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 surgical seal assembly includes a sleeve housing adapted to be operatively connected to a surgical sleeve, a seal housing adapted for releasable mounting to the sleeve housing and having a seal member with inner portions adapted to permit passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith, and a manual lock member associated with the sleeve housing. The manual lock member is adapted for movement relative to the seal housing between a first position corresponding to a release position of the seal housing to permit removal of the seal housing from mounting to the sleeve housing and a second position corresponding to a lock position of the seal housing to secure the seal housing to the sleeve housing. The manual lock member is preferably adapted for rotational movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the seal housing to move between the first and second positions thereof.

Abstract: An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient may include a catheter adapter, a needle, and/or a needle tip shield assembly. The needle tip shield assembly may have a needle cap, and the needle cap may have a needle shield and at least one low friction surface. The needle may be disposed within the catheter assembly and the needle tip shield assembly. The low friction surface may reside between the needle shield and the needle. The at least one low friction surface may reside on the needle, on the V-clip, and/or on a structure located between the needle and the V-clip.

Abstract: A medical device for use with a fluid transfer device includes a hub having an open proximal end with a frusto-conically-shaped cavity therein, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The cavity is part of the passageway. A release element in the passageway of the hub is positioned to block fluid-tight engagement of the frusto-conically-shaped tip with the cavity of the hub. Structure is provided to release at least part of the release element, upon application of a proximally directed force on the hub, to allow the abrupt fluid-tight engagement of the tip and the cavity in the hub.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: An infusion set having an infusion part for insertion into a patient and a connector for connecting the infusion part with a medical device through a tube is provided. The connector is axially displaceable relative to the infusion part. The infusion part includes an adhesive support, a base part with a first set of guiding means and at least two retention devices for locking the connector to the infusion part, a cannula extending from the base part and being in fluid communication with a cavity. The cavity is further adapted to receive a second cannula extending from the connector where the second cannula is in fluid communication with the tube. The infusion set further includes a second set of guiding means that are adapted to fit with the first set of guiding means and at least two arms. The retention devices extend from an upper surface of a main surface of the base part and the arms include means corresponding to the retention members.

Abstract: A catheter kit for a burrow having a catheter and an obturator and excellent in operability. The catheter comprises a tube having, inside, a nutrient passage leading nutrition or chemicals from the outside of a body to the inside of a stomach and extending along the wall surface of the burrow and a non-balloon type endodwelling member fitted to the tip part of the tube, normally placed in an expanded state and reduced in diameter less than that in the expanded state when an external force acts thereon by the obturator, and indwelled in the stomach in a buried state in a living body. The obturator comprises a guide wire passage detachably engaged with the catheter and allowing a guide wire installed in the obturator ranging from the tip to the midway thereof to be inserted therein and an operation part for transmitting the external force to the endodwelling member fitted to the rear end thereof. The rear end part of the guide wire passage and the operation part are arranged in a separated state.

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 catheter insertion device is provided for inserting an over-the-needle catheter. The device includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the housing of the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the rearward bias of the biasing element. The needle retainer engages the hub of the catheter so that when the catheter is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle. The biasing element then propels the needle rearwardly into the housing of the device. The device further allows the operator to intervene to delay retraction if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling movement of a catheter that is at least partially disposed therein a urinary catheter pouch. The invention particularly relates to a catheter movement control device for use with a urinary catheter pouch which aids in preventing the catheter from moving back into the pouch once the catheter has been deployed. The device makes it easier to use a urinary catheter contained in a urinary catheter pouch. This is especially true for those with disabilities that would have difficulty gripping the catheter within the pouch.

Abstract: Access system for forming and enlarging a percutaneous penetration are disclosed. The apparatus includes a radically expandable dilation assembly having a radically expandable sleeve body and a handle portion operatively coupled to the proximal end of the radically expandable sleeve body. The access system further includes an expansion assembly having an expansion member configured and adapted to radically expand the sleeve body upon insertion therein of the expandable member. The handle portion including a seal disposed across an aperture formed therein for creating a fluid-tight seal around a proximal end of the expansion member. The handle portion including a valve stem operatively and fluidly coupled thereto for delivering a fluid into the aperture of the handle portion. The expansion member including a coating for reducing the force required to slidably insert the expansion member into the sleeve body of the dilation assembly.

Abstract: A molded trocar latch apparatus for locking a safety shield in position is described. The molded latch includes a trocar housing and a shield. The housing has a first monolithically formed cap and a monolithically formed base. A latch mechanism, including a slider and a latch, may be monolithically formed with either the base or the cap of the housing. The slider and the latch are operatively connected to move the latch between a locked and an unlocked position. The latch in the locked position is configured to engage a ledge on the shield and at least stop further proximal movement of the shield that could unintentionally expose the blade of the trocar.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising an elongated member having a distal tip and a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip, a plurality of fluid delivery members positioned in the elongated member and having a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion, and an actuator actuable to a first position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from the first position to a second deployed position extending further radially from the elongated member.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter set comprises a cannula housing. The cannula housing comprises: (a) a catheter disposed substantially in the axial direction and formed into a hollow body opened at its distal and proximal ends; and (b) a catheter hub comprising a through bore extending substantially in the axial direction for inserting the proximal portion of the catheter therethrough. The catheter is adhered or welded to the catheter hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device for an injection needle or infusion needle, comprising a needle holder at the proximal end of the needle, on whose shaft a protective element for the needle tip can be moved, said protective element being prevented, by an engagement device between the needle and the protective element, from being moved past the needle tip, and a grip part being provided between the protective element and the needle holder for the purpose of moving or securing the protective element.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided which provides a flexible catheter tube having one end provided with a catheter hub. A hollow needle having a needle hub on its end is installed in the catheter tube with its sharp end extending out from one end of the catheter tube and a portion of the needle extending through the catheter hub. A needle shield, which is on the needle within the interior of the catheter hub, is biased axially within the catheter hub with its ends being fixed to prevent axial expansion.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided which provides a flexible catheter tube having one end provided with a catheter hub. A hollow needle having a needle hub on its end is installed in the catheter tube with its sharp end extending out from one end of the catheter tube and a portion of the needle extending through the catheter hub. A needle shield, which is on the needle within the interior of the catheter hub, is biased axially within the catheter hub with its ends being fixed to prevent axial expansion.

Abstract: A transcutaneous access tool includes a first cannula moveable along an axis, a fixed member including an elongated prong extending parallel with the axis, and a deployment member secured to the first cannula and movable along the axis away from the fixed member. The deployment member includes spaced-apart, resiliently flexible fingers extending parallel with the axis and having distal ends that are laterally enlarged with respect to the axis. The resiliently flexible fingers are received on the prong of the fixed member. A second cannula is disposed within the lumen of the first cannula, and retraction member is secured to the second cannula and is movable along the axis. The retraction member includes at least one catch catching on the laterally enlarged distal ends of the fingers of the deployment element when the fingers are laterally held apart by the prong of the fixed member.

Abstract: A medical device having a releasable retaining includes needle cannula connected to a hub having an open proximal end with a frusto-conically shaped cavity therein. The cavity is part of a passageway through the hub which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the needle cannula. A retaining element is releasably connected to the hub. The hub includes an aperture and at least one protuberance projecting into the aperture for engaging the frusto-conically shaped tip of a fluid delivery device. The protuberance is shaped to offer less resistance to hub movement in a direction of engagement than in a direction of disengagement with the tip. The retaining element is connected to the hub so that when the hub is engaged to the tip, the force required to disengage the retaining element from the tip is greater than the force required to disengage the retaining element from the hub.

Abstract: A system of rotate-to-advance medical devices including catheters, dilators, occluders, stents, suprapubic catheters and camera introducers configured with external screw threads and depending substantially on rotation for means of advancement and emplacement in mammalian genitourinary and gastrointestinal passages and organs.

Abstract: A catheter housing assembly having a housing, a needle assembly with a rigid portion and a flexible portion, a recoil device positioned in an interior area of the housing for coiling the flexible portion of the needle assembly therearound, and a trigger connected to the housing so as to retract the rigid portion of the needle into the interior area of the housing. The rigid portion of the needle assembly extends tangentially outwardly of the housing. The flexible portion of the needle assembly has a bead, a flexible line extending through the bead, a first rigid spacer connected to the rigid portion of the needle assembly and a plurality of additional rigid spacers interposed in jointed relationship between the bead and the first rigid spacer.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising an elongated member having a distal tip and a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip, a plurality of fluid delivery members positioned in the elongated member and having a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion, and an actuator actuable to a first position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from the first position to a second deployed position extending further radially from the elongated member.

Abstract: An IV catheter introducer having a retractable needle holder and a tubular plunger that are held by a detent structure in a preferred positional relationship prior to and during insertion of the catheter. Following insertion, the plunger is pushed past the detent structure, permitting a compressed spring to force the needle holder upwardly into the plunger. A vented end cap in the plunger permits rapid venting of air displaced during retraction of the needle holder. The needle holder includes a flash chamber that is easily viewable through a clear plastic housing. Wings are provided on the housing to facililate one-handed operation of the device. A method for assembling the subject catheter introducer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for access to the inside of a body includes a transparent sheath with a radiopaque marking and fastener for securing a guidewire or catheter. The transparent sheath permits objects located within and near the sheath to be visualized with an external imaging system. Objects located near the sheath can also be observed with an imaging device disposed inside the sheath. The radiopaque marker permits accurate positioning of the sheath in the body. The sheath can be inserted into the body over an interventional device. A fastener prevents migration of a guidewire or catheter during the procedure.

Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided which provides a flexible catheter tube having one end provided with a catheter hub. A hollow needle having a needle hub on its end is installed in the catheter tube with its sharp end extending out from one end of the catheter tube and a portion of the needle extending through the catheter hub. A needle shield, which is on the needle within the interior of the catheter hub, is biased axially within the catheter hub with its ends being fixed to prevent axial expansion.

Abstract: A releasable mechanism such as a cap is adapted for use with an access sheath having an elongate tube and a handle structure disposed at a proximal end of the tube. The releasable mechanism is sized and configured to fit the handle structure, which is shaped like the bell of a horn, to further facilitate use with surgical instrumentation. The releasable mechanism may operate as a separate cap that snaps onto the handle structure to provide access pathways to the sheath. The releasable mechanism may also be disposed at a proximal end of a surgical instrument to be introduced into the access sheath such that it may be interlocked with the sheath. In a method of manufacturing a kink-resistant sheath, a wire is initially coated with a plastic material, the coated wire is then wrapped around a mandrel forming a plurality of windings, and the wound coated wire is heated until the plastic material melts and bonds the windings to form a wire-reinforced sheath.

Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided which provides a flexible catheter tube having one end provided with a catheter hub. A hollow needle having a needle hub on its end is installed in the catheter tube with its sharp end extending out from one end of the catheter tube and a portion of the needle extending through the catheter hub. A needle shield, which is on the needle within the interior of the catheter hub, is biased axially within the catheter hub with its ends being fixed to prevent axial expansion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process for inserting a cannula into a hub member. The process uses an interference or frictional fit between the bore of the hub member and the cannula's exterior surface. In this manner, adhesives are not required in the assembly of the two components.

Abstract: A safety intravenous catheter assembly includes a catheter hub, a needle cover attachable to and releasably lockable with the catheter hub, and a needle which extends through and is withdrawn into the needle cover. In one embodiment, the safety intravenous catheter assembly is configured so that the fixedly connected catheter hub and needle cover may rotate around the needle. A stop assembly is attached to the needle and to the needle cover for maintaining a tip of the needle within the needle cover after catheter insertion. The stop assembly may include a first locking position whereby the catheter hub cannot disengage from the needle cover, and a second locking position whereby the catheter hub can disengage from the needle cover. The needle cover includes a notch clip which may be integrally formed as one-piece.

Abstract: Epidural apparatus comprises (a) an epidural needle comprising a needle shaft having a tip to allow insertion of a distal end of the needle shaft through the skin of a human or animal body; (b) a sheath comprising a tubular member of plastics material adapted to surround a length of the shaft of the epidural needle but terminate short of the tip thereof, which tubular member, at a distal end thereof is also capable of penetration through the skin following insertion into the skin of the tip of the shaft of the epidural needle and which epidural needle is thereafter removable from the sheath; and (c) a catheter capable of passage through the sheath into the human or animal body.

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.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for regaining hemostasis or otherwise minimizing leakage during endoluminal, surgical or percutaneous intraluminal procedures, and for providing a seal during laparoscopic surgical procedures where there is leakage of the CO2 insufflation, when the primary means of hemostasis or pneumatic CO2 seal is compromised or fails. More particularly the present invention relates to devices having a front hub and a rear hub, one or other of which is adapted to retain a compression seal such that when the front and rear hub are matingly engaged, axial and radial pressure is applied to the compression plug and any devices located therebetween, thereby achieving a seal. The compression device can be applied while a guidewire or additional devices remain within the leaking sheath or trocar, thereby allowing the physician to maintain hemostasis or adequate CO2 insufflation, without exchanging the introducer sheath or laparoscopic port.

Abstract: System for the subcutaneous delivery into the body of a patient of a fluid from a remote vessel. The system includes a main assembly and placement member with a needle. A delivery tube for carrying the fluid is attached at a near end to the remote reservoir or vessel. At removed end, the delivery tube has a needle for engagement with the main assembly. The main assembly includes a rotating member that when the rotating is perpendicular to the main assembly, it will accept the handle and needle for emplacement of the body onto a patient. After the handle and needle are removed, the delivery tube can be attached to the rotating member which can then be rotated down to a position along to and adjacent the skin of the patient. This provides for a flush mounted infusion device.

Abstract: An infusion set for administration of fluid to a subcutaneous layer includes a cannula housing adapted for mounting onto a patient's skin and a needle housing for connection to the cannula housing. The needle housing has a pair of flexible sidewalls and a resilient band connected to the sidewalls. The resilient band is lockably engageable with the cannula housing to thereby secure the housings together, and is releasable from the cannula housing when the sidewalls are pressed toward each other to deform the resilient band. A hollow needle extends out of a main body of the needle housing for delivering fluid to the cannula from a fluid source. The walls of the needle housing extend beyond a distal end of the hollow needle to prevent needle contact with contaminated surfaces and inadvertent injury.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an improved spinal needle. A needle hub is disposed about a proximate end of a hollow needle. The needle hub side port indicators provide visual and tactual verification by a user of the orientation of the side port on the needle. The needle hub also includes a window with a magnified view. The invention provides a stylet cap disposed about a proximate end of a stylet that freely slides inside the hollow needle and needle hub. The stylet cap forms a pressure fit with the needle hub, and can be engaged in the pressure fit from any axial orientation.

Abstract: An IV catheter introducer having a retractable needle holder and a tubular plunger that are held by a detent structure in a preferred positional relationship prior to and during insertion of the catheter. Following insertion, the plunger is pushed past the detent structure, permitting a compressed spring to force the needle holder upwardly into the plunger. A vented end cap in the plunger permits rapid venting of air displaced during retraction of the needle holder. The needle holder includes a flash chamber that is easily viewable through a clear plastic housing. Wings are provided on the housing to facililate one-handed operation of the device. A method for assembling the subject catheter introducer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal passive protector for an IV catheter is provided. The protector comprises an over-the-needle catheter including a proximal hub. The hub is secured within a hub trap comprising first and second interlocking arms. The hub trap is secured to a distal end of a tubular sheath. A slider is disposed about the sheath, and connected to a proximal end of the needle through a slit in the sheath. When the slider is in a distal position, the needle maintains the arms in a closed configuration wherein the hub is secured to the hub trap. When the slider is moved to a proximal position, the needle moves to a proximal position wherein the needle no longer maintains the arms in a closed position. The arms snap to an open position, releasing the hub and trapping the sharp distal tip of the needle within the sheath. Medical technicians are thus protected against accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A trocar system includes a cannula having a cannula head and a cannula tube, and an obturator having a cap and either a rounded tip or a cutting blade. The head and cap form an ergonomically shaped bulbous handle. At least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula head may include a resilient non-slip material. The cannula head may also include a monolithic housing having a port with a Luer Lock fitting and an integrally formed passageway for receiving a stopcock valve.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducer assembly having a safety feature to prevent accidental needle sticks. The introducer assembly includes a needle assembly having an elongated hollow tubular needle with a proximal end attached to a catheter hub and a distal end extending therefrom. The needle has a groove disposed on its outer surface The introducer includes a protector made of a hollow member having an open distal end and a inwardly disposed resilient flange disposed thereon. The protector is coaxially slidably disposed around the needle with the flange abutting the outer surface of the needle. The introducer also includes a catheter assembly having an elongated hollow tubular catheter with a proximal end attached to a catheter hub and a distal end extending therefrom. The catheter is coaxially disposed about the needle.

Abstract: A flash chamber having a self-closing valve for use with a catheter is described. The flash chamber, which is connected to the catheter, precludes blood leakage as a needle is removed from the catheter and an IV unit is coupled to the catheter. The flash chamber permits the practitioner to visually verify that a blood vessel has been punctured and includes a self-sealing valve that prevents blood from flowing out of the flash chamber as the needle is removed and the IV unit is attached.

Abstract: A spinal syringe and needle for preventing the inadvertent injection of an intravenous drug spinally includes a needle engagement extension on the spinal needle defining an opening of a first diameter, a syringe engagement extension on the spinal syringe defining an opening of a second diameter, the syringe engagement extension engageable with the needle engagement extension to operatively connect the needle to the syringe. The first and second diameters are dimensioned such that a surface of the syringe engagement extension is in frictional engagement with a surface of the needle engagement extension, the first diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of an opening defined by the engagement extension of a typical syringe and the second diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of an opening defined by the engagement extension of a typical needle.

Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A cannula includes a coupling interface adapted to receive and engage a wide variety of medical instruments having engaging portions which are different. In general, the cannula includes an elongated insertion member having a passage for receiving the medical instrument and a clamping assembly disposed at the proximal end of the elongated insertion member to engage the medical instrument. The clamping assembly includes a second surface axially spaced from the first surface of the elongated insertion member, and a biasing member positioned to bias at least one of the first surface and the second surface axially toward each other and to clamp an engaging portion of the medical instrument between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: An improved guide wire brake that is particularly suited to ablative rotational atherectomy devices is disclosed. The guide wire brake ensures that a guide wire is prevented from rotating or moving axially prior to activation of a primary mover such as a turbine. In one embodiment a pressure relief valve delays the activation of the prime mover on start up, and a check valve delays the release of the guide wire brake on shut down. In a second embodiment the guide wire brake is serially connected to the prime mover such that the prime mover is not connected to the pressurized gas source until after the guide wire brake is engaged. In a third embodiment a guide wire is disposed through a flexible tube within a rigid cylinder that is serially connected to the prime mover, such that when pressurized gas is provided to the prime mover the flexible tube will collapse on the guide wire, to prevent guide wire movement.

Abstract: A spinal syringe and needle for preventing the inadvertent injection of an intravenous drug spinally includes a needle engagement extension on the spinal needle defining an opening of a first diameter, a syringe engagement extension on the spinal syringe defining an opening of a second diameter, the syringe engagement extension engageable with the needle engagement extension to operatively connect the needle to the syringe. The first and second diameters are dimensioned such that a surface of the syringe engagement extension is in frictional engagement with a surface of the needle engagement extension, the first diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of an opening defined by the engagement extension of a typical syringe and the second diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of an opening defined by the engagement extension of a typical needle.

Abstract: According to the invention a working cannula (1) is fixedly joined to a medical coupling element (3) which is placed onto a sealing cannula (2) and can be screwed onto same. The medical coupling element (3) has an actuating lever (34) and a covering plate (39). When the medical coupling element (3) is rotated by means of the actuating lever (34) in relation to the sealing cannula (2), the working cannula (1) is partially pulled into the sealing cannula (2) to such a depth that inlet openings (11) in the proximal end of the working cannula (1) are drawn into a sealing chamber (14) at the proximal end of the sealing cannula (2). This ensures that the outlet openings (6) through which, for example, fibrin adhesive can be administered into the puncture channel, do not enter an artery. In the insertion position the covering plate (39) simultaneously covers the sealing tube (5) through which the sealing material is injected.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with needle shield that is connected to the needle hub by a pleated tether. The tether defines a plurality of holes therein to allow the introducer needle to extend through the tether. Each hole defines a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension such that the radial dimension is less than the longitudinal dimension. This configuration improves the tensile strength of the tether. The tether prevents unwanted proximal movement of the needle with respect to the needle shield once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield.