Abstract: A surface of an object comprises a material having a low surface energy. A first cover comprising a material having a higher surface energy than the surface of the object may cover and be affixed to the surface. A second cover may be adhered to and/or secured by the first cover so that the second cover is fixedly coupled to the surface of the object.

Abstract: Inflation systems and methods for inflating a balloon member are provided. The inflation system includes an inflation tool. The inflation tool includes a first component having a first arm where the first arm extends longitudinally along an axis of movement of the first component. The first arm includes a first and a second positioning member, the first positioning member is longitudinally spaced apart from the second positioning member. The first component is adapted to advance distally for inflation of the balloon member. Each positioning member corresponds to an inflation increment for the balloon member.

Abstract: Inflation systems and methods for inflating a balloon member are provided. The inflation system includes an inflation tool. The inflation tool includes a first component having a first arm where the first arm extends longitudinally along an axis of movement of the first component. The first arm includes a first and a second positioning member, the first positioning member is longitudinally spaced apart from the second positioning member. The first component is adapted to advance distally for inflation of the balloon member. Each positioning member corresponds to an inflation increment for the balloon member.

Abstract: A surface of an object comprises a material having a low surface energy. A first cover comprising a material having a higher surface energy than the surface of the object may cover and be affixed to the surface. A second cover may be adhered to and/or secured by the first cover so that the second cover is fixedly coupled to the surface of the object.

Abstract: A balloon catheter using a non-latex balloon is disclosed. The balloon catheter includes a catheter having a polished outer surface and a balloon section having a matte outer surface. A lumen extends from a proximal end of the catheter to the balloon section and an inflation port provides fluid communication between the lumen and the outer surface of the balloon section. A balloon is positioned over the balloon section and secured at a distal and proximal end.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device may include an active wire with an active exposed portion configured to contact tissue at a treatment site. The active wire may be movably disposed in an active wire lumen of an elongate tubular member, except at a distal portion where the active exposed portion may be disposed outside of the tubular member. At the distal portion, a recess may extend in a body of the tubular member, where a return electrode may be disposed. The return electrode may be an exposed portion of a return path configured to contact tissue at the treatment site.

Abstract: A percutaneous gastrostomy introduction system may include may include an elongate tube assembly including one or both of a dilator portion and a gastrostomy tube portion, which may be continuously formed or joined by one or more connection joints that may—in certain embodiments—provide for rotation about a common longitudinal axis. The dilator portion includes a helical surface for advancing contact with body tissue and may be disposed near (including up to and defining) a first end of the elongate tube assembly. An engagement structure, including—for example—one or more of a wire loop, a user-graspable handle, or another graspable structure may be included at the first end of the device. Device embodiments may be effective to lessen or prevent tenting of patient tissue during introduction.