Abstract: A coupling wire guide structured to be slidably coupled to a previously introduced wire guide. The coupling wire guide includes a main body and a tip portion. The tip portion includes an insert member and a distal tip. The insert member is connected to the main body, and the distal tip is connected to the insert member. The insert member defines an insert passageway having a laterally opening proximal port. The distal tip defines a tip passageway having a distal port, the tip passageway being in communication with the insert passageway. The proximal port, insert passageway, tip passageway and distal port are sized to receive the previously introduced wire guide.

Abstract: Medical devices for use in or on a mammalian body have improved properties through the use of magnetic pulse welding to join components. The improved properties include increased strength, corrosion resistance, and preservation of material characteristics. A method of forming a medical device using magnetic pulse welding is also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a coated medical device is described. A coating may be applied inline to a continuous tubing formed by extrusion, prior to cutting and secondary operations. Thus, inefficient and labor-intensive steps associated with preparing individual tubes for coating may be avoided. The method may include forcing a flowable material through an exit port of an extruder, depositing a coating onto at least a portion of the continuous length of extruded tubing after the tubing is forced through the exit port, cutting the coated tubing to a desired length after depositing the coating, and performing one or more secondary operations on the coated tube at a temperature in the range of from about 15° C. to about 375° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the percutaneous placement of a medical device, such as a tracheostomy tube. An elongated hollow tube has an inflatable dilator balloon mounted thereon. The balloon comprises a distal portion, an intermediate portion and a proximal portion. The medical device is carried on the intermediate portion. At least a segment of the distal portion has an inflated outer diameter that is at least as large as the outer diameter of the medical device. The inflated outer diameter of the intermediate portion is sized relative to an internal diameter of the medical device to hold the medical device thereon. An inflation assembly is provided to enable the balloon to be selectively inflated and deflated. A body opening is dilated with the inflated dilator balloon, and the medical device may be percutaneously placed across the dilated opening. Following placement of the device, the dilator balloon may be deflated and withdrawn from the apparatus through a lumen of the medical device.

Abstract: A cast bioremodelable graft (22) comprising a cast tubular construct (33) of a bioremodelable substance (34). The bioremodelable substance is cast on or applied to a form and then vacuum pressed to dry or harden the substance. Expandable members (18) are disposed on, in, under or about the cast tubular construct to expand the graft when released from an endoluminal delivery system. A second layer (39) can be applied over the first layer (38) and the expandable stents to contain the stents there between without the need for any separate attachment. The graft is dehydrated and preferably vacuum pressed to harden the bioremodelable substance. The form is removed to form one or more lumens (23-25) in the graft, which is then loaded on an endoluminal delivery system.

Abstract: Catheters having an overmolded hub are disclosed. The overmolded catheter hubs may include one or more access hubs that are overmolded with an overmold material. The catheter hub may also be formed as a single piece from the overmold material. The overmolded construction can result in a stronger bond between the catheter body and the hub and can provide for access hubs having sufficient clarity for the observation of air bubbles in a contained fluid. The disclosed catheter hubs may also demonstrate improved balloon deflation rates when utilized with a catheter body having a distal balloon.