Abstract: The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an insertion part that includes a tip, a base end, and a longitudinal axis; an ultrasonic transducer that is provided at the tip of the insertion part; a locking groove that is a balloon mounting portion which is disposed closer to the base end of the insertion part than the ultrasonic transducer is and on which a balloon wrapping the ultrasonic transducer is detachably mounted; a balloon pipe line that extends in the insertion part; a tip-side opening surface of the balloon pipe line that is provided closer to the tip than the locking groove and has components normal to a direction of the longitudinal axis; and a groove portion which is formed toward the tip from the tip-side opening surface as a starting point and of which at least a part overlaps the ultrasonic transducer in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are catheter assemblies (100) with a locator tip (134) proximal to the distal tip (112) of a catheter tube (110). The locator tip is sized to remain outside a female urethra and configured to allow the catheter tube to pass there through. As an example, the locator tip allows a woman using a urinary catheter to target her urethra without exposing the catheter tube to tissue until the urethra is located and insertion is initiated. This avoids infecting the urethra with a catheter tube that has been contaminated by bacteria around the urethra.

Abstract: A vascular access system can include a port configured to be implanted outside of a target body lumen, at least one conduit fluidly connected to the port, and at least one one-way valve proximate the distal end of the conduit and within the fluid pathway of the sidewall of the conduit. The system can also include a gateway element comprising a through lumen operably connected to an outer diameter of the conduit, the gateway element comprising a first radially compressed configuration in which the gateway element causes occlusion within the through lumen, and a second radially expanded configuration in which the gateway element permits passage of fluids within the through lumen.

Abstract: An intraosseous needle includes a cylindrical shaft. The cylindrical shaft includes a first portion comprising a plurality of threads protruding from the cylindrical shaft. The cylindrical shaft includes a second portion comprising a plurality of fenestrations, disposed between the first portion and a distal end of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the cylindrical shaft is continuous and smooth within the second portion, and where the continuous, smooth second portion is longer than the first portion. The intraosseous needle also includes a needle head extending from a proximal end of the cylindrical shaft.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a sacral insufficiency fracture comprises a plurality of steps. A step is performed for placing an access device within a patient. Such placing of the access device includes causing a distal end portion of the access device to traverse through a sacroiliac joint of the patient and to traverse into the patient's sacrum until the distal end portion of the access device is within a region of the sacrum where a sacral insufficiency fracture is located. Thereafter, a step is performed for delivering bonding material though a portion of the access device into the sacrum at the region thereof where the sacral insufficiency fracture is located.

Abstract: The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an insertion part that includes a tip, a base end, and a longitudinal axis; an ultrasonic transducer that is provided at the tip of the insertion part; a locking groove that is a balloon mounting portion which is disposed closer to the base end of the insertion part than the ultrasonic transducer is and on which a balloon wrapping the ultrasonic transducer is detachably mounted; a balloon pipe line that extends in the insertion part; a tip-side opening surface of the balloon pipe line that is provided closer to the tip than the locking groove and has components normal to a direction of the longitudinal axis; and a groove portion which is formed toward the tip from the tip-side opening surface as a starting point and of which at least a part overlaps the ultrasonic transducer in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a puncture device for creating a TIPS shunt, comprising a puncture needle, a sheath, the sheath being arranged to surround the puncture needle, the puncture needle being slidably arranged inside the sheath so that the puncture needle can be moved between a first position in which the puncture needle protrudes beyond the distal end of the sheath and a second position where a tip of the puncture needle is retracted into the sheath, the sheath and the puncture needle being arranged so that in the second position, blood can be aspirated into the sheath through a gap between the puncture needle and the sheath, a locking means, the locking means being arranged for releasably locking the puncture needle in the first and/or the second position.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an endoscopic device, including at least one flexible endo scope shaft and at least one kink protector, which is associated with the endoscope shaft and includes at least one base body that has a conical and/or cylindrical design, at least in sections, and that has a main extension direction and a main extension along the main extension direction, and the kink protector includes at least one quick-release coupling, which is configured for a selective connection to a tube and includes at least one fin situated at least substantially perpendicularly on the base body. It is provided that the fin has an extension extending along the main extension direction of the base body at least across 50% of the main extension of the base body.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for use with a circular stapler includes a shaft, a trocar tip, and a band. The trocar tip is configured to mechanically engage a distal portion of the shaft. The trocar tip includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the trocar tip is movable relative to the second portion of the trocar tip prior to assembly of the trocar tip. The band encircles part of the first portion of the trocar tip and part of the second portion of the trocar tip.

Abstract: A deep vein intravenous introducer has a wheel located toward the front end of the device that can be rotated by the index finger of the user. After placement of the needle in the lumen of the vessel, the user rotates the wheel, which turns a drive wheel. The drive wheel has an outer surface that advances the guide wire through the center of the needle and into the patient. Once the guide wire is advanced into the vessel lumen the catheter can be advanced over the guide wire with a hub or finger tab on the catheter close to the index finger. The operation can be performed by one hand without moving the hand from its initial position.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a handle with a clamp that is configured to maintain the instrument in two different operational modes. The medical instrument includes a needle, a sheath, a sheath handle, a needle actuator and a locking device. The distal end of the needle actuator is connected to the proximal end of the needle. The distal end of the sheath handle is connected to the proximal end of the sheath. The locking device restricts distal movement of the needle actuator relative to the sheath handle when the medical device is placed in one of two operational states. In a deactivation state the distal end of the needle is housed within the distal end of the sheath. In an activation state the distal end of the needle is distal from the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A method for creating a pathway for insertion of a medical lead, such as a defibrillation lead, the method includes creating an incision at a first location on the left side of the torso of the patient. A first medical device and a second medical device are advanced through the incision and through the subcutaneous tissue toward a second location proximate the center of the torso. The distal end of the first medical device is deflected at the second location toward a third location proximate the high sternal area. The second medical device is advanced out through the distal end of the first medical device toward the third location. A sheath is positioned within the torso, the sheath spanning the distance between the first location and the second location and the distance between the second location and the third location.

Abstract: A cannula for the circulation of a fluid in an artery, includes a main lumen conveying a volume of fluid towards a first distal end; an accessory lumen including at least one inner portion arranged inside the main lumen, including: a proximal end situated downstream from the proximal end of the main lumen so as to capture a fraction of the flow of fluid entering the main lumen; a bent portion modifying the direction of flow of the fluid flow captured by the accessory lumen with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid emerging from the first end; a second distal end situated upstream from the first distal end of the main lumen, emerging on a side opening of the cannula so as to direct the captured fraction of liquid in the modified direction of flow.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for deploying a device to a distal location across a vessel, comprising an elongate introducer sheath tubing member comprising open-cell fibrous wall material defining a lumen therethrough, wherein in a collapsed configuration the sheath has a first cross-sectional outer diameter and a first lumen inner diameter, and in an expanded configuration, the sheath has a second cross-sectional outer diameter and a second lumen inner diameter; and a substantially non-porous expandable layer coupled to a proximal portion of sheath and configured to prevent fluids present in the lumen from crossing the fibrous wall material. Also disclosed is a delivery assembly comprising an obturator which releasably captures the distal portion of an introducer sheath which obturator can be removed after the sheath is deployed to a desired location.

Abstract: A dilator system for arterial and venous cannulas, where there is a smooth transition between the dilator and the outer wall of the cannula. One aspect of the subject technology provides a blunt-tip cannula that is used as a dilator for insertion of an arterial or venous cannula. The balloon might either be a single diameter or may have a larger diameter at the distal portion such that the diameter of the distal portion of the balloon dilator matches the diameter of the cannula at the tip. Another aspect of the subject technology is a balloon dilator for cannulae that may be positioned over a guidewire, for guidewire-directed placement of a cannula within a vessel, duct, lumen or heart structure of the body. Another aspect of the subject technology is an inflation system for the balloon dilator, such that the balloon dilator may be deflated and quickly removed from the cannula after the cannula has been positioned and secured within the vessel, duct, lumen or heart structure.

Abstract: A cannula fixation device for insertion at a surgical incision includes a sleeve having a passage configured to receive a cannula, and a clamp configured to rotatably couple the cannula to the sleeve and to maintain an axial position of the cannula relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hemostasis valve with a selectively coupled torque device. The hemostasis valve may include a first mating interface, and the torque device may comprise a second mating interface. The first interface may comprise a groove that retains the second interface, which may comprise a ridge. An axial force may couple and decouple the interfaces. The interfaces may be configured to allow the torque device to rotate relative to the hemostasis valve when in a coupled position.

Abstract: A needle device, such as a catheter assembly, includes a catheter tube attached to a catheter hub, a needle attached to a needle hub, and an optional needle guard for covering the needle tip in a protective position. Different markets can utilize the same needle device by separately forming an extension clip having a gripping member or gripping pad for attaching to the needle device for those markets that require the gripping member or pad.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for a medical device includes a first connection member having a first end and a second end with the first connection member defining at least one channel adjacent the first end. The at least one channel having a first portion extending in an axial direction and a shoulder adjacent to the first end of the first connection member that defines a channel entry. The at least one channel having a second portion extending in a transverse direction relative to the axial direction. The connection apparatus further including a second connection member having a first end and a second end and at least one protrusion adjacent the first end. The shoulder is configured to guide the at least one protrusion of the second connection member into the channel entry regardless of the orientation of the at least one protrusion relative to the channel entry.

Abstract: A catheter with a mechanism for omni-directional deflection of a catheter shaft includes a shaft assembly and a controller. The shaft assembly includes a first tubular component that has a preformed curvilinear distal section, a second, substantially straight tubular component with a main axis and an outer shaft. The first and second components are configured for slidable movement therebetween while preserving common rotation so that when the second component is axially moved in a distal direction, the second component deflects the preformed curvilinear section towards the main axis while orientation of the outer shaft is preserved. The controller is configured to effect relative axial movement between the first and second components as well as to effect rotation of the first and second components (and thus also of the preformed curvilinear distal section) without any rotation of the shaft relative to the handle.

Abstract: To reduce the risk of damaging organs in a body while delivering a thread during surgery, an instrument for delivering a surgical thread has a grip, an outer cylinder fixed the grip, a hollow needle extending inside the outer cylinder and being configured to be moved relative to the outer cylinder in an axial direction and a loop configured to be housed in the outer cylinder. An end of the outer cylinder is bent in a state where force is not applied. The hollow needle is exposed from the outer cylinder when puncturing skin or etc., and the hollow needle is housed in the outer cylinder when it travels near organs which should not be damaged.

Abstract: A catheter tip is provided according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The catheter tip may comprise a distal end, a proximal end, and tubular walls. The distal end includes a distal aperture with a distal inside diameter, and the proximal end includes a proximal aperture with a proximal inside diameter. The proximal inside diameter may be greater than the distal inside diameter. The proximal end comprises attachment means configured to couple the proximal end with a distal end of a laser catheter. The tubular walls may include at least an inside taper from the proximal end to the distal end such that the inner tubular walls generally taper from the proximal inside diameter to the distal inside diameter. Moreover, the tubular walls may be configured to direct at least a liquid medium, for example, a biocompatible solution, toward the distal aperture.

Abstract: A lock secured around an IV hub includes a hollow barrel having an open upper end with a pair of hinged gates therein that are pivotal between an open and a closed position. Below the gates are a pair of spring-biased flaps that prevent the gates from opening. When a key coupled with a syringe is inserted into slots formed on the gates and rotated, the flaps are forced outwardly, allowing the gates to open with a downward force so that the syringe can be coupled with the IV hub. When the key is rotated in an opposite direction, the flaps automatically pivot toward the center of the barrel and lift the gates to the original closed position.

Abstract: An intravascular access system for facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures within the neurovasculature through an access sheath. The system includes an aspiration or support catheter having a flexible, distal luminal portion having an inner diameter defining a lumen extending between a proximal opening at a proximal end of the luminal portion and a distal opening at a distal end of the luminal portion. The catheter has a rigid spine coupled to at least the proximal end of the luminal portion and extending proximally therefrom. The system includes a dilator having a flexible, distal dilator portion sized to be received within the lumen of the luminal portion. Associated systems, devices, and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A stylet for insertion within a cannula interior of a needle is disclosed. The stylet includes a solid elongated shaft having a proximal end adapted for engagement with a needle hub, and a distal end having a surface modified profile. The surface modified profile increases the penetration force required to penetrate human skin. The ratio of the penetration force of a stylet having an unmodified distal end to the stylet having a surface modified profile is at least 1:1.4, or greater. The surface modified profile may be a roughened surface, a buffed surface and/or a blunted surface. The surface modified profile may include a yieldable material disposed over at least a portion of the distal end. A needle assembly having a stylet having a surface modified profile is also disclosed.

Abstract: Tissue dilation systems are disclosed. The present systems provide percutaneous access to one or more target structures located in a patient's body. The tissue dilation systems include two or more tissue dilation tubes telescopically arranged and moveable relative to each other. The tissue dilation tubes can be preassembled prior to use by utilizing a dilation tube retention assembly which can maintain the dilation tubes in a substantially fixed position and release the tubes therefrom in order to dilate a patient's tissue. Methods of producing the present systems and using the present systems in surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hub assembly, such as for long needles, is disclosed. The hub assembly includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end, having a cannula extending therethrough and protruding from the distal end, with the needle hub having a first engagement portion. The hub assembly also includes a stylet handle having a stylet extending therefrom. The stylet is adapted to be received within a portion of the cannula, with the stylet handle having a second engagement portion. An engagement of the first engagement portion of the needle hub and the second engagement portion of the stylet handle forms a positive lock in which at least a portion of one of the first and second engagement portions is held within the other of the first and second engagement portions in an unbiased state.

Abstract: An aseptic re-aspiration catheter apparatus for removing body fluids from a human body includes a front connector connected to a guide tube, into which a catheter having a predetermined length is inserted, and an adjustment tube having a predetermined length. The leading end of the adjustment tube is assembled to the front connector. A front locking member has an inner hole into which the catheter is inserted, is detachably assembled to the front connector, and is disposed inside the adjustment tube. A rear connector is assembled to the rear end of the adjustment tube. A rear locking member is connected to the catheter and detachably assembled to the rear connector, and extends through the connectors. A cap member is detachably assembled to the rear locking member. Blood clots, abscesses, and blood fluids are simply and safely removed from the human body in a short time using the catheter.

Abstract: A hemostatic valve apparatus used in medical procedures that provides rapid activation of a sealing mechanism resulting in lower blood loss during use of the sealing device. The valve apparatus incorporates an actuator and two mechanisms that counter-rotate opposite ends of a sealing tube.

Abstract: A balloon trocar includes a cannula assembly including a cannula and an outer sleeve fitting over the cannula. The distal end of the outer sleeve is proximal to the distal end of the cannula. A balloon is coupled to a distal portion of the sleeve and a distal portion of the cannula. The outer surface of the cannula includes a plurality of longitudinal channels for transmitting gas or fluid to the balloon. A bolster having a gel pad at its distal portion is slidably mounted to the cannula assembly and may be locked in a desired position. In use, the trocar is inserted into an incision through a body wall and into a body cavity. The balloon is inflated and the cannula assembly pulled proximally against the incision while the bolster is slid distally to the body wall and locked in place to seal the incision with the compressed balloon.

Abstract: A needle tip shielding mechanism is described herein. The shielding mechanism comprises an outer housing, an inner housing, and a needle having a needle feature. Generally, the outer housing comprises at least one adapter-interlock feature. Moreover, the inner housing comprises a needle-feature capture mechanism, such as a washer feature, and a needle-tip capture mechanism, such as duckbilled tip barrier. In some cases, the inner housing is slidably moveable within the outer housing. In such cases, the inner housing is movable between a first position that biases the adapter-interlock feature into an engaged position and a second position that allows the adapter-interlock feature to move to an unengaged position. This ability to bias the interlock feature in the engaged position and to allow the interlock feature to move to the unengaged position allows the shielding mechanism to be selectively coupled to and released from an interlock-feature mating component within a catheter adapter.

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle section that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator portion that has a dilator and a dilator hub. The dilator is coaxially disposed and slideable over the elongated body of the needle section. The device further includes a sheath section that has a sheath and a sheath hub. The sheath is coaxially disposed and slideable over the dilator. The device further includes a first locking mechanism operably disposed between the needle hub and the dilator hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the needle section and the dilator portion and a second locking mechanism operably disposed between the dilator hub and the sheath hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the dilator portion and the sheath section.

Abstract: A system for accessing a sinus cavity of a subject includes an access tool configured to penetrate into the sinus cavity from a location external the subject. The system further includes an access sheath having a distal tubular portion, a lumen extending through the access sheath and the distal tubular portion and dimensioned to receive the access tool, the distal tubular portion comprising one or more cutting surfaces disposed about an external surface thereof. The one or more cutting surfaces may include a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves for flutes disposed about the periphery of the distal tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical device mitigates over-puncture with a bias spring that biases a leading, cutting edge in the opposite direction of the anticipated over-puncture. An associated locking mechanism is configured to release the force of the bias spring in a direction counter to the direction of insertion when the tension force of tissue against the cutting edge is released. Thus, when an opening in the tissue forms, the tension is released and the cutting edge can move opposite to the direction of insertion of the surgical device at the same time that an applied force drives the instrument in the direction of insertion. In this manner, the spring and locking mechanism cooperate to move the cutting edge opposite to the direction of insertion as soon as an incision is made.

Abstract: A deployment assembly (10) for an introducer used for introducing into a patient a stent or other device, the deployment assembly including a housing 30 carrying a sprung loaded (90) actuator (44,50). The actuator includes a toothed wheel (50) carrying a spool (48) around which a retraction strap (44) can be wound. The strap (44) is coupled to a body member (26) of the introducer and through this to the outer sheath (14) thereof. A trigger (16) is provided for operating the actuator (44, 50). When the trigger (16) is pressed, the actuator winds, under the force produced by the spring (90), the strap (44) to thereby retract the outer sheath (14) so as to expose and then deploy the device carried on the introducer. The mechanism is such that a surgeon need not expend his own energy to retract the outer sheath (14) since this force is provided by the spring (90).

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a catheter device, wherein a septum actuator is positioned within the lumen of a catheter adapter to provide a pathway through a septum component, an introducer needle being inserted through the septum via the septum actuator thereby preventing damage to the septum, the septum actuator thereafter being withdrawn from the septum and positioned within a rearward chamber of the catheter adapter lumen.

Abstract: An asymmetrical gripping surface is incorporated into a needle shield of an intravenous catheter assembly. The asymmetrical gripping surface provides a gripping position nearer the catheter adapter, catheter and needle tip for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the asymmetrical gripping surfaces include a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition.

Abstract: Medical device system comprising a catheter including an elongate tubular member having an inner wall surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the tubular member. The medical device also includes an inner stop extending inwardly from the inner wall surface of the tubular member at a distal end section of the catheter and a pusher device insertable into the lumen. The pusher device has a contact surface to abut the inner stop of the tubular member.

Abstract: A sheath introducer for use with a catheter, has a hub and a tube through which the catheter extends, and a lock assembly which has a rotational knob that actuates a plurality of prongs arranged in a radial pattern around a hole in the hub that receives the catheter, wherein the prongs synchronously rotate in one direction to grip the catheter or in the other direction to release the catheter.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube is provided. The tracheostomy tube includes an outer cannula that comprises an outer cannula connector comprising a first keying feature. The tracheostomy tube further comprises an inner cannula comprising an inner cannula connector including a second keying feature configured to complement the first keying feature when the inner cannula is inserted into the outer cannula. Further, a method is provided, whereby the method comprises inserting an outer cannula into a patient's trachea, and inserting an inner cannula into the outer cannula such that a keying feature on an inner cannula connector of the inner cannula engages a second keying feature on an outer cannula connector of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.

Abstract: A front portion of a tubular inner needle proximal end portion disposed at a proximal end of the inner needle is attached to a rear end portion of a tubular adaptor, a tubular outer needle proximal end portion disposed at a proximal end of the outer needle is inserted from a distal end of the adaptor, and a distal end of the inner needle is caused to protrude from a distal end of the outer needle. A restricting plate having an insertion hole through which the outer needle proximal end portion is inserted is inserted into the adaptor from an opening formed in an upper surface of the adaptor. A protrusion formed on a lower surface of the insertion hole protrudes upward and engages with one of the grooves of the outer needle proximal end portion.

Abstract: A surgical device mitigates over-puncture with a bias spring that biases a leading, cutting edge in the opposite direction of the anticipated over-puncture. An associated locking mechanism is configured to release the force of the bias spring in a direction counter to the direction of insertion when the tension force of tissue against the cutting edge is released. Thus, when an opening in the tissue forms, the tension is released and the cutting edge can move opposite to the direction of insertion of the surgical device at the same time that an applied force drives the instrument in the direction of insertion. In this manner, the spring and locking mechanism cooperate to move the cutting edge opposite to the direction of insertion as soon as an incision is made.

Abstract: An IV catheter insertion device includes a flash chamber into which blood (or other fluid) flows to confirm the proper placement of the catheter. Within the device is a movable member which is controlled from outside, as by a health care worker moving a plunger to move the movable member and expel blood from the flash chamber through the needle for testing or other analysis. The plunger may have a locking and unlocking mechanism to present the movement of the plunger from occurring when it is not desired.

Abstract: An assembly for sealably injecting a fluent material into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the annulus of a spinal disc comprises a cannula having a passageway for injecting the fluent material therethrough into the intradiscal space, a seal having a sealing surface for sealing engagement with the outer surface of the disc annulus and defining a central opening for, and an articulating joint defined between the central opening of the seal and the cannula configured to permit relative articulation between the components. The assembly may further comprise an anchor element extending through the central opening of the seal, the anchor element including an elongated threaded body sized for threaded engagement within the opening in the disc annulus and having a head configured to engage a distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A rotational orientation indicating hollow needle assembly having a needle, stylet, and hub. A hub sidewall has at least one external surface with at least one humanly tactilely discernible surface feature indicating the rotational relationship between the hub and the needle. Any portion of any of the assembly may bear indicia, or may be color-coded, to represent the size (gauge) of the needle, or needle type as an additional guide. In an exemplary embodiment the hub may be configured with two bevel face orientation features and two bevel orthogonal orientation features alternately spaced in a radial manner about the hub. An operator pinching the hub between a thumb and forefinger thus immediately feels these orientation features. When the assembly is rotated between the thumb and forefinger, these differing orientation features rotate as well, and the difference in tactile sensation immediately alerts the operator to the position of the needle bevel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an introducer assembly. The introducer assembly includes an introducer sheath having a proximal end. A lumen is disposed longitudinally through the interior of the introducer sheath. A hub is attached about the proximal end of the sheath. The hub includes an opening disposed through its center. The opening is in fluid communication with the lumen of the sheath. A dilator clip is releasably attached to the hub of the introducer sheath. The dilator clip comprises a base having a proximal portion and a distal portion. Disposed on the distal portion of the dilator clip is a dilator. The dilator is coaxially positioned within the lumen of the introducer sheath while the dilator clip is attached to the hub.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to catheterization systems and components thereof. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a catheterization system is disclosed that includes a catheter including a body with proximal and distal ends and defining first and second lumens extending therethrough, and a stylet. The stylet includes first and second stylet portions each having proximal and distal end regions, wherein the distal end regions of the first and second stylet portions together define a tapered penetrating portion. The first and second stylet portions are configured and dimensioned to be slidably positioned within the first and second lumens of the catheter, respectively. The first and second stylet portions extend from the proximal end of the catheter and beyond the distal end of the catheter, and are independently movable in relation to each other to facilitate selective removal of the first stylet portion and/or the second stylet portion from the catheter.

Abstract: An IV catheter insertion device includes a flash chamber into which blood (or other fluid) flows to confirm the proper placement of the catheter. Within the device is a movable member which is controlled from outside, as by a health care worker moving a plunger to move the movable member and expel blood from the flash chamber through the needle for testing or other analysis. The plunger may have a locking and unlocking mechanism to present the movement of the plunger from occurring when it is not desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present safety needle assembly include a slidable needle shield. Digital pressure applied to a leaf spring retention latch removes a compressive force from a biasing member and automatically moves the needle shield from a ready-to-use configuration to a protected configuration in which the needle shield covers the sharp needle tip. In the protected configuration the needle shield is prevented from sliding proximally along the needle a sufficient distance to expose the needle tip.