Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter that includes a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner surface forming a lumen. The lumen may extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The catheter assembly may also include a cannula and a cannula hub. The cannula hub may include an outer portion disposed outside of the catheter adapter and an inner portion disposed within the catheter adapter. The cannula may extend distally from the inner portion. In response to the outer portion sliding proximally along an outer surface of the catheter adapter, the cannula may be withdrawn proximally into the catheter adapter. The outer portion may be configured to slide proximally to a locked position in which the cannula hub is locked with respect to the catheter adapter, and a distal tip of the cannula is disposed within the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a first assembly including a catheter and a catheter hub, a second assembly including an inner needle and a housing, and a catheter operating member. The catheter assembly also includes a separation restricting mechanism separate from the housing. The separation restricting mechanism restricts separation of the first assembly and the catheter operating member in an inserted state in which the inner needle is inserted in the catheter, and allows the separation of the first assembly and the catheter operating member in a non-inserted state in which the inner needle is separated from the catheter.

Abstract: An irrigation function-equipped suction device including a suction device body, a suction path, an irrigation path and a flexible tube. With communication or closing of the suction path and the flexible tube by a first switch mechanism, the irrigation path and the flexible tube are caused to be closed off from each other or to communicate with each other by a second switch mechanism. The first switch mechanism is provided in a first section inside the suction device body, and the second switch mechanism is provided inside the irrigation path between the conversion mechanism and the flexible tube. The closing valve included in the second switch mechanism is disposed at a position on a side opposite to the flexible tube relative to the first switch mechanism and the conversion mechanism.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide multi-medicament infusion systems for preventing the cross-channeling of medicaments. The system may include one or more of an infusion pump, medicament reservoirs, collars, a multi-channel fluid conduit, and an infusion set. The medicament reservoirs and/or collars may be sized and shaped differently such that the medicament reservoirs can only be inserted into the system selected configurations.

Abstract: A system for facilitating instrument delivery through a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”) may include a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter, an extension tube extending from a side port of the catheter adapter, a septum disposed in a lumen of the catheter adapter, and a PIVC extending distally from the catheter adapter. The septum may include a first piece and a second piece and may be least partially disposed within a canister. The system may include an extension set, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may include a distal connector and a rigid tube. The proximal end may include a proximal connector. The distal connector may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The rigid tube may penetrate the septum in response to the distal connector being coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A specimen container that includes a first cylindrical housing section having a first threaded end, a second threaded end, and a body section formed therebetween, wherein a fill line is placed at a predetermined location on the body section; a threaded winged section that is adapted to be attached to the second threaded end of the first cylindrical housing section, wherein the threaded winged section includes two gripping wings formed on opposite sides of the threaded winged section; a second cylindrical housing section having a first threaded end, a second threaded end, and a body section formed therebetween, wherein two gripping wings are formed on opposite sides of the second cylindrical housing section and are integral therewith; a threaded connector ring that is adapted to connect the first cylindrical housing section to the second cylindrical housing section; and at least one syringe plunger adapted for insertion into the first cylindrical housing section or the second cylindrical housing section.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter that includes a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner surface forming a lumen. The lumen may extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The catheter assembly may also include a cannula and a cannula hub. The cannula hub may include an outer portion disposed outside of the catheter adapter and an inner portion disposed within the catheter adapter. The cannula may extend distally from the inner portion. In response to the outer portion sliding proximally along an outer surface of the catheter adapter, the cannula may be withdrawn proximally into the catheter adapter. The outer portion may be configured to slide proximally to a locked position in which the cannula hub is locked with respect to the catheter adapter, and a distal tip of the cannula is disposed within the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A positioning device for a medical catheter to be positioned in a bodily orifice or cavity, the device containing an elongated tubular or sleeve-type catheter receiving member, one end of which receives the catheter to be positioned, elongated catheter release member which is held inside or outside the catheter receiving member and which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the member and a motion mechanism comprising a motion conversion device, by means of which the catheter receiving member and the catheter release member can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the device, thus releasing the catheter from the catheter receiving member; the motion conversion device has an actuating member, by means of which motion that is carried out transversely to the longitudinal direction of the device or pivoting motion can be converted into longitudinal motion running in the longitudinal direction of the device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed, which includes a catheter, a catheter hub fixed to a base end portion of the catheter, an inner needle having a needlepoint, inserted into the catheter, a needle hub coupled to the inner needle, and a needle support portion for supporting the inner needle through the catheter on a leading end side beyond the catheter hub, wherein the needle support portion has a pair of support arms openable and closeable in a left and right direction, and a restraining portion capable of restraining the pair of support arms in a closed state and releasing a restraint of the pair of support arms, the needle hub having an extension portion extending in a leading end direction beyond the catheter hub, the pair of support arms being laterally disposed between the restraining portion.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a retractor, an introducer and a clamp mechanism. The retractor has a hollow retractor passage extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal retractor end to a distal retractor end. The introducer has an introducer channel extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end. The introducer is configured to be removably installed within the retractor such that the proximal introducer end and distal introducer end are located along the longitudinal axis and the distal introducer end extends beyond the distal retractor end. The clamp mechanism is located on the introducer and includes a clamp axially aligned with the introducer channel, and control member configured to move the clamp between an open position and a closed position. The clamp may be used to hold a navigation probe inside the introducer, and a registration indicator may confirm the proper installation of the probe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a set for producing a threaded connection, comprising a first and a second tubular component with an axis of revolution, one of their ends being provided with a threaded zone formed on the external or internal peripheral surface of the component depending on whether the threaded end is of the male or female type, said ends finishing in a terminal surface which is oriented radially with respect to the axis of revolution of the tubular components, a thread crest, a thread root, a load flank and a stabbing flank, the width of the thread crests of each tubular component reducing in the direction of the terminal surface of the tubular component under consideration, while the width of the thread roots increases, characterized in that the lead of the male stabbing flanks and/or load flanks is different from the lead of the female stabbing flanks and/or load flanks. The present method, system and device also pertain to a threaded connection.

Abstract: A needle-based medical device and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A needle device includes a hub having a longitudinal axis; a needle having a sharp distal tip; and a needle shield assembly associated with the needle and moveable from a non-shielding position to a shielding position. In the shielding position, the sharp distal tip is covered by at least part of the needle shield assembly. A bushing disposed about the needle, and a latch for engaging with the hub when the needle shield assembly is in the non-shielding position are further provided.

Abstract: A safety needle system operable with a medical device includes: a housing with a needle mount having a needle; and a sheath telescopically engaged with the housing and surrounding the needle such that the sheath operates in a retracted position, in which the sheath exposes the needle, and an extended position, in which the sheath surrounds the needle. The sheath is coupleable to the medical device such that removal of the needle from the medical device draws the sheath over the needle, transitioning the sheath from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, the system includes a slider engaged with the sheath and/or housing and including a restraint that engages and disengages the sheath to respectively reinforce and weaken the coupling of the sheath and medical device. In another embodiment, the sheath includes a longitudinal track that slidingly engages a setting of the housing between sheath positions.

Abstract: A needle guard clip assembly has a clip and a spring, the clip having a first wall with a needle passage therethrough, a generally parallel second wall, a strut connecting the two walls, and a heel extending from the first wall. The walls, strut, and heel are an integral piece. The spring is associated with and extends from the first wall.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a design of a needle hub and an actuator of a catheter assembly that allows the needle hub and actuator to interlock within the catheter hub. This interlocking allows the needle hub to be inserted into the catheter hub thereby increasing the rigidity of the catheter assembly. The interlocking can be accomplished by forming channels in the proximal end of the actuator and corresponding protrusions from the distal end of the needle hub. In some embodiments, the channels and protrusions can be formed at the top and bottom of the catheter hub and needle hub respectively to thereby increase the vertical rigidity of the catheter assembly. The increase in vertical rigidity can prevent flexing of the catheter hub with respect to the needle shield when a downward force is applied to the catheter assembly such as is common during insertion of the needle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter insertion device, which comprises a catheter hub in which a check valve is arranged, and a catheter, which is in fluid communication with the catheter hub, wherein a support element is attached to the catheter, and a flexible buffer element is provided between the support element and the catheter hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.

Abstract: The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.).

Abstract: An insertion device for applying an infusion set to the body of a patient, wherein the device has two actuation members which have to be actuated simultaneously to trigger an insertion movement by which a cannula of the infusion set is introduced into the body and wherein, in some embodiments, one of the actuation members is a securing slide including a contact face to be placed on the body of the patient, the securing slide being actuated by the insertion device being pressed, via the contact face, against the body of the patient.

Abstract: An asymmetrical gripping surface is incorporated into a needle shield of an intravenous catheter assembly. The asymmetrical gripping surface provides a gripping position nearer the catheter adapter, catheter and needle tip for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the asymmetrical gripping surfaces include a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube is provided. The tracheostomy tube includes an outer cannula that comprises an outer cannula connector comprising a first keying feature. The tracheostomy tube further comprises an inner cannula comprising an inner cannula connector including a second keying feature configured to complement the first keying feature when the inner cannula is inserted into the outer cannula. Further, a method is provided, whereby the method comprises inserting an outer cannula into a patient's trachea, and inserting an inner cannula into the outer cannula such that a keying feature on an inner cannula connector of the inner cannula engages a second keying feature on an outer cannula connector of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A front portion of a tubular inner needle proximal end portion disposed at a proximal end of the inner needle is attached to a rear end portion of a tubular adaptor, a tubular outer needle proximal end portion disposed at a proximal end of the outer needle is inserted from a distal end of the adaptor, and a distal end of the inner needle is caused to protrude from a distal end of the outer needle. A restricting plate having an insertion hole through which the outer needle proximal end portion is inserted is inserted into the adaptor from an opening formed in an upper surface of the adaptor. A protrusion formed on a lower surface of the insertion hole protrudes upward and engages with one of the grooves of the outer needle proximal end portion.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe for injecting medicament into a patient includes a barrel constructed of a polymeric material, a cannula and a hub. The barrel has a diameter, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula has a proximal end and a tip opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the cannula is fixed to the distal end of the barrel. The cannula is positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The hub is integrally formed with the distal end. The hub includes a rib section and a cap. The rib section has a generally cruciform cross-section taken along a rib plane. The rib plane is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cap has a generally U-shaped cross-section taken along a longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for guidewire assisted placement of catheters into blood vessels are described. Some of the devices and methods relate to automated or partially automated or assisted insertion and placement of an intravenous catheter into a vein or artery of a patient. Other of the devices are blood draw devices and methods for insertion and placement of an intravenous device into a vein or artery of a patient or to withdraw a blood sample from the patient. The devices also provide for guide wire tip inspection after use.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor sleeve that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may include a first actuator that controls the extension of one or more subcutaneous tines into the subcutaneous region under the skin. The anchor sleeve can also include a second actuator that can cause the anchor sleeve to lock onto an outer portion of the catheter (or other medical instrument) arrange in the working channel.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cannula assembly may include a cannula module and an inserter module. In the pre-operational state the cannula is retracted with respect to the skin-contacting surface. In operational state the cannula projects beyond the skin-contacting surface. The inserter module may include an energy store and an activation mechanism. When the energy store is at least partially discharged, the stored potential energy is transformed to kinetic energy that moves the cannula from the pre-operational state to the operational state. The activation mechanism is triggerable from outside the cannula assembly with a trigger device. The activation mechanism prevents the energy store from being discharged before it is triggered by the trigger device, and enables the energy store to be discharge after it is triggered by the trigger device to force the cannula from the pre-operational state into the operational state.

Abstract: A surgical access port or trocar is provided. The trocar has a trocar seal housing and a trocar cannula with an optical obturator insertable through the trocar seal housing and the trocar cannula. The trocar is configured to access a body cavity, to maintain positive pressure and to prevent loss of surgical insufflation gas used in laparoscopic procedures. The trocar seal housing can be releasably attached to the trocar cannula. The trocar seal housing may also have a shield and/or alignment channel that provide protection or assist in operation of instrument and zero seals housed in the trocar seal housing.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting an infusion device at least partially into skin for subcutaneous infusion can comprise a sleeve having a lower surface that is configured to engage the skin, a shuttle or carriage to carry the infusion device between a retracted position and an advanced position; at least a first biasing member to urge the shuttle or carriage toward the advanced position, and an actuator to cause the first biasing member to urge the carriage from the retracted position to the advanced position. In some embodiments, the insertion device can further comprise a hub and at least a second biasing member to urge the hub away from the shuttle or carriage. In some embodiments, the insertion device can further comprise a needle attached to the hub. Methods for inserting an infusion device and various other features that can be comprised by an insertion device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) having an outer catheter (12) and an inner catheter (14) extending coaxially through the outer catheter, and a hub (16). The inner catheter (14) is axially movable within and with respect to the outer catheter (14) by use of an actuator assembly (130) such that the catheter assembly has an opened condition permitting fluid communication with vasculature of a patient, and a closed condition preventing fluid communication with the vasculature of the patient. The opened condition permits the intended use of the catheter assembly such as for hemodialysis of the patient. In the closed condition, locking solution may be maintained in the catheter assembly and later removed therefrom, with essentially no locking solution leaving the catheter assembly or entering the patient. The actuator assembly (130) is secured to a proximal end portion (128) of the inner catheter (14) as it protrudes proximally from the hub (16), where it is accessible to the practitioner.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors. In some implementations, the anchor device can be installed using a technique in which the subcutaneous anchors undergo relatively little or no flexing when being inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous region between the skin and underlying muscle tissue which may be occupied by fatty tissue.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).

Abstract: An insertion device for the introduction of a medical implement, the insertion device including a hollow body, a needle holder mounting portion, a needle holder, a needle adapted for a medical implement to be mounted therewith relative to the needle, biasing means to bias the needle and the needle holder into the hollow body, and a retaining mechanism adapted to at least temporarily retain the needle and the needle holder in a forward condition in which the needle extends forward of the hollow body against the biasing force of the biasing means. The retaining mechanism of the insertion device retains the needle and the needle holder in the forward condition until the medical implement is disassociated from the retaining mechanism and unless the retaining mechanism is operated independently to retain the needle holder and the needle in the forward condition.

Abstract: An infusion system comprises a disposable wearable infusion device having a body arranged to be adhered to a patient's skin and a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament to be infused into the patient through a cannula extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The system further includes a cannula driver arranged to be detachably joined with the infusion device and including the cannula. The cannula driver is arranged to drive the cannula into a deployed position extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The cannula driver includes a release mechanism that separates the cannula driver from the infusion device after the cannula is in the deployed position.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter device having features to aid a user in hooding the beveled portion of an introducer needle during the catheterization process. An intravenous catheter device is modified to include a biasing arm capable of advancing a portion of the catheter device to cause a beveled portion of an introducer needle to be hooded within an interior lumen of the catheter tube. The dimensions of the biasing arm and various other interacting surfaces of the catheter device are configured to achieve effective hooding of the needle tip while avoiding overhooding or underhooding inaccuracies.

Abstract: A catheter insertion assembly for inserting a catheter into a body lumen of a patient is disclosed as well as a method of using the assembly. The assembly comprises a hub, a catheter stiffener and a valve. The valve is disposed in the lumen of the hub and prevents substantially all fluid flow through the lumen in at least one direction below a pressure threshold. The proximal end of the stiffener is attached to the hub and the stiffener extends distally of the distal end of the hub. The stiffener lumen is in fluid communication with the hub lumen. The stiffener occupies a lumen of the catheter and provides additional stiffness to the catheter such that a catheter introducer is not necessary for insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor sleeve that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may include a first actuator that controls the extension of one or more subcutaneous tines into the subcutaneous region under the skin. The anchor sleeve can also include a second actuator that can cause the anchor sleeve to lock onto an outer portion of the catheter (or other medical instrument) arrange in the working channel.

Abstract: A safety intravenous catheter assembly includes a needle, a catheter hub having an axial bore extending through the catheter hub and a notch extending outwardly in the axial bore, a needle cover, and a notch clip connected to the needle cover. The notch clip is selectively maintained adjacent the needle throughout a range of positions from being in forceful contact with the needle to being generally spaced from the needle and selectively maintained adjacent the catheter hub throughout a range of positions from being in forceful contact with the catheter hub to being generally spaced from the catheter hub to lock the catheter hub to the needle cover while being operable to move the needle relative to the notch clip in a near frictionless relationship.

Abstract: A protector comprising an inner tube, a lid connected to an upper opening of the inner tube through a hinge, and an outer tube for holding the inner tube in an inner cavity part of the outer tube. A blood collecting needle to which a tube is connected is stored in the inner tube. The inner tube comprises an annular seat face which seats on the base end part of a hub formed integrally with the blood collecting needle when the blood collecting needle moves downward. An operation lever extending downward is installed at the side of the lid, and an end part of the operation lever is slightly projected outward. When the blood collecting needle is moved, the inner tube is pulled integrally with the tube by the annular seat face to be slid relative to the outer tube until the end part abuts on the lower end part of an operation hole. Then, the lid is closed and the blood collecting needle is stored in the inner tube.

Abstract: An IV catheter introducer having an elastomeric grommet disposed between the housing and the IV catheter assembly that helps avoid unintentional separation of IV catheter assembly from the housing during shipping and handling prior to use, that acts as a needle guide, that helps align the housing and IV catheter assembly coaxially, that indicates that top side of the catheter introducer, that provides proper rotational alignment between the grommet and housing, that wipes blood off the needle during withdrawal of the needle from the catheter assembly and grommet, that impedes blood flow out of the catheter hub after needle withdrawal, and that assists the user in separating the housing from the IV catheter assembly following insertion of the catheter and withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.

Abstract: An access needle suitable for use in percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy procedures. In one embodiment, the access needle includes a stylet assembly, a safety sheath assembly and a cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet and a stylet hub. The stylet has a proximal end and a sharpened distal end, the proximal end of the stylet being mounted within the stylet hub. The safety shield assembly includes a sheath and a shuttle. The sheath, which has a blunt distal end, coaxially surrounds the stylet. The proximal end of the sheath is fixed to the shuttle, the shuttle being movable between a first position in which the sharpened distal end of the stylet is exposed and a second position in which the sharpened distal end of the stylet is shielded by the blunt distal end of the sheath. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a cannula hub, the cannula hub being fixed to the proximal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A trocar housing for a trocar assembly includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned apertures shaped and dimensioned for passage of an instrument therethrough. A button latch mechanism selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member, the button latch mechanism including a latching member which slides about a central axis of the first and second housing members for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; and a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and is removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient is disclosed. The assembly comprises outer and inner catheters. The outer catheter has an exterior surface, an inflatable balloon mounted upon the exterior surface, at least one element distal to the balloon, at least one aperture and a lumen. The inner catheter is sized to be received within the lumen and has a passageway extending between a proximal end and at least one port. The lumen is adapted to guide the inner catheter to the desired tissue region in the brain. Each element is adapted to monitor brain activity within the tissue region, to electronically stimulate the tissue region, or to provide information on a precise position of the element when the element is entirely within the brain. The elements are mounted proximal to the distal end of the outer catheter upon the exterior surface of its distal portion.

Abstract: A needle protector that protects the tip or distal end of a cannula, a trocar, or a cannula/trocar combination, is provided by an extruded tubing that has at least a section thereof that includes one or a plurality of protrusions or protuberances that are configured in a given fashion so that there is a slight bend created at that section of the tube, when the tube is fitted onto a cannula or trocar with the protrusions coming into contact with the outer diameter surface of the cannula or trocar. This results in friction contact between the protrusions and the cannula or trocar to maintain the tube protector in place relative to the cannula or trocar. The protrusions may be punched or lanced in the tube to a given depth towards the interior of the tube to establish a given friction contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety clip device for shielding and retaining a tip of an introducer needle following insertion of a vascular catheter. The safety clip device includes a sleeve having an interlock system for locking together the sleeve and the catheter adapter. The sleeve houses a safety clip wherein a portion of the introducer needle extends through the safety clip and is pinched between arm portions of the safety clip. As the tip of the introducer needle is withdrawn from the catheter adapter, the tip of the introducer needle is retained in the safety clip, whereafter the safety clip is retained within the sleeve and the sleeve is released from the catheter adapter for safe disposal.

Abstract: An injection catheter is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one needle passage extending therethrough. The needle passage has a proximal region having a proximal diameter and a distal region having a distal diameter less than the proximal diameter. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. An injection needle extends through the catheter body and needle control handle and has a proximal end within the needle control handle and a distal end within the needle passage. The injection needle is longitudinally slidable within the catheter body so that its distal end can extend beyond the distal end of the catheter body. A needle stop is mounted on a portion of the injection needle that is positioned within the proximal region of the needle passage.