Abstract: A catheter guide for controlling an angle of entry of a catheter into a human cranium at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface and allowing for easy removable of the catheter guide from the catheter after use. A tubular member defines a catheter guide lumen to permit the passage therethrough of a catheter. A base supports the tubular member. In a two piece assembly, the tubular member may have a fracture line allowing the catheter guide to be separated from the catheter. In an integrated, break-away assembly, the catheter guide may be broken apart to allow for the removal of the catheter guide from the catheter. Alternatively, in an integrated assembly or in a two piece assembly, the catheter guide may be removed from a catheter through a slot in the catheter guide.

Abstract: A catheter guide for controlling an angle of entry of a catheter into a human cranium at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface and allowing for easy removable of the catheter guide from the catheter after use. A tubular member defines a catheter guide lumen to permit the passage therethrough of a catheter. A base supports the tubular member. In a two piece assembly, the tubular member may have a fracture line allowing the catheter guide to be separated from the catheter. In an integrated, break-away assembly, the catheter guide may be broken apart to allow for the removal of the catheter guide from the catheter. Alternatively, in an integrated assembly or in a two piece assembly, the catheter guide may be removed from a catheter through a slot in the catheter guide.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for drilling an orifice in a human cranium at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to a plane defined by a tangent to the surface of the cranium at the orifice and for guiding ventricular catheter placement. The apparatus has a first tubular guide for directing a drill at the proper angle, the first tubular guide being supported upon the cranium by a plurality of leg members and having a slot or opening which allows for visualization of the drilling point. The invention further includes a second tubular guide for directing a catheter into the ventricular portion of the patient's brain. The second tubular guide, has a slot or opening which allows for pre-loading of the catheter. The second tubular guide inserts within the first tubular guide and receives the catheter and directs it into the ventrical. The slotted design of the first and second tubular guides allow the guides to be removed from the side of the catheter rather than over the end of the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a hollow elongated member having a plurality of apertures therein comprising: a first component for supporting a hollow elongated member in a predetermined position and orientation for formation of a plurality of apertures therein; and a second component for forming a plurality of apertures at a predetermined position and orientation and of a predetermmined dimension thereof in the hollow elongated member; the second component being guidably received within the first component for alignment therewith. Alternatively, the apparatus includes an insert comprising rod means for forming a plurality of apertures of a predetermined size; and means for forming and supporting the hollow bore of the elongated member. The rod means is positioned at a predetermined orientation with respect to the bore forming means so that the hollow elongated member receives a plurality of apertures therein at a predetermined position, orientation and dimension.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising a stretchable cylindrical net-like structure and at least one guide ring for partial placement over a fetus. The cylindrical net-like structure is formed such that as force is applied along its longitudinal axis, the length of the cylindrical structure is increased while the diameter of such cylindrical structure is decreased. The guide ring is expandable for passage therethrough of the fetal head and has an at rest diameter between that of the fetal neck and the fetal head.