relative to the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A subcutaneous safety catheter assembly includes a flexible catheter having an inner wall including a hollow stiffening member which is stiff in the longitudinal direction and flexible laterally; a needle having a sharp point at one end and a grip at the other and being adapted to being disposed in the hollow stiffening member with the sharp point extending beyond the distal end of the member; and a needle guard at the proximal end of the member for securely engaging the needle and shielding the sharp point of the needle upon its withdrawal from the catheter.

Abstract: Self-centering valvulotome (V) having a flexible cable (1) partly and slidably disposed within a protective sheath (2), a cutting unit (4), having at least three radially mounted, retractable cutting blades, attached to the cable at its distal end, and a dual-purpose control mechanism attached to the cable at its proximal end. Each retractable cutting blade comprises a free-floating cutting head and a flat spring section, which biases the cutting head against the venous wall. The control mechanism comprises a T-valve segment disposed partly within the proximal end of the protective sheath. A pull handle affixed to the proximal end of the cable can engage the T-valve such that a fluid-tight seal is created, thereby allowing the introduction of a diagnostic or therapeutic fluid to the protective sheath via an access port in the valve.

Abstract: A plastic catheter and a method for making the same, the catheter having radiopaque marker ring placed within a tube, whereby the radiopaque ring is inserted into the expanded section of the tube, followed by the relaxation of the tube to its original dimensions, such that there is no protusion of the ring on the tube inner-diameter, where the ring inner-diameter is equal or greater than the tube inner-diameter, and the ring outer-diameter protrudes a distance into the tube but not beyond the thickness of the tube; thereby, creating a smooth outer surface and an obstruction free inner surface.

Abstract: A guidewire and a method for its manufacture, wherein at least the distal portion of the guidewire comprises an element made of a precursor of a superelastic alloy such as a Ni--Ti linear elastic alloy. The element exhibits a stress strain curve with a linear stress-strain relationship and a yield point. At room temperature to body temperature the precursor is in the martensitic phase. The distal portion of the guidewire is deformable beyond the yield point by the physician in the field to a desired set shape and exhibits resistance to kinking during insertion into the body as a result of its elasticity.

Abstract: A steerable quidewire of length in excess of the order of about 350 centimeters and sufficient for use for gastro-intestinal procedures includes an elongated body of flexible, kink-resistant material, the body having distal and proximal ends; a flexible distal tip formed of radiopaque material, fixedly jointed to the distal end of the body portion; and an elongated handle fixedly joined to the proximal end of the body. The handle, body and distal tip are formed of material and joined in a manner to transmit substantially all of an angular rotational force applied to the handle outside of a body to the distal tip within the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually and sequentially. A support, attached to the distal end of an endoscope, carries the plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced positions along an exterior surface. The distal ends of each set of independent displacement filaments each ligating band releasably attach to the distal edge of the dispenser. Each filament loops around the corresponding ligating band and returns past the distal edge of the dispenser and through the endoscope to the proximal end thereof. When a physician pulls a set of filaments proximally, the loop in each filament advances the corresponding ligating band off the distal edge of the dispenser.