Abstract: A steerable wire-guide comprises an elongate member having a longitudinal axis. The elongate member comprises a leading portion and a body portion. The leading portion comprises a loop and the body portion comprises a first wire and a second wire. The first and second wires are movable relative to each other such that relative movement of the first wire with respect to the second wire directs the leading portion in a first direction, which is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and relative movement of the second wire with respect to the first wire directs the leading portion in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: An ERCP catheter having a removable handle for a lithotriptor compatible basket is disclosed. The removable handle allows the catheter and handle assembly to be removed, leaving the basket in place within the duct and facilitates the use of a lithotriptor for mechanically crushing stone captured in the basket.

Abstract: An ERCP catheter having a removable handle for a lithotriptor compatible basket is disclosed. The removable handle allows the catheter and handle assembly to be removed, leaving the basket in place within the duct and facilitates the use of a lithotriptor for mechanically crushing stone captured in the basket.

Abstract: Disclosed is an introducer apparatus comprising an sleeve fixation mechanism or introducer member, such as a catheter, introducer, or ring-like structure, which is attached to a protective sleeve comprising a thin flexible material such a polymeric film. The sleeve is inverted into the passageway of a second member, such as a catheter, feeding tube, introducer, etc., that is advanced through the passageway of the introducer member and is introduced into a bodily passage of a patient, such as the bile duct, nasal passages, colon, etc. The sleeve everts from the passageway of the second member during its advancement to lay down a friction-reducing surface. The sleeve prevents frictional contact between the second member and delicate or sensitive tissues.

Abstract: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member comprising at least one attachment tab maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. A covering may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide.

Abstract: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. A covering may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide.

Abstract: A handle for a medical device is provided. The handle includes an inner handle member and first and second outer handle members slideably disposed on the inner handle member. An elongate sheath is attached to the inner handle member and extends axially beyond a distal end of the inner handle member and a stylet is attached to one of the outer handle members and disposed in a lumen of the sheath. Slideable movement of the outer handle members relative to the inner handle members controls relative positioning of various components of the handle.

Abstract: A handle for a medical device is provided. The handle includes an inner handle member and first and second outer handle members slideably disposed on the inner handle member. An elongate sheath is attached to the inner handle member and extends axially beyond a distal end of the inner handle member and a stylet is attached to one of the outer handle members and disposed in a lumen of the sheath. Slideable movement of the outer handle members relative to the inner handle members controls relative positioning of various components of the handle.

Abstract: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. A covering may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide.

Abstract: An ERCP catheter having a removable handle for a lithotriptor compatible basket is disclosed. The removable handle allows the catheter and handle assembly to be removed, leaving the basket in place within the duct and facilitates the use of a lithotriptor for mechanically crushing stone captured in the basket.

Abstract: A medical apparatus assembly (10) comprises a medical device (11) that includes a side port assembly 13 adapted to combine a first pathway (37) for infusion of fluids with a second pathway (38) for wire guide (12) into a first passageway (26) while the second passageway (27) includes the third pathway (39), which comprises a control member (24), such as an electrical wire. The side port assembly is configured such that the first passageway communicates with both a first port (16), such as a fitting for connecting to a syringe, and a second port (15) which includes a sealing mechanism (32), such as a Tuohy-Borst fitting, thereby allowing the wire guide to be preloaded, instead of requiring it to be removed prior to infusing fluids. Optionally, a third port (43) may be included when external communication with the second passageway, is desired, such as balloons or baskets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical apparatus assembly (10) comprising a medical device (11) that includes a side port assembly 13 adapted to combine a first pathway (37) for infusion of fluids with a second pathway (38) for wire guide (12) into a first passageway (26) while the second passageway (27) includes the third pathway (39), which comprises a control member (24), such as an electrical wire. The side port assembly is configured such that the first passageway communicates with both a first port (16), such as a fitting for connecting to a syringe, and a second port (15) which includes a sealing mechanism (32), such as a Tuohy-Borst fitting, thereby allowing the wire guide to be preloaded, instead of requiring it to be removed prior to infusing fluids. Optionally, a third port (43) may be included when external communication with the second passageway, is desired, such as balloons or baskets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an introducer apparatus comprising an sleeve fixation mechanism or introducer member, such as a catheter, introducer, or ring-like structure, which is attached to a protective sleeve comprising a thin flexible material such a polymeric film. The sleeve is inverted into the passageway of a second member, such as a catheter, feeding tube, introducer, etc., that is advanced through the passageway of the introducer member and is introduced into a bodily passage of a patient, such as the bile duct, nasal passages, colon, etc. The sleeve everts from the passageway of the second member during its advancement to lay down a friction-reducing surface. The sleeve prevents frictional contact between the second member and delicate or sensitive tissues.