Abstract: Vessel wound closure systems and method for sealing a puncture wound in a target vessel, such as those puncture wounds that occur from prior interventional procedures. A sealing member is deployed intravascularly into the target vessel, and an anchor member is deployed extravascularly of the target vessel. The sealing member and the anchor member are connected by a suture that may be drawn to tighten the sealing member and the anchor member relative to one another in order to effect the seal of the puncture wound. After tightening, the suture is secured to maintain the sealing member and the anchor member relative to one another in order to maintain the seal. Preferably, the anchor member, the suture and the sealing member are comprised of biocompatible, bioresorbable materials that are absorbed into the body after the sealing of the puncture wound has been achieved.

Abstract: An indwelling drainage catheter is disclosed that is configured to include a longitudinal catheter shaft having a distal and a proximal end, a cord in coaxial arrangement within said longitudinal catheter, a static hub operatively connected to said longitudinal catheter at said proximal end, a dynamic hub configured to move along a longitudinal axis of said longitudinal catheter substantially near said proximal end, wherein a first end of said cord is affixed to said longitudinal catheter at said proximal end and a second end of said cord is affixed to said longitudinal catheter at said distal end, and further wherein the longitudinal movement of the dynamic hub is substantially one half the distance needed to close the pigtail shape.

Abstract: A percutaneous catheter includes a longitudinal catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a hollow portion, and a wall portion, a wire embedded within said wall portion at said distal end wherein said wire forms a pigtail curve when in a relaxed state, and a stylet capable of entering said hollow portion of said longitudinal catheter at said proximal end wherein said stylet substantially straightens said longitudinal catheter at said distal end.

Abstract: A catheter hub assembly comprising a hub body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft having a first suture hole, a collar and a snap ring; a hub knob having a second suture hole and rotatably coupled to the hub body; and a hub cap having a snap rut wherein the snap ring fits into the snap rut. In one embodiment, the hub body includes a lock element; the hub knob includes a first tab element and a second tab element; and the hub cap includes a groove; wherein the first tab element engages the lock element; and wherein the second tab element engages the groove. In another embodiment, the hub cap includes a lock element comprising a resilient tab and a catch; the hub knob includes a catch tab; wherein the catch tab engages the catch of the lock element.

Abstract: Vessel wound closure systems and method for sealing a puncture wound in a target vessel, such as those puncture wounds that occur from prior interventional procedures. A sealing member is deployed intravascularly into the target vessel, and an anchor member is deployed extravascularly of the target vessel. The sealing member and the anchor member are connected by a suture that may be drawn to tighten the sealing member and the anchor member relative to one another in order to effect the seal of the puncture wound. After tightening, the suture is secured to maintain the sealing member and the anchor member relative to one another in order to maintain the seal. Preferably, the anchor member, the suture and the sealing member are comprised of biocompatible, bioresorbable materials that are absorbed into the body after the sealing of the puncture wound has been achieved.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include at least one spacing member for adjustably positioning the manifold hub a desired distance above the surface of the nipple. The spacing member may control the insertion depth of the catheter into the duct. The medical instrument may also include at least one member for anchoring the device to the breast.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include at least one spacing member for adjustably positioning the manifold hub a desired distance above the surface of the nipple. The spacing member may control the insertion depth of the catheter into the duct. The medical instrument may also include at least one member for anchoring the device to the breast.

Abstract: A ductal access device is provided for accessing a breast duct and collecting biological material from within the duct. The access device may include an elongated member having an outer diameter sized for positioning within the breast duct and an internal lumen for infusing a fluid into the breast duct and collecting fluid from the breast duct. The elongated member may include a central axis extending through the internal lumen and a different axis being parallel to the central axis defining an off-axis configuration. An elongated distal tip extends beyond the distal end of the internal lumen and along the different axis. The elongated distal tip has a closed distal end for navigating within the breast duct. The elongated distal tip may include an internal passageway that is sized to slidiably or removably receive an elongated introducer.