Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hemostasis valve which is formed of a longitudinally extended valve housing having a first opening and a central longitudinal passage communicating with an opposite second opening. A cap means is providied for enclosing the first opening of the housing, said cap means having a hole to permit insertion of a catheter. Also provided is a one-piece seal means located within the longitudinally extended housing, said seal means comprising a sealing neck having a relatively small opening therein and communicating with a sealing chamber having opposing sealing exit lips which are both readily expandable to a diameter less than that of the valve housing upon insertion of a catheter.

Abstract: A tear-away introducer tool for a disposable introducer set used in introducing a catheter into a blood vessel comprises an elongate sheath having a pair of opposed splits in the proximal end thereof to define a pair of tabs. A handle is secured to the sheath and includes a pair of handle members, each comprising a pair of clamping elements which clamp the tabs of the sheath therebetween. The handle has opposed weakened portions which facilitate the tearing of the sheath along axial lines and the handle also facilitates manipulation of the introducer tool during the catheter introduction procedure.

Abstract: A transvenous, endocardial heart pacemaker lead having a conical fixation device on its distal end for holding a distal tip electrode in proper pacing position within the heart. There are open spaces around the conical surface of the fixation device defined by spaced apart, circumferential rings interconnected with spaced apart ribs extending lengthwise along the conical device. Engagement of trabeculae of the heart within the open spaces and against the rings holds the lead in place.An electrical conductor contained within an insulating sheath or catheter connects the distal tip electrode with a source of power. The conical fixation device is made out of flexible, nonconducting material.

Abstract: A coil spring guide, for use in connection with the insertion of a catheter into the vessels of a body, that has a coil spring, and a wire core extending within the coil spring and having a distal end welded to the distal end of the coil spring. The coil spring is made from metal wire that in a straightened condition is circular in transverse cross section throughout its length, and that after being coiled, to have adjacent helics abut against one another. Thereafter the radially outer circumferential portion of the coil is ground away to provide a helical radially outer spring coil surface (chordal surface) that is of a substantially constant radius throughout the axial length of the coiled wire and has a helix width of a chord parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the coil spring that is subtended by about a 10.degree.-140.degree. angle of two radii of the coil spring wire.