Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter extends from a proximal portion which remains outside of a patient's body during use to a distal portion which, during use, is located within a body lumen adjacent to a target area to be treated, wherein the proximal and distal portions are coupled by a medial portion. The catheter comprises a guide wire lumen extending longitudinally through the distal portion and a guide wire receiving channel formed by an outer surface of the medial portion, wherein the guide wire lumen is open to a distal end of the channel.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first longitudinally accessible lumen and a second lumen extend side by side within and along the proximal portion, and the first lumen and the second lumen form a single common lumen within the distal portion which extends to a distal end of the distal portion. The first lumen and second lumen are co-axial within the distal portion prior to forming a single common lumen.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical instrument with a sealing device. In embodiments, the medical instrument is an endoscopic device having a seal between an elongate shaft member and/or on a portion of a handle to, for example, prevent flow communication between a lumen of the elongate member and the external environment.

Abstract: An insertion tool for use in inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter for use in a lumen of an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension connected to and disposed atop the main body. The funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen. The funnel lumen has a top opening and a bottom opening. The funnel lumen tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening. The bottom opening positioned and sized to communicate with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the top opening of the funnel lumen and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A seal is provided for effectively inhibiting the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a region with a non-circular cross-sectional shape is disposed therein. The seal has a body portion with a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a wall defining a lumen adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope. The seal includes a sealing element for sealing the region of the elongate device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The sealing element conforms to the profile of the non-circular region.

Abstract: A locking device for a maintaining an elongated member at a selected place within a body lumen includes a substantially rigid body including an attachment portion adapted to be coupled to a proximal portion of a medical instrument. When in an operative position, the distal portion of the medical instrument is received within the body lumen and a head coupled to the substantially rigid body. The head is configured to overlie an access port of the medical device when the attachment portion is coupled to the proximal portion of the medical device in a predetermined configuration. A plurality of locking features extends from the head to immobilize a section of the elongated member relative to the medical device.

Abstract: A locking device for a maintaining an elongated member at a selected place within a body lumen comprises a substantially rigid body including an attachment portion adapted to be coupled to a distal portion of a medical instrument wherein, when in an operative position, the distal portion of the medical instrument is received within the body lumen and an angled head coupled to the substantially rigid body, the angled head being configured to overlie an access port of the medical device when the attachment portion is coupled to the distal portion of the medical device in a predetermined configuration in combination with a plurality of locking features extending from the angled head to immobilize a section of the elongated member relative to the medical device and a locking arm extending from the locking device so that, when the attachment portion is coupled to the medical device, the locking arm extends between the access port and the locking features to guide the elongated member from the access port to the lo

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. Also, a re-insertion tool and method for re-inserting a guide wire into a channel of a catheter. The re-insertion tool is particularly useful in combination with an endoscope and an SOE catheter disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: A locking device for a maintaining an elongated member at a selected place within a body lumen comprises a substantially rigid body including an attachment portion adapted to be coupled to a distal portion of a medical instrument wherein, when in an operative position, the distal portion of the medical instrument is received within the body lumen and an angled head coupled to the substantially rigid body, the angled head being configured to overlie an access port of the medical device when the attachment portion is coupled to the distal portion of the medical device in a predetermined configuration in combination with a plurality of locking features extending from the angled head to immobilize a section of the elongated member relative to the medical device and a locking arm extending from the locking device so that, when the attachment portion is coupled to the medical device, the locking arm extends between the access port and the locking features to guide the elongated member from the access port to the lo

Abstract: Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter extends from a proximal portion which remains outside of a patient's body during use to a distal portion which, during use, is located within a body lumen adjacent to a target area to be treated, wherein the proximal and distal portions are coupled by a medial portion. The catheter comprises a guide wire lumen extending longitudinally through the distal portion and a guide wire receiving channel formed by an outer surface of the medial portion, wherein the guide wire lumen is open to a distal end of the channel.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. The insertion tool may include a tongue or key disposed in the main lumen that is sized to fit in a slot of the catheter to thereby maintain alignment between the funnel lumen and the slot of the catheter.

Abstract: Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.

Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. The insertion tool may include a tongue or key disposed in the main lumen that is sized to fit in a slot of the catheter to thereby maintain alignment between the funnel lumen and the slot of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.