Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised within tissue engineering and, specifically, within bone regeneration. The invention relates to a porous three-dimensional matrix of monetite which is biocompatible, has structured porosity and is predefined and reabsorbable, as well as to the method of synthesis capable of producing said material and the applications thereof. These matrices are a perfect base for cell colonization and proliferation, allowing the application thereof in tissue engineering and bone regeneration as a result of their advantageous properties of biocompatibility, reabsorption, osteoinduction, revascularization, etc.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation into vessels or luminal structures within the body is provided, which stimulates positive blood vessel remodeling. The medical device, such as a stent and a synthetic graft, is provided with a coating with a pharmaceutical composition containing a controlled-release matrix and one or more pharmaceutical substances for direct delivery of drugs to surrounding tissues. The coating on the medical device further comprises one or more barrier layers, and a ligand such as a peptide, an antibody or a small molecule for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in the blood contacting surface of the device for restoring an endothelium at the site of injury. In particular, the drug-coated stents are for use, for example, in balloon angioplasty procedures for preventing or inhibiting restenosis.

Abstract: A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.

Abstract: Novel polymer shrink tubes, such as fluoropolymer shrink tubes and novel uses thereof. The polymer shrink tubes include at least one three-dimensional pattern formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube. The polymer shrink tubes can be used for, for example, embossing a pattern into a polymer tube. Further use includes, for example, forming a catheter with at least one channel located in the catheter wall.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: It is provided an implantable device including a polymer blend that contains a polymer formed of fluorinated monomers and hydrocarbon monomers and another biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antimicrobial compositions including a polyhaloolefin polymer, a cationic antimicrobial agent, and a vehicle that includes a plasticizer and a heat stabilizer. The cationic antimicrobial agent can be partially soluble in the vehicle. The present disclosure also provides for articles formed from the composition, with cationic antimicrobial agent incorporated throughout the polymer matrix, as well as methods of manufacturing the composition.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer composition on a substrate and a surface modification method which is non-selective to substrate materials. Chemical vapor deposition polymerization is used to deposit a maleimide-functionalized poly-p-xylylene coating on a substrate. The substrate is readily available to perform a thiol-maleimide coupling reaction under mild conditions so as to modify the surface thereof. Furthermore, through a tailored thiol-terminal molecule, a designer surface can be created via thiol-maleimide coupling on a substrate, and the resulting surface can exhibit various desired biological functions for biotechnological applications. Therefore, this modification technique can be applied to biological fields extensively.

Abstract: Provided is a cell adhesion inhibitor which exhibits low cytotoxicity and an excellent cell adhesion prevention effect; a tool and an apparatus each having a surface modified through application of the cell adhesion inhibitor thereto; a method for producing each of the surface-modified tool and apparatus; a biomedical structure and a production method therefor; and a microchannel device and a production method therefor. The invention provides a cell adhesion inhibitor comprising, as an active ingredient, a polymer comprising a repeating unit having a sulfinyl group in a side chain thereof.

Abstract: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics. The stent has a plurality of hoop components interconnected by at least one flexible connector. The hoop components are formed as a continuous series of alternating substantially longitudinally oriented strut members and connector junction struts, whereas the longitudinal strut is connected to the connector junction strut by alternating substantially circumferentially oriented arc members.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a user of the apparatus is described together with a method for protecting said apparatus when subjected to abnormal stresses, the apparatus comprising a device and a waste canister releasably connected thereto wherein the device and waste canister are connected together by clip means, said clip means being subject to failure upon application of abnormal stresses thereby permitting separation of the device and waste canister.

Abstract: A small manually operable pump which may be of the squeeze-bulb type, arranged to reduce fluid pressure and receive a fluid at a first end and to discharge a flow from an opposite end, and provided with a connector at each end so that it can be connected to various articles of emergency medical equipment to provide increased pressure or suction as required. A collection bag is arranged to use both the suction and the pressurized flow of the pump to suck materials from a wound or a patient's airway into the collection bag.

Abstract: A vacuum dressing to cover a medical device insertion site, generally comprising a transparent film dressing member, adapted to form a sealed region between the film dressing member and a region of skin surrounding the insertion site; a sponge/foam member adapted to be positioned over the insertion site; and vacuum tubing, wherein the vacuum tubing permits vacuum pressure to be applied to the sealed region.

Abstract: A ventricle assist device comprises an inlet for receiving blood, an outlet for discharging blood, and a chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet. There is also a means for actuating the ventricle assist device between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration blood flows into the inlet. In the contracted configuration blood flows out of the outlet. There may be a one-way valve at the outlet for preventing blood flow back into the chamber. The one-way valve is a diaphragm valve. The chamber may have a resilient outer wall. The chamber may have an ovoid shape.

Abstract: A dialysis device for operation in multiple modes and for maintaining a known gradient of potassium ion or other electrolyte between the blood of a patient and a dialysate fluid is described. The dialysis device is capable of being used for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and the dialysis device is capable of operation with a dialysate purification unit outside of a clinical setting or with a supply of water that can be supplied in a clinical setting. The dialysis device has a composition sensor containing a potassium-sensitive electrode for measuring a potassium ion concentration in one or more of the patient's blood and the dialysate fluid and an infusate pump operated to adjust a potassium ion concentration in the dialysate fluid based at least in part on data from the composition sensor.

Abstract: A device for monitoring an extracorporeal blood circuit of an extracorporeal blood treatment device for detection of air bubbles in blood that is conveyed in the extracorporeal circuit by a blood pump, and a method for monitoring an extracorporeal blood circuit for detection of air bubbles, together with a device for monitoring the extracorporeal blood circuit are described. The device and method are based on monitoring the negative pressure in the extracorporeal blood circuit upstream of the blood pump, to allow differentiation between the occurrence of microbubbles which are attributable to cavitation and an entry of air not due to cavitation. When the negative pressure is above a predetermined limit value and microbubbles are detected in the extracorporeal blood circuit, it is deduced that the microbubbles are produced by cavitation and the mechanisms for dissolving the microbubbles are insufficient to remove the microbubbles again before they could reach the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10, 100, 200) for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood. The arrangement (10, 100, 200) comprises a filter (12) which has a membrane (16) that separates a blood region (14) from a gas region (18). The extracorporeal flow of blood is passed through the blood region (14) of the filter (12). Likewise, a gas flow of a purge gas is passed through the gas region (18), the purge gas being an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases. Further, the invention relates to a method for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood in which likewise an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases is used as a purge gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorption agent having improved selectivity properties for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid, in particular blood or blood plasma of patients having severe disturbances of the liver function or liver failure and having kidney insufficiency, thee sorption agent having: (a) a porous, neutral, hydrophobic polymer and (b) a polypeptide layer adsorbed on the polymer, the neutral, hydrophobic polymer having a mean pore size of at least 15 nm. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods and uses in connection with such a sorption agent. The invention is used in particular in extracorporeal liver support.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling, regulating, altering, transforming or otherwise modulating the delivery of a substance to a delivery site. The devices, systems and methods optimize the delivery of the substance to an intended site, such as a vessel, vascular bed, organ and/or other corporeal structures, while reducing inadvertent introduction or reflux substance to other vessels, vascular beds, organs, and/or other structures, including systemic introduction.

Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.

Abstract: Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, insertion tools, and related components as well as combinations thereof and related methods.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes which expand around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, or such as nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel, or in prostatic tissue. The system may also controls the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into and beyond the tissue of the vessel wall. The catheter may also include structures which provide radial and/or lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes expand uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened injection needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall.

Abstract: An arrangement for administering a predetermined amount of a substance into an organism is presented. The arrangement includes a member adapted to provide information indicative of a tissue resistance against flow of a fluid containing the substance upon administration into the tissue and a controller adapted to adjust an administration characteristic of the fluid based on the information such as to achieve an intended absorption rate of the substance.

Abstract: There are cases where a fluid transport apparatus cannot accurately discharge a set discharge amount of fluid, due to individual differences in components of the fluid transport apparatus, such as the diameter of an opening of an elastic tube. Therefore, in a fluid transport apparatus including a fluid transport cartridge and a fluid transport driving unit that are separable from each other, the fluid transport driving unit comprises a driving section that causes a drive mechanism to operate to transport fluid filling a transport path of an attached fluid transport cartridge to a discharge opening of the transport path; a receiving section that receives a characteristic value measured in advance for each of a plurality of the fluid transport cartridges; and a control section that controls the driving section based on the characteristic values received by the receiving sections.

Abstract: An administering device for administering an active substance from a multi-chamber container comprising a first chamber holding a solid active substance and a second chamber holding a dissolving liquid for the active substance, wherein the administering device comprises a mixing device for mixing the active substance with the dissolving liquid and a housing accommodating the mixing device, the container being moveable relative to the housing, and the administering device further comprising a first indicator for indicating a position of the container relative to the housing upon completion of a mixing step, and a second indicator for indicating a position of the container relative to the housing upon completion of a venting step.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device is provided comprising first maximum dose stop features (1) on a first component part (2) of the drug delivery device and corresponding second maximum dose stop features (3) on a second component part (4) of the drug delivery device, with the first and second maximum dose stop features (1, 3) being designed to limit a relative movement between the first and second component parts (2, 4). To limit the maximum dose which can be chosen, a maximum dose limiting device (5, 10, 10?, 10?, 10??) is provided interposed on the first component part (2) between the first and second maximum dose stop features (1, 3).

Abstract: A medicament delivery device for a reconstituted medicament, comprising a proximal housing part (12; 12?; 12??), a distal housing part (10; 10?; 10??), a medicament delivery drive unit and actuation means, wherein the medicament delivery drive unit is mounted in said distal housing part and wherein the actuation means further include an activation member (74; 101; 201) which is displaceable between an inactive position wherein the actuator is prevented from engaging the medicament delivery drive unit and an active position wherein the actuator is able to engage the medicament delivery drive, whereby the actuator is capable of interacting with said medicament delivery drive unit to perform a delivery of the reconstituted medicament only in the active position of the activation member and in the second position of the medicament delivery drive unit.

Abstract: A retractable syringe is proposed having a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit is proposed. The disposable needle assembly has a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit.

Abstract: Described is a needle safety device comprising a needle hub adapted to couple to an injection device a needle coupled to the needle hub and having a distal tip, a needle shield telescopically coupled to the needle hub and including a biasing element, and a locking element arranged on the needle hub. When the needle shield is in a first axial position, the needle shield covers the distal tip of the needle. When the needle shield is in a second axial position, the needle shield moves proximally relative to the needle hub to expose the distal tip of the needle and the locking element deflects the biasing element. When the needle shield is in a third axial position, the locking element engages the biasing element and the needle shield covers the distal tip of the needle.

Abstract: A self-priming IV set valve includes a connector including a valve element that is positioned inside of the connector, and a cap that is removably connected to the connector. When the cap is mounted to the connector a passageway is formed in the connector such that air and liquid are permitted to pass through the connector and into the cap whereupon a hydrophobic filter of the cap prevents the passage of liquid there through while the hydrophobic filter permits the passage of air out of the cap and into the atmosphere. When the cap is not mounted to the connector, the valve element of the connector is configured to open under pressure and close when pressure ceases. Also disclosed is a method of priming the IV set, a cap assembly for a self-priming IV set valve, and a connector for a self-priming IV set valve.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a self-priming IV set valve includes a body portion that is configured to be removably connected to the IV set valve; a hydrophobic filter that is mounted to the body portion; and an actuator having a free end that is configured to either puncture, move or displace a valve element of the IV set valve. A fluid passageway is disposed either in or along the actuator. When the cap assembly is mounted to the IV set valve, the actuator either punctures, moves or displaces the valve element of the IV set valve such that air and liquid within the IV set valve can flow through the fluid passageway and onto the hydrophobic filter, whereupon the hydrophobic filter of the cap assembly prevents the passage of liquid through the hydrophobic filter while the hydrophobic filter permits the passage of air there-through and into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A connector of a self-priming IV set valve including a connector body having a hollow region, and a valve element that is at least partially positioned in the hollow region that is configured to be moved, displaced or punctured by a cap that is releasably connectable to the connector body. When the cap is mounted to the connector, the cap either punctures or moves the valve element and a passageway is formed in the connector such that air and liquid are permitted to pass through the connector and into the cap. When the cap is not mounted to the connector, the valve element of the connector is configured to open under pressure to permit the passage of liquid through the connector and close when pressure ceases.

Abstract: An access port device is provided including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end with at least one lumen extending therethrough, a first ring secured at the proximal end of the tubular member, and a second ring secured at the distal end of the tubular member. The access port device further includes a flow regulator disposed on a top portion of the at least one lumen, the flow regulator having a head portion and a body portion, the body portion extending asymmetrically downward to form a substantially triangular opening for regulating an output rate of insufflation gasses from a surgical site.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid form medicament formulation having a viscosity of from 10 to 2000 mPa·s, is disclosed having a housing and a fluid discharge device. The fluid discharge device is arranged to be actuated by one or more levers, so as to apply a force to the fluid discharge device which is used to move a container forming part of the fluid discharge device, along a longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device to cause actuation of a pump forming. A pre-load mechanism prevents actuation of the pump until a pre-determined force is applied to each lever of sufficient magnitude to guarantee the production of a well-developed, efficient spray from the fluid dispensing device.

Abstract: A system for controlling machine-induced expiratory airflow of a subject, the subject having an airway, the system comprising: a pressure generator (140) configured to generate a pressurized flow of breathable gas for delivery to the airway of the subject; and one or more processors (110) configured to execute computer program modules, the computer program modules comprising: a control module (170) configured to control the pressure generator a metric determination module (154) configured to determine a value of a flow metric during expiration by the subject, a flow analysis module (156) configured to compare the determined value of the flow metric with a target level of the flow metric; and an adjustment module (160) configured to adjust one or more of exsufflation pressure.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening where the shield is designed to have an internal increase in pressure during assisted inhalation such as positive-pressure ventilation.

Abstract: A seal that contacts a portion of a patient to provide a comfortable interface between an external device, such as a respiratory mask, and the patient. The seal includes an elastic casing filled with a soft gel substance having a cone penetration of from about 5 to 200 penetrations.

Abstract: Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Abstract: A breathing filter system for a vaporizer system includes a connector comprising a first portion comprising a conduit manifold comprising having lumens; a second portion comprising an interface plug comprising a plug end; an external surface comprising ribs and grooves, the second portion further comprising openings in communication with the lumens of the conduits, each lumen communicating with a single opening, the openings being arranged in the grooves; and, a breathing filter system assembly comprising a housing comprising a first section including a first port, a second section including a second port, providing a bi-directional flow path between the ports; a gas reflection device, and a heat and moisture exchanging breathing filter, disposed in the housing across the fluid flow path, the breathing filter arranged in the first section, and the gas reflection device arranged in the second section; wherein the housing is in communication with the first portion.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising a catheter (3) and a balloon (7) located at a distal end (5) of the catheter (3). A plurality of measuring electrodes (12) formed on a primary substrate (17) extend around the catheter (3) within the balloon (7). The primary substrate (17) is formed by a portion of a flexible resilient membrane (25) which also forms a secondary substrate (19). The measuring electrodes (12) are formed on the primary substrate (17) by first electrically conductive tracks (27) and second electrically conductive tracks (28) which are electrically connected to the first electrically conductive tracks (27) are simultaneously formed on the secondary substrate (19). The membrane (25) is coiled to form a roll, and the primary substrate (17) is also coiled around the rolled secondary substrate (19).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a catheter for medical purposes, such as for insertion into a body opening for draining fluids, wherein the catheter comprises a flexible tube having a distal end region wherein the tube is provided with at least one draining opening, characterised in that the peripheral edge on the outside of the tube is provided with a curvature for creating a smooth transition between the exterior surface of the tube and the substantially radially oriented cut constituting the opening side and wherein said curvature is a rounded edge with a curvature radius between 0.2-0.6 mm. The invention further concerns a method of making such catheter and an apparatus for performing this method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter insertion device, which comprises a catheter hub in which a check valve is arranged, and a catheter, which is in fluid communication with the catheter hub, wherein a support element is attached to the catheter, and a flexible buffer element is provided between the support element and the catheter hub.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controllably variable fluid flow are disclosed that provide the ability to modify the effective cross-sectional area of the fluid delivery conduit available for fluid flow. Accordingly, selective control of these configurations allows fluid flow to be regulated as desired while the fluid delivery pressure remains the same. Additional configurations provided herein allow for the selective manipulation of a footprint or therapeutic pattern achievable with the medical device during a single procedure, negating the need for the removal and insertion of multiple devices to achieve the same variations in treatment geometry or characteristics.

Abstract: A catheter positioning system includes a catheter needle assembly comprising a catheter having a permanent hub and a needle carried in the catheter lumen. A releasable clamp is used to compress the catheter against the needle to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other. The clamp is periodically released after being moved a short distance toward the target vessel or nerve and is repositioned a short distance from the skin entry point to further advance the catheter needle assembly. The clamp is configured to be removed from the catheter by movement in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the catheter while the catheter hub remains in place. After successful placement of the catheter, the clamp may be snapped apart or opened along a hinge without moving the catheter from its final position.

Abstract: An introducer sheath, which is formed from a tubular member provided with a hollow portion through which an elongated body is freely insertable, and which includes a distal portion and a main body portion, wherein the inner diameter of the distal portion is formed to become gradually smaller toward the distal side, and on the inner surface of the distal portion, there is provided a hydrophobic coating having a friction coefficient lower than the friction coefficient of the tubular member.

Abstract: A catheter for use with a subintimal reentry guidewire includes a proximal portion having a proximal guidewire lumen and a proximal inflation lumen, a distal portion having a distal guidewire lumen and a distal inflation lumen, and an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion and having an intermediate inflation lumen in fluid communication with the proximal and distal inflation lumens. The intermediate portion is devoid of a guidewire lumen. A blocking mechanism disposed in the distal portion of the catheter is transformable from a non-blocking configuration in which a guidewire is free to translate through the distal guidewire lumen and a blocking configuration in which a guidewire disposed in the distal guidewire lumen is prevented from translating through the distal guidewire lumen.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit system including an outer lumen (810), an inner lumen (805), and an attaching device (820). In other embodiments, a multiple access port device adapted for communication with at least one of an outer lumen, an inner lumen, or an attaching device of a conduit system is provided. In yet other embodiments, a system including an inner lumen that is collapsible is provided. Means for closing a conduit system are also provided, including a plug for insertion through an attaching device and a variable radius coiled member associated with an attaching device.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.