Abstract: An apparatus and method employing a syringe mounted splittable needle insertable through body tissue to provide a percutaneous passage through the body tissue and into a cavity such as a trachea. After insertion of the needle, the syringe is separated from the needle and a dilator is fitted in its place. The distal extremity of the dilator includes a leader which extends through the needle and into the trachea. The midportion of the dilator supports the distal extremity of a flexible, ultra thin trachea tube. The tube is large enough in diameter that it can be fitted over the distal end of the dilator and moved in a proximal direction toward the dilator midportion. Further movement onto the dilator is prevented by engagement of a smaller diameter distal extremity of the tube with a larger diameter stop section located on the dilator midportion adjacent its distal extremity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a percutaneous or non-dissection passage into a body cavity or hollow viscus. A needle is attached to a syringe for insertion within the body cavity. Operation of the syringe confirms proper location of the needle within the body cavity. The needle is coaxially fitted within a dilator which is coaxially fitted within a tube. A leader portion of the dilator follows the insertion path defined by the needle to dilate the tissues for entry of the larger portions of the dilator and the tube. The needle and dilator can be slidably withdrawn to leave the tube in position. Various dilator leader structures are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a percutaneous or non-dissection opening into a body cavity or hollow viscus. A needle is attached to a syringe for insertion within the body cavity. Operation of the syringe confirms proper location of the needle within the body cavity. The needle is structurally weakened along a longitudinal line and includes elements operable to split the needle along the line to provide a longitudinal slot. An elongated dilator slidably fits through a side opening in a flexible tube and extends through the distal end of the tube. A leader attached to the distal end of the dilator is adapted for insertion through the bore of the needle, the slot in the needle enabling lateral separation of the leader for removal of the needle from the body cavity. The dilator is adapted to be forceably inserted into the body cavity along the path defined by the leader, and is thereafter removable through the side opening in the tube. The tube is thereafter further insertable into the body cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing percutaneous or non-dissection tracheostomies. An outer needle coaxially slidably receives an inner needle which is attached to a syringe adapted for use in inserting the needles within the tracheal lumen. Operation of the syringe confirms proper location of the needles within the lumen. An elongated dilator coaxially slidably mounts a trachea tube, and its proximal extremity constitutes an introducer portion which tapers to a distal end to which is attached an elongated, flexible leader adapted for insertion through a bore of the outer needle subsequent withdrawal of the inner syringe needle. A slot in the outer needle enables lateral separation of the leader from the outer needle to allow removal of the outer needle from the trachea. The dilator includes a recessed cutting edge for cutting tissue compressed against it during forcible insertion of the introducer portion into the tracheal lumen along the path defined by the leader.