Abstract: A sheath introducer for a catheter includes a sheath having a lumen, a hub positioned on a proximal end of the sheath, and a housing positioned on the hub. The hub can include a splittable penetration member having a port in fluid communication with the sheath lumen. The housing can include a valve having a closed upper surface and a channel surrounding the splittable penetration member. Movement of the housing with respect to the hub can expose the port of the splittable penetration member for insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: A sheath introducer for a catheter includes a sheath having a lumen, a hub positioned on a proximal end of the sheath, and a housing positioned on the hub. The hub can include a splittable penetration member having a port in fluid communication with the sheath lumen. The housing can include a valve having a closed upper surface and a channel surrounding the splittable penetration member. Movement of the housing with respect to the hub can expose the port of the splittable penetration member for insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing unlike conventional valves that are stationary. The movable housing allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. The protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for the catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.

Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.

Abstract: Catheters and their uses for vascular access to a patient, especially during dialysis procedures, are described. The catheter contains a continuous, multi-geometric flow path profile along the axis of the catheter. Thus, the shape and material forming the fluid pathway of the catheter can change anywhere along the axis of the catheter. With multi lumen catheters, this profile transforms from a substantially D-shaped cross section in the lumen of the catheter shaft to a substantially circular-shaped cross section in the extension leg. The materials used in the catheter can also transform from an opaque material used in the catheter shaft to a clear or transparent material that is used in the extension leg. The transition between these shapes and materials can be seamless, eliminating the need for a mechanical joint that is needed because the catheter shaft and catheter extension leg(s) are comprised of a single component. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.

Abstract: A medical device suitable for subcutaneous implantation, generally including a housing having a reservoir, a septum positioned within and supported by the housing, at least one light emitting element placed in position defining relation to the septum, and a pressure actuated, light activating circuitry associated with the at least one light emitting element. The light element(s) may be positioned, for instance, in at least partially surrounding relation around the septum, embedded within or below a translucent housing that supports the septum, positioned within the reservoir and adapted to emit its light through a translucent septum, or positioned on the exterior of the supporting housing. The medical device can be adapted to receive high pressure fluid injections and if so adapted, will include a light emitting element that will provide a visual indication this capacity.

Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing unlike conventional valves that are stationary. The movable housing allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. The protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for the catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.