Abstract: An apparatus and method for tunneling a distal portion of a multilumen catheter tube in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connector having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end includes a first coupling portion for selective connection to a distal end of the multilumen catheter tube, and the distal end of the connector includes a second coupling portion. A trocar is provided having a first end and a second end. The second end of the trocar is configured for selective connection to the coupling portion of the connector. The connector and the second end of trocar are configured such that they are substantially coaxially aligned with the multilumen catheter tube when the first coupling portion of the connector is selectively joined with the distal end of the multilumen catheter tube and the second end of the trocar is selectively engaged with the second coupling portion of the connector. A method of reverse tunneling a multilumen catheter tube using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter and method for inserting same into a patient is disclosed. The catheter includes a multi-lumen catheter tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of lumens therethrough. The catheter may include a single-lumen flush tube portion, the flush tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the flush tube portion being connected to the distal end of the catheter tube such that the single lumen of the flush tube portion is in fluid communication with each of the lumens in the catheter tube. A connector is provided having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal cavity extending therethrough.

Abstract: A package 10 for maintaining the predetermined desired non-planar, three-dimensional shape of the distal tip 14 of a flexible catheter, cannula, sphincterotome or the like 12 includes a non-relaxing mounting tray 18 with a non-planar, three-dimensional structure 20 restricting movement of the distal tip 14, and a non-relaxing cover 26 detachably secured to the tray 18, trapping part and only part of the distal tip 14 against the three-dimensional structure 20 of the tray 18. The package 10 also includes a particularly configured non-relaxing insert 38 removably received in a bore 16 in the distal tip 14. The tray 18, cover 26 and insert 38 together support the distal tip 14 throughout its entire length. The structure 20 of the tray 18 includes a ramped, relatively tightly arced groove 24 on which the distal tip 14 lies. The cover 26 lies over at least the ramped, arced groove 24 and includes a pair of notches 30 receiving the distal tip 14 therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic extraction device which retains its operative usefulness for longer periods of time, and therefore need to be replaced less frequently. This extended instrument life is accomplished through the use of a composite wire construction, which includes, an inner monofilament wire of nitinol material surrounded by six stranded stainless steel wires. A wire construction in which a nitinol wire is surrounded by five stranded stainless steel wires is also disclosed. After constructing a wire basket in the normal manner using this material, heat is applied to the formed basket in its pre-formed shape to set the memory characteristics of the inner nitinol core.

Abstract: A stylet wire assembly is disclosed which sealingly engages the proximal end of a medical catheter, and allows the unobstructed injection or evacuation of fluids into or from a patient's body through the catheter while the stylet wire is in place therein. The disclosed assembly includes a stylet wire and a housing. The housing has a catheter fluid communication port at its distal end and anchors the stylet wire into its closed proximal end with the stylet wire extending through the catheter fluid communication port at the distal end of the housing. This anchoring is accomplished by means of a plug which has been injection molded about the crimped proximal end of the stylet wire and bonded to the distal end of the remainder of the housing. An external fluid communication port allows for fluid communication into and out of said housing in transverse orientation relative to the axis of said stylet wire within said housing and distally of the anchoring of the stylet wire into the proximal end of the housing.