Abstract: A telescopic wire guide is disclosed. The telescopic wire guide comprises an outer wire having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer wire has a lumen formed from the proximal end through the distal end. The telescopic wire guide further comprises a core wire disposed within the lumen and slidably movable therealong relative to the outer wire for distally telescopically extending the wire guide a predetermined length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uncoupling a wire guide from and elongate medical device comprising a catheter shaft having a wire guide lumen extending there through, wherein the material surrounding the wire guide lumen is selected or adapted to facilitate splittability for removal of the wire guide. The catheter shaft is coextruded and comprises a plurality of materials. The portion of the shaft adjacent the wire guide lumen is formed from a first material and the balance of the shaft is formed from a second material. The first material is selected or adapted to facilitate splittability as compared to the second material. The first material may have a lower durometer than the second material. A peel tool for separating the wire guide from the catheter shaft is also provided.

Abstract: A medical sphincterotome and a method of its use are described. The sphincterotome has structural elements that are capable of directing a wire guide through a selected body passageway. One structural element includes a distal port and deflection member that can deflect the wire guide into the desired passageway. Another structural element includes an offset nose-shaped end that can bend towards a passageway desired to be blocked. The wire guide is prevented from entering the blocked passageway, thereby enabling the wire guide to cannulate the desired passageway. The sphincterotome also includes a cutting wire to access a patient's sphincter and perform various other medical procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and/or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permit the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system. After performing a first medical operation, the devices are uncoupled with the wire guide being left within the biliary system such that a secondary access device, such as a balloon, biopsy device, stent delivery catheter, dilator, etc.

Abstract: A splittable wire guide having a plurality of separable elongate components that may be separated or otherwise re-positioned relative to each other so as to alter the physical properties of the wire guide or to form a plurality of separate wire guide members.

Abstract: A method of removing an obstruction in the biliary duct including the steps of providing a coaxial catheter device comprising an inner catheter having a proximal end and a distal end wherein at least two or more lumens are formed between the proximal end and distal end of the inner catheter. The method includes providing an outer catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and an opening wherein the inner catheter is coaxially engaged through the opening of the outer catheter thereby forming a coaxial space between the inner catheter and the outer catheter wherein at least one of the two or more lumens is configured for receiving a fluid for inflating a balloon, at least one of the first lumen and the second lumen is configured for receiving a wire guide and the coaxial space is configured for receiving a flushing fluid for the removal of an obstruction within the biliary duct.

Abstract: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. The second portion is located distal of the first portion. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. An outer sleeve may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide. A radiopaque element may be secured to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. The second portion is located distal of the first portion. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. An outer sleeve may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide. A radiopaque element may be secured to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. A covering may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide.

Abstract: A medical sphincterotome and a method of its use are described. The sphincterotome has structural elements that are capable of directing a wire guide through a selected body passageway. One structural element includes a distal port and deflection member that can deflect the wire guide into the desired passageway. Another structural element includes an offset nose-shaped end that can bend towards a passageway desired to be blocked. The wire guide is prevented from entering the blocked passageway, thereby enabling the wire guide to cannulate the desired passageway. The sphincterotome also includes a cutting wire to access a patient's sphincter and perform various other medical procedures.