Abstract: Percutaneous access systems, including trocars, for accessing desired locations within a subject's body through the subject's skin or other tissues that are configured to minimize incision sizes are disclosed. Such a percutaneous access system includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula includes a passageway with a tapered section and an expandable section at its distal end. The expandable section may include leaves that are configured to extend radially outward as an elongated instrument that has an outer diameter that exceeds a minimum relaxed inner diameter of the tapered section of the passageway is forced through the tapered section. Methods for using such a percutaneous access system, including medical procedures, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Percutaneous access systems, including trocars, for accessing desired locations within a subject's body through the subject's skin or other tissues that are configured to minimize incision sizes are disclosed. Such a percutaneous access system includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula includes a passageway with a tapered section and an expandable section at its distal end. The expandable section may include leaves that are configured to extend radially outward as an elongated instrument that has an outer diameter that exceeds a minimum relaxed inner diameter of the tapered section of the passageway is forced through the tapered section. Methods for using such a percutaneous access system, including medical procedures, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite wire, such as a guide wire, may include a principal section with a relatively large outer diameter, as well as one or more reduced sections with smaller outer diameters. The relatively small outer diameter of each reduced section may be defined by an inner element of the composite wire, while the relatively large outer diameter of the principal section may be defined by one or more outer elements that reside on, and may surround, the inner element. The inner and outer elements may be formed from materials that impart the composite wire with one or more desired characteristics, such as a stiffness, hardness and flexibility. In specific embodiments, the inner element may comprise a standard, small diameter guide wire, while the outer element comprises a tube formed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Each outer element may be secured to the inner element at one or more locations.

Abstract: A composite wire, such as a guide wire, may include a principal section with a relatively large outer diameter, as well as one or more reduced sections with smaller outer diameters. The relatively small outer diameter of each reduced section may be defined by an inner element of the composite wire, while the relatively large outer diameter of the principal section may be defined by one or more outer elements that reside on, and may surround, the inner element. The inner and outer elements may be formed from materials that impart the composite wire with one or more desired characteristics, such as a stiffness, hardness and flexibility. In specific embodiments, the inner element may comprise a standard, small diameter guide wire, while the outer element comprises a tube formed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Each outer element may be secured to the inner element at one or more locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical needles used in connection with guide wires. A needle of the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical tube formed along a central longitudinal axis. A tapered tube is connected to one end of the tube and has a sharpened end. A channel extends through the cylindrical tube and the tapered tube, and is aligned with the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the tapered portion is radially expandable. For instance, radial expansion may result when a guide wire is selectively inserted through the channel. The radial expansion may be facilitated by a relief on the tapered tube portion. Optionally, the relief includes a plurality of slots which expand as a guide wire is inserted through the channel and tapered portion, thereby also causing the internal and outer diameters of the tapered portion to expand.