Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A catheter for introduction and removal of fluids from a body and tunneling device therefor, the catheter has a body having a first conduit for removing fluid from the body and a second conduit for delivering fluid to the body wherein at least a part of each of the conduits is integrally formed within a first end of the body of the catheter and extends along side one another. The first conduit extends beyond the second conduit and forms a terminal point of the first end and defines a first opening thereat and the second conduit extends to a point short of the terminal point defining a second opening. A bumper portion is adjacent the second opening extending toward the terminal point. Another part of each the first and the second conduits are disjoined and form part of a second Y-shaped end. The tunneling device has a channel to removably receive the catheter.

Abstract: Guidewire exit ramp members that may be placed over a tubular member having a guidewire lumen, which longitudinally extending and laterally accessible, and methods of use. The guidewire exit ramp member can be placed to force a guidewire loaded through the lumen in a first direction to be forced out of the lumen via an opening, slit or channel. The guidewire exit ramp member, in an illustrative embodiment, takes the form of a relatively short member having a proximal portion and a distally extending flap. The flap may be designed to enter and remain in a longitudinally accessible guidewire lumen. Combinations of such ramp members and device shafts having longitudinally extending laterally accessible guidewire lumens are also disclosed, as are methods for securing such combinations together. A method of backloading a guidewire into a catheter while causing lateral exit of the guidewire at a desired location is also shown.

Abstract: An assembly and method for percutaneous placement of a catheter comprising an elongated hollow catheter having a distal end and a reduced cross-section portion at a proximal end thereof. An introducer needle is slidably mounted over said catheter. The introducer needle has an elongated slit adapted to slide over the reduced cross-section portion to separate the needle from the catheter. A syringe may be attached to the proximal end of the catheter. Also, a valve may be attached to the catheter to permit easy collection of fluid.

Abstract: An assembly for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a slittable delivery device and a bypass assembly. The slittable delivery device may include a hub, a shaft integrated into the hub and forming at least a segment of the circumferential surface of the hub, and a hemostasis valve contained substantially within the hub. The bypass assembly may include a cap and a valve bypass tool. The cap may be on a proximal end of the hub and may include an opening in the cap extending radially outward from a point near a radial center of the cap through a circumferential edge of the cap. The valve bypass tool may be operably coupled to the cap and may include a longitudinally extending open channel.

Abstract: Systems for gaining access into a body of a patient around an implanted body of an elongate medical device include a sheath having a deformable wall that allows insertion of the device body into a lumen surrounded by the sheath wall. The sheath wall may include first and second edges that extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, or just extend along a distal portion of the lumen. A tool, which includes a groove sized to grasp about a circumference of the device body, may facilitate insertion of the device body into the lumen of those sheath embodiments that include the first and second edges, by spreading at least one of the first and second edges of the wall apart from the other of the first and second edges while the device body is grasped within the tool.

Abstract: A system for connecting a hemostasis valve to a splittable sheath includes an interface formed between a ledge on the proximal end of a cannula portion of the hemostasis valve and an engagement structure aligned with the handles of the splittable sheath. Pulling the handles to split the sheath likewise disengages the ledge from the engagement structure. A snap ring on the cannula portion engages a snap ring in the lumen of a sheath hub formed on the proximal end of the splittable sheath. An O-ring between the cannula portion and the sheath hub provides a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: Guidewire exit ramp members that may be placed over a tubular member having a guidewire lumen, which longitudinally extending and laterally accessible, and methods of use. The guidewire exit ramp member can be placed to force a guidewire loaded through the lumen in a first direction to be forced out of the lumen via an opening, slit or channel. The guidewire exit ramp member, in an illustrative embodiment, takes the form of a relatively short member having a proximal portion and a distally extending flap. The flap may be designed to enter and remain in a longitudinally accessible guidewire lumen. Combinations of such ramp members and device shafts having longitudinally extending laterally accessible guidewire lumens are also disclosed, as are methods for securing such combinations together. A method of backloading a guidewire into a catheter while causing lateral exit of the guidewire at a desired location is also shown.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a slittable delivery device for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device. The delivery device includes a hub and a shaft integrated into the hub. The shaft forms at least a segment of the circumferential surface of the hub. The delivery device may also include a hemostasis valve contained substantially within the hub and a cap on a proximal end of the hub. The cap may include an opening in the cap extending radially outward from a point near a radial center of the cap through a circumferential edge of the cap.

Abstract: A detachable introducer and method of using such introducer is disclosed for inserting an embolic coil deployment system into the tortuous vasculature of the human brain for placing an embolic coil within an aneurysm. The introducer includes a sheath having a lumen, a side opening and a longitudinal slit. A deployment catheter with a conical expander member is slideably disposed through the side opening of the sheath and through the lumen of the sheath. The conical expander member detaches the introducer from the deployment catheter through the longitudinal slit of the sheath.

Abstract: An adjustable length catheter device, a kit and a method of providing the adjustable length catheter device to a patient are provided. The catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first lumen and a second lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The catheter device further includes a manifold operably connected to the shaft. The manifold is configured to longitudinally move along the shaft towards the distal portion for separating the proximal portion of the shaft into a first proximal shaft portion including the first lumen and a second proximal shaft portion including the second lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for deploying a bronchial isolation device in a bronchial passageway in a lung of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer shaft having a distal end. A housing is coupled to the distal end of the outer shaft and configured to receive the bronchial device. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft. A handle is adapted to move the outer shaft relative to both the inner shaft and the handle while the inner shaft remains fixed relative to the handle so as to eject the bronchial isolation device from the housing.

Abstract: A device (such as guidewire inserter) for easily and certainly inserting a medical long item having a curved tip into a tube such as catheter and sheath includes a tubular member having a bore for passage of a guidewire. The tubular member has a slit cutting across the wall over the total length of the tubular member. The proximal end of the tubular member has an aperture. The proximal end of the aperture has an open part and a connecting part adjacent thereto for the holder tube. There is a pair of wing-like protruded pieces projecting in the mutually opposite directions at both sides of the open part. The distal end of the tubular member has on its outer surface a pair of protruded rims, which project in the mutually opposite directions.

Abstract: An assembly for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a slittable delivery device and a bypass assembly. The slittable delivery device may include a hub, a shaft integrated into the hub and forming at least a segment of the circumferential surface of the hub, and a hemostasis valve contained substantially within the hub. The bypass assembly may include a cap and a valve bypass tool. The cap may be on a proximal end of the hub and may include an opening in the cap extending radially outward from a point near a radial center of the cap through a circumferential edge of the cap. The valve bypass tool may be operably coupled to the cap and may include a longitudinally extending open channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a slittable delivery device for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device. The delivery device includes a hub and a shaft integrated into the hub. The shaft forms at least a segment of the circumferential surface of the hub. The delivery device may also include a hemostasis valve contained substantially within the hub and a cap on a proximal end of the hub. The cap may include an opening in the cap extending radially outward from a point near a radial center of the cap through a circumferential edge of the cap.

Abstract: Tissue bulking devices and methods of using such devices for restricting a flow of fluid through a patient's body lumen, such as a urethral lumen or rectal lumen as a way alleviating incontinence. The bulking device has a first collapsed state for deliver and a second expanded state to displace a portion of the lumen thereby reducing its inner diameter and restricting fluid flow. The bulking device generally has a plurality of openings providing access to an interior thereof for promoting tissue ingrowth, thereby further securing the device in its location and aiding in tissue bulking. Support members attached to the bulking device further aid in tissue ingrowth and bulking.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a balloon dilatation catheter includes an elongate tubular member having a neck portion and a slit extending along the entire length of the tubular member from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, wherein a distal portion of the tubular member is flared from the neck portion to the distal end of the tubular member to define an enlarged funnel-like opening.

Abstract: An insertion sleeve (1) of a medical insertion instrument, with which a catheter or balloon catheter (2) can be introduced from the outside into a blood vessel and can be moved through the blood vessel to a position to be treated and after treatment can be retracted back through the fluid-tight insertion sleeve (1). The insertion sleeve (1) is expandable over its entire effective length due to one or more breaks, for example, a continuous slit (9), in the inner wall, and furthermore it is also fluid-tight in the expanded state due to a fluid-tight, expandable casing (7) whose extent can be increased due to its elasticity and/or one or more folds (11) existing in the casing corresponding to the widening of the insertion sleeve (1).

Abstract: A modular hemostatic valve includes a splittable valve body. The splittable body defines a passageway. A sealing element positions in the passageway. The sealing element is configured to facilitate the passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve body is configured to engage a second medical device.

Abstract: A pain management system for the infusion of drug to a wound site includes a guide needle placed within an introducer tubing. The needle and tubing are pierced through the patient's skin, after which the guide needle is withdrawn. The infusion catheter is threaded through the introducer tubing and advanced to the wound site. The introducer tubing is withdrawn and preferably peeled off of the infusion catheter. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a plurality of exit holes, which combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter.

Abstract: A device and method for slitting a first elongated flexible catheter/sheath used with an elongated flexible component. The device includes a handle, an elongated groove and a cutter member. The cutter member has a sharp distally located cutting edge and a top surface from which a finger projects distally. The cutting edge is located under the finger and is arranged to be located within the annular space between the component and the first catheter/sheath when the first catheter/sheath is within the groove. The cutting edge serves to slice the first catheter/sheath longitudinally when the first catheter/sheath is pulled in a proximal direction. The finger protects the component from injury.

Abstract: A catheter insertion sheath assembly (100) including a tubular sheath body (106) having a proximal end (102), a distal end (104), and a hollow passage (107) extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A handle portion (110,114) is disposed at the proximal end of the tubular sheath. A clamp (120;300;400) extends from the handle portion for releasably closing the sheath prior to insertion of a catheter thereinto and includes a relatively movable portion (130) or portions (310,310?;410,410?) that is or are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when the clamp is in the open position, fluid may flow through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal end and when the clamp is in the closed position, fluid flow is restricted through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system, such as a dilatation catheter system for angioplasty procedures, which provides for the replacement of the catheter or the guidewire during the procedure. The intravascular catheter has a guidewire-receiving inner lumen extending along its length. A first guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at or near the proximal end of the catheter. A second guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at a location spaced distally from the first guidewire port and proximally from a diagnostic or therapeutic tool, such as a dilatation balloon, on a distal portion of the catheter. A third guidewire port is provided in the distal end of the catheter. The guidewire ports are in communication with the guidewire-receiving inner lumen.

Abstract: A catheter includes a body having an outer surface defining a lumen and an expandable tip on a distal end thereof. The tip includes an opening axially extending therethrough. Upon insertion of a device having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the expandable tip, the opening permits passage of the device therethrough. The tip expands commensurately with a difference between the outer diameter of the device and the inner diameter of the expandable tip. The expandable tip includes a tubular wall having an axially extending weakened portion formed from (1) at least two axially aligned slit segments and (2) at least two axially aligned segments that are strengthened when compared to the slit segments. One of the strengthened segments is positioned between two of the slit segments. Another of the strengthened segments is formed between a distal-most slit segment and a distal end of the expandable tip.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter comprising a catheter shaft having a proximal portion and a distal end, an angioplasty balloon attached to the shaft at the distal end, a balloon inflation lumen extending through the shaft and communicating with the interior of the balloon, a guidewire lumen extending through the shaft and through the balloon for receiving a steerable guidewire, the guidewire lumen having an outside wall, wherein the guidewire lumen has a proximal opening located at a point normally outside of the patient during use of the catheter for insertion of a guidewire into the lumen, and a side port adapted to permit passage of a guidewire into the lumen through the outside wall of the guidewire lumen, the side port located distally of the proximal opening and at a point normally inside of the patient during use, and guidewire removing means in the outside wall of the guidewire lumen extending from the proximal opening to the side port for permitting a guidewire in the guidewire lumen to be moved laterally fr

Abstract: A slitting tool is provided for severing a tubular body such as the body of an introducer or a guide catheter that is positioned around an implantable medical device (IMD) such as a lead or another catheter. The slitting tool includes a body member that has a surface adapted to be gripped by a user. The surface includes a channel that is provided to align the IMD with respect to the body of the slitting tool. The gripping action of the user maintains the IMD within the channel such that the channel need not attach to the IMD. The slitting tool includes a cutting member coupled to the body member and positioned to sever the tubular body without severing the IMD.

Abstract: An introducer and hemostatic valve for improved torsional guidance and kink resistance includes an entirely circumferentially reinforced introducer connected directly to a valve body formed of a plurality of separable portions and housing a valve element in a central chamber thereof. The plurality of portions may be attached to the introducer during formation of the introducer, the valve body, or both. Alternatively, the plurality of portions may be attached to the introducer by assembly of the portions together in a surrounding relation to the introducer. In use, the plurality of portions are separated from each other and the introducer is cut along its length in order to withdraw the introducer and hemostatic valve over an enlarged proximal end of an access device as the introducer is pulled from the patient's body.

Abstract: A peel-away sheath for a catheter includes at least one weakened area in a non-longitudinal pattern, such as a helical pattern, along the length of the sheath. One embodiment of a catheter sheath includes a tube having at least one pull wire integrally located within its wall. Another embodiment of a catheter sheath includes a tube having at least one integral lumen within its wall. The integral lumen may house a filling material. One embodiment of a catheter may include a first sheath which is positioned within a second sheath, with each of the first and second sheaths having at least one weakened area along its length. A reinforcing guide for a guide catheter includes a tube having a lumen with a diameter at least as large as the guide catheter diameter. The reinforcing guide includes a gap with a width which is less than the guide catheter diameter.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly according to one embodiment comprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block defines a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottom surface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passageways corresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate is configured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluid communication is established between each well and an associated fluid passageway.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer in which at least one finger tab is formed at one end of a tube. The apparatus is formed from a molton polymer fed into the cavity of a mold. The cavity of the mold has a portion that forms a tube and a portion that forms a tab.

Abstract: A tearable hemostasis valve for use with a splittable sheath. The hemostasis valve may include grip tabs, which may be pulled in generally opposing directions. The opposing forces tear open the valve body open along a score line. The tearable hemostasis valve includes a snap fit arrangement for mounting to a neck-and-hub arrangement of a splittable sheath. When the valve is pressed down onto the neck-and-hub arrangement, the snap fit arrangement deforms outwardly to permit the hub to pass through and into the cavity. After the hub passes through, the annular sidewall seats snugly around the neck. When an operation is complete, the tearable hemostasis valve may be torn open and discarded. The splittable introducer sheath may be torn open along its longitudinal axis by grasping opposing sheath wings and pulling in opposite directions. As the sheath is split, it may be withdrawn from a body and discarded.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting a hemostasis valve to a sheath is disclosed. The hemostasis valve has a cannula portion disposed on a distal end and an annular ledge protruding from an outer surface thereof. The sheath has a nipple extending proximally therefrom. The nipple also has an annular ledge disposed on an outer surface thereof and a nipple lumen adapted for receiving the distal end of the cannula portion. A sliding connector defining a connector lumen is disposed about the outer surface of the cannula portion and the outer surface of the nipple when the cannula portion is received in the lumen of the nipple. A connection between the hemostasis valve and the sheath is created by engaging the sliding connector with either or both of the annular ledge on the hemostasis valve and the annular ledge on the nipple.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter comprising a catheter shaft having a proximal portion and a distal end, an angioplasty balloon attached to the shaft at the distal end, a balloon inflation lumen extending through the shaft and communicating with the interior of the balloon, a guidewire lumen extending through the shaft and through the balloon for receiving a steerable guidewire, the guidewire lumen having an outside wall, wherein the guidewire lumen has a proximal opening located at a point normally outside of the patient during use of the catheter for insertion of a guidewire into the lumen, and a side port adapted to permit passage of a guidewire into the lumen through the outside wall of the guidewire lumen, the side port located distally of the proximal opening and at a point normally inside of the patient during use, and guidewire removing means in the outside wall of the guidewire lumen extending from the proximal opening to the side port for permitting a guidewire in the guidewire lumen to be moved laterally fr

Abstract: An intravascular catheter, comprising a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a guidewire lumen extending through the shaft for receiving a steerable guidewire, wherein the guidewire lumen has a proximal opening at the proximal end of the shaft for insertion of a guidewire into the lumen, and a side port for insertion of a guidewire into the lumen through the side of the catheter shaft, the side port located distally of the proximal opening and inside the patient during use, the side port being adapted to direct guidewire to extend through the side port distally into the guidewire lumen while preventing a guidewire from extending through the side port proximally into the guidewire lumen. Also disclosed are methods for using the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter provided with a collapsible inner lumen within a main body. The catheter can deploy a distal protection device using a guidewire which is threaded through the inner lumen, the inner lumen collapsing upon retrieval of the device into the catheter main body.

Abstract: A catheter provided with a collapsible inner lumen within a main body. The catheter can deploy a distal protection device using a guidewire which is threaded through the inner lumen, the inner lumen collapsing upon retrieval of the device into the catheter main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved medical introducer devices which incorporate a single or multi-layer PTFE peelable sheath. Devices of the present invention are suitable for use in inserting an ancilliary medical device, e.g., a catheter, guide wire and the like, into a patient. Methods of the present invention also are disclosed which employ a precision sintering process in order to produce sheaths having excellent tear properties and optimal peelability.

Abstract: A device for introducing a guide wire into a catheter comprising a housing having at least one lumen for permitting the passage of a guide wire therethrough. The lumen has an axial single seam positioned longitudinally along the lumen that is defined by opposite lateral ends of the housing. The seam comprises a gap that is dimensioned less than the diameter of the guide wire to be passed therethrough for preventing lateral removal of the guide wire from said device during use. The housing further comprises a plurality of gripping surfaces distinct from the seam for permitting a user to widen the seam to facilitate removal of a guide wire. The housing may further include an axial notch positioned generally about 180 degrees opposite from the seam to facilitate widening of the seam when it desired to remove the guide wire. The join may comprise a longitudinal groove on the housing. The gripable surfaces may each comprise a tab, or may comprise an indentation in the housing.

Abstract: A splittable medical valve is disclosed that is configured with a interfacing region that permits the valve to be placed over or inside of a tubular medical device, such as a splittable introducer sheath, to prevent loss of bodily fluids and/or reduce ingress of air-borne pathogens. The valve further includes a sealing element configured to accept passage of a medical device, such as a catheter, sheath, pacemaker lead, or other ancillary device therethrough, whereby the valve body is split along one or more lines or fissure to allow removal of the valve from around the ancillary device.

Abstract: An introducing apparatus includes an elongate tubular sheath having an external diameter, and the sheath has a bore including an internal diameter sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath includes at least one tab extending away from a longitudinal axis of the sheath. A movable valve assembly is movably engaged with the tab, where the moving valve is adapted to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position the moving valve is disposed through the longitudinal axis of the sheath. In the second position the moving valve assembly is disposed away from the longitudinal axis of the sheath.

Abstract: A system and method for introducing medical devices within vasculature that incorporates a dual lumen introducer allowing a plurality of guidewires to be introduced without entanglement. The introducer further includes slits formed in the dual lumen introducer and a dilator or an inner member with grooves that facilitate easy removal of the introducer and dilator from vasculature. The dual lumen introducer maintains separation between guidewires. The slits in the dual lumen introducer and the dilator grooves allow removal from the guidewires by slipping the device off the guidewires without retracting them the entire guidewire length. A peel-away sheath protects the vasculature from the guidewires, prevents the dilator from slipping off the guidewires, and maintains access to an expanded vessel for the introduction of medical devices.

Abstract: An introducer and hemostatic valve for improved torsional guidance and kink resistance includes an entirely circumferentially reinforced introducer connected directly to a valve body formed of a plurality of separable portions and housing a valve element in a central chamber thereof. The plurality of portions may be attached to the introducer during formation of the introducer, the valve body, or both. Alternatively, the plurality of portions may be attached to the introducer by assembly of the portions together in a surrounding relation to the introducer. In use, the plurality of portions are separated from each other and the introducer is cut along its length in order to withdraw the introducer and hemostatic valve over an enlarged proximal end of an access device as the introducer is pulled from the patient's body.

Abstract: A splittable sheath assembly including a sheath, a T-shaped fitting and an attachment mechanism. The sheath is adapted for use in the trans-cutaneous insertion of medical instrumentation through a lumen defined by the sheath and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including an initial bifurcated portion defining two tabs. The T-shaped fitting has a central opening aligned with the lumen of the sheath, a handle on either side of the central opening, and a zone of weakness unitarily joining the two handles so that the T-shaped fitting is adapted to be split into two separate portions, each portion having only one of the handles. The attachment mechanism attaches each of the tabs of the proximal end of the sheath to one of the handles. Each attachment mechanism includes a projection portion engaging one of the tabs and a locking element received on the projection to inhibit removal of the tab from the projection.

Abstract: A catheter includes a body having an outer surface defining a lumen and an expandable tip on a distal end thereof. The tip includes an opening axially extending therethrough. Upon insertion of a device having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the expandable tip, the opening permits passage of the device therethrough. The tip expands commensurately with a difference between the outer diameter of the device and the inner diameter of the expandable tip. The expandable tip includes a tubular wall having an axially extending weakened portion formed from (1) at least two axially aligned slit segments and (2) at least two axially aligned segments that are strengthened when compared to the slit segments. One of the strengthened segments is positioned between two of the slit segments. Another of the strengthened segments is formed between a distal-most slit segment and a distal end of the expandable tip.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system, such as a dilatation catheter system for angioplasty procedures, which provides for the replacement of the catheter or the guidewire thereof during the procedure. The intravascular catheter has an guidewire-receiving inner lumen extending along the length thereof. A first guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at or near the proximal end of the catheter, a second guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at a location spaced distally from the first guidewire port and proximally from a diagnostic or therapeutic element, such as a dilatation balloon, on a distal portion of the catheter and a third guidewire port is provided in the distal end of the catheter. The guidewire ports are in communication with the guidewire-receiving inner lumen.

Abstract: An introducing apparatus is provided which includes an elongate tubular sheath extending from a sheath proximal end to a sheath distal end. The sheath has a bore sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath further includes at least one tab extending away from a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The dilator extends from a dilator proximal end to a dilator distal end. The introducing apparatus further includes a needle disposed within the dilator, and retractably coupled with the dilator. A distal end of the needle is flexible.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for advancing a guide wire into a blood vessel of a patient, which comprises a housing from a distal end of which extends a needle hub support having a blood aspiration canal extending along its length; a syringe chamber located in the housing; a passageway extending between the blood aspiration canal and the syringe chamber for the passage therethrough of aspirated blood; a switch mounted for sliding movement along a surface of the housing and having attached thereto a cannula for movement therewith; the switch being formed with a through hole aligned with the cannula and the blood aspiration canal for the passage therethrough of a guide wire; the arrangement being such that movement of the switch towards the distal end of the housing will cause the cannula to block the passage of blood along the passageway between the blood aspiration canal and the syringe chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the safe surgical placement of sharp instruments, such as trocars, is provided. The apparatus includes a safety guide that allows placement of a surgical trocar through a patient's skin and into a receiver. After placement of a sharp end of the trocar into the receiver, the trocar is then advanced through the patient's skin and removed from the body, thereby pulling a surgical drain, which is attached to the trocar, through the skin. The trocar and safety guide may then be disposed, the sharp end of the trocar remaining safely covered by the receiver.

Abstract: A splittable sheath assembly including a sheath, a T-shaped fitting and an attachment mechanism. The sheath is adapted for use in the trans-cutaneous insertion of medical instrumentation through a lumen defined by the sheath and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including an initial bifurcated portion defining two tabs. The T-shaped fitting has a central opening aligned with the lumen of the sheath, a handle on either side of the central opening, and a zone of weakness unitarily joining the two handles so that the T-shaped fitting is adapted to be split into two separate portions, each portion having only one of the handles. The attachment mechanism attaches each of the tabs of the proximal end of the sheath to one of the handles. Each attachment mechanism includes a projection portion engaging one of the tabs and a locking element received on the projection to inhibit removal of the tab from the projection.

Abstract: The proposed patents relates to a catheter, tube, dilator, shunt, drain, access device like invention that allows positioning over another catheter, tube, dilator, shunt, wire, cable, drain, access device or the like via a sidewall defect in contrast to the current practice of deployment of catheters, tubes, dilators, drains, access devices or the like over a guiding device such as a wire via the openings at the tips of these devices. This unique method of deployment offers some advantages over current methodology and allows avoiding some limitations with methods in current practice that rely heavily on traditional guiding devices such as wires. Potential advantages include procedural time reduction, less labor-intensive procedures, as well as the ability to perform some objectives not possible with current methods in certain situation.