Abstract: A support device having a plurality of support units, each comprising a plurality of flexible, substantially vertical support columns, with the bottoms of the support columns attached at equidistant intervals to a base member and the tops of the support columns attached at equidistant intervals to a substantially perpendicular support platform. The support columns provide directional flexibility to the columns, upon compression, to provide a substantially uniform counter-force through a range of flexion of the support columns and corresponding downward deflection of said support device. Such uniform counter-force during compression simulates a fluid-like support system. The support columns may be comprised of a solid, synthetic foam such as high density polyurethane or springs made of metal or other material. The support units preferably are arranged in a matrix to provide collective support.

Abstract: A protective sheath for a cannula which has distal end for percutaneous insertion and a proximate end having a hub or like assembly. The protective sheath comprises an elongated, flexible tubular member which slidably fits over the cannula. The tubular member has a distal end which is disposed over the distal end of the cannula and is compressibly retractable therefrom. The distal end of the tubular member has an opening through which the cannula may pass so as to expose the distal end of the cannula during insertion thereof, but when the cannula is withdrawn, the distal end of the sheath extends over and covers the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A percutaneous device for performing tracheostomies or cricothyroidectomies having a hollow needle with a sharp distal end. The device includes a flexible dilator slidably positioned over the needle. The dilator includes a conical portion and an annular groove, the apex of which is positioned adjacent the distal end of the needle and the base thereby terminating at the annular groove. A flexible breathing tube is slidably positioned over the dilator for insertion into a trachea or larynx.

Abstract: A catheter system for percutaneous insertion into the lumen of a vessel which includes a hollow introducer needle coaxially mounted within the catheter. Mounted with the introducer needle is a guide wire which is attached to the proximal end of the needle and formed in the shape of a loop of a length sufficient to provide the necessary amount of wire to guide the catheter within the lumen. The catheter has a notched tip to help maintain the tip in the vessel lumen during guide wire placement and to inhibit passing through the opposite wall of the vessel lumen during insertion of the device.

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.