Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: A luminal access system comprises an evertable, lubricious sleeve, a pusher tube, and optionally a lumen tube. The evertable, lubricious sleeve is attached to a non-evertable sheath which is coaxially received over the pusher tube. A distal portion of the evertable sleeve folds or everts into an axial passage of the pusher tube where it is connected to a lumen tube. A distal portion of the pusher tube may be bendable, typically comprising a relatively soft polymer which is circumferentially reinforced to enhance hoop strength.

Abstract: A blood vessel extroverting instrument used to turn an end of a blood vessel inside out. The instrument has a contact portion to be brought into contact with an end of a blood vessel, a supporting portion on which the contact portion is supported, and an operating mechanism for increasing and reducing the diameter of the contact portion. At least two portions of the end of the blood vessel in the radial direction can be simultaneously expanded and/or reversed by operating the operating mechanism. Therefore the blood vessel extroverting instrument provided by the present invention is capable of easily turning an end of a blood vessel inside out in a short time without damaging the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters wherein at least the proximal end of the balloon thereof is invertedly attached to the catheter shaft. Other aspects of the balloon catheters will have both ends of the balloon inverted. The present invention contemplates numerous other variations and modifications. As such, other aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the remainder of the disclosure.

Abstract: A unitary component having a tip portion integrally formed with an expandable sleeve portion. Other aspects of the present invention are related to a catheter incorporating a unitary component. Still other aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the remainder of the disclosure.

Abstract: A flexible, membranous envelope, in a shroud-conduit-collector configuration for sheathing a catheter. In basic mode, the shroud, which essentially envelops the catheter, is partially disposable in an end of the catheter and is extractable therefrom by manipulation of the user. The shroud joins the conduit, that terminates in an integral, yet separable collector. To cure the basic mode's sole limitation, possible infusion of urethra secretions into the opening of the incipiently inserted catheter, a plurality of leaves are attached by their base margins to the shroud exterior, near enough to the inserted opening that their unattached, leading margins can be folded by interleaving them over, and covering, the opening. By this device, an alternate embodiment avoids the catheter-disposed shroud. Other devices are integrated to facilitate manipulation, as well as to aid in after-use separation, sealing and handling of the collector.

Abstract: Tubular, endless body, adapted to be introduced into, advanced along, and retracted from a duct, particularly of the human body, which comprises, when distended by inner fluid pressure, an outer surface, an inner channel, and rounded (toroidal) ends connecting the said outer surface to the surface of said inner channel, and which comprises portions of different diameter when in distended condition.

Abstract: The self-propelled colonoscope (1) is self-inserted into a colon by driving endless belts (17) mounted on the outside of the bending section (15) of the insertion tube (9). The cross section of the endless belt (17) is a substantially circle and a rack gear teeth having a cross section of circle are formed on the outside of the endless belts (17). And, a recess having a cross section of semi-circle and pinion gear teeth which are corresponded to the shape of the endless belt and the rack gear teeth. Since the endless belt (17) has across section of circle so as to have equal bending ability in all radial direction, the endless belt (17) can easily bend in all direction. So, on the insertion of the insertion tube (9) into the colon, the endless belt (17) can be easily followed the motion of the insertion tube (9).

Abstract: A method for screening candidate antimicrobial compounds is described that utilizes a human vaginal xenograft engrafted in a non-human host. The method may be performed by using pathogen inoculated human vaginal xenografts in order to screen a wide range of candidate antimicrobials administered topically or systemically.

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: A propellant support apparatus to help a self-propelled colonoscope in its smooth insertion, said colonoscope being insertable in the colon of a patient by driving a plurality of endless belts, mounted along the flexible section of an insertion tube of the colonoscope, without causing pain to the patient even at initial insertion of the colonoscope, comprising an insertable anal pipe (1) that has a smooth outer surface and a high frictional inner surface. By using motive force produced by friction between the high frictional inner surface (3) of the insertable anal pipe (1) and the outside circles of endless belts (23), mounted along an insertion tube (21) of the colonoscope, the propellant support apparatus helps the insertion tube (21) to propel forward, without causing damage to the inside wall of the anus, whereby the colonoscope can be inserted into the colon smoothly.

Abstract: A flexible, tubular envelope, termed a “shroud”, for sheathing a catheter. The shroud, passing over the entire catheter, is partially disposable in the distal end of the catheter and is extractable therefrom by manipulation of the user. The shroud terminates in a closed end that includes an integral collector, a pouch/container, which has no specific definition. Devices are integrated into the shroud to aid in its manipulation, as well as in the later separation and sealing of the collector.

Abstract: A roll-back tube system, preferably for an endoscope, for moving an inner shaft which is guided in a roll-back tube of the type that is rolled back at both ends. The tube is driven via a number of friction wheels, suction cups or tracks which act on an inner tube section in order to drive the system in a continuous movement. In order to seal off the gap between the shaft and the inner tube section, front and rear turn-back areas in each case form a bead which bears sealingly on the shaft. The admission of lubricant into the gap between shaft and inner tube section takes place via an essentially radial shaft bore in the area of the roll-back tube, which shaft bore is either connected to an external admission line via the shaft cavity or an inner line, or else via a rear clamping piece by means of a lubricant injection shoe adapted to the shaft surface.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having concentric, elongate lumen and guide tubes defining a lumen therebetween. An annular balloon has its proximal end secured to the lumen tube and its distal end secured to the guide tube. Relative axial movement of the tubes adjusts the balloon between retracted and extended positions. Processes for using the balloon catheter are also disclosed including performing angioplastic procedures on a plurality of stenoses of differing longitudinal extents during a single catheterization procedure, implanting self expanding stents in blood vessels treating occluded blood vessels and apply medications to diseased blood vessels.

Abstract: As delivery catheter for a radially expandable intraluminal stent. The delivery catheter comprises an elongate outer tube defining proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. In addition to the outer tube, the delivery catheter includes an elongate inner tube defining proximal and distal ends and a guidewire lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The inner tube is movably disposed within the lumen of the outer tube. The delivery catheter further includes a flexible deployment sleeve having a first end attached to the distal end of the outer tube, and a second end attached to the inner tube at a location proximal to the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter (1) of a type comprising two inner lumens (2, 3) defined by a wall (2A, 3A) for guiding a fluid (4), and two opposite ends (5, 6), namely a distal end (5) and a proximal end (6), characterized in that the distal end is formed of two elongated and discrete end portions (13, 14) located beyond a so-called dividing point (12) at a predetermined distance D1 from the proximal end (6), wherein said end portions, in a rest position of the catheter, extend parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, each over a predetermined length (L1, L2) measurable between a free end (13A, 14A) and the dividing point (12), are each made of a flexible material, contain a segment of at least one lumen (2, 3) and have at least one channel (7, 8) for delivering and/or sampling the fluid.

Abstract: An everting tube structure comprises: a flexible collapsible tube having a first open end and a second open end, the flexible collapsible tube having a first portion proximate the first open end and a second portion, the first portion having a first part adjacent the first open end and a second part adjacent the second portion, the second portion having been folded at an angle to the first portion and wound around the second part of the first portion to form a hollow cylinder; and a tube member having an open end, the first open end of the tube being fluid-tightly, circumferentially attached to the open end of the tube member. Thus, the present invention provides an everting tube structure of simple construction, which can be easily produced, which allows easy and/or self-administration, and which has an enhanced self-guiding ability.

Abstract: A medical device for sterile access to bladder urine having a hollow handle 26 with a guard 24 and a radially disposed group of tines or guide 22. A flexible tube 28 passes through the handle and is attached at the remote end of the handle.

Abstract: A non-contaminating catheter includes a hollow tube having an axial lumen extending along the length thereof, and an elongated, tubular, flexible membrane disposed within the lumen. The leading end of the membrane is circumferentially folded back over the leading edge of the tube and fixed to a guide assembly. As the catheter is inserted into a patient, the membrane is drawn through the tube and out the leading edge of the tube. Once the catheter is fully inserted, the membrane circumscribes the tube; thus, contact between the tube and the patient is substantially, if not entirely, prevented during insertion of the catheter over the length of the membrane. More particularly, the membrane is laid out as the catheter is urged along the anatomical canal and thus remains interposed between the exterior wall of the catheter and the patient's internal organs (e.g., the urethra).

Abstract: The description relates to a medical and especially an endoscopic instrument having a manipulator with a guide channel on which are arranged at least one drive and at least one guide wheel or roller the peripheral surface of which can be engaged with the outer contour of an instrument part in such a way that this instrument part can be moved to and from along its longitudinal axis in relation to the manipulator. The instrument of the invention is distinguished in that, to fit different outside diameters of the instrument part to be moved, at least one of the wheels can be moved at least in the direction perpendicular to the guide channel and/or at least one of the wheels has an elastic coating on its outer periphery.

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: In the method of applying screening or treatment fluid to the cervix, vagina, or other genital tissues, the steps include providing an elongated assembly including an elongated carrier and a flexible outer container supported on the carrier; providing a fluid applicator at one end of the assembly to communicate with the interior of the outer container; providing a frangible inner container protectively located within the outer container, and providing screening or treatment fluid within the inner container, exerting pressure on the outer container sufficient to rupture the inner container, thereby releasing the screening or treatment fluid into the interior of the outer container, enabling fluid migration to the applicator, and manipulating said assembly to cause the applicator to apply screening or treatment fluid to the cervix, vagina, or other genital tissues.

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.

Abstract: A non-contaminating catheter includes a hollow tube having an axial lumen extending along the length thereof, and an elongated, tubular, flexible membrane disposed within the lumen. The leading end of the membrane is circumferentially folded back over the leading edge of the tube and fixed to a guide assembly. As the catheter is inserted into a patient, the membrane is dram through the tube and out the leading edge of the tube. Once the catheter is fully inserted, the membrane circumscribes the tube; thus, contact between the tube and the patient is substantially, if not entirely, prevented during insertion of the catheter over the length of the membrane. More particularly, the membrane is laid out as the catheter is urged along the anatomical canal and thus remains interposed between the exterior wall of the catheter and the patient's internal organs (e.g., the urethra).

Abstract: A double-lumen balloon cannula and method for performing blunt dissection of an elongated, non-spherical cavity under visual control includes a tubular lumen to slidably support an endoscope therewithin, and a second lumen having an inverted, nonelastomeric, transparent balloon attached at one end and contained therewithin that is capable of being everted in response to fluid under pressure applied thereto. The endoscope is selectively advanced within the everting balloon to visualize tissue in the elongated cavity through the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an endoscope along a canal-shaped cavity includes an endoscope having a movable distal end for entry into the cavity and a stationary operating end which remains outside of the cavity. A first portion of the endoscope is contained in a turnout tube which has a turnout area for entry into the cavity, and which also has a fixed end which remains outside of the cavity. A second portion of the endoscope extends from the fixed end of the turnout tube to the operating end of the endoscope. A first drive assembly is operable to move the endoscope and the turnout tube in unison, and a second drive assembly is operable to move the endoscope independently of the turnout tube. A lubricant may be applied through the fixed end of the turnout tube to the portions of the endoscope which are disposed within the turnout tube.

Abstract: A cervical access device includes a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. A first expansible occlusion member is disposed near the distal end of the tubular body, and a second occlusion member is proximally spaced apart from the first occlusion member. Together, the first and second occlusion members define a reduced diameter neck for receiving the cervical os. In an exemplary aspect, the first occlusion member includes an evertible cylindrical surface which assumes a conical configuration which diverges in the distal direction when actually compressed. The second occlusion member can also be provided with a conical configuration which diverges in the proximal direction so that the first and second occlusion members when brought together define a neck having opposed tapered walls. A catheter for providing thermal treatment to the uterus can be introduced through the cervical access device to perform thermal treatment on the uterus.

Abstract: A non-contaminating catheter includes a hollow tube having an axial lumen extending along the length thereof, and an elongated, tubular, flexible membrane disposed within the lumen. The leading end of the membrane is circumferentially folded back over the leading edge of the tube and fixed to a guide assembly. As the catheter is inserted into a patient, the membrane is drawn through the tube and out the leading edge of the tube. Once the catheter is fully inserted, the membrane circumscribes the tube; thus, contact between the tube and the patient is substantially, if not entirely, prevented during insertion of the catheter over the length of the membrane. More particularly, the membrane is laid out as the catheter is urged along the anatomical canal and thus remains interposed between the exterior wall of the catheter and the patient's internal organs (e.g., the urethra).

Abstract: An intubation instrument has an abraded and adsorbent sheath that is telescoped both internally and externally of a tube. The sheath is provided with a handle to facilitate retraction thereof as the tube is inserted into a body cavity, thereby minimizing transportation of pathogens into the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toposcopic dilatation catheter system utilizing a dilatation balloon in combination with an everting tube in a miniature catheter of a scale sufficiently small to negotiate a blood vessel for therapeutic as well as diagnostic purposes. The catheter system utilizes a primary catheter shaft provided with multiple lumen or passageways extending the length thereof. The dilatation balloon lumen provides access to a balloon carried at the distal end of the primary catheter shaft. The dilatation balloon may be expanded as required to aid in advancing the catheter system to the site requiring therapy. A secondary catheter tube is coaxially carried within the primary catheter shaft. The leading end of the secondary catheter tube includes an everting tube which everts from the leading end of the primary catheter shaft. The everting tube advances under fluid pressure in advance to the leading end of the primary catheter shaft.

Abstract: A tip design for a multilumen catheter which includes a plurality of inflatable tubes each of which is attached to a lumen at the distal end of the multilumen catheter. The inflatable tubes are normally inverted in their respective lumens, but can be individually everted, inflated, deflated and retracted or inverted back into their lumen by the application of fluid pressure and vacuums at the proximal end of the multilumen catheter. In a procedure to open a constricted passageway one or more of the inflatable tubes can be inverted into the constriction and thereafter inflated to open the passageway. Thereafter, addition inflatable tubes can be inverted into the constriction and inflated to effect further opening of the passageway. In another embodiment, the inflatable tubes are provided with gripping surfaces and are manipulated by appropriate fluid pressures like fingers to grasp and recover target objects in a blocked passageway.

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: An everting catheter system which includes an elongated outer catheter having an outer catheter lumen and an opening, an elongated inner catheter movable in the outer catheter lumen and having the inner catheter lumen adapted to receive an elongated instrument and an everting element coupled to the outer catheter and the inner catheter. With movement of the inner catheter in the outer catheter lumen, the everting element can be everted through the opening of the outer catheter. A controller is coupled to the inner catheter for moving the inner catheter in the outer catheter lumen and for moving the instrument in the inner catheter lumen.

Abstract: A catheter for fallopian tube access comprising an elongated catheter body having a proximal region, a distal end and an elongated passage extending from the proximal region to the distal end. The elongated passage terminates in a distal opening at the distal end. The catheter body has an enlarged distal body portion and the distal opening is on the distal body portion. The distal body portion has a deflecting surface in the elongated passage adjacent the distal opening for directing a member or fluid passed through the elongated passage out of the distal opening along a path having a component which extends laterally of the catheter body.

Abstract: A method of delivering a substance to a fallopian tube of a patient which includes obtaining transcervical access to a fallopian tube with an everting catheter. Access to the fallopian tube is obtained by everting an everting element of the everting catheter in the fallopian tube. A substance selected from the group consisting of biological material and cytotoxic agents is then delivered through the everting catheter to the fallopian tube to deposit the substance in the fallopian tube.

Abstract: A controller for moving an elongated medical instrument in a catheter comprising a supporting structure including a mounting section adapted to be coupled to a catheter and a drive section. The controller also includes a drive wheel and a secondary wheel with each of the wheels having a peripheral surface. Each of the peripheral surfaces has an instrument groove portion. One of the wheels has a circumferential recess in its peripheral surface and the other of the wheels provides a circumferential projection. The wheels are rotatably mounted on the drive section with the peripheral surfaces in generally confronting relationship and with the projection in the recess to align the wheels and to maintain the wheels in alignment as the wheels rotate. The instrument groove portions are in confronting relationship to provide an instrument groove which is sized and adapted to receive an elongated medical instrument.

Abstract: A wound clotting device includes a tubular portion having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween, an inflatable membrane associated with the distal end of the tubular portion and being moveable between a retracted position and an inflated position to form a balloon-like projection at the distal end when moved to the inflated position for treating a wound. A method for treating a wound by providing a wound-treating device, positioning the device in a location near the wound, moving an inflation membrane of the wound treating device to an inflated position near the wound, and removing the treating device is described. Finally, an alternate wound treating device having an inflatable membrane which is releasably carried at the distal end of the tubular portion and which is expelled to treat the wound is also described.

Abstract: A method of positioning an elongated instrument in an everting catheter is disclosed. The everting catheter includes an inflatable everting element which circumscribes a region of the instrument and which is inflated to grip the instrument. The everting catheter and instrument extend into a patient to a desired region within the body. Flush solution is introduced between the everting element and the instrument, and the instrument is moved relative to the everting element while the flush solution is between the everting element and the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes an endoscope tube having a forward head piece and a flexible eversion tube for moving the head piece into a channel-like body cavity by means of fluid pressure. The eversion tube has an outer portion; a turning portion engaging the head piece; and a rearwardly extending inner portion. A first fluid pressure is exerted in a space between the outer portion and the inner portion of the eversion tube, which space is sealed from ambient surroundings. A second fluid pressure is exerted in a space between the endoscope tube and a rearwardly extending inner portion of the eversion tube.

Abstract: One aspect is a method for inserting an instrument into the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal, by emplacing at least a portion of a flexible liner to form within the intestine an inner tube within an outer tube, the inner tube defining a lumen lying within the intestine and having a distal end accessible via the anal opening from outside the body of the mammal, and thereafter passing the instrument into the lumen via its distal end. Another aspect is the combination of an elongate evertible liner, a liner support chamber having a proximal port and a distal port, the liner having its two ends attached respectively at the ports, and a pressurizer for increasing the pressure within the chamber to cause the liner to be everted, the liner comprising a material characterized by having a wall thickness to diameter ratio and a zero strain elasticity modulus whose product is less than 4.0 lb/inch.sup.2, preferably less than 1.0 lb/inch.sup.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a folding balloon catheter for use as an angioplasty device, wherein the balloon catheter has atherotomes attached to the exterior of the balloon, includes inflating a balloon to its expanded state. A plurality of patches of a curable elastomer adhesive are then applied at selected locations on the outside surface of the inflated balloon, and an atherotome is attached to the balloon at each of the patches. The inflated balloon, with attached atherotomes, is then partially cured to more firmly attach the atherotomes to the balloon. The balloon is then deflated to a contracted configuration in a manner which forms a plurality of flaps in the balloon between the atherotomes. The deflated balloon is then cured to completion to establish a permanent set in the flaps which enable the balloon catheter to be repeatedly inflated and deflated during operation between predictable expanded and contracted configurations.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body having a lumen with a distal opening, an elongated inner tube having a flexible distal end portion and a flexible everting element coupled to the catheter body and the inner tube so that the everting element can be inverted and everted to the distal opening. The inner tube has an inner tube lumen which extends through the distal end portion of the inner tube. The distal end portion of the inner tube includes a flexible tubular layer and a flexible reinforcing layer which reinforces the tubular layer and inhibits radial collapse of the inner tube lumen in the distal end portion of the inner tube.

Abstract: An everting catheter system comprising an outer tube having an outer catheter lumen and an opening leading from the outer catheter lumen, an inner catheter movable longitudinally in the outer catheter lumen and having an inner catheter lumen and an everting element coupled to the outer catheter and the inner catheter so that with movement of the inner catheter distally in the outer catheter lumen, the everting element can be everted through the opening. An elongated instrument is movable longitudinally in the inner catheter lumen relative to the inner catheter. Indicia are provided on the inner catheter and the instrument for indicating at least one longitudinal position of the instrument relative to the distal end of the everting element.

Abstract: A device for storing and delivering a sensor through a catheter. A sensor delivery device (10, 10') includes an elongate tube (20), which is attached to a rigid housing (22,22'). A sensor (12), stored within a sterile environment comprising an interior of the sensor delivery device, has an attached signal line (16) that extends along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device and through its proximal end. The proximal end is open when the sensor is in its stored position. An eversible sheath (34) extends between the rigid housing and the signal line, sealingly separating the sterile environment (48) in which the sensor is stored from the open end of the rigid housing. To use the sensor, the signal line is moved into the rigid housing, causing the eversible sheath to turn inside out as the sensor is advanced through the catheter into its use position. The projection afforded by the eversible sheath permits the sensor to be withdrawn through the catheter and then reinsertd without introducing contamination.

Abstract: A non-thrombogenic surface is provided by forming a reservoir from which anticoagulant solution can permeate through a flexible wall (5, 6) of bio-compatible permeable material. Such reservoirs can be used in catheters one form of which includes a hollow-walled tube reservoir with outer wall (5) and inner wall (6). The reservoirs may also be used in cardiac assist devices comprising a bladder (56) with an outer permeable wall (54) and an inner impermeable wall (55), means to introduce anticoagulant solution into the reservoir defined between these walls, and means (60) for the controlled inflation and deflation of bladder (56).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body cavity probe with an everting tube designed to ease insertion of the probe into the body cavity. The device includes the provision of a flexible introduction device mounted on the exterior of the tube and designed to be used to ease insertion of the probe into a body cavity. In a further aspect, the inventive probe may include a barrier designed to isolate the exterior of the body cavity from interior portions thereof. In a further aspect, a flexible accessory channel may be provided on the exterior of the device to permit entry into the body cavity from a different location. One preferred application of the teachings of the present invention is in the field of Urodynamics.

Abstract: A stent useful for treatment of prostatic urethral hypertrophy having a cylindrical conduit with a conical flange on one end and an annular flange on the other. The stent is constructed of a medical grade elastomer whereby it may be compressed for implantation and can thereafter be left in place for extended periods of time without adverse reactions by the patient. The stent is placed with a constructed endoscope with a novel everted, tubular retaining member to hold the stent in place during the implantation procedure.

Abstract: An everting balloon catheter having a distal end opening defined by a beveled rim is disclosed. The distal end portion of a catheter, e.g., an everting balloon catheter, can be made radioopaque by bonding a distal end portion comprising a polymeric material doped with a major amount of radioopaque metals onto a catheter body. Alternately, a composition comprising polymeric adhesives, and/or precursors of polymeric adhesives, and a major amount of radioopaque metal components can be placed, e.g., painted on the distal end portion of a catheter body to provide the desired degree of radioopacity.

Abstract: This invention provides a medical catheter designed to allow the outer surface of the tube which is adjacent to body tissue to remain stationary relative to such tissue during advancement and retraction of the catheter. This provides many advantages over conventional type catheters, including improved sterility, greater bacterial and debris control, less tissue trauma, reduced pain for the patient, and cost efficiency, both in terms of low initial expense, and minimized expense directly related to a subsequent reduction in catheter-related complications.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method and apparatus particularly suitable for use in dilating occluded blood vessels. The apparatus includes a tubular catheter having a balloon member connected to the distal end thereof. The balloon is initially located in an inverted manner with the free end thereof being connected to a reinversion member. A tubular sheath is telescopically mounted within the catheter surrounding said balloon member. In operation, the balloon member is everted by sliding the sheath beyond the distal end of the catheter. Fluid pressure can be utilized to facilitate eversion and to laterally expand the balloon member after it has been extruded through the occlusion. The sheath also aids in reinverting the balloon member.