Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter insertion apparatus including a hollow needle body connected to a needle hub, and a catheter that removably fits over the needle body. The needle body has a sharp distal needle tip for piercing a blood vessel wall. An internal flow passage of the needle hub is in fluid communication with the hollow needle body. An elongated housing is connected to the needle hub and includes a lumen in fluid communication with the internal flow passage of the needle hub. An integrated guide assembly is slidably mounted to the housing and is operable to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A flashback chamber is operable to receive a continuous flow of blood before, during, and after movement of the guide assembly between its retracted and extended positions. A safety guard may provide protection from the sharp needle tip.

Abstract: A polymeric surgical ligating clip is provided having curved leg members joined by a resilient hinge. A leg member includes a flexible rib protruding from a vessel clamping inner surface and extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal end portions of the leg member. The flexible rib defines a channel extending transversely through the rib along a majority of said length. The flexible rib can collapse and provides better retention of the clip on a vessel. The clip can contain a flexible rib on both legs in an interlocking fashion. Or a plurality of teeth can protrude from a second vessel clamping inner surface of a second leg member. The plurality of teeth can include first and second rows of teeth extending longitudinally on the second leg member, transversely separated from each other on opposite sides of a centerline of the clip.

Abstract: Universal laryngoscope blades and associated methods are disclosed. A universal laryngoscope blade includes a blade body. The blade body includes a first end and a second end. The second end is configured for insertion into a larynx. The universal laryngoscope blade further includes a viewer connected to the blade body. The viewer is configured to function independently from each of a conventional handle and a fiber-illuminated handle. The universal laryngoscope blade further includes a blade fitting disposed at the first end of the blade body. The blade fitting is removably connectable to, one at a time, each of a hook-on fitting of the conventional handle and a hook-on fitting of the fiber-illuminated handle. The hook-on fitting of the conventional handle has at least one physical dimension that is different from at least one physical dimension of the hook-on fitting of the fiber-illuminated handle.

Abstract: A clip applier may be configured to apply a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier may include a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a stabilizing member, each configured to engage the surgical clip. The stabilizing member may be configured to move longitudinally with respect to the clip applier from a first position at least partially between the first and second jaw members to a second position at least partially between the first and second jaw members. The longitudinal movement of the stabilizing member may be constrained to longitudinal movement between the first and second positions. The stabilizing member may include first and second sidewalls on a distal portion, where the first and second sidewalls are configured to stabilize the surgical clip in a lateral direction. The clip applier may include a hinge pin received in a longitudinal channel of the stabilizing member.

Abstract: A clip applier may be configured to apply a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier may include a first jaw member configured to engage a distal portion of a first leg member of the surgical clip, and a second jaw member configured to engage a distal portion of a second leg member of the surgical clip. The clip applier may further include a stabilizing member on the first jaw member. The stabilizing member may have a cavity configured to receive a proximal portion of the surgical clip and to reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip. The clip applier may not proximally abut the surgical clip when the first and second jaw members are in an open configuration. The second jaw member may also have a longitudinal channel configured to receive the stabilizing member when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube positioning device includes a first Hall sensor, a second Hall sensor spaced a predetermined distance from the first Hall sensor, a converter, and an integrated circuit board electrically connecting the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor to the converter, wherein a position range is established for the device based on a symmetry of voltage readings provided from the first and second Hall sensors to the converter. An endotracheal tube positioning system includes an endotracheal tube having a magnet provided toward a distal tip end, an endotracheal tube positioning device having a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor, the positioning device configured to adhere to a skin surface, and a monitor for receiving data based on voltage values provided by the first and second Hall sensors, the data indicating a position of the magnet relative to the adhered position of the positioning device.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder device is provided for securely holding an endotracheal tube to a patient during intubation. The tube holder device includes a support rail placed above a lip of a patient. An auxiliary clip is coupled to the support rail and slidably movable along the length of the support rail for holding an accessory device relative to the patients face. The auxiliary clip includes both a horizontal accessory clip and a vertical accessory clip to releasably retain the accessory device horizontally and vertically, respectively. A tube fastener is coupled to the support rail and includes a tube holder base, an adjustment clip coupled to the tube bolder base for laterally repositioning the tube holder base along the support rail, and a securement tie. The securement tie may be wrapped around a portion of the endotracheal tube to secure the tube to the tube holder base.

Abstract: A clip applier may be configured to apply a surgical clip and have a pair of jaw members. Each of the jaw members may have an inner surface and a stabilizing member extending from the inner surface. Each of the jaw members may be configured to engage a distal portion of a leg member of the surgical clip. The stabilizing members may be configured to be positioned on opposite lateral sides of a proximal portion of the surgical clip to reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip. An inner portion of each of the stabilizing members may be spaced apart from the opposing jaw member in an open configuration, and each of the jaw members may have a channel on the inner surface to receive the opposing stabilizing member in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device that allows for single-handed insertion of the catheter within the vasculature of the patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a handle, a needle cannula partially within the handle, a guidewire partially within the handle and the needle cannula, and a first actuator connected to the handle and the guidewire. The guidewire is movable relative to the handle in a distal direction away from the handle, and in a proximal direction towards the handle. A catheter assembly is removably coupled to the handle and is configured to slide on the needle cannula. A catheter hub may be connected to a proximal end of the catheter, and a catheter advancer base may be releasably connected to the catheter hub. The catheter insertion device may also include a needle support pivotally connected to the handle for supporting the needle cannula on a cantilever portion thereof.

Abstract: A surgical clip may include first and second leg members, each having inner surfaces. The inner surface of the first leg member may be concave and the inner surface of the second leg member may be convex. The surgical clip may include a first locking member positioned on a distal end portion of the first leg member, and a second locking member positioned on a distal end portion of the second leg member. The surgical clip may also include a third locking member position between a proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the first leg member, and a fourth locking member positioned between a proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the second leg member. The first and second locking members, and the third and fourth locking members may be configured to interact to secure the surgical clip in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical clip may include a first leg member having a first inner surface with a curvature, the first leg member having a first thickness in a vertical direction, a first width in a lateral direction, and a first length in a longitudinal direction, where the first width is greater than the first thickness along at least half of the first length. The surgical clip may also include a second leg member having a second inner surface with a curvature, the second leg member having a plurality of teeth. The first width may be defined by first and second lateral protrusion extending from opposing side surfaces of the first leg member. The first width may be greater than a second width of an inner portion of the first leg member and a third width of an outer portion of the first leg member.

Abstract: A vascular access training simulator system for training intravascular insertion of a medical device is disclosed. The vascular access training simulator system includes an anatomical training model having clinically relevant ultrasonic properties representative of ultrasonic properties of a human body site for ultrasound imaging. The training model includes a transparent housing, a transparent simulated tissue, at least one simulated blood vessel suspended in the tissue, and a layer of simulated skin covering the housing and the tissue. A first imaging device is records a first video showing a view of an insertion site outside of the simulated skin. A second imaging device records a second video showing the simulated blood vessel through the transparent simulated tissue. A third imaging device is shows an ultrasound view of the simulated blood vessel and the simulated tissue. A monitor displays a composite view of all three videos simultaneously on a single screen.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder device is provided for securely holding an endotracheal tube to a patient during intubation. The tube holder device includes a support rail placed above a lip of a patient. An auxiliary clip is coupled to the support rail and slidably movable along the length of the support rail for holding an accessory device relative to the patient's face. The auxiliary clip includes both a horizontal accessory holder and a vertical accessory holder to releasably retain the accessory device horizontally and vertically, respectively. A tube fastener is coupled to the support rail and includes a tube holder base, an adjustment clip coupled to the tube bolder base for laterally repositioning the tube holder base along the support rail, and a securement tie. The securement tie may be wrapped around a portion of the endotracheal tube to secure the tube to the tube holder base.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for accessing a superior vena cava of a patient without visualization of a vasculature of the patient. A stylet has an elongated body including a core wire disposed within a tubular body, the core wire having a pre-formed shape in a first state and a straightened shape in a second state. A first portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A second portion of the core wire has a first pre-formed bend in the first state. A third portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A fourth portion of the core wire has a second pre-formed bend in the first state. A fifth portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state and includes a narrow segment that increases deflection of the distal tip.

Abstract: A surgical clip may include: a first leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, the inner surface of the first leg member having a concave curvature; a second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, the inner surface of the second leg member having a convex curvature; at least one first tooth extending from a first lateral side of the inner surface of the second leg member; and a first channel defined between the first side surface and the inner surface of the first leg member. The first and second leg members may be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and in the closed configuration, the at least one first tooth is received in the first channel.

Abstract: A cartridge may include a pair of side walls separated by a compartment, the compartment being configured to receive a surgical clip, and a base member supporting the pair of side walls. The pair of side walls may extend at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis of the base member to hold the surgical clip at the acute angle. The acute angle may be greater than 10° and/or about 20-30°. The cartridge may also include a pedestal extending between the pair of side walls and configured to support the surgical clip, where the pedestal is disposed at the acute angle. The cartridge may further include a retainer configured to retain the surgical clip in the compartment, the retainer including a pair of fingers configured to contact the surgical clip, where the pair of fingers are oriented at the acute angle.

Abstract: A medical device adapted for contact with a vessel or cavity in the body including a tubular portion is provided. The device has an external surface including an external substance that is at least one of a coating or an impregnation, comprising alexidine in an amount that is both anti thrombogenically effective and anti microbially effective. The device also has an internal surface including an internal substance that is at least one of a coating or an impregnation, comprising alexidine in an amount that is both anti thrombogenically effective and anti microbially effective.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a navigation system for placing a medical device into a patient. The system may include an external unit configured to be disposed on a chest of the patient, the external unit having: a radiating element configured to produce a first radio frequency (“RF”) signal; and a plurality of three-axis sensors configured to receive a second RF signal. The system may also include a medical device such as a catheter. The catheter may have: a first antenna configured to receive the first RF signal and produce an alternating current; a rectifier configured to convert the alternating current into a direct current; a frequency generator configured to produce a second RF signal that is received by the plurality of three-axis sensors. The RF signals received by the plurality of three-axis sensors may be used to determine a position of the catheter relative to the external unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.

Abstract: A surgical clip may include first and second leg members, each having inner surfaces. The inner surface of the first leg member may be concave and the inner surface of the second leg member may be convex. The surgical clip may include a first locking member positioned on a distal end portion of the first leg member, and a second locking member positioned on a distal end portion of the second leg member. The surgical clip may also include a third locking member position between a proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the first leg member, and a fourth locking member positioned between a proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the second leg member. The first and second locking members, and the third and fourth locking members may be configured to interact to secure the surgical clip in a closed configuration.