Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a transseptal puncture procedure using a device which includes either an untapered or tapered blunt end cannula disposed in an introducer carrying a sharp guidewire disposed longitudinally through the lumen of the blunt cannula, and a blunt end dilator wherein the guidewire is flexible and has an atraumatic shape at its tip. The cannula gives the more flexible introducer a defined shape and steerabilty allowing an ordinarily skilled physician to easily access a selected location on the septal wall of the heart for transseptal puncture and introducer placement thereacross without employing an exposed sharp end needle during the procedure.

Abstract: The invention includes a universal transvalvular insertion tool for providing a passage through a multiplicity of differently designed hemostatically valved introducers, each having a valve within a valved body coupled to a cardiac introducer. The tool includes a longitudinally rigid sheath having a lumen and for insertion through the valve of any one of the multiplicity of differently designed hemostatically valved introducers to provide a substantially obstruction free path for delivery of a lead or vascular device through the valve and valved body to the introducer, the sheath having a length selected to extend through the valve without substantial deformation of the lumen of the sheath. A mechanism is provided for separating the rigid sheath to allow removal from the lead or device without removal of the transvalvular insertion tool over either end of the lead or vascular device.

Abstract: An introducer sheath comprising a curved shape that follows the right sided vasculature when introduced through the right side subclavian vein and which stops far short of the coronary ostium in the right atrium. No attempt is made to access the coronary sinus through the sheath. The sheath establishes a fulcrum point on the upper lateral wall of the superior vena cava and comprises the ability to be removed from the implanted pacemaker lead without flipping the distal end of the sheath to cause a pull back of the pacemaker lead. The more proximal portions of the sheath extend through the superior vena cava and provide a force which biases the sheath against the lateral wall of the lower portion of the superior vena cava to establish a fulcrum or pivot point which positions the distal end of sheath at the desired location.

Abstract: A device and method for slitting a first elongated flexible catheter/sheath used with an elongated flexible component. The device includes a handle, an elongated groove and a cutter member. The cutter member has a sharp distally located cutting edge and a top surface from which a finger projects distally. The cutting edge is located under the finger and is arranged to be located within the annular space between the component and the first catheter/sheath when the first catheter/sheath is within the groove. The cutting edge serves to slice the first catheter/sheath longitudinally when the first catheter/sheath is pulled in a proximal direction. The finger protects the component from injury.

Abstract: A steerable sheath having an inner catheter that can slide and rotate within an outer rigid composite catheter and whereby an entire range of curvatures can be formed by the distal end of the inner catheter through sliding and/or rotating the inner catheter within the outer catheter. The inner catheter can be releasably locked within the outer catheter. Curvature indicia are provided on the inner sheath to facilitate creating a particular three-dimensional curve. Apertures are provided in the inner sheath to permit flushing the device with a single flushing source.

Abstract: A needleless device for introducing or withdrawing a fluid to/from the vascular system of a being. The device includes first and second housing sections movably connected with respect to each other and which define a hollow interior in which a pair of resilient valve elements are located. The first housing section includes a first luer fitting for connection to an input line. The second housing section includes a second luer fitting for connection to an output line. A tubular plunger is located within the device and is arranged, when the housing sections are in a first position, to be automatically extended through a first valve element if the input line is connected to the first luer fitting, so that a liquid can be forced from the input line through the device to the output line. When the housing sections are in the first position and the input line disconnected from the first luer fitting, the tubular plunger is retracted out of both valve elements so that the device is fully occluded.