Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a proximal tubular member formed of high strength materials such as stainless steel with an inner lumen for directing inflation fluid through the tubular member, a double lumen distal member which is secured to the distal end of the proximal tubular member with one of the lumens in the distal member being in fluid communication and axially aligned with the inner lumen of the proximal tubular member and the other lumen which is generally offset and parallel to the first inner lumen being adapted to slidbly receive a guidewire and an inflatable balloon on the distal member. A proximal port in the proximal end of the second inner lumen is spaced at least 10 cm but not more than about 40 cm proximally from a distal port in the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: The introducer has an adapter with a pair of wings extending at an acute angle to each other wherein the wings are used in handling, holding and splitting. A splittable catheter mounts in a part of the adapter and extends in alignment with an axis of the adapter. The adapter is molded about the splittable catheter tube. A needle and hub are in axial alignment with one another so the needle fits within the splittable catheter coaxial with the axis and the hub removably locks to the adapter to hold the splittable catheter coaxially about the needle during insertion of the needle and splittable catheter with an over the needle technique. Interengagement means on the adapter and the hub lock the axial relationship of the needle within the splittable catheter.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system, such as a dilatation catheter system for angioplasty procedures, which provides for the replacement of the catheter or the guidewire thereof during the procedure. The intravascular catheter has a guidewire-receiving inner lumen extending along the length thereof. A first guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at or near the proximal end of the catheter, a second guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at a location spaced distally from the first guidewire port and proximally from a diagnostic or therapeutic element, such as a dilatation balloon, on a distal portion of the catheter and a third guidewire port is provided in the distal end of the catheter. The guidewire ports are in communication with the guidewire-receiving inner lumen.

Abstract: A through the needle catheter device is described which includes apparatus for threading a catheter into a blood vessel. The apparatus is irreversible during the threading process. The catheter device also includes means for irreversibly withdrawing and splitting the needle. A technique is provided for inserting the needle, threading the catheter, and withdrawing the needle from a patient.

Abstract: A catheter and guidewire exchange system in which the guideware is contained within a guidewire leumen in the indwelling portion of the catheter and with the guidewire and catheter being separated externally of the patient. The catheter includes a guidewire lumen which is slit longitudinally along the length of the catheter. The guide member is carried by the catheter and serves to spread the slit of the lumen to guide the guidewire into or out of the slit guidewire lumen. The guide member may be advanced along the catheter and guidewire in zipper-like fashion so that the proximal ends of the guidewire and catheter will be separated while the distal portions will be merged.

Abstract: An improved removable expandable sheath for aiding in the introduction of catheters into the body which is fabricated from a semi-stiff plastic with memory formed in a tubular configuration with a longitudinal slit or non-joined seam extending along the entire length of the sheath and where the tubular structure with slit is coiled about its longitudinal axis so that its tubular wall overlaps itself in its native state. On exertion of an internal force directed outward, the tubular sheath enlarges its effective diameter by uncoiling to the extent necessary to accommodate a catheter inserted therein. The memory inherent in the material of the sheath keeps the wall of the sheath snugly around the catheter to afford guidance of the catheter into a blood vessel.

Abstract: A disposable indwelling catheter placement unit includes a transparent plastic catheter for insertion into a blood vessel having depth indicating graduations thereon. The catheter is freely slidable into a transparent plastic tubular sheath having a slit line there along. The unit has a transparent inserter having an inner tube connected to a front portion of the inserter. The sheath tube is releasable from around the catheter responsive to movement through the inserter. By pushing the sheath tube forward into the inserter with the fingers while holding the inserter with other fingers, or pulling the split sheath from the inserter, the catheter can be pushed into the blood vessel up to a desired depth while maintaining sterility.

Abstract: A supra pubic catheter is inserted via a cannula which is positioned using a trocar, the trocar being withdrawn to leave the cannula in position through the wall of the bladder allowing passage of the supra pubic catheter, the canula being provided with means for subsequent removal from the catheter.

Abstract: A cannula, such as commonly used for introduction of a catheter through the cannula into a body cavity, includes a plastic tube and an adaptor at one end of the tube. For easy removal of the cannula from around the catheter, the tube and adaptor are splittable along two or more longitudinal grooves or induction lines in the tube and adaptor. The induction lines are circumferentially spaced apart by an angle of 45.degree. to 180.degree.. Near the end of the tube opposite the adaptor, the induction lines in the tube are twisted, or extend circumferentially, providing increased stability of the induction lines to minimize premature splitting during manipulation of the cannula.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for measuring and monitoring muscle compartment pressures comprising a system of a disposable assembly of a syringe, a pressure chamber having a diaphragm, and means to penetrate the skin of a patient, and a measuring and reading device comprising a transducer, whereby accurate measurement of such pressures can be easily made.

Abstract: Dilator/sheath assemblies for unstressed placement of catheter tubes into a body cavity of medical patients, which insure a stable axial relationship between concentrically superimposed sheath and dilator so that use is very facile for the medical attendent and insures a predetermined two-step gentle enlargement of a puncture site to accommodate unstressed placement of a catheter tube into a vein or artery through the puncture site and with minimal trauma to the patient.

Abstract: Balloon dilatation catheter adapted to be utilized in connection with a guiding catheter and a guide wire. The catheter comprises a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a lumen extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The interior of the inflatable balloon is in communication with the lumen. A sleeve extends through the balloon and extends rearwardly from the balloon and alongside the lumen. The sleeve has a guidewire lumen extending therethrough. The guidewire lumen is adapted to receive a guide wire extending therethrough and extending rearwardly of the flexible elongate element into a region adjacent the proximal extremity of the proximal elongate element. The sleeve has a slit extending longitudinally of the same from the proximal extremity of the sleeve to a region adjacent the balloon permitting the guide wire to be removed therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical appliance for forming an opening through the skin of a patient and for distending the opening so formed. The appliance takes the form of a trocar which may comprise two separate components or two component portions formed by openings in a tube extending partially along the tube from the distal end. In either case, the components or component portions are preloaded towards a closed condition, but can be expanded into an open condition, for example by forcing a tubular expander into the trocar from the proximal end. The preloading of the trocar may be by a resilient sleeve surrounding the components or by a "set" introduced into the material forming the components. A cutting edge may be formed across substantially the full width of the distal end of the trocar and it is preferred that in the open condition, there is a no significant increase in the cross-section of the trocar towards the distal end.

Abstract: An improved clinical techique for central venous catheterization and apparatus for performing same. The catheterization apparatus includes a small gauge hollow steel needle having a long plastic catheter introducer covering all but the very tip of the needle. The needle positions the plastic introducer into the vein whereupon the needle is removed. Next, a guide wire is inserted into the introducer and into the vein. After the guide wire is in place, the introducer is peeled away from the guide wire, and the guide wire and plastic catheter are threaded into the central venous system. Once the catheter is in place, the guide wire is removed, the catheter is attached to an intravenous unit and the catheter is sutured to the skin.

Abstract: A sheath comprising a tubular structure formed of a flexible material which is compatible for insertion within the body and having proximal and distal ends. In one embodiment, the tubular structure includes one slit having an open and a closed end. The tubular structure is further comprised of a tab defined by the slit whereby, when the tab is pulled apart from any object extending through the lumen of the tubular structure, the tubular structure tears longitudinally removing the tubular structure from the object. In another embodiment, the tubular structure is cuffed between the closed end of the slit and the distal end of the tubular structure, the cuff defining the proximal end of the tubular structure. The cuff prevents the slit from tearing prematurely and further provides a blunt, smooth open end at the proximal end that permits closure thereof by thumb pressure only in order to temporarily block blood flow or air aspiration during use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an attachment tool (10) for use with an endoscopic instrument (30). Instrument (30) includes a working element (74) having a mechanism (28) for clamping an accessory such as tool (10). Tool (10) includes a hollow needle (12) attached to a hollow shaft (14). A flexible tube (16) passes through shaft (14) to provide fluid communication between a syringe mechanism and needle (12). End element (18) has portion (34) which is held by clamping mechanism (28). An electrical path is provided by wire (20) between element (18) and needle (12) whereby tool (10) may function not only as an injection needle but as a needle electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a percutaneous or non-dissection opening into a body cavity or hollow viscus. A needle is attached to a syringe for insertion within the body cavity. Operation of the syringe confirms proper location of the needle within the body cavity. The needle is structurally weakened along a longitudinal line and includes elements operable to split the needle along the line to provide a longitudinal slot. An elongated dilator slidably fits through a side opening in a flexible tube and extends through the distal end of the tube. A leader attached to the distal end of the dilator is adapted for insertion through the bore of the needle, the slot in the needle enabling lateral separation of the leader for removal of the needle from the body cavity. The dilator is adapted to be forceably inserted into the body cavity along the path defined by the leader, and is thereafter removable through the side opening in the tube. The tube is thereafter further insertable into the body cavity.