Abstract: Grasping devices and articles exhibit enhanced gripping or holding power to a variety of surfaces, including surfaces that are slippery or otherwise difficult to hold. The invention involves in some aspects the discovery and use of gripping materials that have the unexpected enhanced capability to provide enhanced holding power to a variety of surfaces, including surfaces that are wet, slippery or otherwise potentially difficult to manipulate effectively, or surfaces on which it may be difficult to maintain an effective grip or traction. The gripping material is smooth and has a relative surface area roughness of between about 1.03 and about 10.5.

Abstract: A releasably locking dilator/sheath medical introducer device is provided having a dilator with a non-circular cross-sectional shape to enable insertion of a catheter, guide wire and the like into a patient. More particularly, the invention provides an introducer device that has dilator with a non-circular cross-sectional shape, particularly a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, and that comprises a releasable lock for the dilator and the circumscribing sheath components of the device. In preferred embodiments, the introducer device also includes a visual indicator and/or a tactile indicator to conveniently inform a user of the device whether the dilator/sheath assembly is in a locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved medical introducer device that comprises a releasably locking dilator and circumscribing sheath as well as a tactile indicator to conveniently inform a user of the device whether the dilator/sheath assembly is in a locked or unlocked position. In preferred aspects, the introducer device also includes a visual indicator to provide visual indication to a device user that the dilator and sheath are either in a locked or unlocked position, and a lead-in section at the sheath proximal end to facilitate insertion of a dilator, guide wire, catheter, etc. through the device.

Abstract: An improved percutaneous introducer device is provided that inhibits or prevents undesired shearing of the splittable sheath component of the device. The device includes an interference tab that extends between two wing portions which axially shear the splittable sheath component of the device upon application of an effective force thereto. The interference tab effectively blocks undesired shearing forces that may occur during manipulation of the device by medical personnel or the patient prior to and during placement of a catheter, guide wire or other device.