Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable anchoring device to retain a catheter at a desired location inside a patient. The anchoring device includes a securing member with a body portion having an opening extending through the tubular body portion. The opening has a first dimension adapted to retain the catheter by frictionally engaging the catheter. The body portion of the securing member is dilatable to have an opening with a second dimension such that the securing member can slidably move about the catheter. The invention also relates to an anchoring device with a dilator member portion with a forward end wherein the forward end is adapted to detachably mate with the securing member through a portion of the opening of the securing member and to dilate the tubular body portion of the securing member from having an opening with the first dimension to have an opening with the second dimension.

Abstract: A needle assembly for use with a catheter. The needle assembly includes a valve disposed in a first shaft; the valve seals, when closed, fluid flow from a first side of the valve to a second side of the valve. The needle assembly further includes a needle system having a second shaft disposed parallel to the first shaft. The second shaft has a first dimension at a first position on the second shaft and has a second dimension at a second position on the second shaft. The second position corresponds to a position of the valve when the needle system is inserted into the valve such that the second position aligns with the position of the valve. In this manner, the valve is stressed less during storage when the needle system remains inserted through the valve. The valve is typically part of an introducer member which includes the first shaft and a flexible sheath which encloses a portion of the second shaft of the needle system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating substantially bloodless insertion into and withdrawal from a patient's body of a longitudinal member having a proximal end portion and having a distal end portion which is adapted to extend into the patient's body. The apparatus comprises a longitudinally extending sleeve having proximal and distal end portions and defining a lumen extending there along. The longitudinal member is positioned along the lumen. The sleeve has a line extending longitudinally along it which is either split or splittable so that the sleeve can be separated along the line for removal from about the longitudinal member while the distal end portion of the longitudinal member remains extended into the patient. A valve structure serves for preventing blood flow through the lumen. An access is present for allowing substantially bloodless insertion and withdrawal of the longitudinal member through the lumen.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprising an elongated member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion joined by a body portion. The elongated member has an initial outer diameter. A retention construction serves for retaining the member within the ureter. The member is formulated of a physiologically acceptable polymer capable of hydrating and expanding from the initial member outer diameter to form a final member outer diameter. The stent can assume differing shapes and can exhibit different degrees of softening at different places along its length.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating substantially bloodless insertion into and withdrawal from a patient's body of a longitudinal member having a proximal end portion and having a distal end portion which is adapted to extend into the patient's body. The apparatus comprises a longitudinally extending sleeve having proximal and distal end portions and defining a lumen extending there along. The longitudinal member is positioned along the lumen. The sleeve has a line extending longitudinally along it which is either split or splittable so that the sleeve can be separated along the line for removal from about the longitudinal member while the distal end portion of the longitudinal member remains extended into the patient. A valve structure serves for preventing blood flow through the lumen. An access is present for allowing substantially bloodless insertion and withdrawal of the longitudinal member through the lumen.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided. An attachment structure has a proximal end portion of an outer cannula attached to it. A needle is insertable through the outer cannula and the attachment structure. An inner cannula is attached to an inner cannula attachment region of the attachment structure. The inner cannula is insertable axially through the attachment structure. The attachment structure can comprise two hubs, one for the outer cannula and the other for the inner cannula, the two hubs being attachable to one another to form the overall attachment structure. A valve structure is associated with the attachment structure, suitably with the outer cannula hub. The valve structure normally closes communication between an access passage in the attachment structure, e.g., in the outer cannula hub, and the outer cannula lumen.

Abstract: An improvement in a catheter assembly including a cannula, an inserter having a guide channel therethrough in which the cannula slidably fits and a hub structure with the cannula proximal end portion attached to the hub structure. The improvement includes a sheath having a longitudinal slit or weakened portion and being about the cannula between the inserter and the hub structure. A sheath stripping construction carried by the inserter strips the sheath from about the cannula as the cannula slides distally through the guide channel. A first lock member is carried by the inserter and an interlocking second lock member is located about the cannula between the inserter and the hub structure. The cannula is protected from contamination and from kinking and a positive lock serves to prevent its accidental withdrawal. A method of inserting a cannula using such an assembly is likewise set forth.