Abstract: A stent and a method for implanting a stent for prophylactically protecting a duct are provided. The stent includes a non-expandable, generally tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a lumen extending through at least a portion of the body, a distal opening in the distal portion in fluid communication with the lumen and a proximal opening in the proximal portion in fluid communication with the lumen. The stent further includes a cap portion operably connected to the proximal portion of the body, the cap portion is movable between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The non-expanded configuration has a reduced diameter to facilitate advancement into the patient and the expanded configuration has an expanded diameter configured to protect an opening of the internal bodily duct so as to prevent an unintentional entry of an elongate medical device through the opening and into the passageway of the internal bodily duct.

Abstract: A wire guide system and method of use are described. The wire guide system comprises a sheathing member, an elongate member, and a self-expandable expandable anchoring portion. The expandable anchoring portion is affixed to the distal end of the elongate member. Advancement of the wire guide system may be achieved by pre-loading the elongate member and the expandable anchoring portion into a lumen of the sheathing member. Upon reaching a target site within a body lumen, the sheathing member is proximally retracted so as to expose the expandable anchoring portion. Retraction of the sheathing member allows the expandable anchoring portion to radially self-expand and engage one or more walls of the body lumen so as to anchor the elongate wire in position. The elongate wire now provides a stabilized pathway for medical devices to be advanced thereover.