Abstract: A method for administering a medicament to a patient includes placing a fluid delivery apparatus with the medicament in contact with a portion of the skin of said patient. A flow rate of the medicament from the fluid delivery apparatus is adjusted such that the medicament is delivered to the patient for a predetermined time period. The fluid delivery apparatus includes a controller assembly having a body component defining an axis 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 is positioned between the body component and the plunger component. The bias assembly is configured to apply a two stage force profile to the plunger component.

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

Abstract: Catheter and implantable leadless pacing devices, systems, and methods utilizing catheters and implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example catheter system may include a holding structure extending distally from a tubular member. An implantable device, such a leadless pacing device, may be located within a cavity of the holding structure and an electrical barrier may be located within the holding structure at a location between a proximal electrode and a distal electrode of the implantable device. The electrical barrier may inhibit electrical signals of the implantable device from traveling within the holding structure between the proximal electrode and the distal electrode of the implantable device. The holding structure may include one or more electrical ports adjacent the proximal end of the holding structure and adjacent or proximal of the proximal electrode of the implantable device.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device (10) includes a housing (12) with a base (14), a catheter (28), an introducer needle (30) and an actuator (26) mounted within the housing. The catheter (28) and needle (30) are coupled to the actuator (26) and movable between a first position where the catheter and needle are retracted within the housing and a second position where the catheter (28) and needle (30) extend from the housing, and where the needle retracts into the actuator when the catheter and needle reach the second position. A spring (90) is provided in the housing (12) or the actuator (26) where the spring (90) is released after deployment of the device to retract the needle (20) with respect to the catheter (28).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems and methods for delivering therapeutic fluid (e.g., insulin) into the body, including a skin adherable cradle, for retaining a therapeutic fluid dispenser for delivering a therapeutic fluid to a user.

Abstract: Access devices including access ports and retractors, which enhance the working area and access to a surgical site. The access port includes a tubular body with at least one sidewall defining an interior path along the length of the tubular body. The sidewall includes a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion is able to stretch or deform, for example, to accommodate an angled trajectory of a surgical implement. A surgical access device for retracting tissue includes a plurality of retractor blades. The outer surface of the retractor blades form a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration with a plurality of spiral ridges projecting therefrom such that advancement of the retractor into the surgical site may be improved.

Abstract: A foam transfer or dispensing device is described which dispenses foam from a source of foam, typically a pressurised canister, and which enables efficient purging or air and an initial volume of foam from the device to ensure foam sterility and quality when a syringe is filled from the device. The device comprises a foam inlet arranged for communication with a source of foam, a foam pathway in fluid communication with the foam inlet and comprising a foam outlet, arranged for engagement by a syringe nozzle; and a waste outlet in fluid communication with the foam pathway. The foam pathway comprises a tubular projection arranged to extend through the foam outlet and into a syringe nozzle when a syringe is connected to the foam outlet, which improves the efficiency of the purging process and prevents pooling of air or foam. The device further comprises a means for restricting displacement of material through the waste outlet, so that the user can control the volume of foam that is wasted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing, stabilizing and sealing a device attached to a tissue surface comprising a tissue attaching device having an outer base ring defining an opening therethrough and a distally projecting tissue attachment element. The systems variously utilize annular sealing flanges distally attached to the outer base ring outside or inside the tissue attachment element to create a fluid tight seal. The systems variously utilize coils with regions of differing pitch to create sealing tissue pressure. Methods for installing an apical attaching device with a transapical port into a patient, comprising assessing the patient's viability for installation of the apical attaching device by determining an Index of Tissue Elasticity (ITE).

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for providing controlled delivery of a therapeutic substance during a surgical procedure, the devices and systems including a base, a frame having a proximal end and a distal end attached to the base, an injection subassembly including a plunger shaft, a relative motion subassembly including a lever plate, and a fastener configured to connect the plunger shaft of the injection subassembly and the lever plate of the relative motion subassembly.

Abstract: A dilating cannula includes a radially expandable flange and an expandable shaft. The radially expandable flange is disposed at a proximal end portion of the dilating cannula and includes two or more sectors that are each independently movable. The expandable shaft extends from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the dilating cannula and defines an inner passageway of the dilating cannula and includes two or more arms. A first branch of the two or more arms extends from one end of the base section and a second branch of the two or more arms extends from another end of the base section. The first branch is connected to a first sector of the two or more sectors of the radially expandable flange and the second branch is connected to a second, different sector of the two or more sectors of the radially expandable flange.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes: a catheter; a hollow inner needle that is removably disposed in the catheter and has a lumen through which a guide wire is insertable; a needle hub that is fixed to a proximal end portion of the inner needle; and a guide member that is attachable to a proximal end portion of the needle hub and configured to guide the guide wire towards the inner needle.

Abstract: An access sleeve can be attached to a medical device having first and second ends, the first end being positioned inside of a patient and the second end being positioned external to a patient. The access sleeve can include a tubular sleeve body having first and second open ends that define a first lumen extending along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve body. An opening in the sleeve body can connect the first lumen to an outer surface of the sleeve body. The access sleeve can be selectively attached to the medical device (e.g. catheter of a heart pump) and inserted into the access site when the medical device is positioned in the patient. The access sleeve can maintain vascular access to a patient's access site such as an arteriotomy and can be removed without disturbing the position of the medical device.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula and a housing coupled to the cannula. A cannula lumen and a housing interior communicate to define a working channel that extends along a central axis of the device between proximal and distal device ends. A needle entrance port is arranged on a side portion of the housing and opens to the working channel. A needle exit port is arranged distally of the needle entrance port on a side portion of the cannula, and communicates with the needle entrance port to define a suture path extending through the surgical access device at an oblique angle relative to the central axis. The needle ports are configured to guide a suture passer device distally through the surgical access device and first and second tissues of different thicknesses, while maintaining the same tissue bite distance in each of the first and second tissues.

Abstract: Aspects of access devices and methods are disclosed. One aspect of this disclosure is a device. The device may comprise: a needle guide body extending along a central axis between a distal end and a proximal end, a needle guide lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends of the needle guide body along the central axis, and a base monolithically attached to the needle guide body to define a non-variable patient-specific insertion path. Additional devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access apparatus includes an integral filter and evacuation port for filtering of fluids, e.g., smoke, from an operating site and removing contaminants and/or odor from the fluids for release of the filtered fluids into the ambient atmosphere. The seal assembly may be a separate subassembly or component which is releasably couplable to the access apparatus or may be integral with the access apparatus. The seal assembly defines its own flow path independent of the insufflation mechanism of the cannula assembly, and is capable of filtering fluids even in the presence of a surgical object positioned within the cannula assembly.

Abstract: An access device for placing a medical article within a body space includes a needle, a dilator, and a medical article. The needle can include an elongated needle body with a distal end and a hub from which the needle body extends. The elongated needle body can include at least one side fenestration and an outer diameter. The dilator can be slideably disposed on the needle body and include a dilator hub and an elongated dilator shaft that extends from the dilator hub. The dilator shaft can include at least one side fenestration in communication with the needle side fenestration. The dilator shaft can also include an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the needle. The medical article can include a tubular section and a hub. The tubular section can be disposed on the dilator and define a space between the medical article and the dilator in communication with the needle side fenestration through the dilator side fenestration.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component and a needle component. The catheter component may have a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature extending outward from the catheter hub. The push feature may have an outer surface that receives contact from a digit to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration, in which the needle is within the cannula, to a fluid delivery configuration, in which the needle is outside the catheter hub. The needle component may have a needle hub and a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis. The push feature may be formed of a flexible material that causes the push feature, in response to pressure exerted on the outer surface by a dressing securing the catheter component to a patient, to deflect the outer surface toward the cannula axis.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a multi-lumen tube set including a dual lumen portion having a pressurized gas line and a return gas line for facilitating gas recirculation relative to the surgical cavity of the patient, and a single lumen portion having a gas supply and sensing line for delivering insufflation gas to the surgical cavity of the patient and for periodically sensing pressure within the surgical cavity of the patient, a first gas sealed single lumen access port communicating with the dual lumen portion of the tube set and a second valve sealed single lumen access port communicating with the single lumen portion of the tube set.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an expandable sleeve for a catheter assembly. The expandable sleeve includes a body configured to fit coaxially around an outer diameter of a catheter of the catheter assembly at a transition location between a hub and the catheter. Further, the body of the sleeve includes a length extending from a first end to a second end. As such, the sleeve is expandable between a compressed position and an expanded position so as to prevent the catheter from collapsing along the length of the sleeve. In addition, when in the expanded position, at least a portion of an interior surface of the sleeve contacts an outer diameter of the catheter.

Abstract: A tumescent contravenom solution including: (a) a vasoconstrictor, (b) a physiological crystalloid solution, and (c) optionally a contravenom agent that neutralizes tissue toxic enzymes present in a venom and/or a drug that impairs or paralyzes lymphatic smooth muscle function and impairs lymphatic transport of venom. Also described are methods of treating an envenomation in a subject, and a kit for performing the method of treating an envenomation.

Abstract: A temporary pacing lead has an atraumatic curled distal region with multiple cathodes and distal pressure measurement to allow positioning and repositioning within the heart chamber without fluoroscopic or echo guidance. The curled distal region provides definite contact with two opposing walls of the ventricular chamber to ensure electrical signal capture without trauma to the endocardial surface. A stylet located in the pacing lead lumen assists in introducing, placing, and removing the pacing lead from the heart. The flexible distal region provides safe removal of the temporary lead following completion of use.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses a safety mechanism for a retaining needle and a retaining needle having the safety mechanism. The retaining needle comprises a hollow handle and a needle seat at least partially disposed within the handle for receiving a puncture needle, the safety mechanism comprises: a snapping step disposed at an inner side of the hollow handle; at least one elastic arm radially spreading outward disposed on the needle seat, an end portion of the elastic arm has a snapping portion radially protruding outward, the snapping portion being engaged with the snapping step; a button disposed on a distal side portion of the handle; the button, when being depressed, pushing the elastic arm along a radial inward direction, such that while the snapping portion of the elastic arm is disengaged from the snapping step, the needle seat and the puncture needle stretching outside of the handle are retracted into the hollow handle by virtue of vacuum within the hollow handle.

Abstract: The use of stepped cannulas, wherein a step structure creates a backstop to reduce backflow along the cannula body, is known for convection enhanced delivery of agents to the brain and other structures within an animal. Described herein are novel and improved stepped cannula designs wherein the length of the cannula segment between the step and the dispensing outlet is variable and can be controllably adjusted inside the patient during delivery. This advantageously allows the operator to place the cannula step at the optimal position and deliver agents at one or more positions within the target structure.

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: A system for piercing through biological tissue and providing access to internal structures; particularly, intra-abdominal structures, and closing an opening in the tissue. The system includes a suture guide sub-system having a tissue positioning sub-system for engaging segments of tissue disposed proximate the tissue opening and a suture passer sub-system that slideably engages the suture guide sub-system. The suture passer sub-system includes suture deployment and capture means that is configured to removably secure a suture thereto and deliver the suture to the segments of tissue disposed proximate the tissue opening.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) comprising a catheter (18), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip (13), and a catheter hub (14) connected to the catheter (18) having the needle (12) passing therethrough, the catheter hub (14) including a valve (19) having a preformed opening (22) that selectively permits or blocks a flow of fluid through the catheter (18), a first inner diameter (32) that closes the valve (19), and a second inner diameter (30) larger than the first inner diameter (32), the second inner diameter (30) opening the valve (19), wherein the valve (19) is in an open position upon axially compressing the valve (19) into engagement with the second inner diameter (30) of the catheter hub (14), and the valve (19) is in a closed position upon releasing the valve (19) to engage the first inner diameter (32) of the catheter hub (14).

Abstract: Surgical instruments having articulating portions or joints are described herein. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument can include a distal end effector, a proximal actuating portion, and an articulating portion disposed between the end effector and the actuating portion. The articulating portion can include an inner component formed of a first material and an outer component formed of a second material, wherein a modulus of elasticity of the first material is higher than a modulus of elasticity of the second material. Such an instrument can be less complex and less expensive than known articulation mechanisms while providing similar capabilities.

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 low-cost and simple-to-use system and method to facilitate a prophylactic pleural lavage protocol at the time of thoracostomy tube placement for traumatic hemothorax in order to reduce the need for secondary intervention for the management of retained hemothorax. The invention may be used in conjunction with existing chest tubes and be administered at the time of initial chest tube placement, and continued at the bedside (by a bedside nurse) over the duration of chest drainage, as necessary. The system includes an operator device that semi-automatically administers a pleural lavage protocol consisting of saline instillation, and suction to slow the clotting process, prevent “gelling” of blood, and maintain drainability.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an adapter for coupling an implement to a tremor cancellation platform. The adapter includes a first section attached to the tremor cancellation platform, the first section comprising an elongated tapered key having a base and a tip, the base having a greater transverse dimension than the tip and the base being attached to the tremor cancellation platform. The adapter also includes a second section coupled to the implement, the second section including a tapered cavity sized and shaped to receive the first section, and a latch to lock the second section onto the first section.

Abstract: An injector device and method for use, and particularly a veterinary injector, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a veterinary injector including a flexible container configured to house a medicament, a plunger configured to be slidably received within a lumen of the container, a needle, and a stabilizer at the distal portion of the container and configured to be grasped by a user. The stabilizer can include a first flap extending away from the hub in a first direction, a second flap extending away from the hub in a second direction, and a third flap extending away from the hub in a third direction.

Abstract: Adaptors, cannulas, caps, tube couplers, and systems thereof provide endovascular access through an established ECLS system. Adaptors having curved or angled shafts navigate right angle side ports of standard bypass cannulas and permit hemostatic introduction and direction of an intervention device to the axial flow path of the cannula lumen and bypass system. A modified cannula having an angled side port is also provided for use as an arterial cannula. A cap having an occluding surface may be inserted into the angled side port to prevent blood from stagnating in the angled side port. A tube coupler is also provided having an access port, such as an angled access port, and may be spliced into an established bypass system for vascular access point. Multiple couplers can be used to provide multiple access points. The adaptors and occlusive cap are interchangeable with each other and with secondary circuits.

Abstract: A catheter-based/intravascular ablation (denervation) system includes a multiplicity of needles which expand open around a central axis to engage the wall of a blood vessel, or the wall of the left atrium, allowing the injection of a cytotoxic or/or neurotoxic solution for ablating conducting tissue, or nerve fibers around the ostium of the pulmonary vein, or circumferentially in or just beyond the outer layer of the renal artery. The expandable needle delivery system is formed with self-expanding materials and include structures, near the end portion of the needles, or using separate guide tubes. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into the tissue of the wall of the targeted blood vessel. The preferred embodiment of the catheter delivered through the vascular system of a patient includes a multiplicity of expandable guide tubes that engage the wall of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A safety catheter insertion assembly including a catheter hub coupling assembly. The safety catheter insertion assembly having a needle hub slideably coupled to a needle housing such that the needle hub is moveable between a first position wherein an insertion needle extends from the needle housing, and a second position wherein the sharp distal tip is housed within the needle housing, the catheter hub coupling assembly coupling the catheter hub to the needle housing in the first position and releasing the catheter hub from the needle housing in the second position.

Abstract: Endotracheal intubation support instrument comprises: a main body section having flexibility; a handle section and a blade section extending from both sides of the main body section respectively; and a U-shaped groove running through the main body section from the handle section to the blade section and allowing a flexible tube of a bronchial fiber to come in and out freely. The blade section comprises: a flap for subsuming all or a part of a larynx of a patient; and a lifting body having, on each bank of the U-shape groove, a first protruding portion allowed to contact with a peripheral portion of an epiglottis of the patient and a second protruding portion provided next to a main body section side of the first protruding portion and allowed to contact with a peripheral portion of a glossal root of the patient.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for delivering agents to liver tissue. For example, methods and materials for using microbeads to deliver agents (e.g., chemotherapeutic agents) to liver tissue are provided.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member and a port. The elongate member defines a lumen extending from a first end portion of the elongate member to a second end portion of the elongate member. The elongate member defines a helical pathway configured to convey a fluid. The port defines a lumen. The lumen of the port being in fluid communication with the pathway.

Abstract: A medical catheter includes a deflectable and compressible catheter shaft; a pull ring near a distal end of the catheter shaft; a distal tip that includes a tip element and a mounting shaft; and an attachment apparatus for securely attaching the distal tip to the catheter shaft, the attachment apparatus including a compression ring which compresses the catheter shaft and the mounting shaft together. The compression ring can be located around the catheter shaft to compress the catheter shaft against an outer surface of the mounting shaft, or within the catheter shaft to compress the catheter shaft outwardly against an inner surface of the mounting shaft. The catheter can be a non-irrigated ablation catheter, with the tip element being a tip electrode, and it can be an irrigated ablation catheter, with the distal tip including a fluid manifold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for putting pins (2) into place, the instrument comprising: at least one rectilinear pin (2) presenting a determined length and a determined diameter; an insertion trocar (5) comprising a guide sheath (6); a guide (10) for a pin (2) the guide comprising a flexible tube (11) presenting an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the sheath to enable it to be inserted in the sheath, the flexible tube (11) presenting between its distal end and its proximal end a length that is greater than the length of the pin; and a positioner (13) for positioning a pin (2), the positioner comprising an obturator (14) possessing an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the flexible tube (11) in order to enable it to be inserted in and to slide inside the flexible tube.

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 penetrable interface configured to separate two or more spaces can include an elastomeric seal having a first segment and a second segment. A portion of the second segment can be integrally formed with a portion of the first segment. The first and second segments can create a sealing engagement therebetween in the absence of an applied force on the second segment. The first and second segments can be distorted out of sealing engagement when subjected to the applied force on the second segment.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an access sheath and access systems. In some embodiments, the access sheath may be non-adjustable access sheath or an adjustable access sheath. For example, a length of the adjustable access sheath may be modified or customized (e.g., before insertion thereof in a patient) to a suitable length for a particular patient. In some embodiments, the access sheath and/or dilator may have a substantially fixed or predetermined length.

Abstract: An infusion set is disclosed that includes an inserter including an inserter housing having at least one flexible arm for holding an infusion set in a single axial position prior to insertion of at least a portion of a cannula of the infusion set, the inserter housing having a surface for contacting the patient's skin. The inserter also includes a movable plunger disposed within the inserter housing for releasing the infusion set from the inserter housing, impacting the infusion set, and imparting momentum to the infusion set to insert the cannula into the patient's skin. The inserter additionally includes a biasing element biasing the plunger toward the activated position.

Abstract: In some examples, an outer jacket of a catheter body comprises a first section that decreases in durometer along a length of the first section in a direction towards a distal end of the catheter body, and a second section more distal than the first section and including the distal end of the catheter body, the second section having a higher durometer than a distal portion of the first section. The second section of the outer jacket and the inner liner define a distal opening of the catheter body that is configured to resist geometric deformation when the distal end of the catheter body is engaged with a guidewire.

Abstract: A surgical instrument access port assembly and method of use, the surgical instrument access port a surgical instrument has a needle lumen and a surgical access port. The needle lumen extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a needle tip at a distal end, and a body portion at a proximal end, the body portion having at least one recess or finger. The surgical access port has a cannula defining a hollow cannula shaft, and a tapered hub attached to a proximal end of the cannula. The tapered hub includes at least one inner ring configured to abut against the at least one recess or finger while the surgical instrument is inserted into the cannula of the surgical access port.

Abstract: The dual syringe with percutaneous cannula is a medical device for harvesting and transferring cells for autologous transplantation without the requirement of a surgical setting or ambulatory care. The dual syringe is a closed sterile system that allows for the harvesting syringe to harvest the cells/tissue from a first location of a patient which is then centrifuged to aggregate the cells. The aggregated cell pellet is transferred to a transfer syringe. The cell pellet is then reinjected by the transfer syringe into the patient at a second location for therapeutic purpose. The percutaneous cannula permits insertion of a cannula, with the assistance of a needle, without the need of a surgical incision or trocar.

Abstract: A Retrograde Entry Antegrade Placement (REAP™) method and apparatus facilitate the antegrade (i.e., in the direction of blood flow) placement of endovascular devices for treatment of lower extremity arterial disease. Initially, a retrograde entry is made into the arterial system of a patient at an entry point with a curved needle, which then exits at an exit point proximal to the entry point, with a first wire then passed through the lumen of the curved needle. From the skin exit point, a Dual-Lumen Access Director (DAD) device is advanced in the antegrade direction down the first wire in a first lumen and enters the CFA 1 lumen. A second wire is passed down a second lumen in the DAD device and follows the SFA lumen in the antegrade direction. The DAD device is removed, and a standard dilator and sheath is inserted over the second wire and the endovascular treatment begins.

Abstract: Systems and method for peripheral cannulation are provided. Systems include cannulas defining fenestrations that can be exposed or occluded by a cover slip to selectively expose fenestrations to blood flow in an artery or vein.

Abstract: A surgical access system that facilitates access to a surgical site through an incision in the patient's body includes a surgical retractor and a fluid delivery or fluid evacuation device. The fluid delivery or fluid evacuation device is coupled to the surgical retractor and is adapted to deliver fluid to the surgical site or evacuate fluid from the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire, or guide wire, has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire, or guide wire, while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.