Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a positioning device for insertion into a patient. The device includes an outer sheath having an external thread on an outer surface. The device also includes a removable inner cannula for insertion into the outer sheath. The cannula has a penetrating end at its insertion end. It may also include a locking device for locking the inner cannula to the outer sheath. The device may be a pneumothorax drainage device.

Abstract: Devices for transferring fluid to or from a subject include a plunger assembly coupled to or coupleable to a cannula assembly to allow target fluid to be “front-loaded” into a distal end of the cannula assembly while the stylet is withdrawn a distance to create a vacuum and define a flow channel.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for deploying a device to a distal location across a vessel, comprising an elongate introducer sheath tubing member comprising open-cell fibrous wall material defining a lumen therethrough, wherein in a collapsed configuration the sheath has a first cross-sectional outer diameter and a first lumen inner diameter, and in an expanded configuration, the sheath has a second cross-sectional outer diameter and a second lumen inner diameter; and a substantially non-porous expandable layer coupled to a proximal portion of sheath and configured to prevent fluids present in the lumen from crossing the fibrous wall material. Also disclosed is a delivery assembly comprising an obturator which releasably captures the distal portion of an introducer sheath which obturator can be removed after the sheath is deployed to a desired location.

Abstract: A marking assembly includes a hollow cannula having a wall extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The wall defines a lumen of the cannula. The wall includes at least one opening at a distal portion of the cannula. A stylet is configured to be received in the lumen of the cannula. The stylet has a wall extending from a proximal end to a distal end. When the stylet is received in the lumen of the cannula, a circumferential space is defined between the wall of the stylet and the wall of the cannula such that fluid entering the circumferential space will exit the cannula through the at least one opening of the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes: a catheter; a catheter hub; an inner needle; a needle hub; and a deflection suppressing mechanism suppressing deflection of the inner needle. The deflection suppressing mechanism includes an upper deflection suppressing portion positioned on an upper side of the inner needle and a lower deflection suppressing portion positioned on a lower side of the inner needle. At least one of the upper deflection suppressing portion and the lower deflection suppressing portion is movable with respect to the needle hub.

Abstract: Sheath assembly for the insertion of a cord-shaped element (32, 105), comprising an introducer sheath (101) and an auxiliary sheath (104) for insertion into the introducer sheath (101) together with the cord-shaped element (32, 105), with first fastening means (106) for detachably fastening the auxiliary sheath to the introducer sheath, and with second fastening means (107) for detachably fastening the cord-shaped element to the auxiliary sheath, wherein the introducer sheath (101) has a first sheath housing (13, 114) and a distal tubular section (11, 41 a) that terminates in the first sheath housing, and a first flushing device (108), wherein the auxiliary sheath (104) has a second sheath inner chamber (111), a distal, tubular part (112) and a second flushing device (109).

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a hollow catheter; a catheter hub to which the catheter is fixed; an inner needle including a needle tip, the inner needle being detachably disposed inside of the catheter; a needle hub to which the inner needle is fixed; a catheter operation member configured to move the catheter relative to the inner needle; and a support member disposed at the needle hub. The support member includes a support main body portion that is movable between (i) a first position located on a side of the catheter opposite the catheter operation member, at which the catheter is interposed between the support member and the catheter operation member, and the support main body portion contacts and supports the catheter, and (ii) a second position that is a different position from the first position, at which the support main body portion does not contact the catheter.

Abstract: A method of treating a sinus cavity of a subject includes advancing a distal portion of a light source through a drainage pathway of a sinus cavity and into the sinus cavity and visually observing a transdermal light emitted from the light source. A distal portion of a substantially rigid inner guide member of a balloon dilation catheter is advanced into the drainage pathway, the balloon dilation catheter including a movable shaft including a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. The movable shaft and balloon are advanced distally over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place a portion of the balloon in the drainage pathway whereby the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A method involves positioning an assembled indwelling assembly adjacent a patient, wherein the assembly includes an inner needle, a hub fixed to the inner needle, a hollow outer member in which the inner needle is positioned, a hub fixed to the hollow outer member, and an elongated member axially overlapping an intermediate portion of the hollow outer member. The method also includes moving a distal portion of the assembly to puncture a blood vessel of the patient with the sharp needlepoint while the elongated member contacts the hollow outer member, advancing the hollow outer member in a distal direction along the inner needle to insert a distal portion of the hollow outer member to a target position in the blood vessel, and moving the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the hollow outer member.

Abstract: A water jet surgical device comprises a fluid feed device, which is controllable by control signals from a control device, for delivering a fluid into a connecting line of a surgical instrument with an outlet nozzle. The fluid feed device includes at least one measuring device, which is configured such that following the connection of the surgical instrument to the fluid feed device, the measuring device generates measuring signals to represent a quantity of fluid delivered. The quantity of fluid delivered may be displayed on a display or recorded in a recording unit. This enables improved monitoring of surgical operations.

Abstract: A neonatal intravascular device having an extension tube to relief stress between a catheter adapter and a luer adapter of the catheter assembly.

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

Abstract: A method of indwelling a needle assembly includes providing an assembled indwelling needle assembly having an inner needle, an inner needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle, a hollow outer needle in which the inner needle is inserted, an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, and a pressing member; pressing down on the pressing member while moving the indwelling needle assembly to puncture a blood vessel; advancing the outer needle along the inner needle such that the outer needle is inserted in the blood vessel; holding the pressing member against the outer needle and holding the outer needle hub such that the outer needle is maintained indwelling in the blood vessel while simultaneously pulling the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the outer needle.

Abstract: An indwelling assembly includes an inner needle having a sharp needlepoint at a distal end to puncture a blood vessel of a patient, an inner needle hub fixed to the proximal portion of the inner needle, a hollow elongated outer member in which the inner needle is positioned, with the hollow elongated member being movable in a distal direction relative to the inner needle after puncturing the patient's blood vessel, an outer member hub fixed to the proximal portion of the hollow elongated outer member, an elongated contact member configured to contact an intermediate portion of the hollow elongated outer member, and an elongated movable member movable relative to the hollow elongated outer member and the outer member hub. The elongated movable member is connected to the inner needle hub so that the inner needle hub, the inner needle and the elongated movable member move together.

Abstract: A method involves positioning an assembled indwelling assembly adjacent a patient, wherein the assembly includes an inner needle, a hub fixed to the inner needle, a hollow outer member in which the inner needle is positioned, a hub fixed to the hollow outer member, and an elongated member axially overlapping an intermediate portion of the hollow outer member. The method also includes moving a distal portion of the assembly to puncture a blood vessel of the patient with the sharp needlepoint while the elongated member contacts the hollow outer member, advancing the hollow outer member in a distal direction along the inner needle to insert a distal portion of the hollow outer member to a target position in the blood vessel, and moving the inner needle hub in a proximal direction such that the inner needle is pulled out from and entirely removed from the hollow outer member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring an elongated object, for example a wire, in tubular body vessel, such as arteries, veins, the colon, bile ducts, etc. are disclosed. The wire may be a catheter, a guide wire, a tube or an electrical lead. In one embodiment, a fixation device is advanced over the wire and, upon external actuation, either deforms the wire or deploys an anchoring mechanism so as to secure the wire against the vessel wall. The anchoring mechanism can be easily removed from the vessel even in the presence of vessel occlusion. In another embodiment, a wire tensioned between two locations on a distal section of the wire deforms the wire and urges the wire into wall apposition.

Abstract: An insertion device for use in assisting with the placement of a medical device within the body of a patient is disclosed. For example, the insertion device can be employed to assist with the placement of an introducer, which provides a conduit for insertion of a catheter into the body. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a needle that is removably disposed within a bore defined by the medical device, and a needle retraction assembly. The needle retraction assembly can position the needle in any one of a first position wherein a distal tip of the needle is disposed a predetermined distance distal to a distal end of the medical device, a second position wherein the needle distal tip is disposed distal but proximate to the distal end of the medical device, and a third position wherein the needle distal tip is retracted within the medical device bore.

Abstract: A cannula is described having a housing, a first lumen, a second lumen, and a port capable of fluid communication with the first lumen. The second lumen configured to receive fluid from the first lumen and to direct the fluid to a surgical site. A light emitting diode light source is positionable within the housing and configured to direct light through the second lumen to the surgical site.

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

Abstract: An indwelling assembly includes an inner needle having a sharp needlepoint at a distal end to puncture a blood vessel of a patient, an inner needle hub fixed to the proximal portion of the inner needle, a hollow elongated outer member in which the inner needle is positioned, with the hollow elongated member being movable in a distal direction relative to the inner needle after puncturing the patient's blood vessel, an outer member hub fixed to the proximal portion of the hollow elongated outer member, an elongated contact member configured to contact an intermediate portion of the hollow elongated outer member, and an elongated movable member movable relative to the hollow elongated outer member and the outer member hub. The elongated movable member is connected to the inner needle hub so that the inner needle hub, the inner needle and the elongated movable member move together.

Abstract: This application relates to a cannula (78) comprising a bevelled cannula tip (80) at the distal end and a cannula holder (16) holding the cannula (78) at the proximal end, as well as a stylet unit (82), which can be displaced from a starting position to an end position in the cannula (78), wherein the cannula (78) is particularly intended to deposit at least one element (18, 20) in a body. According to the invention, in order to ensure simple and reliable protection of the cannula tip as well as a locking of the stylet unit in the end position, the distal end (84) of the stylet unit protrudes a distance (A) beyond the cannula tip (80) in the end position and the stylet unit (82) is fixed in the end position while simultaneously covering the bevelled cannula tip (80).

Abstract: A hub (40) housed within an inner cavity (24) of a shield (20) can be displaced from an initial position at which an inner needle (50) penetrates an outer needle (30) and protrudes from a leading end of the outer needle to a retracted position at which the inner needle is housed within the inner cavity of the shield. When a stopper (70) is inserted into the inner cavity of the shield and a leading end thereof is caused to abut against the hub located at the initial position, a rear end portion (71) of the stopper is exposed behind the shield. In a state in which the leading end of the stopper abuts against the hub located at the initial position, the stopper can be pulled out of the shield with one hand, by grasping the rear end portion while pressing a finger against the rear end, or the vicinity thereof, of the shield.

Abstract: A guide wire exchange system including an elongate, flexible, guide wire exchange catheter capable exchanging one guide wire for another in a safe, efficient, and secured manner, where a primary guide wire, after having been advanced through the body, is to be replaced with a secondary guide wire that is to be securely advanced through the body to the target site by the advancement of the exchange catheter over the path of the primary wire. The exchange catheter may include a securement element in order to releasably secure at least one guide wire to the exchange catheter at or near the distal end of the exchange catheter. Once secured, both the exchange catheter and the secured guide wire(s) may be advanced or retracted in a synchronous manner, without the possibility of divergence at the distal ends of the secured components as they are being manipulated by an operator.

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator disposed on and slideable along the elongated body of the needle and a medical article. The medical article is disposed on and slideable along the dilator. A track extends in a proximal direction from the dilator. The needle hub slides along at least a portion of the track between a first position and a second position. The device further includes a locking mechanism operably disposed between the track and the needle hub so as to inhibit further axial movement of the needle in the proximal direction when the needle hub is in the second position.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed. The catheter assembly comprise a hub assembly (4) comprising a hub (6) and a catheter (2) attached to the hub and a needle retracting device (5) releasably attached to hub assembly which is arranged to project a needle (3) through the catheter to allow catheterization and, in response to user actuation, to retract the needle and to be detached or to allow detachment from the hub assembly. The needle retaining device comprises a chassis (20) extending along an axis from a base (24) and a slider (21) carrying the needle supported on the chassis, arranged to be moveable away from the base along the axis from a first position in which the needle projects through the catheter to a second position in which the needle is withdrawn from the catheter and is shielded by the chassis. The chassis and hub comprise movable locking members (29;FIG. 8) and cooperating locking surfaces (17; FIG.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly includes a hollow outer needle, an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, and an inner needle inserted in the outer needle. An inner needle hub is fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle. A pressing member is connected to the outer needle hub, wherein the pressing member presses a portion of the outer needle between a proximal end and a distal end during a puncturing operation. The needlepoint of the inner needle and a distal portion of the outer needle, while in an assembled state, puncture a blood vessel in a process of placing the outer needle indwelling in a blood vessel.

Abstract: Introducer sheaths and (e.g., guide) catheters with inflatable trapping elements for trapping and/or stabilizing devices (e.g., guidewires, catheters, and/or the like) in a primary lumen of the sheath or catheter. Such sheaths and catheters may be configured for endovascular, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and/or urological procedures.

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 device for inserting a non-balloon gastrostomic device through an opening in the wall of the abdomen and stomach or other viscera of a patient is provided. The insertion device comprises a body, a stylus, and a trigger device being adapted to selectively maintain a selected position of the stylus relative to the body without the use of an external force. A method of inserting the gastrostomic device utilizing the insertion tool is also provided. In addition or alternatively, a gastrostomic device is provided including a hollow tube member and an enlarged resiliently deformable tip at one end of the tube member. The deformable tip is deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration, each configuration having a cross-sectional area. In addition or alternatively, a method is provided for forming the gastrostomic device using a disposable core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a fluid level insertion indicator that provides immediate feedback to a surgeon by draining when a tip of a needle has entered a body lumen, such as peritoneal cavity. An apparatus includes a handle connected to a hollow needle and a hollow stylet that extends through the hollow needle and has a blunt distal end that includes an opening for passing fluid. A spring biases the stylet to extend past the sharp distal end of the needle absent resistance by tissue against the stylet. An at least partially translucent pressure chamber configured to hold a quantity of fluid under pressure is connected to the proximal end of the stylet. The pressure chamber and stylet form a conduit for passing fluid through the opening in the blunt distal end when the stylet extends past the sharp distal end of the hollow needle.

Abstract: A needle, catheter, and housing assembly is provided. The assembly includes a slider portion that slides relative to the housing. The slider portion can be actuated by a caregiver/operator such that a catheter can be threaded into a patient with simple movement of the operator's thumb or other finger. The assembly also includes an improved flash chamber. The flash chamber utilizes capillary action and/or a visible portal area to provide a caregiver/operator with more immediate information as to whether the needle has been inserted in the vein or artery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to catheterization systems and components thereof. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a catheterization system is disclosed that includes a catheter including a body with proximal and distal ends and defining first and second lumens extending therethrough, and a stylet. The stylet includes first and second stylet portions each having proximal and distal end regions, wherein the distal end regions of the first and second stylet portions together define a tapered penetrating portion. The first and second stylet portions are configured and dimensioned to be slidably positioned within the first and second lumens of the catheter, respectively. The first and second stylet portions extend from the proximal end of the catheter and beyond the distal end of the catheter, and are independently movable in relation to each other to facilitate selective removal of the first stylet portion and/or the second stylet portion from the catheter.

Abstract: A thrombectomy catheter with a self-inflating proximal balloon having drug infusion capabilities is described. A self-inflating balloon is formed from an inflatable thin walled section of a flexible catheter tube. The self-inflating balloon includes a plurality of outflow orifices located about the peripheral circumference thereof and located proximal to an inflow gap interposed between a fluid jet emanator and the self-inflating balloon. The self-inflating balloon is inflated and expanded by internal operating pressures by proximal composite flow of fluid from the fluid jet emanator and entrained fluid from the inflow gap to uniformly space and position the outflow orifices of the self-inflating balloon in close proximity to the thrombus or vessel walls of a blood vessel. The thrombectomy catheter may be used for, among other things, thrombectomies, embolectomies, thrombus or vessel dilation, and for the delivery of drugs to a thrombus or vessel site.

Abstract: A catheter positioning system includes a catheter needle assembly comprising a catheter having a permanent hub and a needle carried in the catheter lumen. A releasable clamp is used to compress the catheter against the needle to prevent axial movement of one relative to the other. The clamp is periodically released after being moved a short distance toward the target vessel or nerve and is repositioned a short distance from the skin entry point to further advance the catheter needle assembly. The clamp is configured to be removed from the catheter by movement in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the catheter while the catheter hub remains in place. After successful placement of the catheter, the clamp may be snapped apart or opened along a hinge without moving the catheter from its final position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical access member for establishing percutaneous access to a surgical worksite within tissue. The surgical access member includes a constricting mechanism that is adapted to removably receive a surgical instrument and resiliently transition between an open state and a constricted state. In the open state, insertion of the surgical instrument through the constricting mechanism is substantially uninhibited. In the constricted state, the constricting mechanism substantially limits transverse movement of the surgical instrument, and may facilitate the creation of a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly includes a hollow outer needle, an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, and an inner needle inserted in the outer needle. An inner needle hub is fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle. A pressing member is connected to the outer needle hub, wherein the pressing member presses a portion of the outer needle between a proximal end and a distal end during a puncturing operation. The needlepoint of the inner needle and a distal portion of the outer needle, while in an assembled state, puncture a blood vessel in a process of placing the outer needle indwelling in a blood vessel.

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 intravenous catheter system having a retractable needle system and a body system is disclosed. The retractable needle system includes a housing, a needle, a docking feature, and an optional anti-shearing mechanism. The body system includes a body, at least one hub, a catheter connector, at least one plug, a plug recoil mechanism, a locking mechanism, a flash chamber, and a flash window.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a catheter device, wherein a septum actuator is positioned within the lumen of a catheter adapter to provide a pathway through a septum component, an introducer needle being inserted through the septum via the septum actuator thereby preventing damage to the septum, the septum actuator thereafter being withdrawn from the septum and positioned within a rearward chamber of the catheter adapter lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body including an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A blunt tip is secured to the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided. The balloon assembly is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a deflated collapsed balloon. A sheath encloses the balloon and is carried by the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a weakened region extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed to release the balloon.

Abstract: A guidewire navigable through body vessels of a human subject for delivery of a catheter or the like is provided. The guidewire includes an expandable segment movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. If the catheter encounters resistance in a vessel and cannot be advanced further, the medical professional can move the expandable segment to the expanded state in which the expandable segment engages an inner surface of the catheter. The expandable segment locks onto the catheter, which allows the guidewire and catheter to be advanced through the vessel together as a single unit. An inflatable balloon catheter movable along the guidewire requires only a single tube and is sealed by the expandable segment of the guidewire for subsequent inflation.

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator disposed on and slideable along the elongated body of the needle and a medical article. The medical article is disposed on and slideable along the dilator. A track extends in a proximal direction from the dilator. The needle hub slides along at least a portion of the track between a first position and a second position. The device further includes a locking mechanism operably disposed between the track and the needle hub so as to inhibit further axial movement of the needle in the proximal direction when the needle hub is in the second position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure.

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: Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture through tissue includes an introducer sheath sized for introduction into a puncture, cartridge sized for insertion into the introducer carrying a sealant, and a locking element for coupling the introducer sheath to the cartridge. When the cartridge is advanced into the introducer sheath, the locking element couples the introducer sheath to the cartridge such that subsequent retraction of the cartridge causes the introducer sheath to retract, thereby deploying the sealant from the cartridge within the puncture beyond the introducer sheath.

Abstract: An insertion device with an insertion axis includes an axial actuator with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is moveable along the insertion axis relative to the second portion. The insertion device further includes a first tube coupled to the first portion of the axial actuator, and the first tube is movable along the insertion axis in response to movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The device further includes a second tube having a radially biased distal end. The distal end is substantially contained within the first tube in a first state, and the second tube is rotatable with respect to the first tube. Also, the second tube is axially movable to a second state, and a portion of a distal end of the second tube is exposed from a distal end of the first tube in the second state.

Abstract: A catheter winder/unwinder comprising at least a first system and a second system is disclosed wherein, the first system comprises a first receptacle that receives a catheter and a first drive mechanism that applies movement to the catheter, the second system comprising a second receptacle that receives a guide and including an outlet, said second receptacle being rotatable relative to the first receptacle, and a second drive mechanism that applies movement to the guide. The outlet includes a fastener device for fastening to the catheter.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The housing includes a nose having a neck and a base that defines a diameter greater than that of the neck. A rotation knob has a distal end defining a first aperture and a proximal end defining a second aperture, the apertures cooperating to define a lumen extending through the rotation knob that is configured to receive the shaft. The first aperture defines a diameter that generally approximates a diameter of the shaft. The rotation knob is transitionable between an at-rest position and a flexed position. In the flexed position, the second aperture is expanded to permit passage of the base of the nose into an interior of the rotation knob. In the at-rest position, the second aperture generally approximates the diameter of the neck to rotatably engage the rotation knob about the nose with the shaft extending therethrough.