Abstract: Described are methods for modifying a substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, and formation of microcellular compositions.

Abstract: Described are methods for modifying a substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, and formation of microcellular compositions.

Abstract: A substrate is modified by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, surface modification of the substrate, and formation of microcellular compositions.

Abstract: Described are methods for modifying a substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, and formation of microcellular compositions.

Abstract: Described are methods for modifying the surface properties of a polymer substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid and a surface modifying agent. The densified fluid may be densified carbon dioxide and the surface modifying agent may be one which reduces the surface tension of the polymer substrate, for example as incorporated into a medical device such as a catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a wire guide into a body vessel of a patient includes a first apparatus half and a second apparatus half. Each of the apparatus halves has an interior surface, wherein each of the halves is structured and aligned for joinder with the other half along the respective interior surfaces. Upon joinder of the apparatus halves, the resulting apparatus defines a generally spiral-shaped interior wire guide pathway, a wire guide opening generally tangential to the interior pathway, a guideway for receiving an end of the wire guide from the opening, a first port communicating with the pathway, and a second port communicating with the first port.

Abstract: A disposable access sheath having a deflectable tip is provided. The access sheath is very flexible and allows a physician or other medical professional to provide diagnostic or therapeutic services to a remote body cavity. The access sheath has a deflectable tip that is able to bend at least 90° or 180° or more. This flexibility allows the physician or medical professional to make a very tight turn to visualize or treat the body cavity being treated. The access sheath may include a visualization system, a working channel, an irrigation channel, or other desirable features. The access sheath may include an interface at the proximal end of the working channel for insertion of an instrument for diagnosis or treatment of a human or mammalian patient.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter with a protective sheath is disclosed. The use of a protective sheath shields a guide catheter from cervical mucus. The retracted open flaps of the outer protective sheath draw the mucus and blood away from the inner guide catheter. This allows an inner embryo transfer sheath to enter the uterus unobstructed. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus by means of fluid pressure with a culture medium. The protective sheath may be snap fit onto the guide catheter. The sheaths and catheters may be manufactured in a variety of lengths for individual convenience and then snap-fit onto each other for better control during an embryo implantation procedure. Other catheters and related instruments may also be manufactured with snap-on features.