Abstract: A medical device is adapted for at least partial implantation into a body and includes first and second sections along the length of the device. A first therapeutic agent is associated with the first section and a second therapeutic agent is associated with the second section. The first therapeutic agent can be one or more antiproliferative, such as paclitaxel, a paclitaxel derivative, or a paclitaxel pro-drug, anti-coagulant, antithrombotic, thrombolytic, fibrinolytic, or combination thereof. The second therapeutic agent can be one or more antimicrobials, such as one or more antibiotics. Each of the first and second therapeutic agents can either be posited on one or more surfaces of the respective section, or impregnated within the section. The device can include a separator to space the first and second sections. A method of making a medical device and a method of establishing access to a vessel within a body are also provided.

Abstract: A wire guide and a method for its percutaneous guidance within a body vessel are provided. The wire guide includes an outer component for insertion into the body vessel and a core wire disposed in the outer component and movable between first and second positions. The core wire includes an engaging portion that extends from the outer component to engage the body vessel when the core wire is in the second position.

Abstract: A rapid exchange assembly comprises an introducer sheath, and a dilator receivable within a lumen of the introducer sheath. The dilator has an open distal end and a lumen extending therein. A distal portion of the dilator extends distally beyond the distal end of the introducer sheath when the dilator is received in the lumen of the introducer sheath. The dilator has an opening through a wall in the distal portion which communicates with the open distal end of the dilator. A wire guide is receivable through the open distal end of the dilator and extends through the opening in the distal portion of the dilator outwardly of the assembly along the length of the introducer sheath.

Abstract: Soft-tipped airway exchange apparatus for use when replacing an endotracheal tube in a patient with a new endotracheal tube. The apparatus comprises a polymeric catheter body sized for insertion into a passageway of the endotracheal tube, for ventilating the patient during replacement of the endotracheal tube. The catheter body has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a ventilation passageway extending longitudinally therein. The distal portion has a rigidity which is less than the rigidity of the proximal portion.