Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.

Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system is provided including a steerable, guide catheter, a delivery catheter adapted for deployment at a targeted tissue site using the steerable guide catheter, the delivery catheter including a proximal port, a distal port, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ports; a distal fixation element coupled to the delivery catheter so as to position the distal port adjacent the targeted tissue site; and a flexible hollow needle adapted to be advanced through the delivery catheter lumen, the flexible needle including a tissue-piercing distal tip for extending from the distal port of the delivery catheter for advancement into the targeted tissue site and a proximal end for extending from the proximal port of the delivery catheter through which a medical fluid is delivered.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: Methods for installing a flexible spinal needle assembly and methods of delivering a fluid may include inserting a distal end of a flexible spinal needle assembly into a subject and, thereafter, disposing an anti-restriction member at least partially within an inner flow path of the flexible spinal needle to substantially prevent fluid occlusion caused by bending or kinking of the flexible spinal needle.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A flow element for use with flexible needles and flexible needle assemblies to minimize flow occlusion within a flexible needle is provided. The flow element is particularly suited for uses with a flexible needle for minimizing incidence of post-dural puncture headache. The flow element includes a body having an internal flow path for conducting a fluid through a flexible needle, and an anti-restriction member. The anti-restriction member includes an elongated body, a proximal end coupled to the body within the internal flow path, and a distal end for disposing at least a portion of the elongated body within a flexible needle. A flexible spinal needle assembly for minimizing flow occlusion through an internal flow path of a flexible needle by unintended kinking that is potentially caused by ligament or muscle layer movements is also provided.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter stylet for stiffening a catheter during the placing process, wherein the stylet comprises an accommodating lumen for at least one fluid-guiding line of the catheter. It also relates to a catheter stylet catheter system, comprising such a stylet and comprising a catheter which comprises a fluid-guiding line, and to a method for stiffening a catheter during the placing process, wherein a stylet which comprises an accommodating lumen is arranged around at least one fluid-guiding line of the catheter.

Abstract: A stylet is provided which makes it possible to improve the handling of a catheter while also facilitating insertion of the catheter. A catheter set having such a stylet is also provided. A stylet with a hole and a stylet without a hole include, respectively: a stylet main body; an engaging part; a film-like linking part for linking the stylet main body and the engaging part; and a soft tip end part which is provided at a tip end of the engaging part. The engaging part has a tapered tubular shape which can expand and contract thanks to an alternating arrangement of soft parts and rigid parts in the peripheral direction. The stylet main body is then pulled rearwards from a state in which the stylet with a hole and the stylet without a hole are assembled with a catheter, thereby enabling the engaging part, which can engage with the edge of the opening of the catheter, to contract in the radial direction and be withdrawn.

Abstract: A catheter insertion apparatus with visual indication of needle penetration of a blood vessel and placement of the catheter cannula within the blood vessel, using blood vessel pressure to indicate needle penetration by the presence of blood within a transparent chamber within the apparatus and the displacement of a plunger to create a negative pressure on the cannula and thus allowing blood to be visible within the catheter hub thereby indicating the introduction of the cannula into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter assembly and methods of use are herein disclosed. The catheter assembly, in one embodiment, is deflectable and includes a first catheter, a second catheter, and a third catheter. The second catheter fits coaxially within the first catheter. In some embodiments, the first and/or second catheter can be constituently different from proximal end to distal end. At least one of the first catheter and the second catheter include a deflectable portion to allow deflection of that catheter from a first position to a second position. The third catheter has a sheath and a medical instrument positioned within the sheath. The third catheter fits coaxially within the second catheter.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly usable in combination with an infusion system for infusion into a patient's body is disclosed. The indwelling needle assembly is comprised of a needle having a needlepoint insertable into the patient's body; a sleeve slidably fitted on the needle; a catheter including a catheter tube slidably fitted on the sleeve; a base body fixed to a proximal end of the needle; and a slider fixed to the sleeve and slidably engaged with the base body so as to be movable between a first position to have the needlepoint projecting out of the sleeve and a second position to have the needlepoint retracted in the sleeve, wherein the needle, the sleeve, the base body and the slider are unitarily extractable from the catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for penetrating a tissue membrane to gain access to a target site are disclosed. In some examples, systems and methods for accessing the left atrium from the right atrium of a patient's heart are carried out by puncturing the intra-atrial septal wall. One embodiment provides a system for transseptal cardiac access that includes a stabilizer sheath having a side port, a shaped guiding catheter configured to exit the side port and a tissue penetration member disposed within and extendable from the distal end of the guide catheter. The tissue penetration member may be configured to penetrate tissue upon rotation and may be coupled to a distal portion of a torqueable shaft. In some embodiments, the stabilizer sheath and shaped guiding catheter may be moved relative to the patient's body structure and relative to each other so that a desired approach angle may be obtained for the tissue penetration member with respect to the target tissue.

Abstract: An access needle suitable for use in percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy procedures. In one embodiment, the access needle includes a stylet assembly, a safety sheath assembly and a cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet and a stylet hub. The stylet has a proximal end and a sharpened distal end, the proximal end of the stylet being mounted within the stylet hub. The safety shield assembly includes a sheath and a shuttle. The sheath, which has a blunt distal end, coaxially surrounds the stylet. The proximal end of the sheath is fixed to the shuttle, the shuttle being movable between a first position in which the sharpened distal end of the stylet is exposed and a second position in which the sharpened distal end of the stylet is shielded by the blunt distal end of the sheath. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a cannula hub, the cannula hub being fixed to the proximal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of medical devices is disclosed. One embodiment includes an access tube with a retention portion disposed at a distal end. The retention portion is reconfigurable between first and second configurations of reduced and increased lateral extent. A trocar can be movably disposed within the access tube, which can be movably disposed within an overtube. One method of the invention includes inserting the trocar and access tube through a patient's body wall where the retention portion is configured from a reduced to an increased lateral extent. An overtube can be inserted around the access tube through the body wall where the retention portion can be received through a slot defined by the overtube. The retention portion can be returned to reduced lateral extent. The access tube can be removed and the medical device can be inserted within the overtube.

Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A stylet is provided which makes it possible to improve the handling of a catheter while also facilitating insertion of the catheter. A catheter set having such a stylet is also provided. A stylet with a hole and a stylet without a hole include, respectively: a stylet main body; an engaging part; a film-like linking part for linking the stylet main body and the engaging part; and a soft tip end part which is provided at a tip end of the engaging part. The engaging part has a tapered tubular shape which can expand and contract thanks to an alternating arrangement of soft parts and rigid parts in the peripheral direction. The stylet main body is then pulled rearwards from a state in which the stylet with a hole and the stylet without a hole are assembled with a catheter, thereby enabling the engaging part, which can engage with the edge of the opening of the catheter, to contract in the radial direction and be withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety clip device for shielding and retaining a tip of an introducer needle following insertion of a vascular catheter. The safety clip device includes a sleeve having an interlock system for locking together the sleeve and the catheter adapter. The sleeve houses a safety clip wherein a portion of the introducer needle extends through the safety clip and is pinched between arm portions of the safety clip. As the tip of the introducer needle is withdrawn from the catheter adapter, the tip of the introducer needle is retained in the safety clip, whereafter the safety clip is retained within the sleeve and the sleeve is released from the catheter adapter for safe disposal.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods are disclosed for anchoring the catheter system to tissue, e.g., for delivery of biologic or chemical agents, or other therapeutic fluid during various procedures. An exemplary tissue anchoring catheter comprises an outer catheter shaft connected to a catheter handle. A delivery sheath is provided within the outer catheter shaft, the delivery sheath housing a needle. At least one anchor is operatively associated with the delivery sheath, the at least one anchor operable at the catheter handle to secure the delivery sheath to tissue for conveying biologic or chemical agents, or other therapeutic fluid from the needle to the tissue. The tissue anchoring catheter may further comprise sensing means such as piezoelectric, pressure, thermistor, thermocouple, or ultrasound sensors.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to improve access to a surgical site during surgical procedures. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical access device is provided having a cannula, a cannula base, and a retractor. The cannula base is configured to couple both to the retractor and the cannula to provide access to a surgical site. The cannula can be removably and replaceably coupled to the cannula base. Optionally, the cannula base can be removably and replaceably coupled to the retractor. As desired, the cannula can be decoupled from the cannula base, which can allow for an object to be removed from the surgical site and/or for the cannula, or another cannula to be attached to the cannula base that remains in place to maintain access to the surgical site. Exemplary methods for accessing a surgical site are also provided.

Abstract: A positionable, direct-injection catheter that can access a specific region of the heart or other organ. The catheter is provided with one or two needle shafts, which may be located within respective sheaths that extend axially along the interior of the lumen of a main catheter shaft. Each needle shaft carries, at a distal end thereof a penetrable element or “needle” that is normally retracted within the distal tip of the main shaft during travel to the target organ, but is subsequently deployed by action of a handle-mounted trigger mechanism to extend the needles into the organ's wall. Each extended needle is curved to relative to the shaft's axis to enter the organ wall in a flattened trajectory that both reduces the chance of puncture through the wall and anchors the needles into the wall during injection (for reduced chance of pullout under pressure).

Abstract: Method and devices to administer a bioactive material within a vessel while maintaining nearly-constant pressure within the vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment the methods and devices include a multi-lumen catheter to administer bioactive materials and simultaneously drain or evacuate excess fluid or bio-inactive materials at an aneurysm site within a vessel.

Abstract: A surgical access port is provided with a trocar cannula having a substantially rigid portion and an atraumatic distal tip. The atraumatic distal tip is substantially compliant relative to the rigid portion of the cannula. The trocar cannula provides unobstructed surgical access into a body cavity allowing the insertion and removal of surgical instruments through the trocar cannula and into the body cavity using a minimal sized incision or entryway.

Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.

Abstract: The catheter provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention includes an elongate tube having a proximal tube portion and a distal tube portion formed by stretching the distal portion of the elongate tube. The catheter is made throughout from an identical material. The distal tube portion has a reduced outer diameter and thus is of a higher flexibility and softness. Therefore, the danger of injuries to vessels or the dura is decreased. The catheter can be produced in an inexpensive and simple manner.

Abstract: A device (1), e.g. an intravascular device, for removing an element, e.g. vascular occluding element (33), from within a lumen, e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing a treatment device within a patient involve advancing a magnetic first introducer into the patient, advancing a magnetic second introducer into the patient, coupling the first introducer with the second introducer via magnetic force, and using the introducer devices to place a treatment device at a desired location within the patient. Optionally, such techniques involve visualization of the introducers or treatment devices during the procedure.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an improved device for paracentesis procedures, such as thoracentesis. The device comprises a cannula assembly, a reinsertible valve assembly, and catheter assembly, wherein the cannula assembly is removably attached to the valve assembly, and the valve assembly is removably attached to the catheter assembly. The device may include an externally viewable indicator revealing the relative positions of the cannula assembly components. The device can further comprise a locking mechanism which controls the movement between cannula assembly components and is activated and deactivated by the coupling of the cannula assembly to the valve assembly. The device improves the precision and safety of its handling, and offers the practitioner several aspiration alternatives while maintaining separation of the internal and external patient environments.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided having an outer catheter and at least one inner catheter chosen from a plurality of different inner catheters for delivery of a treatment agent to a selected tissue region of the brain. The outer catheter has a lumen in communication with an opening and at least one aperture. Each inner catheter is sized to be received within the lumen and has a passageway and at least one port in communication with that passageway. The system preferably has inner catheters having different lengths and/or passageways with different diameters. The outer catheter can include an element that monitors brain activity. The outer catheter can also have an inflatable balloon proximal to an element. A method of delivering a treatment agent, preferably a drug, to a select tissue region of a targeted area of the brain for intracranial treatment of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive apparatus and method of use to correct varicose veins by sclerosis. The apparatus comprising a semi-flexible first catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The first catheter also has a lumen area extending the length of the catheter and capable of receiving a guide wire. The proximal end is fitted to receive an inflation device and/or a closure device. At the distal end, a collapsible occlusive balloon is attached. Additionally, the apparatus has a second catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface. The second catheter also has a lumen area extending the length of the second catheter. The second catheter has a larger lumen than the first catheter, allowing the first and second catheters coaxial alignment. The distal end of the second catheter adapted to from a sealing engagement with the periphery of the first catheter, allowing the second catheter to movably extend over and retract from the first catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided for intracranial treatment having outer and inner catheters. The outer catheter has a first lumen communicating between a first opening and at least one aperture and a second lumen in communication with a second opening. The first and second openings are distal to the proximal portion of the outer catheter. The inner catheter, preferably a micro-dialysis catheter, is sized to be received within the first lumen and includes at least one passageway in communication with at least one port for transfer of a fluid with a tissue region in the brain of the patient. The assembly preferably also includes a stylet sized to be received within the second lumen to provide rigidity to the outer catheter for its precise positioning within the brain. The outer catheter can include an element that is preferably a contact for monitoring brain activity. A method of transferring a fluid with a brain tissue region is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by injecting a bulking agent at the interface between the mucosal and submucosal layers of the urethral wall. The remodeling device comprises an elongated shaft preferably having means for forming a localized inward protrusion of the urethral wall, and a needle, movable between retracted and deployed positions, for delivering a bulking agent into the urethral wall in the vicinity of the localized inward protrusion to thereby reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient is provided having both outer and inner catheters. The outer catheter has at least one element and defines a lumen in communication with at least one aperture and an opening. The inner catheter is sized to be received within the lumen and includes a passageway in communication with at least one port. The element can be in the form of a contact or sensor. The outer catheter can include an inflatable balloon distal to an element. The balloon is adapted to seal upon inflation the tract created by the outer catheter when inserted into the brain. The outer catheter may have a flexible channel extending outward from the body of the catheter that permits the inner catheter to be inserted into the body through the channel. The inner catheter is preferably configured for removable engagement to a tapered fitting on the outer catheter.

Abstract: A method for intracranial treatment of a patient is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting into the brain an outer catheter having an exterior surface, an inflatable balloon mounted upon the exterior surface, at least one element distal to the balloon upon the exterior surface, at least one aperture and a lumen; inflating the balloon to seal a tract created during insertion; inserting an inner catheter into the lumen which has a passageway and at least one port, the outer catheter guiding the inner catheter to the desired tissue region; and transferring fluids between the proximal end of the inner catheter and the tissue region through the passageway. Each element is adapted for monitoring or electronically stimulating brain tissue or for allowing identification of the location of the element catheter within the brain. The method facilitates regular accurate placement of the drug delivery catheter at the tissue region without additional extended brain contact during insertion.

Abstract: Methods and devices for facilitating the repair of vasculature. The methods and devices described accomplish engagement of components employed during in situ assembly of repair devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel to enable over-the wire insertion of a catheter through the tissue tunnel. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having a distal end portion having a tip configured to advance through the tissue tunnel and an opening extending longitudinally with respect to the apparatus and dimensioned to receive the guidewire. The guidewire is inserted through the opening to pass the guidewire through the tunnel to enable subsequent insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of medical devices is disclosed. One embodiment, includes an access tube with a retention portion disposed at a distal end. The retention portion is reconfigurable between first and second configurations of reduced and increased lateral extent. A trocar can be moveably disposed within the access tube, which can be movably disposed within an overtube. One method of the invention includes inserting the trocar and access tube through a patient's body wall where the retention portion is configured from a reduced to an increased lateral extent. An overtube can be inserted around the access tube through the body wall where the retention portion can be received through a slot defined by the overtube. The retention portion can be returned to reduced lateral extent. The access tube can be removed and the medical device can be inserted within the overtube.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel to enable over-the wire insertion of a catheter through the tissue tunnel. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having a distal end portion having a tip configured to advance through the tissue tunnel and an opening extending longitudinally with respect to the apparatus and dimensioned to receive the guidewire. The guidewire is inserted through the opening to pass the guidewire through the tunnel to enable subsequent insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter comprising a first portion having a first diameter, an elongated distal portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition region between the first portion and distal portion. A first longitudinally extending central lumen configured to deliver blood terminates in an opening in the distal portion. At least two independent longitudinally extending lumens are positioned radially of the first lumen, configured to withdraw blood from a patient, and terminate in a longitudinally directed opening in the transition portion.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis cover may be attached to the distal end of a delivery device. The cover may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a lumen through it. An endoprosthesis may then be covered as it is delivered to a treatment site.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient is disclosed. The assembly comprises an outer catheter having a proximal opening, at least one aperture, a lumen connecting the opening and the at least one aperture and at least one element; and an inner catheter adapted to be received within the lumen and including a passageway and at least one port for transferring fluids between the inner catheter and a tissue region within the patient's brain. The element is preferably a contact for monitoring or stimulating brain tissue or a location marker for allowing identification of the location of the outer catheter within the brain, or both. The assembly facilitates regular accurate placement of the drug delivery catheter at the tissue region without additional extended brain contact during insertion. Drugs can administered from the drug delivery catheter through ports near the distal end of the depth electrode or fluid can be removed from the brain through the ports.

Abstract: A sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The sheath includes an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable le to an open position. A normally open secondary valve, movable to a closed position, may be configured in the backflow adapter proximal the sheath tube and distal the primary valve. The primary and secondary valves when open permit a catheter or other medical instrument to be inserted into the sheath.

Abstract: A system for transplanting a bone plug from a donor site to a recipient site extracts the bone plug from the donor site, and then places a bone plug delivery device having a tip which is at least translucent and, preferably, clear over a tube containing the bone plug. The tip is then placed substantially over a pre-formed hole in the recipient site, whereafter the bone plug is forced from the tube, through the transparent tip, and into the pre-formed hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the percutaneous insertion of medical devices is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an access tube defining a central lumen and a retention portion disposed at a distal end of the access tube. The retention portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration of reduced lateral extent and a second configuration of increased lateral extent. A trocar is moveably disposed within the central lumen of the access tube. The access tube is movably disposed within a central lumen of an overtube. In an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes the steps of inserting the trocar and access tube through a body wall of a patient, where the trocar is disposed within the access tube and where a retention portion disposed at a distal end of the access tube is configured in a first configuration of reduced lateral extent. The retention portion is then configured in a second configuration of increased lateral extent.