Abstract: A deployment system for transcutaneous insertion of an implantable tubular prosthesis is provided. The deployment system includes a flexible, elongated, tubular, delivery catheter with at least one inner lumen, and an opening extending through the catheter to the inner lumen. Positioned over the catheter is an implantable endoprosthesis capable of radial expansion and having a proximal and a distal end extent. A support assembly removably maintains the endoprosthesis in a compressed state, and is located at a position adjacent the catheter opening. The support assembly includes an arm which extends through the catheter opening into the inner lumen. A release mechanism is insertable through the inner lumen and includes a distal tip engageable with the arm of the support assembly. The release mechanism is manipulatable within the inner lumen so as to remove the support assembly from the endoprosthesis, permitting radial expansion of the endoprosthesis for implantation.

Abstract: The combined dilator/catheter sheath introducer is adapted to be mounted to an outlet from a housing of a catheter sheath introducer assembly. The introducer comprises an elongate tubular member including a proximal portion which is relatively stiff and which does not change shape with changes in temperature above and below the typical human body temperature and a tapered distal portion which is made of a material that has a temperature dependent memory and which changes shape when the temperature thereof is increased to body temperature so that the tapered distal portion can change from its first tapered shape to an expanded generally cylindrical shape with a diameter close to the diameter of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A valved connector for a device for penetrating the arterial system of a patient. The connector comprises a tubular housing having a bore, plus a first valve for controlling back leakage through the tubular housing bore. The first valve is adjustably openable and closable to permit an elongated member to pass through the lumen of the first valve and bore of the housing, with the first valve providing selectively controllable sealing about the elongated member. A second valve is carried, typically proximal of the first valve. The second valve comprises a slit, resilient partition permitting the elongated member to pass through the slit partition with added sealing.

Abstract: A medical instrument such as a catheter introducer comprises a housing, with the housing carrying a valve for receiving and sealing an elongated member with penetrates the valve. The valve comprises an elastomeric partition member which, in turn, comprises a first, solid hydrophilic elastomer wall to limit the passage of aqueous liquids while permitting the passage of water vapor through the wall. The wall defines outer and inner faces, with the outer face carrying a hydratable lubricant material, and the inner face being bonded to a foamed elastomer material. The elastomer material facilitates sealing of the valve when an elongated member is penetrating therethrough, and it facilitates penetration of the elongated member. Also, the foamed elastomer material serves as a support for the hydrophilic elastomer wall, which is typically very thin to permit a high rate of water vapor diffusion.

Abstract: A guide catheter having a tubular body with a wire-braided Teflon core and a polyurethane jacket. The distal end of the jacket is removed from the core, and a soft polyurethane tip is applied to the core over the region where the jacket has been removed. The tip overlaps the core for approximately two millimeters and extends distally approximately two millimeters beyond the distal end of the core. The tip may be applied to the core as a separate tube bonded to it or be built up on the core by repeatedly dipping the top in a polyurethane slurry, or be molded onto the distal end of the core.