Abstract: A wetting device includes absorbent material for wetting the hydrophilic coating of a medical guide wire, catheter, or other medical instrument to minimize friction and to facilitate passage of such medical instrument into a patient's body or through another medical instrument. The absorbent material of the wetting device includes a central bore through which a medical instrument is threaded. The absorbent material is supported proximate the point where friction would otherwise result when the hydrophilic coating begins to dry. The absorbent material is wetted, and is preferably made of a deformable, resilient material, allowing the user to squeeze wetting fluid from the absorbent material onto the hydrophilic coating passing therethrough. A porous liner may be included to prevent physical contact between such absorbent material and the medical instrument. The wetting device may include a slit communicating with the central bore to aid in removal of the device after use.

Abstract: A wetting device includes absorbent material for wetting the hydrophilic coating of a medical guide wire, catheter, or other medical instrument to minimize friction and to facilitate passage of such medical instrument into a patient's body or through another medical instrument. The absorbent material of the wetting device includes a central bore through which a medical instrument is threaded. The absorbent material is supported proximate the point where friction would otherwise result when the hydrophilic coating begins to dry. The absorbent material is wetted, and is preferably made of a deformable, resilient material, allowing the user to squeeze wetting fluid from the absorbent material onto the hydrophilic coating passing therethrough. A porous liner may be included to prevent physical contact between such absorbent material and the medical instrument. The wetting device may include a slit communicating with the central bore to aid in removal of the device after use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring biopsy specimens includes an outer cannula having a bevelled distal end and an opposing proximal end having a Luer-type fitting. A stylet having a like bevelled distal end is inserted within the outer cannula before the cannula is placed within the patient. Following placement of the outer cannula, the stylet is removed, and a biopsy actuator equipped with a biopsy needle is then inserted within the proximal end of the cannula. The distal tip of the biopsy needle is provided with a specimen retaining notch. The biopsy actuator includes a mating Luer-type fitting that is releasably attached to the proximal end of the cannula. The biopsy actuator includes a spring-loaded trigger mechanism for advancing the distal end of the biopsy needle to expose the specimen retaining notch, and thereafter rapidly advances the distal end of the cannula to cut tissue prolapsed within the notch.

Abstract: A guidance device for use in performing C.T. guided needle loaded catheter drainage and needle biopsy procedures includes a needle or catheter support to which the needle or catheter is releasably fastened. A pendulum pivotally depends from a pivot point on the catheter support under the force of gravity. A protractor is secured to either the catheter support or the depending pendulum to indicate the relative angular relationship between the catheter and the pendulum, and thereby indicate the angle formed between the catheter and either a horizontal or vertical axis. Having previously determined the angle at which the catheter is to be inserted into the patient's body, the user rotates the angular position of the catheter until the protractor reading matches the desired angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring biopsy specimens includes an outer cannula having a bevelled distal end and an opposing proximal end having a Luer-type fitting. A stylet having a like bevelled distal end is inserted within the outer cannula before the cannula is placed within the patient. Following placement of the outer cannula, the stylet is removed, and a biopsy actuator equipped with a biopsy needle is then inserted within the proximal end of the cannula. The distal tip of the biopsy needle is provided with a specimen retaining notch. The biopsy actuator includes a mating Luer-type fitting that is releasably attached to the proximal end of the cannula. The biopsy actuator includes a spring-loaded trigger mechanism for advancing the distal end of the biopsy needle to expose the specimen retaining notch, and thereafter rapidly advances the distal end of the cannula to cut tissue prolapsed within the notch.

Abstract: An expandable atherectomy catheter device includes an expandable cutting head consisting of deformable cutting members to remove an atheroma or blood clot from a blood vessel. The cutting members, consisting of wires or blades, extend parallel to each other and are supported at the distal end of a rotatable catheter. A retraction member is slidingly disposed within the rotatable catheter and is coupled at its distal end to the cutting members; the retraction member can be manipulated from the proximal end thereof to adjust compression of the cutting members, and hence, the diameter of the cutting head. A motor is coupled to the proximal end of the rotatable catheter for rotating the cutting head to remove the atheromatous plaque or blood clot. A non-rotatable delivery catheter is inserted percutaneously within the blood vessel, and the distal end thereof is positioned proximate the site of the obstruction.

Abstract: A closed system for percutaneous irrigation and drainage of cavities containing abscesses, sterile fluid collections or hematomas includes an irrigant reservoir; an irrigation tube connects the reservoir to a first port of a first three-ported connector adapted to fluidically connect two of the three ports at a time. A syringe is connected to the second port of the first connector, and an extension tube connects the third port of the first connector to a first port of a second three-ported connector adapted to fluidically connect two of the three ports at a time. The distal end of a drainage catheter is adapted to be placed in the cavity. The proximal end of the catheter is connected to the second port of the second connector. A drainage tube is connected to the third port of the second connector to a means for collecting fluids draining from the cavity.