Abstract: The present invention discloses catheter tube retaining devices having a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a strap (or equivalent) for attaching such a device to the human body. The disk is capable of rotation relative to the base through at least a 90 degree arc. Further, the disk has formed upon a top surface at least one U-shaped retaining channel or groove of sufficient diameter as to retain a catheter tube in interference fit, without restricting the passage of fluid through such tube. Preferably, at least one pair of opposing tabs (or equivalent) protrude over the retaining channel to assist in the retention of the catheter tube. The disk can accommodate four channels, for different sizes of catheter tubes.

Abstract: A retention bolster for a flexible tube segment in a corporeal access tube assembly. The bolster includes a body molded in one piece of silicone rubber and cut into two legs along a portion of its length. One of the legs has a collar formed on its free end, with a lip under which the free end of the other leg nestles. To hold the legs together and grip a tube segment between them, an O-ring is rolled over the collar into a depression encircling both legs without contracting into the cut between the legs.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making and using noded cuffs on transcutaneous or intrabody prosthetic devices, such as catheters, to effect improved stability of the prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In particular, the noded cuff apparatus of the present invention provides for positioning of the tissue opening site in a manner which facilitates more rapid establishment of a stably biointegrated and well-healed prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In addition, in accord with the methods of the present invention, non-biointegrated portions of the noded cuff can be simply and easily removed from the underlying prosthetic device to facilitate maintenance of the stably biointegrated interface. Preferably, this removal takes place after a period of time during which the interface has become stably established.

Abstract: An intravenous connection clip for preventing separation of two tubular fluid flow connectors of respective intravenous (IV) tubing sets. The intravenous connection clip includes a generally tubular bracket for surrounding the fluid flow connectors and having large portions of the tube cut away to allow for easy visualization of the fluid flow connectors and the fluid path therethrough. The bracket of the IV connection clip having a generally "C" shaped port lock on a first end of the bracket having a pair of first arms for releasably gripping a conventional port of a first IV tubing set, a generally "U" shaped cannula and luer connector lock on an intermediate portion of the bracket for releasably contacting a conventional luer connector of a second IV tubing set fluidly coupled to the port of the first IV tubing set.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for stabilization of a shunt relative to a bone. The apparatus includes a body member and a plurality of attachment members forming a part of the body member. Each of the attachment members are operable to receive a bone screw so as to secure the body member to the bone. A plurality of movable fingers are movably attached to the body member. The plurality of movable fingers are adapted to engage and stabilize various size shunts relative to the bone.

Abstract: The invention proposes a body showing an antibacterial effect for application as a medical or surgical aid, wherein the body is designed as a flexible synthetic-material hose (8) that is provided with an antibacterially-acting coating, and the hose (8) is provided with a slit (8a) over its entire length.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the insertion of balloon catheters and other devices into blood vessels, for example, the femoral artery, while presenting the minimal amount of obstruction to the flow of fluid through the vessel. The device is comprised of an introducer sheath having a hub and a short elongated section wherein when the hub abuts the patient's skin and the short elongated section is not long enough to reach the vessel. Also disclosed is a method for inserting a balloon catheter using the short introducer sheath.

Abstract: A corporeal access tube assembly and a retention bolster for a corporeal access tube assembly. An elongated body formed of silicone rubber is split along a substantial portion of its length to form two legs joined together at corresponding one ends. The legs are separable from their other ends to receive the tube segment between them. When the legs are brought together and secured in that relationship they grip a tube segment and cause it to flex into a configuration where an outer portion lies flush against a patient's abdomen, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of volume deficiency disorders of body structures and related syndromes, and more particularly to devices that deliver fluid at a controlled pressure into an interstice of a patient to effect tissue expansion and to surgical procedures for augmenting volumetrically deficient structures or for reconstructing damaged natural body tissue by attachment of tissue segments cultivated by dilation. Methods of delivering fluid at a controlled pressure into an interstice are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making and using noded cuffs on transcutaneous or intrabody prosthetic devices, such as catheters, to effect improved stability of the prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In particular, the noded cuff apparatus of the present invention provides for positioning of the tissue opening site in a manner which facilitates more rapid establishment of a stably biointegrated and well-healed prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In addition, in accord with the methods of the present invention, non-biointegrated portions of the noded cuff can be simply and easily removed from the underlying prosthetic device to facilitate maintenance of the stably biointegrated interface. Preferably, this removal takes place after a period of time during which the interface has become stably established.

Abstract: A stabilizer for stabilizing a surgical instrument extending through tissue of an anatomical cavity wall includes an expandable outer member disposed on the surgical instrument and an inner member disposed between the outer member and the surgical instrument for moving the outer member between a contracted position allowing insertion of the outer member in the cavity wall and an expanded position resisting withdrawal of the outer member and the surgical instrument from the cavity wall. The outer member includes a plurality of legs, and protrusions on the inner member expand the legs outwardly from the surgical instrument in the expanded position in response to movement of the inner member. Annular, tapered ribs on the legs bite into the tissue along the thickness of the cavity wall in the expanded position to lock the surgical instrument in place in the cavity wall.

Abstract: A tube-retaining device is provided for holding a medical tube in a fixed position on a patient's body proximate the tube insertion site. The tube-retaining device includes a base, and clamp mounted on the base for engaging and holding the tube. The clamp includes first and second spaced-apart arms pivotably attached for movement between an open tube-receiving position and a closed tube-enclosing position. Locking teeth are formed on the arms for adjusting the space between the arms in the closed position. The clamp is adjustable for accommodating different size tubes.

Abstract: An absorbing device for use in connection with a catheter, to absorb excess liquid discharged from the meatus-catheter junction, and method of use. The device comprises a generally cylindrically shaped block of absorbing material coated with a waterproof film, the absorbing material and coating having a longitudinal bore therethrough with a slit radially directed therefrom, to facilitate mating of said device with said catheter shaft, and straps made of velcro or like material to secure the device to the catheter, and to facilitate the easy attachment and removal of the device from the catheter. The device is situated on the catheter so as not to come into contact with the body, yet close enough to the meatus-body interface so as to facilitate the transfer of liquid from the meatus-catheter junction to the device with minimal leakage. The interior of the absorbing material may be treated with a mild adhesive to prevent slippage of the device along the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A sealing conduit for use with a portal formed on the body which enable surgical, diagnostic and assistive instruments to be inserted into the body during least invasive medical procedures. The sealing conduit includes an elongated cylindrical member with a continuous central lumen therebetween. A flexible annular lip structure is attached or formed on the inside surface of the cylindrical member which is folded in a retracted position inside the cylindrical member or extended through the distal opening thereof. During use, a penetrating member is disposed inside the cylindrical member which is moved downward to forcibly move the annular lip structure from the retracted to the extended position. When the annular lip structure is in the extended position, distal end of the sealing conduit is located just inside the desired vessel or conduit and outward migration of the sealing conduit through the portal is prevented.

Abstract: An improved trocar assembly including an elongate shaft, with an open proximal end, an open distal end, an axial channel, and a substantially smooth exterior surface so as to prevent frictional engagement of the exterior surface with various tissue plains at an incision opening in the patient, and a distal expandable component, disposed substantially at the distal end of the elongate shaft and having at least one inflatable cuff structured to selectively maintain the elongate shaft partially within the patient subsequent to its insertion into the patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses catheter tube retaining devices having a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a strap (or equivalent) for attaching such a device to the human body. The disk is capable of rotation relative to the base through at least a 90 degree arc. Further, the disk has formed upon a top surface at least one U-shaped retaining channel or groove of sufficient diameter as to retain a catheter tube in interference fit, without restricting the passage of fluid through such tube. Preferably, at least one pair of opposing tabs (or equivalent) protrude over the retaining channel to assist in the retention of the catheter tube. The disk can accommodate four channels, for different sizes of catheter tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving a catheter in a controlled manner. The device has a frame, guiding member attached to the frame for the purpose of guiding the catheter, a first engaging mechanism in order to manually engage the guiding means, second engaging means for the purpose of engaging the catheter guided by the guiding machines, wherein the first and second engaged mechanism are connected in such a manner that, on moving the first engaging mechanism, the catheter is moved in relation to the frame. Furthermore, a signalling device is attached to the engaged mechanism for the purpose of giving off a signal corresponding to the displacement of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter gard unit is disclosed herein which includes a flexible tapered introduction guide. The distal end of the tapered introduction guide, in a sheath procedure, is placed over a guide wire and into a sheath, both of which have been pre-placed within a patient's body. In a sheathless procedure, the distal end of the tapered introduction guide is placed adjacent the skin of the patient and over the pre-placed guide wire. The gard unit comprises a body with a passageway therethrough for the passage of the catheter tube. A resilient slidable seal is mounted upon the tapered introduction guide of the gard unit. The slidable seal is adapted to slid over and seal the connection between the introduction guide, through which the catheter is placed, and a hemostasis valve of the sheath, after insertion of the sheath into the patient's body and thereby form a liquid seal between the introduction guide and the sheath.

Abstract: A syringe for administering a medicament having a barrel provided with a needle attachment member to which a needle may be mounted and which is retained by a catch at one end of the barrel, and a plunger which is movable in the barrel to expel medicament through the needle attachment member and needle. The plunger is hollow and contains a vacuum and is provided with a gripping member at one end which closes one end of the plunger and which when the plunger is advanced can engage the needle attachment member to releases its catch and withdraw the needle attachment member and mounted needle into the plunger.

Abstract: The improved endotracheal bite block includes an elongated bite tube having a central endotracheal tube-receiving cavity extending therethrough to the front and rear ends of the bite tube. The bite tube is relatively inflexible and has an elongated post extending rearwardly thereof. The post has a strap-receiving slot therein and a rear retaining wall extending laterally outwardly for releasably holding an adhesive strip in place on the bite block, which tape also is used to hold an endotracheal tube against the bite block. The bite block further includes an elongated flexible strap with a strap retainer at one end and an opposite free end which can be passed through the slot and around an endotracheal tube and then can be cinched up to anchor the endotracheal tube and bite block together. Preferably, the bite tube is C-shaped in cross-section and single walled.

Abstract: A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture is employed with an introducer that accesses the puncture through an incision. The introducer has an open distal end positionable at the puncture, an external portion with an open proximal end, and an axial channel therebetween. The device includes a hollow catheter, dimensioned to pass through the introducer channel, having a distal end to which is attached an expansible compression element, which may be an inflatable balloon, a collapsible prong assembly, or a resilient foam pad. The compression element is collapsed when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed within the introducer. When the catheter and the introducer are located the desired distance from the puncture, the introducer is displaced axially relative to the catheter to expose the compression element to the subcutaneous tissue, whereupon the compression element is expanded.

Abstract: A penetrating instrument for penetrating a wall of an anatomical cavity to gain access to the anatomical cavity includes a fixed or retractable penetrating member having a distal end for penetrating the anatomical cavity wall, a portal sleeve fixed relative to the penetrating member or movable between an extended position protecting the distal end of the penetrating member and a retracted position exposing the distal end of the penetrating member, and an expandable portion carried by the portal sleeve and movable from an expanded position to a contracted position during penetration of the cavity wall and from the contracted position to the expanded position upon introduction of the expandable portion in the anatomical cavity to anchor the portal sleeve relative to the anatomical cavity wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring surgical instrumentation to tissue having a collar with structure thereon for attaching the collar to a surgical instrument and suture receiving structure disposed peripherally on the collar, the suture receiving being configured and dimensioned to receive an anchoring suture therein. A method is disclosed for using the apparatus whereby at least one suture provided in the peripheral tissue adjacent the surgical instrumentation is wrapped within the receiving structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the administration of a fluid. The arrangement consists of a tube, preferably made of plastic, one end of which is executed with a cutting or tissue-displacing tip. The other end of the tube has a connection (1b) for an injection syringe or the like. Arranged in the tube is a rigid, elongated body so executed as to facilitate insertion of the tube into human tissue. The tube is sufficiently soft for it to be of essentially the same consistency as the surrounding tissue, in particular the subcutaneous tissue and musculator. It is also sealed at its tip and executed with a number of openings distributed over an area between the tip and the connection. The external surface of the tube is covered with a coating of titanium of sufficient thinness for the tube to retain its soft characteristics.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation system comprising a tube terminating in a pair of nasal inserts. Each insert tapers at its end and has a soft membrane covering the tapered end for wearer comfort. A washer positioned below the membrane provides a positive seal with the nostril and prevents gas leakage by resting on the support bar. A support bar having slots which can accommodate the nasal inserts also permits lateral movement of the inserts for positioning of the inserts within the nostrils. An adjustable harness system is removably secured to the wearer.

Abstract: Retention bolsters for a percutaneous catheter which have a convexly curved exterior surface which contacts the epidermal surface of a patient, and which also provide protection against the catheter kinking. The retention bolsters slide over a catheter until contacting the skin of the patient at the catheter exit site. When secured in place, the bolsters rock along contacting portions between their convexly curved surface and the epidermal surface of the patient in response to movement of the catheter about the exit site, thereby alleviating the added pressure that would otherwise be applied by this movement. Upon the release of lateral pressure against the catheter device, the bolsters return to their original upright position. One bolster incorporates an elongated collar which is flexibly resilient to supportively allow the catheter to be laterally bent away from the exit site without kinking.

Abstract: A stabilizer for stabilizing a surgical instrument extending through tissue of an anatomical cavity wall includes an expandable outer member disposed on the surgical instrument and an inner member disposed between the outer member and the surgical instrument for moving the outer member between a contracted position allowing insertion of the outer member in the cavity wall and an expanded position resisting withdrawal of the outer member and the surgical instrument from the cavity wall. The outer member includes a plurality of legs, and protrusions on the inner member expand the legs outwardly from the surgical instrument in the expanded position in response to movement of the inner member. Annular, tapered ribs on the legs bite into the tissue along the thickness of the cavity wall in the expanded position to lock the surgical instrument in place in the cavity wall.

Abstract: A device consisting of a metal component which can pass from an "open" position to a "closed" position during use, and has a slot with an insertion channel for receiving a flexible tube (16) near the point where it emerges from a frangible material (17). Said component has first and second fasteners (8,12,13 respectively) which are inoperative when the component is in the open position, and respectively engage said tube (16) and said frangible material (17) when the component is folded into its closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for percutaneous placement of access tubes, such as feeding and drainage tubes, vascular catheters, and the like, comprises an elastic access tube in an internal stylet. The stylet is received within a central lumen of the access tube and is used to axially elongate the tube, resulting in a reduced diameter. In a first embodiment, the diameter of the access tube is reduced sufficiently so that it can be placed through a relatively narrow penetration and so that it will radially expand by an amount sufficient to cause a tight anchor and seal against the penetration when the stylet is removed. In a second embodiment, the stylet has a sharpened distal tip which extends beyond the distal end of the access tube when in its axially extended configuration. The sharpened tip allows self-introduction of the assembly of access tube and stylet. In a third embodiment, a distal portion of the access tube is covered with a lubricous sheath.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device for securing a tube, such as a medical catheter or feeding tube, at the site of a body opening. More specifically, the invention is directed to a bumper retention device for retaining a feeding tube in an angular fixation externally against the skin of a patient, so as to prevent slippage, dislodgement, or unnecessary migration of the feeding tube into the stomach, small intestine or other internal body cavity of a patient. The bumper retention device may be used with a conventional catheter or feeding tube and a conventional retention bar. The bumper retention unit comprises a retention stem portion connected to a loop portion. The loop portion is placed around the outer diameter of the feeding tube and when the tube is bent, the stem portion is inserted into an end aperture of the retention bar so that the tube is retained at an approximately 90.degree. angle.

Abstract: A device for positioning a surgical instrument having an elongated portion, the device comprising a housing having an opening therethrough to receive the elongated instrument portion and an actuation member mounted to said housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The actuation member overlaps a portion of said opening in said second position to prevent movement of the elongated portion of the instrument. The actuation member may be movable along a plane parallel, perpendicular or lateral to a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A lockable drainage catheter is disclosed for percutaneous insertion into a patient and drainage of fluid therefrom. The drainage catheter includes a flexible tube that is preformed for retaining the distal end of the catheter in the patient. For insertion, the distal end is straightened with the use of a stiffening cannula that is inserted through the hollow passageway of the catheter. When the catheter is inserted in the patient, the stiffening cannula is removed, and a thin cable positioned within the passageway of the catheter is drawn to position the end of the flexible tube to a desired retention configuration. A twisting lock device positioned at the proximal end of the catheter draws the cable through the passageway of the elongated member tube to position the end of the flexible tube to a retention configuration. By twisting the proximal member relative to the distal member of the twisting lock device, the cable wraps around a reel within the device.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder that includes a face plate assembly which is attached to a patient's head by an adjustable headband. The face plate assembly is formed with a face plate adapted to be positioned over the mouth of the patient and is formed with an open end channel terminating with a V-shaped notch over which is superposed a tube holding block that is affixed to the outer surface of the face plate, and also includes a matching V-shaped notch in which an endotracheal tube can be fixedly positioned by a thumb screw, a bite block being integrally secured to the inner surface of the face plate which is also provided with an aligned V-shaped notch. The face plate also includes an opening for ready access to the patient's mouth, as might be required.

Abstract: A drainage catheter with a distal member end that is lockable in a desired loop configuration for retaining the catheter in a body cavity such as the bladder. The lockable drainage catheter includes a flexible tension member for drawing the distal member end into a loop. The tension member extends through a lockable connector positioned about the proximal member end. The lockable connector includes a resilient material sleeve with a sleeve passage extending longitudinally therethrough for positioning the tension member therein. The sleeve is positioned in a passage of the connector adjacent a channel wherein a pivotedly attached lever is positioned. When the lever is pivoted toward the connector into a fixed position, a cam surface of the lever compresses the sleeve and locks thereabout to maintain the loop formed in the distal member end.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy tube is a flexible tube having on one inner end thereof an improved energy absorbent internal retaining member which provides for less patient trauma during emplacement and subsequent percutaneous removal, while almost entirely avoiding either separation of the internal retaining member, i.e., the bumper, or its acute displacement. The energy absorbing internal retaining member has a hollow body portion with two resiliently reversible physical forms or shapes, toroidal-like, and, goblet-like connected to a foreshortened hollow axial stem portion that is attached to or integrally made with the inward end of the flexible tube. The internal retaining member is made in the toroidal-like form. During intentional removal, when under pressure against the stomach mucosa, the internal retaining member snaps into the unrolled, goblet-like shape and pulls smoothly out through the stoma tract.

Abstract: A device for sealing an opening or puncture in the wall of a blood vessel or other percutaneous openings. The device includes a shaft section of a small diameter, with an expandable balloon and atraumatic tip at its distal end. The proximal end of the device has an inflation/deflation port which is utilized to inflate the balloon once it is in place within the blood vessel or other body cavity. The entire device is typically placed through a vascular sheath, which is used during invasive percutaneous vascular procedures. The balloon is inflated and withdrawn until it engages the inner surface of the blood vessel or body cavity. The sheath is withdrawn from within the blood vessel or other body cavity to the outside of the body. A fixation collar loaded onto the shaft of the device allows for securement in place, within the blood vessel or other body cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus to establish access into the uterus and the fallopian tubes of a female for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures includes a cervical access catheter, an ostial access catheter insertable through the cervical access catheter, and a fallopian access catheter insertable through the ostial access catheter. The cervical access catheter incorporates a distally located intrauterine balloon which is inflatable after insertion into the uterus. The cervical access catheter also incorporates a cervical retention disk which can be slid into position against the anterior lip of the cervix to anchor the cervical access catheter into the cervical canal between the intrauterine balloon and the cervical disk. Once the cervical access catheter is properly anchored, the ostial access catheter is inserted through the cervical access catheter.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device including an elongate feeding tube having a first end for insertion through an opening in a patient's abdominal wall and a second end including a feeding inlet. An inflatable balloon is mounted near the first end and a leakage seal valve is connected adjacent the balloon. The seal valve includes a flexible, elastomeric member to seal the opening in the patient and prevent leakage.

Abstract: A locking catheter system including a flexible catheter having a restraining portion such as a pigtail, malecot rib or J-curve at its distal end and a flexible filament extending therefrom to attaching means at the other end of the catheter. The attaching means comprise a self-sealing sleeve through which the filament passes and an elastomeric sheath which encapsulates the sleeve to restrain the filament.

Abstract: A retention device, particularly useful for drainage tubes and the like, having a pad for adhesive attachment to a patient's skin at the exit/entry site for a post-surgical drainage tube. The device includes a retainer body secured to the pad and provided with a strap to be looped and tightened about the drainage tube for immobilizing that tube. A passage in the body receives the free end of the strap and a latching mechanism prevents retraction of the strap unless the sides of the body are squeezed towards each other to alter the configuration of the body's side and top walls and cause lateral disengagement of a restraining pawl from the ratchet teeth of the strap.

Abstract: A medical implement and tubing organizer that allows medical implements to be held in a convenient location proximate to a patient and also allows the medical tubes to be organized and ordered according to size. The tubes are held in generally cylindrical lateral bores in the tubing holder. The holder is in detachable engagement with a substantially flat base portion. The base portion has a plurality of apertures adapted to receive and hold medical implements. The flat base portion also has a strap or the like to engage the rail or horizontal strut of a hospital bed. Thus, the entire unit is held in a fixed relationship with the patient for the convenience of the caregiver and the tube holding portion can be removed from the base, if desired, to facilitate turning or relocating the patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder providing enhanced patient comfort and easy and secure attachment of various sized tubes. The holder includes a multi-component plastic clamping device having an inner bite block and straps for maintaining the device in position. The device further includes a support member with a barrel, and a cylinder movable within the barrel, and complimentary bores through the barrel and cylinder which release the tube when the bores are aligned and clamp down on the tube when the bores are in various unaligned positions.

Abstract: A blood sampling system having an in-line sampling member is provided. The member includes a frangible joint located along the length thereof providing an easily openable port for directly sampling a donor's blood during blood collection into a collection bag. In further embodiments, an integral clamping system can be provided with the sampling member for temporarily cutting off flow of blood from a donor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for facilitating the injection of a contrast fluid into the cystic duct during the course of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure comprises an elongated, rigid outer tubular member whose outer diameter permits it to pass through the lumen of a trocar penetrating the patient's abdominal wall and of a length allowing the distal end of the instrument to abut the patient's cystic duct. Affixed to the proximal end of the outer tubular shaft is a grip that includes a plunger which can be reciprocally moved in the longitudinal direction and joined to the plunger is an inner tube which can be joined at its proximal end to a source of contrast fluid and which extends through the lumen of the outer tubular shaft.

Abstract: A retention device, particularly useful for drainage tubes and the like, having a pad for adhesive attachment to a patient's skin at the exit/entry site for a post-surgical drainage tube. The device includes a retainer body secured to the pad and provided with a strap to be looped and tightened about the drainage tube for immobilizing that tube. A passage in the body receives the free end of the strap and a latching mechanism prevents retraction of the strap unless a pair of side flanges of the body are squeezed towards each other to alter the configuration of the body's top wall and cause upward disengagement of a restraining pawl from the ratchet teeth of the strap. In one form of the invention, the strap is oriented horizontally and the passage is spaced well above the pad so that the horizontal plane of the passage substantially bisects the loop along its axis, thereby allowing portions of the loop to be located above and below the entrance to the passage.

Abstract: An internal anchoring device to which a tubular member is attached for introduction/removal of fluids/gases into and out of viscera of a patient. The internal anchoring device is a discontinuous flexible body having a silhouette approximating a truncated pyramid when in a relaxed position. The internal anchoring device provides increased anchoring capability over devices of the prior art yet, at the same time, is easily obturated, thereby facilitating placement/removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a positional relationship between a trocar cannula and body tissue into which the cannula is inserted includes a tissue engaging member having a conical outer surface with a thread helically disposed thereon. A guide tube is insertable into a bore in the tissue engaging member, the guide tube having a camming surface. A collet with flexible projections is engageable with the guide tube. When the collet is tightened onto the guide tube the flexible projections bend inward to frictionally engage and hold a trocar cannula inserted through the axial bore of the apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an improvement to a device for slidably mounting a tube against an orifice of a medical patient, the device including a polygonal section of sponge foam, a bore through this foam and a slot for enabling the polygonal section of foam to be slid over and onto a tube. The improvement comprises a rigid backing plate that fixedly attaches to the sponge foam in an area apart from, and preferably opposite, the surface of the sponge foam section in contact with the patient's orifice. This backing plate has a bore and slot corresponding to those in the sponge foam section. With this improvement, such mounting devices may be placed in more permanent traction against the patient's nose, mouth or other orifice. A further improvement includes a gauge for varying the amount of substantially permanent traction placed on a medical tube with this device. There is also disclosed a method for supplying variable amounts of substantially permanent traction to a medical tube with the holder of this invention.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter is disclosed for providing extracorporeal treatment such as hemodialysis, which is percutaneously inserted for either short-term or long-term vascular access. The catheter includes a main body having proximal and distal segments connected to a pair of clamping limbs via a manifold. The distal segment includes two tubular members laterally attached to each other, one of which is thinner than the other and collapsible for inserting the catheter through a much smaller diameter peel-away sheath. Contrary to existing practices, the lengths of the arterial and venous tubular members are reversed such as to provide a longer negative pressure intake lumen. A hydrophilic slip coating covers the distal segment to further ease the insertion of the distal segment into the peel-away sheath. The cross-sectional area of the proximal segment is generally elliptical shaped for providing a leak proof fit through the vascular access site.

Abstract: A catheter with an adjustable, external locking bolster. The catheter is for insertion into a body and includes a distal tip which is positioned inside the body, and a tubular member which is in communication with the distal tip. A portion of the tubular member exists outside the body and is provided on its outer surface with engagement elements. An external coupling has matching engagement elements for selective, adjustable securement to the tubular member. A compression element is provided which locks the external coupling to the tubular element and prevents slippage. The adjustable engagement allows a low profile, close to the skin appearance, while the compression element securely locks the external coupling to the tubular member.