Abstract: A method of forming a flare on an end portion of a polymer elongated member may be provided including positioning the elongated member within a passageway of a holding apparatus, heating an end portion of the elongated member, pressing a die onto the end portion of the elongated member, and advancing a press onto the end portion of the elongated member. The passageway may include a recess defined by a recess wall extending from a first end coextensive with a forming side of the holding apparatus to an internal second end. When the die is pressed on to the end portion of the elongated member, the end portion of the elongated member may be compressed longitudinally and expands radially. When the press is advanced onto the end portion of the elongated member, an inner section of the end portion may be folded against an outer section of the end portion.

Abstract: A catheter for use in the extracorporeal treatment of bodily fluids comprises a catheter body having a withdrawal port, an infusion port, and a plurality of lumens therein. One of the lumens comprises a withdrawal lumen for transport of fluids withdrawn from a body vessel through the withdrawal port to an extracorporeal treatment unit, such as a dialyzer. Another lumen comprises an infusion lumen for infusion of treated fluids from the extracorporeal treatment unit through the infusion port into the vessel. The withdrawal port is positioned proximally from the infusion port along a length of the catheter body, and includes a generally helical profile.

Abstract: A loading dilator for positioning a medical apparatus across a stoma formed in a body wall of a patient. The medical apparatus, such as a tracheotomy tube, is sized to fit over a portion of the loading dilator during positioning of the apparatus across the stoma. The loading dilator includes an elongated dilator body having a tapered distal end for facilitating entry into the stoma. The dilator body has an inflatable balloon disposed along an outer surface at the distal end. The balloon is inflatable to a configuration such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is formed between the elongated dilator body and a leading end of the medical apparatus when the medical apparatus is fit over the loading dilator.

Abstract: An introducer system and method for introducing a prosthesis for repair of two vessel portions of a transected body vessel is provided. The system can include one or more retaining members fitted over the ends of the prosthesis to retain the ends radially compressed. The retaining member can include an elongated body for insertion into the vessel opening and a gripping member, which both can be rigid. A splittable region can be formed in the elongated body and the gripping member. Application of a force to the gripping member can separate or fracture the gripping member and the elongated body along the splittable region to permit radial expansion of the prosthesis for engagement with the vessel. A sleeve may at least partially surround an intermediate portion of the prosthesis. The sleeve can be configured to retain the intermediate portion of the prosthesis in the radially compressed configuration.

Abstract: A medical device including a sheath having an inner liner and an outer layer attachable to a coil independent from each other to allow the inner liner and the outer layer the freedom to move coaxially independent from each other. The coil can be closely wound at a predetermined coil spacing sufficient to inhibit portions of the outer layer from entering into voids between the adjacent coil windings. Intermediate layers for bonding between the coil and the inner liner and/or the outer layer may also be provided. A filler material can be disposed within the voids between the adjacent windings of the coil. The filler material has a dimension sized to bridge the void between adjacent coil windings in order to inhibit portions of the outer layer from bonding to the inner liner. The filler material can be in the form of a ribbon.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly for use in the extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid of a patient. The catheter assembly includes an elongated catheter body having a pair of lumens extending therethrough, and a septum separating the lumens. The catheter body has an aspiration port in communication with a first lumen for transporting fluid withdrawn from a body vessel to a treatment unit, and an infusion port in communication with a second lumen for return of treated fluid to the vessel. The infusion port is positioned distal of the aspiration port along a length of the catheter body. A flexible member is provided, wherein the flexible member has an end receivable in the first lumen and another end engaged with the catheter body distal of the aspiration port. The flexible member is structured and arranged to maintain a spacing between the aspiration port and a wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and system for inserting a chest tube through the chest wall of a patient into the pleural cavity. An inserter comprises an elongated tubular member and an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal end of the tubular member. A chest tube has a bore extending therethrough, and is sized such that the inserter is receivable in the chest tube bore. The chest tube and inserter are aligned such that the balloon extends distal of the chest tube when the inserter is received in the chest tube bore. An opening is formed through the chest wall to the pleural cavity, and the inserter is advanced into the chest wall opening such that the balloon is positioned across the opening in an uninflated condition. The balloon is inflated to dilate the opening, and the chest tube is advanced into the dilated opening such that the distal end of the chest tube extends through the opening into the pleural cavity.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to a medical device and method capable of locally administering therapeutic agents efficiently. The medical device preferably includes one balloon catheter with conduits external to the balloon and with ports in the conduits where the conduits provide adequate sealing and sufficient penetration of the body vessel wall. Moreover, the placement of the conduits and location of the ports help ensure the optimal and sufficient administration of the therapeutic agent evenly to the entire treatment site. Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to providing means to isolate the inflation medium and the therapeutic agent during administration to the treatment site and to introduce more than one therapeutic agent simultaneously to the treatment site.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly for use in the extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid of a patient. The catheter assembly includes an elongated catheter body having a pair of lumens extending therethrough, and a septum separating the lumens. The catheter body has an aspiration port in communication with a first lumen for transporting fluid withdrawn from a body vessel to a treatment unit, and an infusion port in communication with a second lumen for return of treated fluid to the vessel. The infusion port is positioned distal of the aspiration port along a length of the catheter body. A flexible member is provided, wherein the flexible member has an end receivable in the first lumen and another end engaged with the catheter body distal of the aspiration port. The flexible member is structured and arranged to maintain a spacing between the aspiration port and a wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A loading dilator for positioning a medical apparatus across a stoma formed in a body wall of a patient. The medical apparatus, such as a tracheotomy tube, is sized to fit over a portion of the loading dilator during positioning of the apparatus across the stoma. The loading dilator includes an elongated dilator body having a tapered distal end for facilitating entry into the stoma. The dilator body has an inflatable balloon disposed along an outer surface at the distal end. The balloon is inflatable to a configuration such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is formed between the elongated dilator body and a leading end of the medical apparatus when the medical apparatus is fit over the loading dilator.

Abstract: A catheter for use in the extracorporeal treatment of bodily fluids comprises a catheter body having a withdrawal port, an infusion port, and a plurality of lumens therein. One of the lumens comprises a withdrawal lumen for transport of fluids withdrawn from a body vessel through the withdrawal port to an extracorporeal treatment unit, such as a dialyzer. Another lumen comprises an infusion lumen for infusion of treated fluids from the extracorporeal treatment unit through the infusion port into the vessel. The withdrawal port is positioned proximally from the infusion port along a length of the catheter body, and includes a generally helical profile.