Abstract: The catheter insertion device of the present invention includes a catheter dispenser having a catheter outlet extending from a base and a drum receptacle engaged to the base in a rotating relationship. An inlet opening in the base is coaxially aligned with the catheter outlet. A passageway extends from the inlet opening tangentially through the catheter drum to the catheter outlet. A rigid needle is disposed through the passageway so that the sharp tip extends beyond the catheter outlet. A flexible introducer catheter generally contiguously and telescopically surrounds the distal portion of the needle. The introducer catheter extends beyond the catheter outlet to a position on the needle that is proximate to the sharp tip and is operatively associated with the needle for insertion into the vein of a patient. A one way flow valve is in fluid-tight connection with the proximal end of the flexible introducer catheter.

Abstract: A biopsy needle device (10) is provided which includes an introducer cannula (20) defining a lumen (25) sized to receive a biopsy needle (11) therethrough and a lateral opening (24) in communication with the lumen (25) adjacent the first end (21) of the cannula (20). The invention also includes a solid tip (30) having an anatomically distal end (31) secured to the first end (21) of the cannula (20) and a proximal end (32) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (35) is disposed within the cannula (20) at an end (36) of the lateral opening (24) adjacent the first end (21) of the cannula (20). The ramp (35) is inclined toward the lateral opening (24), whereby a biopsy needle (11) will be deflected through the lateral opening (24) as it advances within the lumen (25) and exits the cannula (20).

Abstract: A biopsy instrument 40 includes a handle 1 and a disposable biopsy needle set or needle cartridge 20. The needle set includes a cannula 9 with a cannula hub 8 and a stylet 7 with a stylet hub 6. The needle set 20 is positionable within the handle 1 and actuatable thereby for purposes of taking a biopsy tissue sample. The needle set 20 and in particular the hubs 6, 8, in combination with the handle 1, perform the actuation sequence which allows the needle to be projected into the tissue to be biopsied and the cannula to be subsequently urged over the needle to collect the tissue.

Abstract: The needle assembly of the present invention includes a hollow cannula having a sharp distal end, a hollow stylet having a blunt distal end with a radial opening and an interior deflection surface near the radial opening, and a mechanism for biasing the stylet in a first position where the blunt distal end of the stylet extends beyond the sharp distal end of the cannula. Preferably, the hollow cannula hub has a proximal end which is coupled, e.g., via insert molding, to a hollow cannula hub. Likewise, the stylet preferably includes a proximal end which is coupled, e.g., via insert molding, to a hollow stylet hub which is longitudinally movable within the hollow cannula hub. The mechanism for biasing typically comprises a spring inside the cannula hub which biases the stylet hub to the first position where the blunt distal end of the stylet extends beyond the sharp distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention provides a delivery system for delivering a device for closing septal defects and the like. The system comprises an elongate, flexible urging member for urging the closure device through a catheter and a remotely located control means for advancing the urging member. The control means includes a threaded, generally tubular shaft connected to the urging member and a manually rotatable rotor mounted on the shaft, the rotor having threads which mate with the threads on the shaft so that rotation of the rotor through a known angle will advance the shaft, and hence the urging member, a known distance. In a preferred embodiment, the urging member includes a core wire adapted to retain a closure device prior to final deployment and a release lever for releasing the closure device from the core wire when the closure device is properly positioned.

Abstract: A medical device for advancing or retracting an elongate member is disclosed. The device is made up of a flexible tube. The elongate member is connected to a bead. The bead and elongate member are disposed axially within the tube. An advancer is provided which squeezes the walls of the tube together around the bead. The elongate member is thus advanced or retracted in the tube. The bead is provided with grooves to facilitate the flow of fluid through the tube. The elongate object may be an obturator or a probe for detecting a physiological parameter. Also disclosed is a a method for advancing or retracting an elongate member. The method has the steps of connecting the elongate member to a bead-like object, enclosing the elongate member and the bead within a hollow flexible tube, squeezing the tube near the bead-like object and imparting a substantially axial force to the tube such that the force is transmitted to the bead, thereby advancing the bead and the elongate object axially along the tube.

Abstract: An ingestible rejuvenation composition is injected into an enteral feeding tube to clean remnant food from the tube and decontaminate the tube. The rejuvenation composition includes a carrier, edible acids, enzymes for degrading the remnant food, and an edible antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An everting catheter system which includes an elongated outer catheter having an outer catheter lumen and an opening, an elongated inner catheter movable in the outer catheter lumen and having the inner catheter lumen adapted to receive an elongated instrument and an everting element coupled to the outer catheter and the inner catheter. With movement of the inner catheter in the outer catheter lumen, the everting element can be everted through the opening of the outer catheter. A controller is coupled to the inner catheter for moving the inner catheter in the outer catheter lumen and for moving the instrument in the inner catheter lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guide catheter system for guiding an angioplasty balloon catheter into a patient's vascular system. The guide catheter system includes a guide catheter and a distal guide catheter extension tube. The guide catheter constitutes an elongated tube, while the guide catheter extension constitutes a distal, smaller diameter extension for the guide catheter. The guide catheter extension is adapted to extend from the guide catheter to an extent possibly sufficient to reach the stenosis in a coronary artery. A fixed wire angioplasty balloon catheter is advanced through the guide catheter and guide catheter extension to the stenosis for treatment thereof. Efficient and easy exchange of the balloon catheter is achieved because the guide catheter extension remains in place when the balloon catheter is withdrawn proximally, so that a path remains to guide another balloon catheter to the stenosis for treatment thereof.

Abstract: A catheter introducer assembly is disclosed. The catheter introducer assembly is made UP of a housing having a needle attached to it. A guidewire is slidably located within the lumen of the needle. A catheter assembly is mounted over the needle. Within the housing is a plunger and secured to the plunger is a retainer for releasably retaining the guidewire within the needle lumen. Axial movement of the plunger causes axial movement of the guidewire. The retainer releasably retains the guidewire. Also disclosed is a method of introducing a catheter into a blood vessel. The method involves the steps of piercing the blood vessel with a sharp needle having a catheter mounted axially on it; sliding a guidewire through the lumen of the needle so that the guidewire protrudes from the distal end of the needle and into the vessel; sliding the catheter over the guidewire and into the vessel; withdrawing the needle from the catheter; and retaining the guidewire within the catheter after withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: A device is provided for feeding a guide wire into a hollow needle inserted into a patient's blood vessel to facilitate use of the wire for sliding a catheter over the wire into the blood vessel. The device includes an elongate coiled tube adapted to retain the wire with the wire in sliding engagement with the tube, and a discharge head coupled to one end of the tube. The head includes a guide opening adjacent the end of the tube, a platform having a surface adjacent the guide opening, and an outlet tip having a discharge opening. The platform is between the guide opening and the discharge opening the guide opening and discharge openings are proportioned to guide the wire in sliding contact with the wire and positioned to guide the wire over said surface.

Abstract: A body controller is provided for an endoscopic surgical instrument having a cylindrical housing and an instrument body concentrically disposed interior of the housing and moveable between first and second positions. The controller is designed to accommodate and be activated by light grasping and, preferably, compressive application of, a finger or thumb of the human operator to a section which preferably includes a flexible dome-like or other similarly shaped portion which is substantially immediately responsive to the application of the hand of the surgeon or other operator to activate a surgical instrument carried within the housing, such as a retractable needle, or the like, to one position. By withdrawing the finger or thumb of the surgeon from the flexible means, the instrument body may be moved to a second, or original, position.

Abstract: A handle for an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument including a flexible member positioned within a tubular body member extending from the handle. The flexible member is secured about a rotatable flywheel spool in said handle and extends to a tool mechanism at a distal end of the instrument. The flexible member is wound about the flywheel spool and is extended or withdrawn upon movement of the handle.

Abstract: A lockable wire guide control handle for grasping and manipulating a wire guide. The control handle includes an elongated member and a thumb slide positioned in a retention channel formed in the distal portion of the elongated member. The proximal portion of the elongated member is cylindrical having an enclosed passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, which is offset for passage of the wire guide therethrough. The distal portion of the elongated member includes a dovetail-shaped retention channel, the bottom surface including an inclined slot for positioning the wire guide therein. The thumb slide includes a mating dovetail-shaped tenon positioned in the retention channel. Extending from the flat surface of the dovetail-shaped tenon is an inclined projection for fixedly positioning the wire guide in the inclined slot. The inclined slot and projection have a variable, uniform spacing therebetween for fixedly positioning various diameter wire guides therein.

Abstract: A catheter exchange tool for use in vascular dilitation procedures comprising a tool couplable between a balloon catheter and a balloon guidewire. The tool is operated by a physician to exert a longitudinal force on the balloon catheter and, in response to the exertion of the force on the catheter, simultaneously exert an equal and opposite force on the balloon guidewire.

Abstract: A gripping-knob rotation tool for attachment to a medical guidewire as used in angioplasty and other medical procedures. The tool is installed laterally over the guidewire at any desired position along the length of the wire, and is secured thereto by a simple rotational or twisting motion. The tool provides a convenient gripping surface during rotation or translational movement of the guidewire, and is adjustable for repositioning along the length of the wire after initial engagement.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for facilitating the injection of a contrast fluid into the cystic duct during the course of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure comprises an elongated, rigid outer tubular member whose outer diameter permits it to pass through the lumen of a trocar penetrating the patient's abdominal wall and of a length allowing the distal end of the instrument to abut the patient's cystic duct. Affixed to the proximal end of the outer tubular shaft is a grip that includes a plunger which can be reciprocally moved in the longitudinal direction and joined to the plunger is an inner tube which can be joined at its proximal end to a source of contrast fluid and which extends through the lumen of the outer tubular shaft.

Abstract: A device for storing and delivering a sensor through a catheter. A sensor delivery device (10, 10') includes an elongate tube (20), which is attached to a rigid housing (22, 22'). A sensor (12), stored within a sterile environment comprising an interior of the sensor delivery device, has an attached signal line (16) that extends along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device and through its proximal end. The proximal end is open when the sensor is in its stored position. An eversible sheath (34) extends between the rigid housing and the signal line, sealingly separating the sterile environment (48) in which the sensor is stored from the open end of the rigid housing. To use the sensor, the signal line is moved into the rigid housing, causing the eversible sheath to turn inside out as the sensor is advanced through the catheter into its use position. The protection afforded by the eversible sheath permits the sensor to be withdrawn through the catheter and then reinserted without introducing contamination.

Abstract: A gripping-knob rotation tool for attachment to a medical guidewire as used in angioplasty and other medical procedures. The tool is installed laterally over the guidewire at any desired position along the length of the wire, and is secured thereto by a simple rotational or twisting motion. The tool provides a convenient gripping surface during rotation or translational movement of the guidewire, and is adjustable for repositioning along the length of the wire after initial engagement.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument for performing a cholangiogram during a laparoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The instrument includes a pistol-shaped housing having a cannula mounted at a forward end. Centrally located within the cannula and extending into the housing is a hollow catheter. Mounted within the housing are an advancing mechanism, a locking mechanism, and an injection system. The advancing mechanism incrementally extends the catheter from one end of the cannula and the locking mechanism holds the catheter at the extended position. The injection system expels contrast media from a reservoir within the handle of the housing into the catheter for injection into a cystic duct. Each of the systems within the housing can be independently operated by the hand holding the instrument. The end of the cannula distal from the housing includes a threaded bulge which is rotated by a wheel extending through the housing.

Abstract: A laterally attachable and detachable tool for manipulating a guidewire includes a cylindrical body that terminates in a collet. A nut is threaded to the collet and can be tightened to draw the collet arms inwardly. The body and the nut each include a lateral slot of a width to receive the guidewire. The slot in the nut is registrable with the slot in the body to form a continuous slot, receptive to the guidewire, along the length of the tool.

Abstract: A device for gripping a medical shaft such as a guide wire or catheter tube has two operative components: a body member with a longitudinal slot for receiving the shaft and an insert member slidably received in the slot of the body member. The body member and insert member have opposed, generally parallel shaft engagement surfaces which extend longitudinally along the shaft on each side thereof. Moving the insert member longitudinally relative to the body member activates a slide arrangement which moves the opposed surfaces laterally toward one another to grip the shaft therebetween while remaining generally parallel.

Abstract: A wire gripping handle for attaching to and detaching from wires defines a first tubular member, and a second tubular member which receives the first tubular member in generally coaxial relation. Both tubular members define a longitudinal slot so that, when the slots are aligned, a wire may be placed into the bores of the joined tubular members in lateral fashion. Then, upon relative rotation of the tubular members, a portion of one of them may be radially collapsed into gripping relation with the wire.

Abstract: A preformed one-piece plastic dispensing tray includes a storage compartment for retaining an elongated, flexible pacing lead therein. A series of spaced apart dividers extend upward from the storage compartment to engage successive serpentine loops of the pacing lead retained in the storage compartment. The construction of the storage compartment permits the pacing lead to be withdrawn therefrom with negligible resistance, and with no twisting, binding, or interference as the lead is inserted into a patient.

Abstract: An assembly of a wire inserter and lock is provided. The assembly includes a body portion with a bore inlet and outlet aligned with a locking area and an elongate outlet to align the wire as it passes therethrough.A spring loaded locking button is mounted within the body and defines two tear-shaped bores through which the wire passes. In the locked position, the wire is wedged into the narrow ends of the tear-shaped bores, and this provides sufficient force to lock the wire without damage.The body portion may include notched areas around which the wire can be wound, and a hole for capturing the end of the wire to facilitate storage of the wire.

Abstract: A guidewire advancement system for inserting catheter guidewires into blood vessels, and more particularly a guidewire dispensing system for the controlled sterile insertion of a coiled spring guidewire to avoid infection of the patient. The system provides for the transmission of an electrical signal by the guidewire to determine its location within the body.

Abstract: An intravascular delivery device (10) for inserting and withdrawing a thin, elongate probe (12) through a catheter (14). The delivery device (10) includes a fitting (18) connected to a flexible guide tube (15) and a delivery assembly (20) comprising a fixed inner sleeve (22) and a slidable outer actuator sleeve (24). The fitting (18) has an internal axial bore into which a seal (28) is placed. The seal (28) has a cone-shaped forward end (31) and an internal axial bore through which the cable (11) slidably passes. The outer sleeve (24) has its proximal end (26) affixed to the larger cable insulation (17) that is joined to the sheath (16) of the cable (11). A first ring (38) affixed to the cable (11) and a second ring (40) affixed to the proximal end (36) of the inner strain relief sleeve (22) cooperate to limit movement of the outer actuator sleeve ( 24) as it is slid over the inner strain relief sleeve (22) away from the fitting (18).

Abstract: This invention provides a method and device for restoring the patency of feeding tubes by removal of feedings that are blocking the lumen of the tubes. The device provides a means of contacting the occlusions with solubilizing agents and employs fluid erosion techniques and mechanical force and provides for the restoration of the therapeutic plan without the major complications and cost of replacing tubes already in place.

Abstract: An assembly of a wire inserter and lock is provided. The assembly includes a body portion with a bore inlet and outlet aligned with a locking area and an elongate outlet to align the wire as it passes therethrough.A spring loaded locking button is mounted within the body and defines two tear-shaped bores through which the wire passes. In the locked position, the wire is wedged into the narrow ends of the tear-shaped bores, and this provides sufficient force to lock the wire without damage.The body portion may include notched areas around which the wire can be wound, and a hole for capturing the end of the wire to facilitate storage of the wire.

Abstract: The pin vise is usable in connection with guidewire of the type used in medical applications, i.e., for guiding catheters. The pin vise is constructed from two parts which are assembled together to provide a handle over a guidewire.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a sensor probe in vivo, including a probe advancement mechanism and a mating interconnection for positioning a distal end of a sensor probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of an indwelling catheter. The advancement mechanism includes a plurality of telescoping elements. The distal tip of the probe is moved from a retracted position within the advancement mechanism where the probe is maintained sterile and protected from breakage, to an advanced position wherein the distal tip of the probe is advanced through the catheter to a predetermined position with respect to the distal tip of the catheter at which the sensor measurement is made.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a base and a reel rotatably mounted on the base. An elongated flexible member which is to be dispensed is wound on the reel, and a housing is provided for the reel and the flexible member. Interlocking members on the reel and the housing hold the reel against rotation in any direction in the housing until the housing is removed from the base. The reel has first and second sets of radially extending fingers at the periphery of the reel, with the first set of fingers being inclined relative to the second set of fingers. The flexible member is wound on the reel between the first and second sets of fingers.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for measuring hemodynamic pressure and method. The assembly includes an outer catheter and an inner catheter slidably mounted within the outer catheter lumen. The inner catheter is provided with an inflatable balloon which is used to guide the distal section of the assembly through the heart and to occlude a pulmonary artery or capillary. The inner catheter is provided with a lumen for inflating the baloon and a separate lumen for measuring pressure. The catheter assembly is inserted in the heart of the patient in the conventional manner. The inner catheter is advanced through the outer catheter until the inflated balloon occludes an artery or capillary. Once a pressure measurement is made through the separate inner catheter lumen, the inner catheter is retracted through the outer catheter and the balloon deflated. Subsequent pressure measurements may be made by simply reinflating the balloon and advancing the inner catheter through the fixed outer catheter.

Abstract: Device facilitating the exchange of dilatation catheters during an angioplasty procedure by the use of an exchange wire in which the exchange wire extends through the dilatation catheter into a predetermined position in a vessel of a patient. The device includes first friction rollers engaging the dilatation catheter for advancing or retracting the dilatation catheter and second friction rollers engaging the exchange wire for advancing or retracting the exchange wire. A rotatable member is provided for causing operation of said first and second friction rollers in substantial synchronism and causing movement of the dilatation catheter in one direction and the movement of the exchange wire in an opposite direction so that the distal extremity of the exchange wire remains in a predetermined position in the vessel of the patient during the time that a dilatation catheter is being inserted or being removed from the vessel of the patient.

Abstract: A slip gripping device for use with an elongated cylindrical member to selectively move that member to any desired longitudinal or rotational position. The device comprises a collet-like member including a plurality of fingers, each of which includes a gripping element at the free end thereof. The collet member is arranged to be grasped and squeezed whereupon its fingers are flexed so that the gripping elements engage the surface of the cylindrical member so that rotary motion imparted to the slip grip device causes the concomitant rotation of the flexible member so that any longitudinal movement of the device causes concomitant longitudinal movement of the member. Release of the collet-like member enables the slip grip device to be slid and rotated with respect to the cylindrial member for positioning anywhere there along.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal for a rotatable therapeutic catheter, such as a motor driven therapeutic catheter. The seal is made of a drive shaft which extends through an elongated bushing. The combined drive shaft and bushing form a low-friction axle/bearing combination such that there is little friction between them. In addition, the long restrictive path between the drive shaft and the bushing serves to prevent leakage between them.

Abstract: The skin and a subjacent body vessel is pierced with a needle mounted on a fluid-fillable chamber at the opposite end of which is a plunger movable into the chamber. In one embodiment, disposed within the needle and chamber is a closed-ended flexible catheter. A flexible stylet is disposed in the catheter. The catheter is drawn through the needle and into the body vessel by pushing into the chamber the plunger which engages the distal portion of the stylet. The closed-ended pliable catheter is drawn into place in the body vessel by the pushing stylet while fluid is simultaneously infused into the body vessel to dilate it and thereby ease the advancement of the catheter with minimal damage to the vessel wall.The chamber and needle are removable from the catheter, leaving it in place in the body for the infusion of fluid.In another embodiment a stiffer, open-ended catheter is used and plunger pushes directly against the catheter to push it into the body vessel.

Abstract: A catheter is provided having a larger size than the cannula through which it is introduced into a puncture site, such as a vein.The oversized catheter is preferably elliptical shaped, and, prior to introduction into the cannula, the catheter is folded to reduce its overall cross sectional area. The catheter is then advanced through the smaller cannula either manually, or by advancing roller drives, and then inserted into the patient.Use of an oversized catheter reduces the possibility of it slipping out from a vein, and its elliptical configuration is useful in conforming to a vein shape for improved retention therein and laminar blood flow.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system for delivering an elongated cannula-type catheter, normally including a cannula with an attachment on the tip thereof, to a body of a mammal and for controlling the movement of the cannula in the mammal's body includes both a cannula-control fitting and an enlarged hollow cannula delivery housing. The cannula control fitting has at least three openings therein. A cannula to be delivered to the mammal's body extends through the first and second openings of the cannula-control fitting and pressurized fluid can be inserted into the third opening. A sealing clamp is at the first opening for selectively, sealingly clamping the cannula-control fitting to the cannula. Thus, when the sealing clamp is tightened, fluid introduced at the third opening leaves the cannula-control fitting at the second opening. The hollow cannula delivery housing is attached to the third opening and has a relatively large cavity for receiving gathered portions of the cannula therein.