Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an introducer for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient is provided. The introducer comprises a housing having a proximal opening, a distal opening and a chamber extending therebetween. A seal in diaphragm form is disposed in the chamber. The seal is formed of polymeric material having a first phase transition temperature higher than about body temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about room temperature. The seal is in a first configuration and has an opening formed therethrough when at about room temperature for advancing the medical device through the seal. The seal self-configures to a second configuration when at a temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for obstructing the body fluid from flowing through the opening of the seal.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a drainage catheter for draining part of patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a lumen formed therethrough for fluid communication with the patient's body. The distal portion is formed of a polymer material having a first phase transition temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about body temperature. The distal portion has a first configuration when at about body temperature for at least one of moving and anchoring the distal portion within the patient's body. The distal portion self-configures to a second configuration when at a temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for retrieval of the distal portion from the patient's body.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an introducer for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient is provided. The introducer comprises a housing having a proximal opening, a distal opening and a chamber extending therebetween. A seal in diaphragm form is disposed in the chamber. The seal is formed of polymeric material having a first phase transition temperature higher than about body temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about room temperature. The seal is in a first configuration and has an opening formed therethrough when at about room temperature for advancing the medical device through the seal. The seal self-configures to a second configuration when at a temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for obstructing the body fluid from flowing through the opening of the seal.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a drainage catheter for draining part of patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a lumen formed therethrough for fluid communication with the patient's body. The distal portion is formed of a polymer material having a first phase transition temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about body temperature. The distal portion has a first configuration when at about body temperature for at least one of moving and anchoring the distal portion within the patient's body. The distal portion self-configures to a second configuration when at a temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for retrieval of the distal portion from the patient's body.