Abstract: An infusion device including a site and a set for delivery of a substance to a patient. The site can include a cannula that is introduced into a subcutaneous layer of skin of the patient. The set can be coupled to the site by, for example, placing the set over the site and moving the set from an unlocked to a locked position. The substance can then be delivered through the set to the site, and from the site into the patient through the cannula. The set can be oriented at multiple rotational orientations with respect to the site, and can be coupled and uncoupled with the site multiple times.

Abstract: An apparatus for the injection of therapeutic and other agents at a target site within a patient's body. A catheter including a first elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter also including a second elongated shaft slidingly disposed in the first elongated shaft, the second elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter further including a third elongated shaft disposed in and attached to the second elongate shaft, the third elongated shaft to move in a one-to-one relationship with the first elongated shaft and the second elongated shaft to maintain a predetermined needle deployment length as each are subjected to various bend configurations.

Abstract: Methods and delivery devices for maximizing injectate dispersion in lesioned tissue using needle-based injection devices are herein disclosed. The delivery devices include injection devices with various needle arrays and/or modified needle tip configurations. The needle tip configurations can include linear, hooked or corkscrew tips and/or multiple circumferential openings.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: A depth probe for intracranial treatment is provided having a body that includes a distal portion with one aperture and at least one element mounted upon the exterior surface, a lumen defined by the body that is accessed only through the aperture and an opening, and a proximal portion with at least one proximal-contact radially circumscribing the body. The proximal-contact is conductively connected with the element. The lumen is sized to receive coaxially an inner catheter adapted to transfer a fluid such as a drug with a tissue region within the patient's brain. The aperture is coaxial with the lumen and sized to allow the inner catheter to pass through it. The depth probe preferably includes an inflatable balloon secured upon its distal portion proximal to the element. The balloon is adapted to seal upon inflation the tract created by the probe when inserted into the brain.

Abstract: An infusion device including a site and a set for delivery of a substance to a patient. The site can include a cannula that is introduced into a subcutaneous layer of skin of the patient. The set can be coupled to the site by placing the set over the site and moving the set from an unlocked to a locked position. The set can be oriented at multiple rotational orientations with respect to the site, and can be coupled and uncoupled with the site multiple times. Also included is a device for inserting a subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient. Some devices automatically retract a needle used to introduce the cannula. Upon full introduction of the needle and associated cannula of the subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient, the device can move the needle into a retracted state.

Abstract: The catheter provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention includes an elongate tube having a proximal tube portion and a distal tube portion formed by stretching the distal portion of the elongate tube. The catheter is made throughout from an identical material. The distal tube portion has a reduced outer diameter and thus is of a higher flexibility and softness. Therefore, the danger of injuries to vessels or the dura is decreased. The catheter can be produced in an inexpensive and simple manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a guidewire and for connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The apparatus includes a steering device for gripping an exterior of the guidewire, the steering device defining a passageway therein through which the guidewire may pass; and a connecting device for connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The connecting device is configured for mating with the steering device to form an integral unit. The invention further includes a method of inserting a guidewire in a body and connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire.

Abstract: A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.

Abstract: A needle assembly has a first body and a guide rod supported for sliding movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A second body is attached to the guide rod. The second body is relatively farther from the first body when the guide rod is in the extended position and relatively closer to the first body when the guide rod is in the retracted position. The guide rod is biased to the extended position. The second body supports a venting needle that extends beyond the second body by a fixed length. A liquid handling needle is coupled to the first body. Sliding movement of the guide rod toward the retracted position retracts the second body and the venting needle relative to the liquid handling needle.

Abstract: A cannula implantation instrument for use with the delivery of guide wire based implants includes a handle having an open slot for receiving a guide wire and a cavity for receiving an implant pre-mounted on the guide wire, a cannula having an open slot for also receiving a guide wire and a sharpened tip for introducing the cannula and guide wire simultaneously into the vas deferens of a patient, and a guide wire on which an intra vas implant is pre-mounted. The instrument further includes a safety clip on the handle that secures the guide wire and/or implant to the handle until released by a physician. The cannula implantation instrument may be ergonomically formed to provide comfort and ease while being handled by the physician.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for dilating tissue. In one embodiment, a braided tube is provided having an inner lumen extending along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends, and at least one axial support member slidably disposed along a length of the braided tube. In use, the axial support member(s) can move longitudinally to selectively increase and decrease a diameter of the inner lumen of the braided tube, and thereby dilate tissue.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided having an outer catheter and at least one inner catheter chosen from a plurality of different inner catheters for delivery of a treatment agent to a selected tissue region of the brain. The outer catheter has a lumen in communication with an opening and at least one aperture. Each inner catheter is sized to be received within the lumen and has a passageway and at least one port in communication with that passageway. The system preferably has inner catheters having different lengths and/or passageways with different diameters. The outer catheter can include an element that monitors brain activity. The outer catheter can also have an inflatable balloon proximal to an element. A method of delivering a treatment agent, preferably a drug, to a select tissue region of a targeted area of the brain for intracranial treatment of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for slitting a first elongated flexible catheter/sheath used with an elongated flexible component. The device includes a handle, an elongated groove and a cutter member. The cutter member has a sharp distally located cutting edge and a top surface from which a finger projects distally. The cutting edge is located under the finger and is arranged to be located within the annular space between the component and the first catheter/sheath when the first catheter/sheath is within the groove. The cutting edge serves to slice the first catheter/sheath longitudinally when the first catheter/sheath is pulled in a proximal direction. The finger protects the component from injury.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for administering drugs during an endoluminal procedure is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes a catheter having distal and proximal ends and a drug reservoir located within the catheter to efficiently and accurately deliver drugs during an endoluminal procedure.

Abstract: A cannula, for delivering a bolus of a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior chamber of the eye, having an orifice disposed at the distal tip. The cannula is slidably disposed within a hypodermic needle. The sliding action of the cannula within the needle provides a means for trimming a formed bolus of a pharmaceutically active agent from the orifice of the cannula. In addition, the double wall formed by the cannula within the needle provides insulation from the cooler temperatures within the eye to allow for the delivery of phase transition substances.

Abstract: A Safety Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) winged safety needle device provides a safety feature including a protective shield with handling wings, which when placed in cooperating relationship, allows accommodation of a blood collection needle and a hub. The Safety AVF provides a reliable and user friendly first releasable locking mechanism in an insertion position and a second unreleaseable locking mechanism in a protected position. The Safety AVF also allows for rotation of the needle after cannulation in order to maximize blood or fluid flow to or from a vessel.

Abstract: An epidural needle has an elongate tube and a hub with a proximal end, a distal end, an open passageway having an inside diameter, and a cavity disposed between the proximal end and distal end. The hub is attached to the elongate tube so that a hollow bore of the elongate tube is in fluid communication and substantial axial alignment with the open passageway. A resilient member defining an opening therethrough is disposed in the cavity and is axially aligned and in fluid communication with the open passageway. The hub has a clamp with a releasable latch disposed about the resilient member. The clamp is selectively movable between an open position wherein the inner diameter of the resilient member is substantially unaffected and a clamp/latch position wherein the clamp causes a strain to the resilient member and thereby reduces the inner diameter of the opening through the resilient member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of the eye are disclosed. Preferred devices of the invention include a piercing member that is inserted into the eye to create a pathway for a cannula. The cannula is slidably mounted to the piercing member and is adapted to reach a treatment site within the eye at which material is injected into and/or withdrawn from the eye. The outer diameter of the piercing member is small enough to allow for self-sealing of the insertion site of the device upon the device's withdrawal therefrom. Also disclosed are methods for the utilizing the devices to treat the eye.

Abstract: An intrathecal catheter for delivering fluid to, or withdrawing fluid from, the cerebrospinal fluid compartment of a patient, includes a proximal end and a distal portion. The distal portion has an outer diameter of about 1 mm or less, a bending stiffness of about 0.002 pounds per square inch or less, and a distal end. A delivery region is located between the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen extends from the proximal end to the delivery region. The catheter may further include a coiled structure region to prevent dislodgement of the catheter from a tissue in which the coiled structure is implanted, for example the cisterna magna. The catheter may also include tines to anchor portions of the catheter, for example to a portion of the spinal canal.

Abstract: A gastrostomy catheter introducing device includes a puncturing device 1 including a body 6 having a tube 4 and a flange 5, and a puncturing needle 7 axially slidably held in the tube 4 of the body 5; and a gastric wall fixating and fistula expanding device 2 including an outer tube 9 to be inserted into the tube 4 of the puncturing device 1, a gastrostomy catheter guide member 10 held inside the outer tube 9, a clip 11 swingably attached to an inner end part of the gastrostomy catheter guide member 10, and a clip turning member 12 having one end connected to the clip 11 to turn the clip 11.

Abstract: A medication discharge assembly useful in patient systems includes a tubular element and a stylet. In a first, closed position, the stylet is seated within the tubular element and may provide a piercing point facilitating insertion of the tubular element to a treatment site. In a second, open position, the stylet is removed from the tubular element, and the tubular element provides a travel pathway for a drug introduced to the tubular element at a proximal connection port for specific interstitial and subcutaneous diffusion and dispersion of medication along the tubular element's length near a distal discharge port through disparate perforations, which may be formed as striations of increasing length nearer the distal discharge port. The stylet in the first position may be oriented to seal this travel pathway. Depth-finding features associated with the tubular element, visually perceptible and particularly useful for placement of the assembly, may be included.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating pneumothorax and/or hemothorax that does not require the assembly of parts and can be used by medical personnel with minimal experience and training in treating these conditions. The apparatus comprises a trocar obturator unit comprising a stylet having a point for puncturing the chest or other body cavity, and a stopper integrally attached to the stylet. The catheter assembly is comprised of a tube dimensioned to receive the stylet and a hub integrally attached to the distal end of the catheter assembly for receiving the stopper. The one-way valve composed of a pliable material covers the hub. The lumen of the one-way valve is continuous with the lumens of the tube and the hub of the catheter assembly. The trocar obturator unit also includes a pull handle for safely removing the trocar obturator unit from the catheter assembly in accordance with the method of the invention.

Abstract: A catheter system and method is provided for overcoming various problems commonly associated with the application of regional anesthesia. Disclosed herein are several embodiments for providing continuous regional anesthesia. In general, the catheter system includes an epidural catheter, an epidural needle, tubing for optional fluid administration, an attached conductive wire (for connection to a nerve stimulator) and a catheter introducer, which is integrated within the proximal hub of the insulated needle. The embodiments may differ in several ways.

Abstract: A cannula system (1) comprising a tubular housing (7) having a front and a rear end. A slider (6) is displaceably mounted inside the housing (7) between a front and a rear limit position. A tear end (5) of a cannula (3) is rigidly joined to the slider (6), the front end of said cannula being fitted with a front end (4) having a tip to pierce biological tissue and extending into the front end of the housing (7) when the slider (6) is in the rear limit position. Means are provided to move the cannula (3) back. A catheter (2) is affixed to the rear end of the housing (7) in the direction opposite the direction of piercing and extends at least in part through the slider (6) and into the cannula (3), preferably as far as the front end of said cannula, when the slider (6) is in its front limit position and the cannula (3) projects from the front end of the housing (7).

Abstract: A retractable needle fluid transfer device is provided. The device includes a manually operable actuator for affecting retraction. Upon depressing the actuator, a spring displaces the needle rearwardly so that the contaminated needle is enclosed, thereby preventing inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes forward and rearward stops for impeding displacement of the needle after the needle is retracted. A seal prevents contaminants from entering the device after the needle is retracted. A safety sampling access port adapter for obtaining fluid samples from a fluid line is also provided. The sampling adapter includes a first end configured to cooperate with an access port attached to the fluid line. The sampling adapter further includes a collapsible socket configured to cooperate with a fluid container such as a vacuum tube. A needle assembly disposed within the housing of the sampling adapter is operable to pierce the seal on the fluid container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing cardiac support provide a cannula body having an inlet and an outlet. The cannula includes a preformed bend sized and configured to extend within the heart chamber between the inlet and the outlet. The cannula is inserted through a first valve into a heart chamber and through a second valve out of the heart chamber. Blood is drawn into the cannula through the inlet and discharged from the cannula through the outlet, thereby bypassing the heart chamber.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising a housing, an elongated member extending from the housing, and a plurality of tines positioned in the housing. Each of the tines has a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion. An actuator is operatively associated with the tines and actuable to a first position to move the plurality of tines from a retracted position substantially within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending from the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of tines from the first position to a second deployed position.

Abstract: A transcutan catheter assembly including a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, and a collar of a relatively flexible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. The catheter extends in a fluid tight manner through the collar such that the distal end of the catheter protrudes underneath the lower surface of the collar and its proximal end is accessible at the upper surface for the connection of tubing to the catheter. The lower surface of the collar has adhesive properties for fluid tight attachment to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating the appetite of an individual suffering from morbid obesity, the apparatus including a plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged longitudinally on at least one electrode support shaft for insertion within the hypothalamus for outputting electrical discharges to specific sites within the hypothalamus. Each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes may be independently controlled. Electrical discharge of various frequencies transmitted from one or more of the plurality of stimulation electrodes, and delivered to a region of the hypothalamus that is involved with either stimulating or inhibiting appetite, may be used to regulate appetite in the individual. Alternatively, an individual's appetite may be regulated by the microinfusion from at least one microinfusion catheter of an appropriate quantity of a suitable drug to a distinct site or region within the hypothalamus.

Abstract: A medical needle includes a solid rod-like inner needle to be inserted into the living tissue, and a hollow cylindrical outer tube needle to be inserted into the living tissue together with the inner needle, while the inner needle is inserted into the inner needle. The hollow cylindrical outer tube needle is retained in the living tissue after the inner needle is removed. A tip portion of the inner needle extending out of a front end bore of the outer tube needle is formed as a spherical crown portion capable of being inserted along a punctured hole previously formed in the living tissue so as not to damage the lumen of the punctured hole. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a pain upon creating a puncture, subcutaneous bleeding and damage to a blood vessel wall, eliminate coring, and an infectious accident.

Abstract: A pain abatement catheter system particularly suited for treatment within the epidural space of a patient which includes an epidural introducer assembly, an epidural catheter and a steerable epidural guidewire assembly. The introducer assembly provides a one-piece introduction into the epidural space and includes an elongated introducer needle, an inner stylet, and a flexible outer sheath with a hub. The improved epidural catheter may be safely introduced into the epidural space under fluoroscopic guidance and can be effectively steered through tortuous anatomy, adhesions, or scar tissue for the purpose of delivering medications or contrast dyes to highly selective areas of the epidural space including nerve-root-sleeve injections. The epidural catheter/hub assembly is advanced over a soft atraumatic tip guidewire which significantly decreases the risk of device breakage, nerve root damage, or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter has a hollow catheter body, a catheter tube fitted to a front end of the catheter body, an elastic valve fitted inside the catheter body, and a hollow plug slidably fitted inside the catheter body. The catheter tube, the elastic valve, and the plug are aligned in this order. A connector inserted from a proximal end of the catheter pushes the plug, and the plug presses the elastic valve open.

Abstract: An access system for providing subcutaneous access to a vessel, organ, or body cavity comprises a needle and a rigid or semi-rigid tunneler arranged coaxially around the needle, such that the needle moves slidably within the tunneler. Optionally a sheath may be positioned coaxial to the tunneler. The tunneler-needle system is inserted through an incision in a patient's skin to initiate a procedure whereby a catheter is inserted into the vessel, organ, or body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising an elongated member having a distal tip and a first and second set of openings formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip. The second set of openings is positioned proximally of the first set of openings. First and second set of fluid delivery members are movably positioned in the elongated for delivering fluid to the lesion. An actuator moves the fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated members to a first deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member and moves the fluid delivery members from the first deployed position to a second deployed position extending further radially from the elongated member. The fluid delivery members are retained in the first and second deployed positions by a retention member.

Abstract: A catheter introducer includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the tube for accommodating a catheter traveling along a longitudinal axis of the tube and a head portion coupled to the distal end of the tube. The head portion includes an aperture in fluid communication with the lumen at a proximal end thereof and a tip at a distal end thereof, an exterior surface extending from the proximal end thereof to an opening of the head portion along a first portion of the head portion and extending from the proximal end thereof to the tip along an opposing portion of the head portion and an interior surface extending from the aperture to the opening of the head portion along the first portion of the head portion and extending from the aperture toward the tip along the opposing portion of the head portion.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a biocompatible polymer composition for treatment of urinary incontinence provides for delivery of biocompatible polymer material and a solidification agent through two lumens. The delivery device provides better control of the precipitation of the polymer in the periurethral tissue and detachment of the precipitated mass from the delivery device. The medical device includes a needle having a lumen and an inner cannula positioned within the needle lumen and movable longitudinally in the needle lumen from an extended position to a withdrawn position to sheer or cut the delivered mass of polymer material away from the needle tip.

Abstract: An attachment tool to facilitate the attachment of a catheter or similar elongated instrument to a guide-wire or other elongated guide member, without requiring access to either end of said wire or member. Said tool providing repeatable and reliable alignment of components to be attached, while being operated with a single hand. The tool further facilitates the attachment of a plurality of catheters or instruments to a single wire or member.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly according to one embodiment comprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block defines a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottom surface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passageways corresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate is configured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluid communication is established between each well and an associated fluid passageway.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a needle component (10) and a blunting component (26), the needle component (10) containing a needle cannula (12) mounted in a housing (16) which defines a fluid chamber such as a fluid chamber (20). The blunting component (26) contains a non-perforated, open-ended blunting probe (28) mounted in a shuttle (30). The needle cannula (12) and the blunting probe (28) are disposed telescopically one within the other without obstructing flow through the needle passageway, and are movable between a sharpened configuration and a blunted configuration. The blunting member (26) is configured to permit the open end of the blunting probe (28) to provide flow access to the fluid chamber (20) in the housing (16).

Abstract: A tearable hemostasis valve for use with a splittable sheath. The hemostasis valve may include grip tabs, which may be pulled in generally opposing directions. The opposing forces tear open the valve body open along a score line. The tearable hemostasis valve includes a snap fit arrangement for mounting to a neck-and-hub arrangement of a splittable sheath. When the valve is pressed down onto the neck-and-hub arrangement, the snap fit arrangement deforms outwardly to permit the hub to pass through and into the cavity. After the hub passes through, the annular sidewall seats snugly around the neck. When an operation is complete, the tearable hemostasis valve may be torn open and discarded. The splittable introducer sheath may be torn open along its longitudinal axis by grasping opposing sheath wings and pulling in opposite directions. As the sheath is split, it may be withdrawn from a body and discarded.

Abstract: A guidewire exit tool includes a pin that is insertable into a guidewire channel of a rapid exchange-type catheter. The pin has at least one tapered end that urges a guidewire out of a slit in guidewire channel. In one embodiment the exit tool has an oval handle that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pin such that the tool can be easily grasped and moved along the guidewire channel.

Abstract: There is described a unit dosage powder receptacle which receptacle is provided with a frangible sealing member characterised in that the receptacle is provided with means to enable the frangible sealing member to be ruptured by inserting a powder flow channel through the sealing member such that the sealing member ruptures in a direction away from the powder. There is also described a rupturing member adapted for rupturing such a unit dosage powder receptacle and also a powder delivery device comparing a unit dosage powder receptacle and a method of treatment related thereto.

Abstract: The safety needle employs a manually operable actuator that can be depressed into a housing in order to release a spring-biased slider that carries a hollow needle. Upon release, the slider moves into a position to retract the needle over a blunt cannula so that the blunt cannula protects against cutting by the needle. An actuator guard may also be employed to prevent inadvertent actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment (X) for body fluid sampling device, comprising: a lancing member (21) including a lancing needle (28); an analyzing implement (5) for obtaining information on a target component in body fluid; and an attachment main body (1) holding the lancing member (21) and the analyzing implement (5). The attachment main body (X) includes a movable member (3) movable with the analyzing implement (5) longitudinally of the lancing needle (28). The attachment main body (1) includes for example, a holder (2) for holding the lancing member (21). The holder (2) has an inner space (22) for movement of the lancing needle (28). The lancing needle (28) is held preferably as sealed in the inner space (22).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing cardiac support provide a cannula body having an inlet and an outlet. The cannula includes a preformed bend sized and configured to extend within the heart chamber between the inlet and the outlet. The cannula is inserted through a first valve into a heart chamber and through a second valve out of the heart chamber. Blood is drawn into the cannula through the inlet and discharged from the cannula through the outlet, thereby bypassing the heart chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device for an injection needle or infusion needle (2), comprising a needle holder (1) at the proximal end of the needle, on whose shaft a protective element (3) for the needle tip can be moved, said protective element (3) being prevented, by an engagement device (4, 18) between needle (2) and protective element (3), from being moved past the needle tip, and a grip part (6) being provided between protective element (3) and needle holder (1) for the purpose of moving or securing the protective element (3).

Abstract: Invention relates to catheter placement devices for peripheral blood vessel catheterization with protected needle tip and shortened length in a transport position (see FIG. 31). In the transport position (FIG. 9), the needle and catheter units (1 and 5) are held inside the handle (8). User transposes the needle and catheter units into a duty ready position (FIG. 6), wherein the needle unit is engaged with the handle distal end and a catheter hub (7) protrudes distally out of the handle. After catheter insertion into patient's vein, user disconnects the needle unit and handle allowing the needle unit retraction by a resilient member (11) into the protection position. The trigger and transposing means (22) location enables the apparatus single handed control. The fixation means (31) in the protection position eliminates repeated needle unit advance. It can be used rubber or spiral spring resilient members and the catheter hubs with foldable side wings and side port.

Abstract: A parenteral apparatus (10, 50, 60, 70, 90, 110, 120) comprises a chamber (26) for parenteral fluid within a housing (12). The apparatus also includes an axially slidable seal (24) operatively associated with a needle (28) and a catheter (32) enclosing the needle (28) in part. In operation, the needle (28) makes an incision in tissue by means of a sharp point (33) and it is then withdrawn into the housing (12) whilst the catheter remains in contact with the tissue. The parenteral fluid is expelled by movement of the seal (24) from the chamber (26) through the needle (28) initially and subsequently through the needle (28) and the catheter (32) as the needle (28) is withdrawn.

Abstract: An introducing apparatus is provided which includes an elongate tubular sheath extending from a sheath proximal end to a sheath distal end. The sheath has a bore sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath further includes at least one tab extending away from a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The dilator extends from a dilator proximal end to a dilator distal end. The introducing apparatus further includes a needle disposed within the dilator, and retractably coupled with the dilator. One or more portions of the needle is flexible.