Abstract: A hand-held spring wire guide feeding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal base having an attached rear end having an opening for feeding a spring wire guide; a flexible tube for holding a spring wire guide and having a proximal end attached to said attached rear end, the longitudinal base having a forward end affixed to a removable tube, the removable tube having a coaxially extending bore for receiving and straightening said spring wire guide as it is fed from said rear end.

Abstract: An introducer sheath for insertion into a patient's vascular system is provided having an irregular, undulating outer surface to interface with the irregular surface formed by the invasive procedure of inserting the sheath into a blood vessel. The sheath includes a helical coil member formed of continuous turns of spiral wound flat wire and a plastic sleeve surrounding the coil. Each turn of the coil is spaced apart from a next adjacent turn sufficiently to define therebetween an interstice wide enough to allow the plastic sleeve to be constricted into the interstices between the turns. A corresponding undulating outer surface is thereby formed to interface with a wall of blood vessel to minimize blood leakage therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, a lubricated inner plastic tube is proved, and a distal portion of the sheath surface has a smooth configuration.

Abstract: Large diameter catheters for drainage of body cavities and infusion are disclosed. A removable assembly comprising a stiffening cannula, hollow dilator and wire guide facilitate insertion, reduce trauma and reduce the risk to delicate tissue. The distal tip of the stiffening cannula interfaces with a shoulder within the catheter adjacent to the tip, and insertion is accomplished by application of axial pressure on the cannula which is transmitted to the catheter via the shoulder. The tapered tip of the dilator conforms to and reinforces the pliant tip of the catheter during insertion. The catheter includes a branch line for infusion and sampling.

Abstract: Equipment is disclosed for shielding a catheter such as a balloon-tipped vascular catheter from contamination during testing and insertion and for shielding a substantial reserve catheter section for use if catheter re-positioning is necessary. As shown, the structure includes two interconnecting envelopes which physically isolate the catheter. One envelope is designed to shield the distal end portion of the catheter during testing for luman patency and balloon inflation. The other envelope is extendible to cover the entire length of catheter intended for insertion into the patent upon completion of required tests. The second envelope thereafter provides a means for advancement or re-positioning of the catheter or withdrawal of the same without physical contact by the hands or exposure to airborne contaminants.