Abstract: A catheter includes: a body comprising a body side wall, a proximal end and a distal end; a septum extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a first lumen and a second lumen separated by the septum, each lumen forming a mouth at the distal end; first and second slots formed in a portion of the body side wall at the distal end and in fluid communication with the first and second lumens respectively. The first and second slots extend linearly along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. The distal end of the body and the septum terminate in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distal end of the body has a substantially round cross section, while the first and second lumens each have a substantially D-shaped cross-section at the distal end. The two slots each have a width that is between 30% and 60% of a longer dimension of the D-shaped cross-section of a corresponding lumen.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter may include an elongate body and a push assembly. The elongate body may include an inner liner defining an entry port into a lumen defined by the elongate body, and an outer jacket. The push assembly may an anchor member positioned at a distal end of an elongate member. Distal to a proximal end of the elongate body, a first portion of the push assembly, comprising the anchor member, may be positioned between a portion of the inner liner and a portion of the outer jacket. The anchor member may extend only partially around an outer perimeter of the inner liner when the catheter is assembled. Proximal to the proximal end of the elongate body, a second portion of the push assembly, proximal to the first portion, may be positioned outside of the outer jacket and the inner liner.

Abstract: A medical tube holder is proposed. The medical tube holder includes: holder bodies and surrounding an outer surface of a medical tube; and fluid pockets provided in the holder bodies to form a predetermined space and discharge fluid stored therein to the outer surface of the medical tube while at least a part of the fluid pockets is broken when pressed by an external force. The fluid pockets are formed in the medical tube holder, and when the fluid pockets are pressed by the external force, the fluid pockets are broken and a fluid (i.e., a lubricant) stored therein is discharged to an outer surface of the medical tube. Accordingly, a user may easily apply the fluid such as the lubricant by using the medical tube holder.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of esophageal stenoses, including at least a body of elongated shape intended to be inserted within the esophagus of a patient, and a tubular sheath mounted around said body to define an interspace between said body and the tubular sheath, wherein it includes a stiffening element accommodated in said interspace and including a plurality of ribs which extend along said interspace.

Abstract: A medical device such as a cannula, catheter, needle or biosensing probe includes an elongated body for penetrating, inserting and/or positioning in or through the skin of a patient. The elongated body has an outer surface that when positioned in the patient with a coefficient of friction sufficient to inhibit movement between the elongated body on the skin at the insertion site to inhibit irritation at the infusion site. A lubricious coating is provided on the elongated body to assist in penetration and/or insertion of the elongated body into the patient. The lubricious coating can be removed by a shearing action by the insertion of the elongated body into the patient and/or by absorption of the lubricious coating to expose the outer surface of the elongated member.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising a urinary catheter and a package with flexible walls is provided. Coupling means in form of a first coupling member on the catheter and a second coupling member on the package is further provided. The coupling means are in form of a protrusion or depression on the second coupling member and a matching depression or protrusion on the first coupling member. The user may move the catheter in and out of the package without touching the catheter itself, thus eliminating or minimizing the risk of contamination of the catheter.

Abstract: A sphenocath including a sheath assembly including a sheath hub with a sheath tube extending therefrom with a passage extending from a proximal end of the sheath hub to a distal end of the sheath tube; a catheter assembly including a catheter hub with a catheter tube extending therefrom with a passage extending from a proximal end of the catheter hub to a distal end of the catheter tube; wherein the catheter assembly passes through the sheath assembly with a portion of the catheter hub engaging a portion of the sheath hub to limit relative rotation between the hubs while permitting relative axial movement such that in an initial non-extended position the distal end of the catheter tube is proximate to the distal end of the sheath tube. A system further including a guidewire is also provided. A method of inserting the catheter tube is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening. A hydrophilic coating is provided on at least a portion of the elongate end of the catheter. A fluid containing member is provided and is either arranged on the elongate member or within a separate area of the container. The fluid containing member contains sufficient hydrating fluid to hydrate the coating of the catheter. A container contains the elongate member and the fluid containing member and incorporates at least one foil layer to prevent evaporation of the hydrating fluid. A method of using the catheter includes inserting a catheter into a user's body and draining fluid from the user's body.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a mariner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: An antimicrobial lubricant applied to an outer surface of an introducer needle as part of a catheter assembly device. The catheter assembly device further includes a blood control septum having a slit through which the introducer needle is threaded. The antimicrobial lubricant is squeegeed, or removed from the outer surface of the introducer needle as the needle is removed from the slit following catheterization. The removed antimicrobial lubricant forms a deposit on the septum at a location proximate to the slit, thereby preventing colonization and growth of pathogens on the septum and other adjacent components and surfaces of the catheter assembly device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter having on at least part of its surface a hydrophilic surface layer; a wetting fluid pouch including first and second layers of flexible material joined by a seal to form a sealed closure accommodating the wetting fluid; a receptacle forming a cavity for accommodation of the catheter and the wetting fluid pouch. The wetting fluid pouch is openable by compression of the wetting fluid pouch, thereby enabling the wetting fluid to be discharged into the receptacle. At least one of the first and second layers of the wetting fluid pouch extends beyond the seal of the sealed closure to form an attachment area outside the sealed closure, the wetting fluid pouch is attached to an inner surface of the receptacle, and the attachment being provided solely between the receptacle and the attachment area.

Abstract: A seal is provided for effectively inhibiting the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a region with a non-circular cross-sectional shape is disposed therein. The seal has a body portion with a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a wall defining a lumen adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope. The seal includes a sealing element for sealing the region of the elongate device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The sealing element conforms to the profile of the non-circular region.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A medicine delivering tube capable of transporting fluid from an existing medicine dispensing unit to the patient preferably includes a protective sleeve concentrically positioned about the medicine delivering tube such that a lubricant receiving zone is intercalated between an outer surface of the medicine delivering tube and an inner surface of the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve preferably includes a plurality of holes spaced along a major surface area of the protective sleeve. A lubricant dispensing unit is in fluid communication with the protective sleeve thereby injecting lubricant into the lubricant receiving zone for reducing friction between the outer surface of the medicine delivering tube and the inner surface of the protective sleeve. In this manner, upon applying an external force to the protective sleeve, the lubricant is caused to egress the protective sleeve via the holes thereby reducing friction along an outer surface of the protective sleeve.

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 tubular body for a medical device for insertion within a body passageway of a patient. The tubular body includes a tubular inner liner. A braided member is disposed along an outer surface of the liner. The braided member includes intersecting filaments and cells defined by the filaments. A securement mechanism, such as radiopaque solder, is disposed along a circumferential region of the braided member. The securement mechanism is attached to portions of the filaments and spans the cells that correspond to the circumferential region to inhibit relative movement of filament ends. An outer surface of the securement mechanism is sized to extend radially outward to a position up to an outer surface of the braided member to not add to the overall wall thickness of the tubular body. An outer jacket is positioned longitudinally around the braided member and connected to the inner liner.

Abstract: An introducer sheath, which is formed from a tubular member provided with a hollow portion through which an elongated body is freely insertable, and which includes a distal portion and a main body portion, wherein the inner diameter of the distal portion is formed to become gradually smaller toward the distal side, and on the inner surface of the distal portion, there is provided a hydrophobic coating having a friction coefficient lower than the friction coefficient of the tubular member.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A disposable hydrophilic catheterization device for inserting a hydrophilic catheter into the urethra of an individual for the purpose of evacuating the bladder is disclosed. The catheter device includes a catheter introducer, a flexible hydrophilic catheter and a flexible thin-walled sheath. The sheath surrounds the urethra-insertable portion of the catheter, is adapted for containing a wetting liquid, and prevents pooling of the wetting liquid with collected urine. A leak-resistant diaphragm disposed within the catheter introducer is capable of being pierced by the catheter tip to form a leak-resistant orifice around the wetted hydrophilic catheter as it moves through the orifice.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (110, 210) comprising a catheter (130, 230) and a receptacle (120, 220) is disclosed. The receptacle is arranged to accommodate at least part of said catheter and having at least one opening (123) for withdrawal of said catheter. Further, the receptacle is provided with an antimicrobial compound (301) at least in the vicinity of the opening and at least on the outer surface of the receptacle, said antimicrobial compound inhibiting microbes from being transferred to said catheter while being withdrawn through said at least one opening.

Abstract: An insertion assisting tool for an endoscope into which an insertion section of the endoscope is inserted from a base end portion side, comprising: a fluid sealing device which seals a space between a base end part of the insertion assisting tool and the endoscope insertion section, the space being formed while the insertion section of the endoscope is inserted into the base end portion side.

Abstract: A guidewire lumen for a catheter includes a tubular member. At least a portion of the tubular member is formed of a compound comprising a polymer and particles or fibers. The particles or fibers can reduce a friction coefficient of the portion of the tubular member while having minimal to no adverse effects with respect to bondability, flexibility, and processability.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter and a receptacle enclosing said catheter. The receptacle has a first part and a second part, which parts are foldable over each other. Further, at least one sticky adhesive area is arranged on the surface of one of the parts of the receptacle in such a way that the sticky adhesive area is covered by the other part when the receptacle is in a folded disposition, and exposed to the environment when the receptacle is in an unfolded disposition.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: A sheath for delivering a lead or other device into a body lumen is adapted to be removed from around the delivered lead or device via a longitudinally extending feature. This feature of the sheath may be a ripcord, a seam or interlocking features the releasably engage one another.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating on at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube which may be surrounded by a sleeve. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package with a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. The catheter assembly is ready to use due to exposure of the hydrophilic coating to a vapor produced by the vapor donating liquid.

Abstract: A needle catheter with an axially elongating and contracting needle and methods of using for delivering therapeutic materials to the heart are disclosed.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A sheath for delivering a lead or other device into a body lumen is adapted to be removed from around the delivered lead or device via a longitudinally extending feature. This feature of the sheath may be a ripcord, a seam or interlocking features the releasably engage one another.

Abstract: A sheet material wrapped about a catheter to form a package. The catheter extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter. Confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed thereto which causes the package to open along an intended opening line. A gas permeable, liquid impermeable barrier divides the sealed cavity into a first compartment within which the catheter is contained and a second compartment within which a wick wetted with an aqueous liquid is entirely confined.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter kit includes a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a sheath entirely enclosing the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a fixing device integrally provided to an end of the sheath, an end of the catheter being arranged at the fixing device, and a breaking thread for breaking a portion of the fixing device and a portion of the sheath.

Abstract: Double ended wire guides are manufactured so that either end, or both ends sequentially, may be inserted into a patient. The ends are different, so that the inventory requirements of wire guides are minimized. For example, a wire guide may have a straight end and an angled end, either end suitable for use on the patient. The wire guides may also differ in other characteristics, such as the stiffness or the diameters of the distal and proximal portions. The wire guide may also be stored in a package, the package including a fitting so that wetting solution may be injected into the package to wet the wire guide and prepare it for use.

Abstract: This invention proposes a urinary catheter set with a urinary catheter disposed in a sterile package, which urinary catheter has a catheter shaft, a catheter tip and a preferably funnel-shaped end on the collecting pouch end, with a cuff being disposed in the package, which cuff encloses the catheter shaft. The cuff is preferably disposed so as to be movable along the length of the catheter shaft.

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

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A hollow plated micro-needle structure is disclosed. The micro-needle comprises a base, a tip wherein the tip is smaller than the base and an opening laterally offset from the tip.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus (1) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3), comprising: a wetting fluid container (4) containing a wetting fluid and being openable by the application of a pulling force thereto; a wetting receptacle (2); and a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3) to be wetted by said wetting fluid and being arranged within said wetting receptacle (2). The wetting fluid container (4) is arranged within the wetting receptacle (2), and the wetting receptacle is extendable, for opening the wetting container without rupturing a sealed condition of the wetting receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for insertion into the body wherein said device has at least one surface which periodically comes into contact with a second surface, the first surface comprising a lubricious hydrophilic coating disposed thereon, said hydrophilic coating further comprising at least one antiblock agent.

Abstract: A device for lubricating a urinary catheter and for normally and automatically gripping the catheter but selectively releasing such catheter only when squeezing forces are applied by a user's fingers during a catheterization procedure. Such a device is also combined with a protective container which preferably may also be used as a urine collecting pouch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for lubricating a urinary catheter and for automatically gripping and selectively releasing such catheter during a catheterization procedure. Also disclosed is the combination of such a device and a protective container which preferably may also be used as a urine collecting pouch.

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

Abstract: A stabilizing device for securing an intravenous catheter to a patient's body is disclosed having a main body with a cut out to allow passage of the catheter. The main body includes a front portion connected to a rear portion by a pair of side portions. At least one of the side portions has a slit to enable the cut out to be placed around a previously installed catheter. A plurality of straps are provided to wrap around the affected body portion of a patient. Tabs in various configurations are used to secure catheter tubing to the main body and to prevent unwanted removal of the catheter.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for moving a shaft or rod along its central axis that utilizes a flexible eversion tube surrounding a portion of and slidingly engaged to the outer surface of the shaft or rod. The drive mechanism uses at least one wheel group having two or more drive wheels that are coplanar with each other and, along the shaft's axis of movement, are aligned with each other and spaced apart. The drive wheels are in compressive contact with a central portion of the flexible eversion tube. The at least one wheel group is supported and located around the central portion by a sleeve that surrounds the central portion of the eversion tube. The sleeve contains slits that permit the individual wheels to contact the central portion of the tube and a casing having two pivotally connected halves that when clamped together, seal the wheel groups and sleeve within its cavity and enable a drive source to drive the wheels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for insertion into the body wherein the device has at least one surface which periodically comes into contact with a second surface. The first surface comprises an improved lubricious coating having a first hydrogel layer and a second hydrophobic top coating which prevents the hydrogel coating from prematurely absorbing too much moisture. The hydrophobic top coating comprises at least one hydrophilic surfactant which acts as a carrier to facilitate removal of the hydrophobic top coating upon entry into an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator lead is provided that includes a connector for connecting to a cardiac stimulator and an insulating sleeve that has a first end coupled to the connector and a second end. The second end has an opening therein. An electrode is positioned in the insulating sleeve and has a piercing member. The electrode is moveable axially from a retracted position to an extended position wherein the piercing member projects from the opening. A conductor wire is disposed in the sleeve and coupled between the connector and the electrode for transmitting electric signals between the cardiac stimulator and the electrode. A lubricant is provided inside the insulating sleeve for lubricating the movement of the electrode. The lubricant reduces the potential for sticking, particularly for silicone lead sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for insertion into the body wherein the device has at least one surface which periodically comes into contact with a second surface. The first surface comprises an improved lubricious coating having a first hydrogel layer and a second hydrophobic top coating which prevents the hydrogel coating from prematurely absorbing too much moisture. The hydrophobic top coating comprises at least one hydrophilic surfactant which acts as a carrier to facilitate removal of the hydrophobic top coating upon entry into an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A disposable self-lubricating catheterization assembly for inserting a catheter into the urethra of an individual for the purpose of evacuating the bladder is disclosed. The catheter assembly includes a substantially rigid catheter introducer member for positioning the introducer against the urethral opening, a flexible catheter and a flexible thin-walled sheath surrounding the catheter and partially covering the catheter introducer. The catheter introducer comprises a reservoir portion, a guide portion, lubricant and a membrane. The lubricant essentially fills the reservoir and is prevented by the membrane from prematurely coating the catheter, in order to facilitate grasping of the catheter and feeding of the tube along the urethra and into the bladder. A catheterization assembly in accordance with the present invention is suitable for use for self-catheterization in the home or in a public restroom, and deters contamination and subsequent infection of the urinary tract.

Abstract: A sterile envelope-dispensing catheter introducer. A tubular introducer, through which a catheter is passed, dispenses a membranous shroud, or envelope, from within and out a distal opening thereof. The shroud is withdrawn by manipulation or by the urging of a body organ pressing against a shroud entrainment device. Interposition of the convolutionally rearward transported shroud over (and between) the introducer's distal portion (and the body internal organ surfaces) assures a sterile catheter passage through the introducer and into the organ.

Abstract: A urethral catheter assembly is disclosed which includes an elongate catheter body having an expandable retention balloon provided at a distal end thereof, and a progressively deployable lubricated sheath which encloses the exterior surface of the catheter body. Once deployed, the sheath permits relative movement of the catheter body relative to the urethra without causing discomfort or trauma to the patient.