Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods are disclosed. The needle assemblies can include a catheter hub and a catheter tube and wherein the catheter hub has a low profile to facilitate attaching the catheter hub to the skins of a patient.

Abstract: A system can include a handle and a needle fixedly secured to the handle. The needle can include a distal tip that can be inserted through a sidewall of a vessel of a patient. The system can further include a catheter that defines a lumen through which the needle extends and includes an engagement surface at an interior thereof. A stiffener can be positioned within the lumen of the catheter at an exterior of the needle and can include an engagement surface that can press distally on the engagement surface of the catheter to advance the catheter distally over the needle and through a lumen of the vessel when the stiffener is advanced distally over the needle. The system can further include a stiffener hub attached to the stiffener, the stiffener hub being movably coupled with the handle so as to translate relative thereto.

Abstract: A surgical robot for performing minimally invasive surgery (e.g. in the eye) is provided. A cannula connection is positioned at a fixed surgical arm part and aligned with a movable surgical arm part movable with respect to the fixed surgical arm part. A surgical instrument can be mounted at the movable part. The surgical instrument can pass through the cannula connection. Reference arm(s) and manipulation arm(s) connect a base element with the fixed surgical arm part. The base element could have a surgical operating table attachment part to movably attach to a surgical operating table and rotating parts movably attached to the surgical operating table attachment part.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature protruding outwardly from the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also have a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub, generally parallel to the axis, with a pull feature. In the insertion configuration, the needle may be positioned within the cannula and the distal end of the needle hub may be seated in a needle port of the catheter hub. In the fluid delivery configuration, the needle may be positioned outside the catheter hub. The push and pull features may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration to a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component. Guidewire and catheter locking systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component. Guidewire and catheter locking systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a catheter system comprising an introducer having a main body, an introducer sheath projecting from the main body, and a first seal supported within the introducer and a catheter having a main body, an outer sheath projecting from the main body, a second seal supported within the catheter, and an inner core configured to be advanced axially through the main body, the second seal, and the outer sheath. The introducer can be configured to be selectively engageable with the catheter so that the catheter can be selectively and removably linked with the introducer in the axial direction. The catheter system can also be configured such that, when the introducer and the catheter are linked, the catheter can be rotatable relative to the introducer. The introducer can be configured to radially restrain an endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: An IV access device can include a needle hub having an angled paddle grip to facilitate insertion of the catheter at a low angle. The angled paddle grip can also minimize any interference that an extension tube or stabilization platform may cause during insertion. By employing an angled paddle grip, the catheter can be inserted while maintaining the stabilization platform in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the patient's skin. Also, in cases where the extension tube may run parallel with the stabilization platform, the angled paddle grip can prevent the extension tube from extending into the patient's skin during insertion. This will prevent the stabilization platform and/or the extension tube from catching on the patient's skin or otherwise inhibiting a smooth insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: A sampling hub directs a medical device towards a target area. The hub may have some of: a hub body; a lumen passing between openings at the front end and the rear end, the lumen allowing for passage of an elongate element through the entire lumen; the bottom of the hub body may be flat; the top of hub body preferably is sloped downwardly; the lumen is preferably sloped downwardly to enable guidance of the elongate body towards the target area; and an area surrounding the opening of the lumen at the rear end configured to receive a support for the elongate element, the support for the elongate element having a diameter in the support larger than a diameter of the elongate element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component which is releasably secured to the driver component. The probe component has an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The driver has drive members for operating the elements of the probe component. The tissue penetrating distal tip preferably has a triple concave curvature shape with three curved cutting edges leading to a sharp distal point.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: A drug delivery pump drive which uses a linear piezoelectric motor to advance a syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The pump drive, provided in a drug delivery pump, provides silent operation and very low energy consumption compared to electric motor-based drives. The small size of the motor helps also to reduce overall size of the pump drive and the resulting drug delivery pump.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placement of a medical device using illumination are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are rotary transformers for coupling signals between components that rotate relative to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, a rotary transformer comprises a rotary shaft, a first magnetic core on the rotary shaft, and a first winding wound around the first magnetic core. The rotary transformer farther comprises a hollow second magnetic core, and a second winding wound along the inner wall of the second magnetic core. During operation, the first winding on the rotary shaft rotates within the second winding with the magnetic cores magnetically coupling signals between the two windings. Also, the first and second windings are closely spaced to provide capacitive coupling between the windings that extends the frequency response of the transformer. In one embodiment, the windings comprises substantially flat conductors wound in the shape of the windings. In another embodiment, each of the windings comprises circular loops connected by jogs.

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: 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: A tissue tunneling device is configured to be delivered within the body. The tunneling device includes a shaft with a blunt distal end to prevent coring or other damage to tissue during the delivery of the tunneling device. In some arrangements, the shaft includes one or more lumen, through which medication or another fluid may be administered. An anesthetic or other pain relieving medication may be delivered through the lumen to lessen the discomfort of delivering the tunneling device to the desired anatomical site. The handle of the tunneling device can be adapted to receive a syringe or another type of fluid source. The shaft may also include a retractable needle for facilitating the advancement of the tunneling device through skin or other tissue. The shaft may also be provided with an outer sheath, which may be left within the anatomy after the tunneling device has been removed.

Abstract: A stability assembly for a trocar cannula includes a conical stability member, a base, and a cannula retention member. The base has a passage defining an inner surface, and a constriction in the passage. The cannula retention member is rotatable within the passage, and advancement of the cannula retention member over the constriction reduces the inner diameter of the passage to restrain a cannula in the passage. Various latch mechanisms including interface surfaces on the base and the cannula retention member can be used in the stability assembly to secure the stability assembly around a cannula. Various conical stability members can be used in the stability assembly.

Abstract: A catheter having an internal advancing mechanism that can advance stiffening wires or other devices, has a catheter with a catheter body, a tip section distal the catheter body, a device extending through at least the catheter body, and a control handle proximal the catheter body, where the control handle has an advancing mechanism with a threaded member, an adjustment member, and a guided member to which the device is connected, and the advancing mechanism is configured to advance and retract the device along the catheter body as controlled by a user. Each of the threaded member and the adjustment member has a generally cylindrical configuration. The threaded member has an outer surface configured with a helical guide channel. The adjustment member is configured to guide the guided member to move within the helical guide channel to advance and retract the device. The adjustment member can be rotatable over the threaded member by the user to control advancement and retraction of the device.

Abstract: Described generally herein are tissue therapy devices, which may comprise a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming, preferably, an airtight seal around an area of tissue that requires negative pressure therapy. The tissue therapy device may comprise a suction apparatus. The suction apparatus is typically in fluid communication with the sealant layer and functions so as to reduce the amount of pressure present underneath the sealant layer. The reduced pressure is self-created by the suction apparatus. Together the sealant layer and the suction apparatus preferably create a closed reduced pressure therapy system. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of the air molecules under the sealant layer.

Abstract: A needle insertion assistance device is provided to easily hold a needle device, which comprises a syringe and a needle having a needle wing and being attached to the syringe, in order to more reliably control the advancement of the needle during insertion of the needle into a targeted part of a human body for many medical purposes. One embodiment of the needle insertion assistance device may comprise a supporting plate, a base connected hingedly to a rear surface of the supporting plate, and a syringe holder securely affixed to a top surface of the base to slidably hold the syringe on the base and prevent the syringe from moving from side to side. This embodiment of the needle insertion assistance device may further include a needle blocker, a handle, and an angle adjusting assembly.

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: Described herein are rotary transformers for coupling signals between components that rotate relative to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, a rotary transformer comprises a rotary shaft, a first magnetic core on the rotary shaft, and a first winding wound around the first magnetic core. The rotary transformer further comprises a hollow second magnetic core, and a second winding wound along the inner wall of the second magnetic core. During operation, the first winding on the rotary shaft rotates within the second winding with the magnetic cores magnetically coupling signals between the two windings. Also, the first and second windings are closely spaced to provide capacitive coupling between the windings that extends the frequency response of the transformer. In one embodiment, the windings comprises substantially flat conductors wound in the shape of the windings. In another embodiment, each of the windings comprises circular loops connected by jogs.

Abstract: A drug delivery pump drive which uses a linear piezoelectric motor to advance a syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The pump drive, provided in a drug delivery pump, provides silent operation and very low energy consumption compared to electric motor-based drives. The small size of the motor helps also to reduce overall size of the pump drive and the resulting drug deliver pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.

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: 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: A stability assembly for a trocar cannula includes a conical stability member, a base, and a cannula retention member. The base has a passage defining an inner surface, and a constriction in the passage. The cannula retention member is rotatable within the passage, and advancement of the cannula retention member over the constriction reduces the inner diameter of the passage to restrain a cannula in the passage. Various latch mechanisms including interface surfaces on the base and the cannula retention member can be used in the stability assembly to secure the stability assembly around a cannula. Various conical stability members can be used in the stability assembly.

Abstract: A trocar system includes a cannula having a cannula housing and a cannula sleeve extending from the cannula housing, and an obturator at least partially positionable within the cannula. The obturator includes an obturator housing adapted for mating with the cannula housing, an obturator shaft connected to the obturator housing and receivable within the cannula sleeve, an obturator blade connected to the obturator shaft, a protective member including a protective guard coaxially mounted about the obturator blade and a latch member associated with the obturator housing and operatively connected to the protective guard. The obturator shaft and the obturator blade are adapted for relative rotational movement. The protective guard is adapted for longitudinal movement between a first position substantially enclosing the obturator blade and a second position to at least partially expose the obturator blade.

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: 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: A catheter having an internal advancing mechanism that can advance stiffening wires or other devices, has a catheter with a catheter body, a tip section distal the catheter body, a device extending through at least the catheter body, and a control handle proximal the catheter body, where the control handle has an advancing mechanism with a threaded member, an adjustment member, and a guided member to which the device is connected, and the advancing mechanism is configured to advance and retract the device along the catheter body as controlled by a user. Each of the threaded member and the adjustment member has a generally cylindrical configuration. The threaded member has an outer surface configured with a helical guide channel. The adjustment member is configured to guide the guided member to move within the helical guide channel to advance and retract the device. The adjustment member can be rotatable over the threaded member by the user to control advancement and retraction of the device.

Abstract: A sheath introducer for use with a catheter, has a hub and a tube through which the catheter extends, and a lock assembly which has a rotational knob that actuates a plurality of prongs arranged in a radial pattern around a hole in the hub that receives the catheter, wherein the prongs synchronously rotate in one direction to grip the catheter or in the other direction to release the catheter.

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: A drug delivery pump drive which uses a linear piezoelectric motor to advance a syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The pump drive, provided in a drug delivery pump, provides silent operation and very low energy consumption compared to electric motor-based drives. The small size of the motor helps also to reduce overall size of the pump drive and the resulting drug deliver pump.

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 medical tubing set sheath is provided which includes a retention portion for attaching the sheath to a collar of a connector attached to the medical tubing set. The sheath may serve as a handle to facilitate torque-locking of the connector to another connector. The sheath may also include a ratcheting mechanism in order to allow for the sheath to ratchet upon application of excess torque, when the tubing set is being attached to a peripheral tubing set. The sheath may also include a needle receiving portion, so that the sheath provides for a needle protector, which may be retained in a position displaced from the needle in order to insure that the needle is exposed when removed from its packaging, and can be quickly and easily inserted in a patient's arm.

Abstract: A robotic medical system comprises a user interface configured for receiving at least one command, a first drive mechanism configured for receiving the outer medical implement, a second drive mechanism configured for receiving the inner medical implement, a linear drive arrangement (e.g., one of a drive screw drive arrangement, a rack and pinion drive arrangement, and a belt/pulley drive arrangement) mechanically coupled to the first and second drive mechanisms, and a motor array. The robotic medical system further comprises an electric controller configured for directing the motor array to cause the first drive mechanism to axially rotate the outer medical implement, to cause the second drive mechanism to axially rotate the inner medical implement, and to cause the linear drive mechanism to linearly translate the first and second drive mechanisms relative to each other in response to the at least one command.

Abstract: A trocar for thoracic surgery, comprising a guide duct for surgical instruments adapted to be inserted in a body opening of access to the thoracic cavity. The duct is formed by a plurality of sectors arranged about its axis and articulated to a support frame. A sector expander is associated with the duct for opening the sectors from an initial insertion position in the body opening to a final maximum expansion position in which they are moved away from the axis to a greater extent than in the configuration assumed in the initial position. The expander includes a control ring nut movably connected to the sectors and the support frame such that rotation of the ring nut in one direction, results in the sectors movement away from the axis. Associated with the ring nut is a device for locking the rotation in the direction opposite that of the expansion direction.

Abstract: Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.

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 single operator exchange fluid jet thrombectomy method employing a single operator exchange fluid jet thrombectomy device having an outer catheter assembly and separable and exchangeable components in the form of an inner catheter assembly allowing functioning as a rheolytic thrombectomy catheter or as a crossflow thrombectomy catheter. The outer catheter assembly is common to any mode of usage and includes a guide catheter having a lumen through which a guidewire and the greater portion of a hypo-tube carrying a jet emanator and a flow director are passed and advanced. In the method, thrombus is dislodged, entrained, and broken into pieces by fluid jets and evacuated through the lumen of the guide catheter.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter with a shaft having a lumen and a plurality of ports through the shaft. A rotatable core with a core groove is disposed within the lumen. The plurality of ports can be exposed by retraction of the core. The core can be rotated within the shaft.

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: A port for anchoring a cannula is provided. The port consists of a sealing cap removably attached to a threaded cone top. The threaded cone top is threaded onto a cone section from which a plurality of arms extend. The arms include a system for retaining a thread such as a suture. For use in laparoscopic surgery, a cannula is inserted into the port, the port is secured to the cannula and the cannula/port assembly is secured to the surgical site using sutures and a suture retaining system on the port.

Abstract: A solid blunt and a needle assembly having a solid blunt. The solid blunt helps to prevent accidental needle sticks. In one exemplary embodiment, a solid blunt has an outer dimension (e.g. outer diameter) which is nearly equal to an inner dimension (e.g. inner diameter) of a cannula of a needle which is configured to contain the solid blunt. In one example, the solid blunt substantially blocks fluid flow in a first circumferential portion of an inner diameter of the cannula and allows fluid flow in a second circumferential portion of the inner diameter. The solid blunt is typically capable of longitudinal movement through the cannula and is prevented from moving substantially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement. A needle assembly, in another exemplary embodiment, includes a solid blunt, a cannula and a clip which couples slidably the solid blunt to a frame which is coupled to the cannula.

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: A rheolytic thrombectomy catheter and method of using same to remove thrombus from a body vessel or other body cavity. Several embodiments are disclosed. All embodiments include an outer catheter having a lumen and an inner high pressure tube of a size to enable it to be passed through the lumen of the catheter. The distal end of the inner high pressure tube extends beyond the distal end of the catheter and carries a jet cap for directing one or more jets of saline proximally toward the distal end of the catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter has a distally located inwardly directed stationary stop and the inner high pressure tube includes a distally located outwardly directed transitional stop for engaging the inwardly directed stationary stop to thereby position the jet cap at a defined distance from the distal end of the catheter.