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: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. An intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive, actively guided, and provides direct and consistent access to the inner surface of the posterior anulus, which will not unintentionally exit the posterior anulus and cause harm to the spinal cord, is provided.

Abstract: An injection device for use with tissue of a mammalian body comprising a first tubular member and a second tubular member slidably disposed in the first tubular member. The first and second tubular members have respective proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the second tubular member is provided with a needle that is extendable from the distal extremity of the first tubular member. The proximal extremity of the second tubular member is lockable relative to the proximal extremity of the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a column strength when locked within the first tubular member for limiting retraction of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member during puncture of the tissue by the needle.

Abstract: An infusion set includes a needle hub with a needle to be inserted in a through passageway of the cannula housing through a sealing surface of a soft cannula. The infusion set includes a guide for centering the needle relative to the cannula sealing surface, a dirt trap, and the through passageway, as well as a locking device for locking the cannula housing and the needle hub together to prevent inadvertent disengagement. The guide includes co-operating guide pins and guide openings and a draft angle on the needle hub. The pins are located on each side of the needle and the through passageway. The connecting tube includes an inner tube of polyethylene and shrink fitted tubing at each end suitable for a solvent bonding layer. The composite can be reinforced with monofilament strands sandwiched between the two tubular layers to prevent kinking, or the inner tube can be formed in a triangular shape. The triangular shape composite is incased in a thin polyester shrink tube.

Abstract: A wire station is disclosed for securing and managing multiple wire members used in a catheter system. The wire management system includes a station for securing the proximal portion of two wire members in a spatially separate arrangement. The wire station additionally provides a physician with the flexibility of either directly attaching the wire station to the catheter system directly, or positioning the wire station at a remote location.

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: 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: Disclosed herein is an improved core wire for use in a medical catheter. In one aspect, a tapering core wire is incorporated into the distal end of a catheter. The catheter has a tubular body. Both ends of an inflatable balloon are mounted to the tubular body. The core wire extends from the distal end of the tubular body. In one embodiment, substantially all of the taper of the core wire occurs in the extending portion of the core wire over a length of at least 15 mm but no more than 60 mm. In another aspect, a core wire with a shapeable tip and method of manufacturing the same are provided. A core wire previously made superelastic is subject to additional processing to remove its superelasticity thereby allowing the material to be shapeable to aid in advancing the core wire through a blood vessel or other body cavities. In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for securing the core wire to the distal end of an elongated catheter tubular body.

Abstract: A surgical device for injecting a chemical agent within a subject for use in endoscopic injection therapies is disclosed. The device includes a support body, a motion transmitting unit, an agent delivery system and a guide housing. The motion transmitting unit is movable relative to the support body. The agent delivery system includes a needle for extending into a subject and structure defining a conduit between the support body and the needle. The guide housing has a flexible elongated body, an internal elongated passage and friction reducing material lining the passage. At least a portion of the motion transmitting unit adjacent the needle is slideably housed within the guide housing. The device offers a surgeon improved ease of needle extension and retraction when the distal end of the endoscope is bent at acute angles.

Abstract: An introducing apparatus is provided which includes an elongate tubular sheath extending from a sheath proximal end to a sheath distal end. The sheath has a bore sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath further includes at least one tab extending away from a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The dilator extends from a dilator proximal end to a dilator distal end. The introducing apparatus further includes a needle disposed within the dilator, and retractably coupled with the dilator. A distal end of the needle is flexible.

Abstract: A needle apparatus has a thin walled catheter enclosing a tubular needle having a sharp point, the catheter and the needle being relatively moveable longitudinally a short distance, from a first position where the needle projects from the catheter and to a second position at which the sharp point is located within the catheter. The needle remains in the fluid pathway of the needle apparatus at all times. The needle apparatus is arranged to pierce tissue when the catheter and the needle are in the first position.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a working catheter having a distal working orifice. The catheter systems further includes a guide catheter having a guide lumen and a distal guide orifice. In addition, the catheter system includes a locking mechanism which locks the working catheter relative to the guide catheter in (i) an operative position, and (ii) a stowed position. The catheter system also includes a tissue ingrowth member secured to an outer surface of the guide catheter and configured to facilitate fibrous tissue growth therein, whereby subcutaneous tissue of a body becomes affixed to the tissue ingrowth member when the tissue ingrowth member remains in contact with the subcutaneous tissue over a period of time.

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: A composite instrument is provided comprising a first functional instrument and a second functional instrument when the first functional instrument is coupled with the second functional instrument. A composite handle for the composite instrument is provided comprising a first handle and a second handle when the first handle is coupled with the second handle. The handle makes possible the reliable transmission, with increased mechanical advantage, of both torsional and longitudinal loads by the physician to the composite instrument, while resisting relative rotation between the first and second instruments.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for cannulating a heart vessel includes a guide handle having proximal and distal ends, a lumen open at least at the distal end of the guide handle, and a stop member disposed within the lumen at a distal end of the guide handle. A catheter of the assembly has a proximal end disposed within the lumen of the guide handle and a preformed distal end. The catheter is longitudinally displaceable within the guide handle to adjust an exposed length of the distal end of the catheter. The stop member is engagable with the proximal end of the catheter to prevent the proximal end of the catheter from passing out of the guide handle. A locking mechanism within the guide handle to selectably prevents and permit axial rotation between the guide handle and catheter while permitting longitudinal displacement of the catheter within the guide handle.

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: A catheter insertion device is provided that includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. When the catheter is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle, which is propelled rearwardly into the device. A device for inserting a guide wire into a patient is also provided. The device includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the housing of the device after use. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. The needle retainer engages the guide wire so that when the guide wire is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle, which is propelled into the device.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft having an outer surface defining an outer diameter, a tube having an inner surface defining an inner diameter and extending over a portion of the shaft, at least one coil wound in a first rotational direction and provided between the shaft and the tube, the at least one coil having a first portion defining an inner surface interfering with an outer surface of the shaft such that the at least one coil grips the shaft, and a second portion coupled to the inner surface of the tube. The tube is movable longitudinally relative to the shaft in a first longitudinal direction when subject to force in the first longitudinal direction, and the tube is substantially immovable longitudinally relative to the shaft in a second longitudinal direction opposite the first longitudinal direction when subject to force in the second longitudinal direction only.

Abstract: In an infusion apparatus for supplying a medicine into the body of a patient which infusion apparatus comprises a first element including a cannula and a second element including an injection needle which is placed in sealing communication with the cannula when the first and second elements are joined, the second element includes a circular groove and the first element includes locking members which are slidably movable back and forth into, and out of, the groove for selectively engaging said second element to lock it when inserted into the first element.

Abstract: An improved catheter assembly and method are provided for delivering angulated stents to a diseased vessels. The assembly allows for the precise delivery of an angulated stent into a side branch vessel that is at varying angles with respect to a main vessel. The assembly includes a single balloon Y-shaped balloon catheter having a restraining member attached to the distal section of the catheter to assist in proper delivery of the angulated stent. The restraining member of the catheter assembly of the present invention is configured to prevent the deployment of an angulated stent unless proper orientation of catheter assembly is first achieved. Because a pre-mounted stent is oriented to coincide with the diseased side branch vessel, once proper orientation of the catheter assembly is achieved, deployment of the angulated stent will be precise.

Abstract: A surgical implement for forming an opening in the skin of a patient comprises two bodies: a first for application to one side of the skin and a second, having an incision element, for application to the other side of the skin to co-operate with the first body. The opening in the skin is formed simply and safely by placing the first and second bodies either side of the skin and moving the incision element.

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 genitouinary and gastrointestinal passages and organs.

Abstract: An attachment tool to facilitate the attachment of a catheter or similar elongated instrument to a guide-wire or other elongated guide member, without requiring access to either end of said wire or member. Said tool providing repeatable and reliable alignment of components to be attached, while being operated with a single hand. The tool further facilitates the attachment of a plurality of catheters or instruments to a single wire or member.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device is disclosed herein. The device allows an operator to insert a catheter within a vessel with a single hand enabling the operator to keep a grip on the patient's skin and vessel. The device also includes a needle tip sheath that protects operators from accidental needle punctures by contaminated needles.

Abstract: A releasable interlock assembly having axial and rotational engagement, and suitable for use in catheter introducers and other medical devices, has a tapered female member which receives a tapered male member. The female member has protrusions which engage corresponding grooves on the male member. The grooves have a generally axially aligned portion and a generally circumferentially aligned portion, terminating in a pocket to receive the corresponding protrusion on the female member. The depth of the each groove decreases from the open axially aligned end to a point just before the pocket, causing a dimensional interference which prevents the protrusion from disengaging the pocket axially, unless deliberately rotated by an operator.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device is disclosed herein. The device allows an operator to insert a catheter within a vessel with a single hand enabling the operator to keep a grip on the patient's skin and vessel. The device also includes a needle tip sheath that protects operators from accidental needle punctures by contaminated needles.

Abstract: A catheter has an outer tube capable of turning an inner tube smoothly. The catheter comprises an inner tube 11 having a leading end portion formed into a suitable shape matching an affected part 18, an outer tube 12 fitted movably on the inner tube 11 and a joint mechanism for enabling the inner tube 11 to move integrally with the outer tube 12 without preventing the movement of the outer tube 12.

Abstract: A valve system configured to access the cardiovascular system of a patient includes: (i) a valve body having a lumen therethrough; (ii) a selectively openable resilient first seal, (iii) a compressible second seal including an opening which communicates with the lumen when the second seal is in an open position; (iii) a locking nut movably coupled to the valve body, the locking nut configured to selectively increase and decrease compressive force on the second seal; and (iv) an introducer configured to selectively open the resilient first seal. The introducer has a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer is movably coupled to the locking nut and reciprocates between a first position and a second position within the locking nut. The resilient first seal is in the closed position when the introducer is in the first position and the resilient first seal is in the open position when the introducer is in the second position.

Abstract: A trocar having a safety shield control mechanism that prevents the inner cannula from rotating and from moving axially when in the locked position. The safety shield control mechanism applies consistent pressure on the safety shield and has an open architecture for ease of sterilization. The trocar provides holding levels for different sizes of hands.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for selectively controlling the temperature of a selected organ of a patient for performance of a specified application. The method includes introducing a guide catheter into a blood vessel. The guide catheter may have a soft tip and a retaining flange, and may be used to provide treatments such as administration of thrombolytic drug therapies, stenting procedures, angiographic procedures, etc. A supply tube is provided having a heat transfer element attached to a distal end thereof. The heat transfer element having a plurality of exterior surface irregularities, these surface irregularities having a depth greater than the boundary layer thickness of flow in the feeding artery of the selected organ. The supply tube and heat transfer element may be inserted through the guide catheter to place the heat transfer element in the feeding artery of the selected organ.

Abstract: A sheath lock for use with a splittable sheath is disclosed. The sheath lock includes a tapered slot extending from a wide untapered end to a narrow tapered end. A lock box is located adjacent the narrow tapered end of the tapered slot. The lock box has a plurality of tines which grip and retain the sheath when it is positioned within the lock box. The sheath can freely move through the wide untapered end, but the sheath is securely locked when it is moved through the tapered slot from the untapered end into the lock box. The plurality of tines can be arranged in various configurations to form the lock box, including elliptical, circular, rectangular or square configurations around the lock box.

Abstract: A locking device for use in a trocar inserted into a body cavity. The locking device include various operating components that may be easily manipulated and recognized by a surgeon during complicated surgery, and a locking portion secured in the trocar. The locking portion may include internal threads formed only on a head, a cam operated element, resilient fingers, a collet-type locking device, or a frictional detent or opening, quickly moved into a locking position against any type of instrument passing through the trocar into the body cavity. The portion of the locking device contacting the instrument must be sized and dimensioned to provide a firm grip in the locking position, without damaging or marring the instrument against which it is locked.

Abstract: A tissue gripping thread configuration for securely positioning an elongated medical instrument relative to body tissue. The tissue gripping thread includes curved distal and proximal foot sections connected to a thread base, a curved distal thread surface extending from the distal foot section to a thread apex, and a proximal thread wall substantially perpendicular to the base surface extending from the proximal curved foot section to the thread apex. In the preferred embodiment the flank angle of the distal thread surface is substantially greater than the flank angle of the proximal thread wall. The preferred thread configuration reduces trauma to tissue during insertion and removal of an associated medical instrument while ensuring secure positioning of the instrument relative to tissue. Preferred thread dimensions and radii, as well as embodiments for associating the preferred thread configuration with a trocar device are disclosed.

Abstract: An introducer of the type employing an elongated introducer sleeve for receiving a catheter or lead body and an associated hemostasis clamp including a clamping member configured to engage the outer circumference of the introducer sleeve. The clamp is provided with a mechanism for maintaining the clamping member in engagement with said outer circumference of the sleeve to compress the outer circumference of the sleeve around a catheter or lead body inserted therethrough. In some embodiments the clamp takes the form of a hinged clamp provided with two jaws each having a recess adapted to engage a portion of the other circumference of the introducer sleeve. In other embodiments the clamp takes the form of interacting ramped members. The clamp is maintained in engagement with the sleeve either resiliently or by means of a latch.

Abstract: In the present invention, a surgical trocar is adapted to capacitively couple electrosurgical energy to specially adapted cordless electrosurgical instruments. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrosurgical trocar includes a cannula, a capacitive electrosurgical adapter and a locking connector adapted to connect the cannula to the capacitive electrosurgical adapter. The cannula is an elongated tube which may be inserted into a body cavity, duct or vessel. The electrosurgical adapter includes a housing with an elongated central aperture, an adapter proximal capacitor plate and an adapter distal capacitor plate positioned in and extending axially along the elongated aperture, first and second electrical conductors, first and second external conductors, a compression mechanism, an outer housing and an electrical cord.

Abstract: A cannula guide device that can provide a secure and safe transfusion treatment is disclosed, comprising a cannula assembly and a needle assembly. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a cannula holder, and the needle assembly includes a guide needle and a needle holder. The cannula guide device is characterized in that a rotary cannula arrangement is provided to steadily send the cannula relative to the guide needle toward a patient without generating a repulsive force on the needle holder to avoid pulling out the guide needle accidentally.