Abstract: A method for supplying insufflation fluid to a patient cavity includes positioning a secondary trocar at least partially within a primary trocar, the secondary trocar being configured to facilitate delivery of insufflation fluid to a patient cavity. The method further includes, upon positioning the secondary trocar at least partially within the primary trocar, coupling the secondary trocar to the primary trocar thereby forming a trocar assembly. The method further includes coupling the primary trocar to a surgical robot and delivering the insufflation fluid to the patient cavity using the trocar assembly.

Abstract: A medical video processing system (MVPS) including a system housing and electronic circuitry within the housing. The electronic circuitry is configured to (a) receive medical video imagery; (b) process the medical video imagery in order to superimpose a virtual medical object (VMO) on the medical video imagery; and (c) transmit the medical video imagery with the VMO in a format that may be received on a wireless display.

Abstract: A radially expanding trocar for laparascopic cholecystectomy includes an awl, a cannula, a seal, and a valve connected to the seal. A balloon extends within the cannula. A lower portion of the cannula can be made from any suitable, expandible material. An inflation tube can be in fluid communication with the interior of balloon and the valve to allow air or water into the balloon. Inflating the balloon can cause the balloon to press against an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the cannula, expanding the peripheral wall and increasing a diameter of the cannula. The balloon can be deflated to release the pressure on the peripheral wall and decrease the diameter of the cannula to its original size, e.g., 12 mm.

Abstract: A device for creating a fistula between blood vessels operates in conjunction with a guidewire to locate and position itself so that it straddles both vessels and is able to draw them together. A fixing agent is released either from within the device or from an external needle, or both, into the procedural site. The fixing agent functions to hold the relative position of the two vessels, to seal the surrounding tissue so that any leaks that do occur don't spread into the tissue to create a hematoma, and to limit expansion of the fistula. After the vessels are in close proximity to each other and the fixing agent is applied, the device of the invention employs a cutting mechanism which opens a portal between the two vessels.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided for identifying the position of a catheter relative to internal tissue and controlling injection of a therapeutic substance(s) into the internal tissue. In one embodiment, a catheter includes one or more position sensing electrodes disposed at or near a distal end of the catheter that allow identifying the position of the catheter relative to the internal tissue. The catheter also includes one or more contact sensors that provide an indication of contact and/or contact forces between the catheter and internal tissue before and after a therapy delivery needle is extended from the catheter into the internal tissue. Outputs of the contact sensor(s) allows for confirming insertion of the therapy delivery needle into the internal tissue to a desired depth. Once inserted to the desired depth, a therapeutic substance may be injected into the internal tissue at the desired depth.

Abstract: A half pipe cannula has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion, which includes a proximal end and an elongated tab along the length of the first portion, can be formed from a first material with a selected rigidity. The second portion, which includes a proximal end, a cannulated passage, and a distal end, can be formed from a second material with a selected flexibility. The second portion of the half pipe cannula partially or fully overlaps the elongated tab of the first portion of the half pipe cannula. The second portion of the half pipe cannula has surface features such as a thread or bumper feature. Each portion of the half pipe cannula may have one or more flanges on either end or both ends. The second portion of the half pipe cannula can be made of a flexible material such as thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: An insertion mechanism for a cannula includes a cannula housing, a displaceable cannula, at least one cannula holder, an insertion spring, a triggering element, and a safety device. The safety device, in a secured state, holds the triggering element in a blocked position against a force of the insertion spring and, in a released state, releases the triggering element such that the triggering element is movable into a release position by the force of said insertion energy store and the at least one cannula holder is able to move relative to the cannula housing, driven by the insertion energy store, so as to trigger or implement an insertion movement or insertion. To reach the released state, the safety mechanism is heatable by a heating element and softened and/or weakened with respect to its mechanical carrying or holding capacity, or severed or at least partially or completely melted.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described including an invasive medical device with a magnetic region. The magnetic region can include a discontinuity in the magnetic region providing a diameter transition, a plurality of spaced magnetic regions can be provided or the magnetic regions can be encoded with data. Systems and methods are described that include ways to read the data.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a transseptal puncture procedure using a device which includes either an untapered or tapered blunt end cannula disposed in an introducer carrying a sharp guidewire disposed longitudinally through the lumen of the blunt cannula, and a blunt end dilator wherein the guidewire is flexible and has an atraumatic shape at its tip. The cannula gives the more flexible introducer a defined shape and steerabilty allowing an ordinarily skilled physician to easily access a selected location on the septal wall of the heart for transseptal puncture and introducer placement thereacross without employing an exposed sharp end needle during the procedure.

Abstract: A medication infusion device includes a pre-filled medication container containing sterile liquid medication. The medication infusion device also includes an infusion needle and the infusion needle has a distal end, wherein the distal end of the infusion needle is movable relative to the pre-filled medication container. There is a pierceable elastomeric component arranged at the distal end of the infusion needle to define a sterile environment, and this sterile environment is shared by the pre-filled medication container and the distal end of the infusion needle. The distal end of the infusion needle is embedded in a pierceable elastomeric component in order to keep the infusion needle enclosed in the sterile environment and prevent medication from flowing out of the infusion needle.

Abstract: A catheter (1) resector balloon (8) used in the treatment of any type of endoluminal-endobronchial tumoral or non-tumoral narrowing and occlusions and endovascular obstructions seen in the hollow tubular organs such as the trachea, esophagus, urinary tract, biliary tract, etc. and vessels, characterized in that, it comprises the following; at least one flexible pad section with pressure and proximity sensor and/or pad section without pressure and proximity sensor which provides soft stopping at the final wall section where the catheter (1) resector balloon (8) is applied in a soft, flexible and shock absorber manner at the tip (2) portion, prevents punctures, tears, bursts or vascular damages occurred in the tissues and vessels formed as a region, undesired complications, provides stopping without giving any damage to its location.

Abstract: A guide wire, a medical device, and a medical method are able to achieve satisfactory workability and while ensuring safety by preventing a puncture needle portion from performing erroneous puncture. A guide wire for guiding a dilator to be inserted into a living body includes a shaft portion, a puncture portion fixed to a distal portion of the shaft portion, and whose distal side includes a needle portion for forming a hole in a biological tissue, and a deformable deformation portion fixed to the shaft portion or the puncture portion. The deformation portion located inside the dilator restricts deflection of the distal portion of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A device for one-handed insertion of a hollow needle and a guidewire includes a grip, an actuator carriage, a wire guide feed mount, a wire feed surface, and a plunger with a guidewire passage colinear with the needle. The actuator carriage has a trigger and is coupled with the plunger. The wire guide feed mount is mounted on the actuator carriage and has a guide fitting that couples with the plunger and directs the guidewire through the plunger. When the grip is engaged by one hand, a digit of the hand can advance the guidewire through the plunger by engaging the guidewire between the digit and the wire feed surface, sensing a degree of resistance encountered by a tip of the guidewire, with another digit of the hand urging the trigger and drawing the plunger rearwardly and/or forwardly, while the hand continues to engage the grip.

Abstract: Some of the present methods include, and some embodiments of the present systems are configured for gaining access to a patient's vessel by way of the vessel (i.e. from the inside out). Some embodiments facilitate gaining access to an occluded vessel, where part of the access path is through the occlusion.

Abstract: An indwelling assembly includes an inner needle having a sharp needlepoint, an inner needle hub fixed to the inner needle, a hollow elongated outer member in which the inner needle is positioned and movable in a distal direction relative to the inner needle after puncturing the blood vessel to position the elongated outer member at a desired position in the blood vessel, an outer member hub fixed to hollow elongated outer member, a projection removably connected to the outer member hub and configured to be engaged by a finger of the user to apply a force to the projection causing the outer member hub and the hollow elongated outer member to move together with the projection in the distal direction relative to the inner needle and the inner needle hub, and an elongated movable member that is movable relative to the hollow elongated outer member and the outer member hub.

Abstract: An endoscopic tool for facilitating injection of fluid into a submucosal layer of tissue includes a first cannula, a second cannula, and means for attaching the first cannula to a mucosal layer of tissue. The first cannula has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The second cannula is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid and carries a needle at a distal end thereof. The means for attaching the first cannula to the mucosal layer draws the mucosal layer, which enlarges the submucosal layer. Fluid is then injected into the enlarged portion of the submucosal layer via the needle, thereby creating a raised portion of tissue around the injection site.

Abstract: In general, medical sheath systems that can employ retainer devices having a plurality of channels configured to retain a sheath assembly in one or more curved configurations are described. In one embodiment, a retainer device may releasably retain a curvable tube of the sheath assembly in any of multiple curved configurations that range, for example, in selectable increments between 0° to 180°.

Abstract: A low-profile universal passive protector for an IV catheter includes a connector having a tubular body and a pair of arms pivotally connected thereto. The tubular body defines an end face and the connector includes a cavity extending from the end face. An elongate sheath is snap engageable to the tubular body. A spring is insertable within the connector cavity to extend between at least one of the pair of arms and the elongate sheath when received within the cavity. A slider is moveably coupled to the sheath. The slider includes a flashback chamber formed therein. A hypodermic needle is connected to the slider and is in fluid communication with the flashback chamber. The slider is moveable along the sheath between a first position and a second position, with the hypodermic needle being drawn into the sheath as the slider moves from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided herein for delivering medication (e.g., insulin) via a wearable pump having a patch-style form factor for adhesion to a user's body. The reusable pump may be coupled to a disposable cap housing a microdosing system for delivering precise, repeatable doses of medication to a cannula configured to deliver medication to a target infusion area beneath the user's outer skin layer. The system further may include an applicator for inserting the cannula into the user's skin and/or applying an adhesive pad to the skin.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a handle, a trocar in communication with the handle, and a cannula in communication with the trocar and the handle. The cannula is engaged (locked) with the handle when linearly displaced proximally towards the handle and, the cannula is disengaged (unlocked) from the handle when linearly displaced distally away from the handle. The cannula is linearly reciprocated, between the locked position and the unlocked position, along a linear travel path defined parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trocar such that the cannula is prohibited and permitted to articulate about the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and relative to the handle, respectively. Advantageously, the cannula is locked and unlocked from the trocar by without requiring an external force exerted generally transverse to trocar and/or cannula—thereby permitting a user to lock/unlock the cannula, relative to the trocar, with one hand.

Abstract: A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.

Abstract: Examples of catheter devices, removable needle devices and kits are disclosed. Also methods for accessing a hollow organ are disclosed. The catheter devices include a body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the body includes an elongated channel along a longitudinal length of the body extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the body, wherein the elongated channel is configured to receive an elongated needle of the removable needle device, and the body includes one or more cutting edges extending in a proximal direction from the distal end of the body. The body of the catheter devices includes one or more recesses adapted to mate with one or more catches of the removable needle device for coupling the needle device to the catheter device. Methods of using the catheters, removable needle devices and the kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an extension tube assembly with an axially extending inner tube configured to couple to an elongate tubular cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an axially extending lumen and an axially extending inner tube. The inner tube extending through the tubular cannula defines an exposed needle tip and is in fluid communication with the inner tube of the extension tube assembly. The needle tip extends out of a distal end of the tubular cannula a suitable distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing surgical procedures. Such a system includes a cannula having proximal and distal portions. At least one carriage unit is slidably mounted within the proximal portion of the cannula for translation in axial directions of the cannula, and a tool has a shaft that is coupled to the carriage unit and protrudes through a port at the distal portion of the cannula. The tool has a working element mounted on a portion of the shaft that protrudes from the cannula to perform tasks within the cavity. A translation mechanism is provided for translating the carriage unit and its tool in the axial directions of the cannula, and a rotation mechanism is provided for rotating the tool about an axis of its shaft and relative to the first carriage unit. Rotation and translation mechanisms of each carriage unit are preferably individually and independently controlled.

Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods having a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and having the needle extending through the catheter tube, a valve positioned in an interior cavity of the catheter hub, a valve opener proximal of the valve, and a needle guard extending at least partially into the valve opener. The valve opener can be used with a range of needle sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inserter for an infusion set for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as e.g. insulin. The inserter comprises a needle hub comprising an insertion needle and two spring units assuring automatic insertion and automatic retraction of the insertion needle. The inserter comprises a housing (1), a carrier body (2) carrying an infusion part (8), a needle hub (3), a first moving unit (4) bringing the carrier body (2) to a forward position and a second moving unit (5) bringing the carrier body (2) to a retracted position. The inserter is characterized in that it has means for activation which should be activated at least once in order to bring the carrier body (2) from a retracted to a forward position, and back from the forward to the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and method for acquiring bone marrow aspirate. The system includes an elongated cannulated fastener having a threaded end for attachment to a bone. The threaded portion includes a directional aperture sized to allow marrow to be drawn into the cannula. The directional aperture also allows the user to direct the aperture in a desired direction within the bone for acquisition of the marrow. The distal end of the cannulated fastener includes a connector which may be in the form of a Luer lock to allow vacuum to be applied to the cannula for drawing the marrow into a syringe or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into a body through a working channel of an endoscope includes a catheter including a dilator, a guide tube disposed in a lumen of the catheter, and a handle including a puncturing actuator operatively coupled to the proximal end of the guide tube. The dilator may be a cautery device and/or a balloon. The apparatus may also include a stylet needle that includes a cutting distal end for puncturing tissue and extends through a lumen in the guide tube. The handle may further include a stopper detachably coupled to the puncturing actuator to fix a position of the puncturing actuator on the handle, and moveable on the handle independently of the puncturing actuator when detached from the puncturing actuator. The disclosed embodiments also include a method for forming a passageway in a wall of a hollow body organ using the apparatus.

Abstract: Bone marrow access apparatus includes a bone penetrating member and a cap. The bone penetrating member includes a tubular insertion portion, and a head portion provided at a proximal end of the tubular insertion portion. A cross-sectional shape of the head portion is wider than a cross-sectional shape of the tubular insertion portion. A recess is provided in the head portion, and an internal channel is provided through the head portion and the tubular insertion portion. The cap accommodates the head portion of the bone penetrating member therein. The cap includes a lower wall which covers at least a part of a distal side of the head portion, and a projection which projects into the recess of the head portion.

Abstract: One larger [1] and one smaller tube [2], forming a functional unit with the smaller tube [2] positioned within the larger tube [1], both tubes are relocatable and demountable, both tubes with an aperture [3 and 4] at both ends, at least one aperture [5] being provided in the wall of the outer tube located at a distance of about between 1 mm and 10 cm from the tip [6], or several apertures positioned in a segment of 1-250 mm from the tip, wherein the diameter of the single aperture is between 70% and 120% of the inner diameter of the outer tube [1], or in case of several apertures, for each aperture 30-60% of the inner diameter of the outer tube, wherein the outer diameter of the inner tube is between 0.6 mm and 2.0 mm (F2 to F6), the outer diameter of the outer tube is between 1.3 mm and 3.6 mm (F4 to F11), and the distance between the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube is between 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a manipulator assembly including at least one actuator, a control system including at least one processor configured to control the manipulator assembly, an elongate flexible catheter configured to be manipulated by the at least one actuator, and a support structure mounted on a proximal portion of the elongate flexible catheter. The support structure includes a first alignment feature and a second alignment feature. The first alignment feature is configured to mate with a first sensor such that the first sensor is maintained parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support structure. The second alignment feature is configured to mate with a second sensor such that the second sensor is maintained parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and such that the second sensor is fixed relative to the first sensor in at least one degree of freedom.

Abstract: A venous access device includes a hub and a bifurcated cannula. The hub includes a bifurcated connecting arm, a blood sampling arm connected to the bifurcated connecting arm, a fluid transfer arm connected to the bifurcated connecting arm, a blood sampling channel and a fluid transfer channel. The blood sampling channel passes through the blood sampling arm and the bifurcated connecting arm. The fluid transfer channel passes through the fluid transfer arm and the bifurcated connecting arm. The bifurcated cannula is coupled to the bifurcated connecting arm and includes a blood sampling lumen having a blood sampling port, a fluid transfer lumen having a fluid transfer port, and a dividing member separating the blood sampling lumen from the fluid transfer lumen. The blood sampling port is 2 mm to 20 mm proximal from the fluid transfer port. The blood sampling channel is fluidly connected to the blood sampling lumen, and the fluid transfer channel is fluidly connected to the fluid transfer lumen.

Abstract: Expandable introducer systems are provided. An expandable introducer system can include an expandable introducer, an expander, a support member, and/or an exchange dilator. The expandable introducer may be configured to transition from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. For example, the expander may be displaced through the expandable introducer and transition the expandable introducer from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration. The support member may be disposed within the expandable introducer that is in the expanded configuration to maintain the expandable introducer in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. For example, this disclosure describes cannula devices for use with computer-assisted teleoperated surgery systems. The cannula devices can facilitate enlargement of a minimally invasive surgical workspace by creating a tissue tent. The devices and methods described herein can be used in conjunction with computer-assisted teleoperated surgery systems that use either hardware-constrained remote centers of motion or software-constrained remote centers of motion.

Abstract: A positive pressure ventilation (PPV) elbow connects to a PPV mask and a source of pressurized air from a ventilator. The elbow and includes an access valve that opens to provide access to the mouth of the patient without removing the mask and self-seals under pressure from the ventilator.

Abstract: A gas circulation system is disclosed for performing robotically assisted surgical procedures in a surgical cavity of a patient, which includes a multi-lumen tube set including a dual lumen portion having a pressurized gas line and a return gas line, and a single lumen portion having a gas supply and sensing line, a valve sealed access cap for cooperative reception with a first robotic cannula and having an inlet path for communicating with the gas supply and sensing line of the tube set, and a gas sealed access cap for cooperative reception with a second robotic cannula and having an inlet path for communicating with the pressurized gas line of the tube set and an outlet path for communicating with the return gas line of the tube set.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directing fluid flow are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The system may have a first state in which a male fitting of a device is not inserted in a female fitting of the third port. A valve assembly may block a first fluid path defined between the first port and the third port when the system is in the first state. The system may also have a second state in which the male fitting of the device is fully inserted in the female fitting of the third port. The valve assembly may block a second fluid path defined between the first port and the second port when the system is in the second state.

Abstract: A novel seal is provided along with a valve for implementing the seal in the form of a hemostatic catheterization valve. A pressure-sensing form of the hemostatic valve is also provided. The novel seal includes a pair of cooperating conical gaskets divided through their apexes into a plurality of edge-abutting semi-conical flaps. The seals are angularly fixed in orientation relative to each other using registering structures such as complementary tabs and sockets. More specifically, the seams where the semi-conical flaps abut are angularly off-set between the two conical gaskets by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A cannula is provided that includes a head portion that defines a proximal opening sized to receive one or more surgical instruments; an elongated inner tube rigidly fastened to the head portion defines an elongated conduit; a surgical instrument can be inserted within the conduit; an elongated overtube rigidly fastened to the head portion is coaxially aligned with the inner tube and extends about a portion of the inner tube; an inner wall of the overtube is spaced apart from an outer wall of the inner tube; sensors are disposed on the overtube to provide an indication of forces applied to the outer wall of the overtube in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the overtube.

Abstract: A controller assembly of a fluid delivery apparatus includes a body component and a plunger component slidably coupled to the body component. The plunger is positionable between a first position in which the plunger is nearest to the body component, and a second position in which the plunger component is furthest from the body component. A bias assembly positioned between the body component and the plunger component applies a two stage force profile to the plunger component. The bias assembly includes a first and a second biasing member. In the first position, the first and second biasing members apply first and second forces profiles, respectively, to the plunger component. In the second position, the first biasing member is prevented from applying the first force profile to the plunger component, and the second biasing member applies the second force profile to the plunger component.

Abstract: Device for accessing a pericardial space of a subject in need thereof, the device including a tubular member having an atraumatic distal end and a thread formed on, and at least partially around, the outer surface of the tubular member, proximally to the distal end; wherein the thread is configured to cut, puncture and/or penetrate a pericardium.

Abstract: A system for delivering fluid to a user transcutaneously includes a subcutaneous infusion cannula base assembly, a cannula inserter assembly and a fluid connection assembly. The subcutaneous infusion cannula base assembly is configured to be located on the user's skin. The cannula inserter assembly is coupled to the cannula base assembly and is configured to drive an infusion cannula through the user's skin in a nominally helical trajectory. The fluid connection assembly is configured to fluidically connect the cannula base assembly to a source of delivery fluid. Cannula and stylet assemblies configured for helical or non-helical insertion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a gas delivery device configured to deliver a flow of pressurized gas to a gas delivery lumen extending therefrom, a gaseous sealing module communicating with a distal end of the gas delivery lumen and configured to generate a gaseous seal within a gas sealed lumen extending therefrom, and an access port communicating with a distal end of the gas sealed lumen so as to provide sealed instrument access to the surgical cavity and maintain a stable pressure within the surgical cavity.

Abstract: A safety catheter insertion device configured to automatically retract a needle cannula following insertion of a catheter assembly and to inhibit release of the catheter assembly from the safety catheter insertion device until the needle cannula has been retracted for the purpose of inhibiting inadvertent needle sticks. The safety catheter insertion device including an advancement arm slidably coupled to a needle housing assembly and configured to shift between a first position in which a needle cannula traverses through a catheter hub coupling portion of the advancement arm to inhibit release of a catheter assembly, and a second position in which one or more tabs of the advancement arm interact with one or more retention arms of the needle housing assembly to enable a biasing mechanism to shift the needle assembly to a proximal position and enable release of the catheter assembly from the safety catheter insertion device.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a gas delivery device configured to deliver a flow of pressurized gas to a gas delivery lumen extending therefrom, a gaseous sealing module communicating with a distal end of the gas delivery lumen and configured to generate a gaseous seal within a gas sealed lumen extending therefrom, and an access port communicating with a distal end of the gas sealed lumen so as to provide sealed instrument access to the surgical cavity and maintain a stable pressure within the surgical cavity.

Abstract: A method for characterising a mechanical property of a material. The method comprises the steps of providing the material having a deformable portion and providing a device having an optical element that is arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An endoluminal punch system including a sheath and dilator. The endoluminal punch may include energy delivery system capable of being transmitted from the proximal end to the distal end of the endoluminal punch to assist with tissue crossing and incisions. The dilator may include selectively deployable cutting mechanism to create incisions in tissue that are larger than their basic external diameter. The system may also be configured to reduce the risk of generating plastic emboli during insertion of the endoluminal punch.

Abstract: A dialysis access is disclosed. The dialysis access includes a tubular base, an initial access structure, a persistent access structure, and a seal. The initial access structure is retractably disposed within an interior of the tubular base and includes a piercing tip. The initial access structure is retractable from an extended position to a withdrawn position. The persistent access structure is coupled to the tubular base and surrounds and extends along a length of the initial access structure with the piercing tip exposed while in the extended position. The persistent access structure remains stationary relative to the base with the initial access structure in the withdrawn position. The seal is disposed within the tubular base to surround the initial access structure while in the extended position and to isolate the initial access structure from a fluid flow path within the tubular base while in the withdrawn position.

Abstract: An indwelling assembly includes an inner needle having a sharp needlepoint, an inner needle hub fixed to the inner needle, a hollow elongated outer member in which the inner needle is positioned and movable in a distal direction relative to the inner needle after puncturing the blood vessel to position the elongated outer member at a desired position in the blood vessel, an outer member hub fixed to hollow elongated outer member, a projection removably connected to the outer member hub and configured to be engaged by a finger of the user to apply a force to the projection causing the outer member hub and the hollow elongated outer member to move together with the projection in the distal direction relative to the inner needle and the inner needle hub, and an elongated movable member that is movable relative to the hollow elongated outer member and the outer member hub.

Abstract: In some examples, a device, which may be used to access vasculature or another hollow anatomical structure of a patient, includes a housing, a cannula mechanically coupled to a housing distal end, and a needle configured to be locked in a deployed configuration in which the needle extends within a cannula lumen and protrudes from the cannula distal end. The needle is configured to slide proximally through the cannula lumen from the deployed configuration into a retracted configuration in which at least a portion of the needle is within a housing lumen. The device further includes at least one needle guide configured to maintain the needle along a path in the housing lumen substantially parallel to the needle guide when the needle moves between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration.