Abstract: The subject guide catheter extension system with a micro-catheter delivery catheter includes an outer sheath, an inner member extending within the sheath, and a mechanism for engagement/disengagement of the inner member to/from the sheath. Several mechanisms of engagement/disengagement between the inner and outer members are provided including a friction mechanism, threaded mechanism, pull away sheath, and engagement/disengagement mechanism for pusher's handles. The sheath and the inner member are modified for different engagement/disengagement mechanisms operation. A micro-catheter delivery system provides for an improved atraumatic crossability to the treatment site in an expedited and simplified fashion. During a procedure, a guidewire along with a guide catheter are advanced to the vicinity of the treatment site within a blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus including a cannula defining an internal lumen, the cannula having a connection for receiving insufflation fluid. The apparatus also includes an obturator assembly, the obturator assembly configured to be inserted through a cannula so as to define an interstitial space between the cannula and the obturator assembly. The interstitial space is in fluid communication with the cannula connection so as to convey the insufflation fluid. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft having a hollow interior and a tip member at a distal end of the obturator shaft. The tip member is configured to penetrate and/or dissect through tissue. The tip member has an outer surface that defines a channel, the channel being in fluid communication with the interstitial space to as to convey the insufflation fluid from a proximal end of the tip member to a distal end of the tip member.

Abstract: A safety needle system operable with a medical device includes: a housing with a needle mount having a needle; and a sheath telescopically engaged with the housing and surrounding the needle such that the sheath operates in a retracted position, in which the sheath exposes the needle, and an extended position, in which the sheath surrounds the needle. The sheath is coupleable to the medical device such that removal of the needle from the medical device draws the sheath over the needle, transitioning the sheath from the retracted position to the extended position. The system can include a slider engaged with the sheath and/or housing and including a restraint that engages and disengages the sheath to respectively reinforce and weaken the coupling of the sheath and medical device. The sheath can include a longitudinal track that slidingly engages a setting of the housing between sheath positions.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus including a cannula defining an internal lumen, the cannula having a connection for receiving insufflation fluid. The apparatus also includes an obturator assembly, the obturator assembly configured to be inserted through a cannula so as to define an interstitial space between the cannula and the obturator assembly. The interstitial space is in fluid communication with the cannula connection so as to convey the insufflation fluid. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft having a hollow interior and a tip member at a distal end of the obturator shaft. The tip member is configured to penetrate and/or dissect through tissue. The tip member has an outer surface that defines a channel, the channel being in fluid communication with the interstitial space to as to convey the insufflation fluid from a proximal end of the tip member to a distal end of the tip member.

Abstract: A method of accessing a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) of a patient includes puncturing the patient's skin with a needle, upon which is disposed a cannula. A tip portion of the needle is inserted into the HAS. A distal portion of the cannula is advanced distally along the needle, until the distal portion of the cannula is in the HAS. The needle is removed from the HAS while the distal portion of the cannula remains in the HAS. A guide wire is inserted into the HAS via the cannula. The cannula is removed from the HAS while at least a portion of the guide wire remains in the HAS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter apparatus comprising: a catheter; a catheter hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the catheter and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the catheter hub and the catheter and defining an axial direction, wherein the needle has opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; and a needle guard slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle guard is retained in the chamber of the catheter hub when the needle extends through the catheter hub and the catheter, and wherein the needle guard is removable from the catheter hub once the needle tip is received in the needle guard upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical assembly and method for the delivery of an implant inside a patient's body. The medical assembly includes a sling assembly including a dilator and an implant. The dilator can be configured to be coupled to the implant. The dilator includes a proximal portion and a distal portion such that the proximal portion includes a first locking feature. The medical assembly includes a delivery device configured to deliver the sling assembly. The delivery device includes a needle and a handle having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the handle includes a second locking feature configured to releasably mate with the first locking feature and inhibit axial movement of the dilator with respect to the delivery device. The first locking feature is sized to frictionally retain the second locking feature.

Abstract: A transdermal antenna may be partially inserted into a cavity in the body of a mammal to receive wireless data transmissions from devices located within the body and relay the data to devices located outside of the body. The transdermal antenna may include a first antenna which may be inserted inside of the body cavity and receive radio frequency data transmissions from devices located inside the body. The transdermal antenna may conduct the received data transmissions to a relay mechanism located outside of the body using coaxial cables, waveguides or a combination of both. The relay mechanism may relay the conducted data transmissions to a receiver device located outside of the body by using a wire connection, such as a coaxial cable, or a wireless communication link via a transceiver coupled to a second antenna.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus including a cannula defining an internal lumen, the cannula having a connection for receiving insufflation fluid. The apparatus also includes an obturator assembly, the obturator assembly configured to be inserted through a cannula so as to define an interstitial space between the cannula and the obturator assembly. The interstitial space is in fluid communication with the cannula connection so as to convey the insufflation fluid. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft having a hollow interior and a tip member at a distal end of the obturator shaft. The tip member is configured to penetrate and/or dissect through tissue. The tip member has an outer surface that defines a channel, the channel being in fluid communication with the interstitial space to as to convey the insufflation fluid from a proximal end of the tip member to a distal end of the tip member.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: A device for needle biopsy is provided. The device includes a handle member having proximal and distal portions. A proximal handle member is disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a distal handle member is disposed to the distal portion of the handle member. A sheath lumen is disposed within the handle member and extends from the distal portion of the handle member. A needle housing member is partially disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a needle is disposed within the sheath lumen. A plurality of protrusions are disposed upon the needle.

Abstract: A fluid infuser includes an introduction needle having a projection on a peripheral surface, and an infusion tube configured to cover the introduction needle. The projection of the introduction needle is installed at a position where the introduction needle comes into contact with the infusion tube, and includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is arranged at a picking end side of the introduction needle with respect to the second surface, and an angle of inclination of the first surface is larger than an angle of inclination of the second surface. The fluid infuser is configured to guide an infusion tube to an object of insertion adequately, and allow the introduction needle to be pulled out easily from the infusion tube.

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes a needle body and hub. The device further includes a dilator coaxially disposed and slideable over the needle body and a medical article. A viewing space is disposed between the dilator and the medical article with at least one passageway or conduit connecting the viewing space with the interior bore of the needle body. The passageway is defined at least in part by openings through the sides of the needle and dilator. At least a portion of the conduit or passageway can be defined by one or more grooves between the needle and dilator. The device can further include a guidewire and an interlock between the guidewire and the needle and/or dilator. The device can further include one or more stops disposed between the guidewire and the needle and/or dilator to limit the extent to which the guidewire can be moved (e.g., advanced) relative to the needle or inhibit such relative movement (e.g.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: A method for positioning a guide element in a patient and a kit for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method involves transorally inserting an endoscope into a patient's stomach. An incision site is externally indicated by transilluminating the stomach and abdominal walls of the patient from within the stomach. Next, a scalpel incision is made at the indicated incision site, and an access needle is inserted into the incision, the proximal end of the access needle remaining external to the patient and the distal end of the access needle extending into the patient's stomach. The stylet of the access needle is then removed from the patient while keeping the cannula in place. Next, the distal end of a grasping tool is inserted through the cannula and into the patient's stomach. The looped leading end of a pullwire is then inserted through the endoscope and into the stomach. The tool is then manipulated until a distal hook on the tool catches the looped leading end.

Abstract: A protector is attached for use to a needle body having a main needle body and an enlarged-diameter section having an outer diameter greater than that of the main needle body. The protector includes a platelike protector body made of a metal material. The protector body includes a first section formed with a first hole adapted to receive the needle body when the needle body is passed therethrough, a second section formed with a second hole, and a third section adapted to connect the first section and the second section. The second hole of the second section is provided with a tubular portion that permits the main needle body to pass therethrough, but prohibits the enlarged-diameter section from passing through the tubular portion. In a state in which the protector covers the needle tip, the tubular portion comes into abutment against the enlarged-diameter section, thus prohibiting the needle body from moving toward the proximal side.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: A support catheter that can puncture a heart septum with a guidewire without buckling and that can access difficult to reach arteries such as carotid or renal arteries from the aorta under difficult circumstances is provided. The support catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior wall surface defining a first lumen extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. A second lumen is disposed between the interior wall surface and an outer surface of the catheter body. A plurality of stiffening members is disposed around the second lumen, the plurality of stiffening members being engageable to selectively stiffen the catheter body. In another configuration, the catheter further comprises a second plurality of stiffening members disposed between the first lumen and the second lumen.

Abstract: A vascular closure device including a sheath with one or more orifices therein to detect blood flow, indicating that the sheath has entered an artery and the relative position of the sheath within the artery. Thus, the sheath can be moved and positioned relative to the artery without having to completely extract the sheath from the artery after initial penetration.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a guidewire and for connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The apparatus includes a steering device for gripping an exterior of the guidewire, the steering device defining a passageway therein through which the guidewire may pass; and a connecting device for connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The connecting device is configured for mating with the steering device to form an integral unit. The invention further includes a method of inserting a guidewire in a body and connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for access to the inside of a body includes a transparent sheath with a radiopaque marking and fastener for securing a guidewire or catheter. The transparent sheath permits objects located within and near the sheath to be visualized with an external imaging system. Objects located near the sheath can also be observed with an imaging device disposed inside the sheath. The radiopaque marker permits accurate positioning of the sheath in the body. The sheath can be inserted into the body over an interventional device. A fastener prevents migration of a guidewire or catheter during the procedure.

Abstract: A catheter kit for a burrow having a catheter and an obturator and excellent in operability. The catheter comprises a tube having, inside, a nutrient passage leading nutrition or chemicals from the outside of a body to the inside of a stomach and extending along the wall surface of the burrow and a non-balloon type endodwelling member fitted to the tip part of the tube, normally placed in an expanded state and reduced in diameter less than that in the expanded state when an external force acts thereon by the obturator, and indwelled in the stomach in a buried state in a living body. The obturator comprises a guide wire passage detachably engaged with the catheter and allowing a guide wire installed in the obturator ranging from the tip to the midway thereof to be inserted therein and an operation part for transmitting the external force to the endodwelling member fitted to the rear end thereof. The rear end part of the guide wire passage and the operation part are arranged in a separated state.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a guidewire and for connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The apparatus includes a steering device for gripping an exterior of the guidewire, the steering device defining a passageway therein through which the guidewire may pass; and a connecting device for connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The connecting device is configured for mating with the steering device to form an integral unit. The invention further includes a method of inserting a guidewire in a body and connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in a vascular procedure includes an obturator that interfaces with a surface of tissue, the obturator including a shaft and a groove that can guide one or more tips of a medical device into a targeted region. In more specific embodiments, the targeted region is an aortic hole. The obturator can include a knob that stabilizes the medical device laterally on a surface of the targeted region. The obturator can also include a flange element that extends beyond the knob onto an outside surface of the targeted region. The knob can include a chamfer feature that can provide room for the tips of the medical device to enter the targeted region at an angle without bumping into the knob. In still other embodiments, the tips are sharp needle tips of the medical device and the groove is a V-shaped groove.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducing device includes a needle hub received in a barrel and holding a needle cannula. The barrel has a slotted path with starting and ending regions, and a docking port communicated with the starting region to form a docking shoulder. An engaging peg is disposed on the needle hub, and is anchored on the docking shoulder in use. The peg is slidable along the slotted path to the ending region for drawing the needle cannula into the barrel by means of a spring. A receptacle frame is disposed on the barrel, and defines a guide way for guiding movement of a guided body of an actuating unit such that a pushing body shoves the peg from the docking shoulder to the starting region. A stabilizing unit is disposed to keep the peg moving with the guided body.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a guidewire and for connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The apparatus includes a steering device for gripping an exterior of the guidewire, the steering device defining a passageway therein through which the guidewire may pass; and a connecting device for connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The connecting device is configured for mating with the steering device to form an integral unit. The invention further includes a method of inserting a guidewire in a body and connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for access to the inside of a body includes a transparent sheath with a radiopaque marking and fastener for securing a guidewire or catheter. The transparent sheath permits objects located within and near the sheath to be visualized with an external imaging system. Objects located near the sheath can also be observed with an imaging device disposed inside the sheath. The radiopaque marker permits accurate positioning of the sheath in the body. The sheath can be inserted into the body over an interventional device. A fastener prevents migration of a guidewire or catheter during the procedure.

Abstract: A perforated trocar sleeve (20) is disclosed. The trocar sleeve has an elongate tubular body member (21) having a proximal end (22) and a spaced distal end (24). An inlet port (25) is defined in the proximal end of the body member, and an outlet port (26) is defined at the distal end thereof. The inlet and outlet ports, in association with the body member, define a continuous fluid flow conduit (28) within the body member. A plurality of openings (29) are defined in the exterior surface of the tubular body member and extend from the distal end of the body member at least partially toward the proximal end thereof. The fluid to be delivered into a body cavity is passed through these openings and dispersed through an arc extending radially about the axis of the body member. The openings may be spaced randomly or regularly along the length of the body member, and may be positioned within at least one recess (40,60) defined within the exterior surface of the body member.

Abstract: A device for installing a catheter tube in a vein by the Seldinger method, once the device has been inserted, has a tubular cylindrical sheath, with a slot running its entire length, mounted on a dilator tube. A cylindrical main portion of the sheath terminates at a distal end edge which flares forwardly and is adjacent a shoulder of the dilator tube for enabling the dilator tube to be withdrawn through the sheath.

Abstract: A needle structure having proximal and distal ends and including a collection needle section at a more proximal end of the needle structure and a skin plug retainer section at the very distal end and integral with the collection needle section. The collection needle section includes a generally hollow tubular member having an external surface, an inner lumen and a port through the tubular member so as to enable fluid flow from about the tubular member to the inner lumen for collection therefrom. The skin plug retainer section includes a hollow tubular piece having an external surface and an inner lumen. The hollow tubular piece is beveled at its distal end to form a needle tip. A barrier wall may be disposed intermediate the collection needle section and the skin plug retainer section.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a guidewire and for connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The apparatus includes a steering device for gripping an exterior of the guidewire, the steering device defining a passageway therein through which the guidewire may pass; and a connecting device for connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The connecting device is configured for mating with the steering device to form an integral unit. The invention further includes a method of inserting a guidewire in a body and connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire.

Abstract: A surgical blade includes an elongate outer tubular member, an elongate inner movably received within the outer member, and a polymer coating disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the inner member, the inner surface of the outer member, of both. The inner member has a distal cutter positionable adjacent a distal opening in the outer member. A method of cutting tissue, e.g., hard tissue such as bone, includes providing a surgical blade having an inner member and/or an outer member coated with a polymer, placing the surgical blade against the tissue, and driving the inner member to cut the tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for selectively controlling the temperature of a selected organ of a patient for performance of a specified application. The method includes introducing a guide catheter into a blood vessel. The guide catheter may have a soft tip and a retaining flange, and may be used to provide treatments such as administration of thrombolytic drug therapies, stenting procedures, angiographic procedures, etc. A supply tube is provided having a heat transfer element attached to a distal end thereof. The heat transfer element having a plurality of exterior surface irregularities, these surface irregularities having a depth greater than the boundary layer thickness of flow in the feeding artery of the selected organ. The supply tube and heat transfer element may be inserted through the guide catheter to place the heat transfer element in the feeding artery of the selected organ.

Abstract: A needle and a cover with a needle having an elongate shank and a tip with a sharpened point. The cover is coaxially associated with the elongate shank for movement therealong toward the tip and includes a part for extending beyond the sharpened point when the cover is positioned near the tip. A lock associated with the needle and cover cooperates with and holds the cover to prevent axial movement relative to the needle tip after positioning the cover near the tip. A retaining member on the adapter and on the cover releasably attach the cover to the adapter while on the elongate shank of the needle allowing the needle and cover to be disengaged from the catheter and adapter after placement.