Abstract: A system for inserting a guide catheter into a relatively small vessel may include an expandable introducer configured for inserting into the vessel, expanding to dilate the vessel, and holding the vessel in an open condition. The system may also include a dilator (200) configured for arrangement within the introducer and for dilating the introducer. The expandable introducer may be removable from a catheter extending therethrough. A related method of introducing a catheter into a relatively small vessel may include inserting an introducer with a dilator arranged therein into the relatively small vessel, advancing the dilator within the introducer to split the introducer and dilate the vessel, removing the dilator, inserting a catheter through the dilated introducer and into the vessel, and removing the introducer from the catheter extending therethrough by splitting the introducer and removing laterally from the catheter. An introducer, alone, may also be provided.

Abstract: An arterial closure device includes an elongated catheter having a proximal end, an opposing flexible distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. An externalization needle and an internal catheter are disposed within the lumen. The externalization needle is in communication with a first plunger. A first threading needle and a second threading needle are positioned in separate threading channels and in communication with a second plunger. A suture has a first end attached to the second end of the first threading needle and a second end attached to the second end of the second threading needle. A primary aperture extends through a wall of the elongated catheter. A first threading aperture and a second threading aperture extend through the wall of the elongated catheter at opposing sides of the primary aperture.

Abstract: A configurable module adapted for coupling to a host device comprises a stored user interface which is uploadable to the host device when it is coupled to the module. The user interface allows the module to be configured via the host device. The module may be coupled to a plurality of different host devices, including devices having a Graphical User Interface, such as a mobile phone, PDA, and laptop or personal computer. The module may be a digital audio broadcast (DAB) module including a DAB receiver. Alternatively, the module may include a wireless transceiver, such as a short range point to point, point to multi-point, or mesh wireless transceiver, for coupling the module to a network of wireless nodes, which may be the same or different. This module can also function when not coupled to a node, if configured by the host device or from prior connection with a node.