Abstract: An elongated image-carrying member that enables microendoscopy to be practiced using normal-sized catheters, includes a drawn, fused, central multi-fiber micro-unit of about 0.5 mm diameter, having about 2,000 glass fibers in coherent array, with a polymeric coating bonded to its pristine as-drawn outer surface. This combination achieves sufficient flexibility and optical qualities to enable effective use to provide vision for inspection of small passages and ducts. Flexible image-carrying members having diameter of 0.5 millimeter or less and catheters of diameter of 3 mm or less incorporating such members and effective working channels are achievable. For vision in remote areas, the micro-unit is employed with a substantially spherical lens with an ocular system for providing a focus range from less than about 2 mm to infinity and having resolution of detail down to the order of about 0.001 inch.

Abstract: A tissue-penetrating catheter device for use within the body consists of: an outer catheter assembly including an outer catheter having distal and proximal ends, and a terminal member joined to the proximal end; an inner catheter assembly including an inner catheter extending within the outer catheter and having distal and proximal ends, and defining a conduit therethrough, a fluid connector at the proximal end for connecting the conduit to a fluid flow device, and a tissue-penetrating element, e.g., a needle, at the distal end sized to enter the distal end of the outer catheter.

Abstract: A microbiological specimen sampling device capable of operation by one hand to both expose the sample collector and obtain contamination-free specimens consists of a catheter assembly including: an outer catheter and an inner catheter, each having distal and proximal ends, a sample collector disposed generally within the inner catheter and having operating structure for extending the sample collector beyond the distal ends of the catheters to obtain a sample, and a removable, water soluble plug engaging and sealing a portion of the outer catheter in a position between the distal ends of the outer and inner catheters.

Abstract: An enteral feeding catheter is characterized by being adapted for introduction through the mouth via a guidewire that extends from the mouth through the esophagus, stomach and abdominal puncture. The catheter has a relatively stiff leading portion of length sufficient to extend along the guidewire from the mouth through the abdominal puncture and of stiffness sufficient to permit it to be pushed along the guidewire, at least an initial length of the catheter being tapered to a narrow leading tip to enable the puncture to be dilated as its drawn therethrough. The catheter also has a relatively soft, large diameter trailing portion connected to the leading portion adapted to be drawn along said guidewire by grasping and pulling the stiff leading portion until the leading end of the soft portion extends outside the body through the widened puncture, while the trailing end remains in the stomach, whereby the relatively soft trailing portion can serve as a conduit for enteric feeding.