Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved papillotome/sphincterotome procedure and a wire guide which is specially suited therefor. The disclosed wire guide includes an outer insulative tube of extruded teflon material, an inner shaft of nitinol, and a platinum coil at its distal end. The outer teflon tube has been extruded to have an internal dimension which is sized to loosely accommodate the inner shaft of nitinol with a cushion of air therebetween for additional insulative effect, and the platinum alloy coil is also loosely positioned within the teflon tubing. The nitinol material in the inner shaft has a high electrical resistivity which inhibits the flow of current, and also has superelastic characteristics which enhance the maneuverability of the guide. The nitinol shaft is tapered at its distal end where it is attached to the platinum alloy coil, which is radiopaque, allowing the tip to be readily viewed under radioscopic observation. The wire guide also has visual markings on its outer surface at 5 cm., 10 cm.

Abstract: A catheter for intubating a stoma formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique includes a multi-lumen tube and an inflatable cuff for retaining the catheter in place. The tube includes a fluid lumen for conveying fluid into a patient and an inflation lumen having a port in communication with the interior of the cuff to allow for the egress and ingress of fluid to the cuff. The cuff has contained therein a resilient sponge-like material which has the property that it will remain in its compressed state for an ascertainable period of time after having been maintained in the compressed state for a predetermined period of time, e.g., at least 24 hours. A period of time, not less than the predetermined period of time, prior to the intubation procedure, the cuff is compressed to expel air from the cuff through the inflation lumen and to compress the sponge-like material inside the cuff. A tubular sleeve is applied to the outside of the cuff to maintain the cuff and sponge-like material in its collapsed state.