Abstract: A blood containment, visualization and tactile confirmation device is provided for use with a vascular entry needle. The device includes a visualization channel and/or a complaint outer wall portion which indicates whether a needle connected to the device has entered a selected blood vessel. The visualization channel is vented to the outside to allow displaced air to escape, but has a gas permeable member to prevent blood from escaping. The visualization channel may have one, two, or more stages, with a first stage chamber which indicates initial penetration of a selected blood vessel, and a second stage chamber which fills more slowly and indicates that the needle remains positioned within the blood vessel. A third stage chamber with entrapped air which compresses slightly due to the heartbeat may also be used. Preferably, a compliant outer wall portion pulses with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing a tactile indication that the needle tip is properly positioned.

Abstract: A polymeric article and method for making a polymeric article, such as a catheter, are disclosed wherein the article is contacted with a swelling agent, such as a solvent, and a plasticizer to make the polymeric material softer and/or more pliable or flexible. The contacting may be carried our sequentially or simultaneously, using a solution containing a plasticizer and a solvent.

Abstract: A wound treating device is disclosed which is adapted to treat wounds, and particularly to enhance clotting of wounds in blood vessels. The wound treating device includes an elongated tube with proximal and distal end portions and comprising at least two lumens extending therebetween. One of the lumens is attached to receive a flow control device partially positioned within the blood vessel for providing local flow control at the wound site. Inflatable means, such as a flexible membrane, is carried generally adjacent to the distal end portion and is movable between inflated and retracted positions.

Abstract: A wound clotting device includes a tubular portion having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween, an inflatable membrane associated with the distal end of the tubular portion and being moveable between a retracted position and an inflated position to form a balloon-like projection at the distal end when moved to the inflated position for treating a wound. A method for treating a wound by providing a wound-treating device, positioning the device in a location near the wound, moving an inflation membrane of the wound treating device to an inflated position near the wound, and removing the treating device is described. Finally, an alternate wound treating device having an inflatable membrane which is releasably carried at the distal end of the tubular portion and which is expelled to treat the wound is also described.

Abstract: The coronary catheter of the present invention has an elongated tubular member of shaft, with a proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion terminates in a tip end portion. In accordance with the present invention, the distal end portion of the catheter is curved in three dimensions and cooperative with the shape of the human aortic arch so as to automatically place the tip end of the catheter into proximity with the right coronary ostium as the distal end portion passes over the aortic arch and into the ascending aorta.

Abstract: A wound clotting device is disclosed comprising a clotting device for dispensing a clotting agent onto a selected location in a patient while being retained adjacent to that location, comprising a tube having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; means defining an inflation lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; inflatable retention means carried by said tube at said distal end portion for retaining said distal end at a selected location within the body of a living patient, said retention means being in fluid communication with said inflation lumen; means defining a second lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; means for receiving a quantity of clotting agent located within said second lumen; and means disposed within said second lumen for dispensing said clotting agent from said distal end of said second lumen to deposit said clotting agent at said selected location within a patient.

Abstract: The coronary catheter of the present invention has an elongated tubular member or shaft, with a proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion terminates in a tip end portion. In accordance with the present invention, the distal end portion of the catheter is curved in three dimensions and cooperative with the shape of the human aortic arch so as to automatically place the tip end of the catheter into proximity with the right coronary ostium as the distal end portion passes over the aortic arch and into the ascending aorta.

Abstract: A wound clotting device is disclosed comprising a clotting device for dispensing a clotting agent onto a selected location in a patient while being retained adjacent to that location, comprising a tube having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; means defining an inflation lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; inflatable retention means carried by said tube at said distal end portion for retaining said distal end at a selected location within the body of a living patient, said retention means being in fluid communication with said inflation lumen; means defining a second lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; means for receiving a quantity of clotting agent located within said second lumen; and means disposed within said second lumen for dispensing said clotting agent from said distal end of said second lumen to deposit said clotting agent at said selected location within a patient.

Abstract: Thin-walled catheters are provided which have an elongated fuseless polymeric tube that is made from a single tube of extruded polymer. The elongated fuseless polymeric tube includes a body portion that had been subjected to a high temperature zone in order to solid state polymerize and enhance the mechanical stability, burst strength and kink resistance of the body portion. Also included is a tip portion of the elongated fuseless polymeric tube which was subjected to a low temperature zone to retain the initial properties of extruded polymer.

Abstract: Thin-walled catheters are provided which have an elongated fuseless polymeric tube that is made from a single tube of extruded polymer. The elongated fuseless polymeric tube includes a body portion that had been subjected to a high temperature zone in order to solid state polymerize and enhance the mechanical stability, burst strength and kink resistance of the body portion. Also included is a tip portion of the elongated fuseless polymeric tube which was subjected to a low temperature zone to retain the initial properties of extruded polymer.