Abstract: An assembly is provided for accessing a superior vena cava of a patient without visualization of a vasculature of the patient. A stylet has an elongated body including a core wire disposed within a tubular body, the core wire having a pre-formed shape in a first state and a straightened shape in a second state. A first portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A second portion of the core wire has a first pre-formed bend in the first state. A third portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A fourth portion of the core wire has a second pre-formed bend in the first state. A fifth portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state and includes a narrow segment that increases deflection of the distal tip.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for accessing a superior vena cava of a patient without visualization of a vasculature of the patient. A stylet has an elongated body including a core wire disposed within a tubular body, the core wire having a pre-formed shape in a first state and a straightened shape in a second state. A first portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A second portion of the core wire has a first pre-formed bend in the first state. A third portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A fourth portion of the core wire has a second pre-formed bend in the first state. A fifth portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state and includes a narrow segment that increases deflection of the distal tip.

Abstract: A vascular access training simulator system for training intravascular insertion of a medical device is disclosed. The vascular access training simulator system includes an anatomical training model having clinically relevant ultrasonic properties representative of ultrasonic properties of a human body site for ultrasound imaging. The training model includes a transparent housing, a transparent simulated tissue, at least one simulated blood vessel suspended in the tissue, and a layer of simulated skin covering the housing and the tissue. A first imaging device is records a first video showing a view of an insertion site outside of the simulated skin. A second imaging device records a second video showing the simulated blood vessel through the transparent simulated tissue. A third imaging device is shows an ultrasound view of the simulated blood vessel and the simulated tissue. A monitor displays a composite view of all three videos simultaneously on a single screen.

Abstract: A vascular access training simulator system for training intravascular insertion of a medical device is disclosed. The vascular access training simulator system includes an anatomical training model having clinically relevant ultrasonic properties representative of ultrasonic properties of a human body site for ultrasound imaging. The training model includes a transparent housing, a transparent simulated tissue, at least one simulated blood vessel suspended in the tissue, and a layer of simulated skin covering the housing and the tissue. A first imaging device is records a first video showing a view of an insertion site outside of the simulated skin. A second imaging device records a second video showing the simulated blood vessel through the transparent simulated tissue. A third imaging device is shows an ultrasound view of the simulated blood vessel and the simulated tissue. A monitor displays a composite view of all three videos simultaneously on a single screen.

Abstract: A low or non-torqueable stylet may have: a core wire including: a first pre-formed bend of a first angle of about 15-90°; a second pre-formed bend of a second angle of about 8-15°, the second pre-formed bend being distal of the first pre-formed bend, and the first pre-formed bend being longer than the second pre-formed bend; an intermediate portion of about 1-3 inches extending between the first pre-formed bend and the second pre-formed bend; and a distal portion of about 1-2 inches between the second pre-formed bend and a distal tip, the distal portion having a segment with a reduced width or diameter that increases deflection of the distal tip; a tubular body disposed around the core wire; and a navigation device disposed around the core wire and within the tubular body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter insertion apparatus including a hollow needle body connected to a needle hub, and a catheter that removably fits over the needle body. The needle body has a sharp distal needle tip for piercing a blood vessel wall. An internal flow passage of the needle hub is in fluid communication with the hollow needle body. An elongated housing is connected to the needle hub and includes a lumen in fluid communication with the internal flow passage of the needle hub. An integrated guide assembly is slidably mounted to the housing and is operable to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A flashback chamber is operable to receive a continuous flow of blood before, during, and after movement of the guide assembly between its retracted and extended positions. A safety guard may provide protection from the sharp needle tip.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device that allows for single-handed insertion of the catheter within the vasculature of the patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a handle, a needle cannula partially within the handle, a guidewire partially within the handle and the needle cannula, and a first actuator connected to the handle and the guidewire. The guidewire is movable relative to the handle in a distal direction away from the handle, and in a proximal direction towards the handle. A catheter assembly is removably coupled to the handle and is configured to slide on the needle cannula. A catheter hub may be connected to a proximal end of the catheter, and a catheter advancer base may be releasably connected to the catheter hub. The catheter insertion device may also include a needle support pivotally connected to the handle for supporting the needle cannula on a cantilever portion thereof.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device that allows for single-handed insertion of the catheter within the vasculature of the patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a handle, a needle cannula partially within the handle, a guidewire partially within the handle and the needle cannula, and a first actuator connected to the handle and the guidewire. The guidewire is movable relative to the handle in a distal direction away from the handle, and in a proximal direction towards the handle. A catheter assembly is removably coupled to the handle and is configured to slide on the needle cannula. A catheter hub may be connected to a proximal end of the catheter, and a catheter advancer base may be releasably connected to the catheter hub. The catheter insertion device may also include a needle support pivotally connected to the handle for supporting the needle cannula on a cantilever portion thereof.

Abstract: A vascular access training simulator system for training intravascular insertion of a medical device is disclosed. The vascular access training simulator system includes an anatomical training model having clinically relevant ultrasonic properties representative of ultrasonic properties of a human body site for ultrasound imaging. The training model includes a transparent housing, a transparent simulated tissue, at least one simulated blood vessel suspended in the tissue, and a layer of simulated skin covering the housing and the tissue. A first imaging device is records a first video showing a view of an insertion site outside of the simulated skin. A second imaging device records a second video showing the simulated blood vessel through the transparent simulated tissue. A third imaging device is shows an ultrasound view of the simulated blood vessel and the simulated tissue. A monitor displays a composite view of all three videos simultaneously on a single screen.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device that allows for single-handed insertion of the catheter within the vasculature of the patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a handle, a needle cannula partially within the handle, a guidewire partially within the handle and the needle cannula, and a first actuator connected to the handle and the guidewire. The guidewire is movable relative to the handle in a distal direction away from the handle, and in a proximal direction towards the handle. A catheter assembly is removably coupled to the handle and is configured to slide on the needle cannula. A catheter hub may be connected to a proximal end of the catheter, and a catheter advancer base may be releasably connected to the catheter hub. The catheter insertion device may also include a needle support pivotally connected to the handle for supporting the needle cannula on a cantilever portion thereof.

Abstract: A stimulating needle and catheter system, including components, is provided such that the position of the stimulating needle or the stimulating catheter may be identified after insertion into the body of a patient by electrically stimulating and thus locating a specific nerve. Use of the needle and catheter system is eased by providing the system to the medical practitioner in a unitary structure. That is, the needle and catheter are connected by a catheter lock. The catheter lock is attached to the hub of the needle and can be actuated to either firmly grip the catheter or allow the catheter to move axially with respect to the lock and needle assembly. Thus, supplying the catheter to the practitioner already locked into the catheter lock allows the practitioner to insert the needle into the patient and, when ready, release the catheter for disposal through the needle into the patient. This and other disclosed features allow the medical practitioner to focus attention on the medical procedure.

Abstract: A catheter including a lead body and at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the lead body. At least one conductor is formed on an outside surface of the lead body and extends from a proximal end portion of the lead body to a distal end portion of the lead body.

Abstract: A syringe including a barrel having an inner barrel portion and an outer barrel portion and a plunger slideably disposed within the barrel, the plunger having an inner plunger portion and an outer plunger portion. At least one of the inner barrel portion and the outer plunger portion is made of a low friction and high precision material, such as glass.