Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a tubular structure affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stabilizing cuff affixed to, and at least partially embedded within, the tubular structure. The tubular structure may include a tapered surface extending from an end of the tubular structure to an exterior surface of the catheter. A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly may include positioning a tubular structure about a catheter, positioning a stabilizing cuff near the tubular structure, and partially embedding at least a portion of the stabilizing cuff within the tubular structure while shaping the tubular structure to form a tapered surface. A temporary sleeve may be positioned about the tubular structure prior to shaping the tubular structure. The tubular structure may also be preformed to include a tapered end prior to positioning the tubular structure about the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter, a tubular structure affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stabilizing cuff affixed to, and at least partially embedded within, the tubular structure. The tubular structure may include a tapered surface extending from an end of the tubular structure to an exterior surface of the catheter. A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly is also disclosed. For example, such a method may comprise positioning a tubular structure about a catheter, positioning a stabilizing cuff near the tubular structure, and partially embedding at least a portion of the stabilizing cuff within the tubular structure while shaping the tubular structure to form a tapered surface. A temporary sleeve may be positioned about the tubular structure prior to shaping the tubular structure. The tubular may also be performed to include a tapered end prior to positioning the tubular structure about the catheter.

Abstract: Methods of power injecting a fluid through an access port are described. One method includes implanting in a patient an access port suitable for passing fluid therethrough at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second, the access port including a body defining a cavity, a septum, and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity, and flowing a fluid through an infusion set into the access port at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second, the infusion set including a needle in fluid communication with a tubing, the tubing in fluid communication with a connector, each of the needle, tubing, and connector constructed to have a burst pressure of at least about 100 psi.

Abstract: Methods of performing a power injection procedure are described. One method includes taking an x-ray of a subcutaneously implanted access port in a patient to determine whether the access port includes a radiographic feature indicating that the access port is suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second through the access port, identifying the indicating radiographic feature on the x-ray, and flowing a fluid through the access port at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second.

Abstract: A multifunction adaptor for an open-ended catheter that allows placement of the catheter while minimizing the risk of air embolism or blood loss through the open (proximal) end of the catheter body. In one variation, the design allows passage of a standard guidewire for “over-the-guidewire” placement techniques and a connection for catheter flushing using a standard syringe. In another variation, the multifunction adaptor is configured for coupling a tunneler to the proximal end of a catheter.

Abstract: Methods of power injecting a fluid through an access port are described. One method includes implanting in a patient an access port suitable for passing fluid therethrough at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second, the access port including a body defining a cavity, a septum, and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity, and flowing a fluid through an infusion set into the access port at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second, the infusion set including a needle in fluid communication with a tubing, the tubing in fluid communication with a connector, each of the needle, tubing, and connector constructed to have a burst pressure of at least about 100 psi.

Abstract: A catheter, with one or more lumens, having a first portion and a second portion and an arcuate transition region extending between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is nonparallel to the second portion.

Abstract: Access ports for providing subcutaneous access to a patient are disclosed. Such access ports may include: at least one structural element configured for resisting deformation of the septum in response to a pressure developed within the reservoir. Further, an access port may be structured for accommodating: 1) a flow rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second; or 2) a pressure developed within the reservoir of at least about 35 psi. An infusion set is disclosed and may be structured for flowing a fluid at a flow rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second. Infusion tubing comprising a plurality of layers is disclosed. Methods of operating and flowing a fluid through an access port or an infusion set are disclosed. A method of identifying an access port for power injection is disclosed. Septums comprising at least one gel region are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter, a tubular structure affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stablizing cuff affixed to, and at least partially embedded within, the tubular structure. The tubular structure may include a tapered surface extending from an end of the tubular structure to an exterior surface of the catheter. A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly is also disclosed. For example, such a method may comprise positioning a tubular structure about a catheter, positioning a stabilizing cuff near the tubular structure, and partially embedding at least a portion of the stablizing cuff within the tubular structure while shaping the tubular structure to form a tapered surface. A temporary sleeve may be positioned about the tubular structure prior to shaping the tubular structure. The tubular may also be performed to include a tapered end prior to positioning the tubular structure about the catheter.

Abstract: A multifunction adaptor for an open-ended catheter that allows placement of the catheter while minimizing the risk of air embolism or blood loss through the open (proximal) end of the catheter body. In one variation, the design allows passage of a standard guidewire for “over-the-guidewire” placement techniques and a connection for catheter flushing using a standard syringe. In another variation, the multifunction adaptor is configured for coupling a tunneler to the proximal end of a catheter.

Abstract: A surgical cutting device for producing a skin incision of controlled length and depth at a guidewire skin puncture location. The cutting device is particularly useful for making incisions for the insertion of catheters. In one variation, the cutting device comprises a retractable blade and a channel for positioning the cutting device around a guidewire. The channel may be adapted such that when a guidewire is placed inside the cutting device, the guidewire may exit the channel at a 30 degree angle relative to the base of the cutting device. Methods for using the cutting device are also described.