Abstract: An intraluminal catheter, particularly a dilatation catheter for PTCA procedures, which is adapted for rapid exchange during an intraluminal procedure and which also allows for the exchange of the guidewire without loss of access to the intraluminal region about the distal end of the catheter. The catheter has a main guidewire lumen which extends essentially the length of the catheter and a guidewire extension lumen which extends proximally from the main guidewire lumen and is at least in part offset and parallel to the main guidewire lumen. A portion of the catheter shaft which defines at least part of the main guidewire lumen has a first slit from the proximal end of the catheter to the intersection between the extension lumen and the main guidewire lumen and a second lumen which extends from a proximal guidewire port in the guidewire extension lumen to a port in the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A vascular access device for hemodialysis comprises a pair of similar, generally conical, hollow shells, each shell having a relatively large entrance end and a relatively small exit end and an axis extending between the ends, the shells being connected together along a line of tangency. A pair of self-sealing septa close the entrance ends of the shells, and a pair of integral outlet tubes extend from the exit ends of the pair of shells, the distal ends of the outlet tubes being spaced apart and disposed parallel to the line of tangency.

Abstract: A family of variously configured, new, improved and universally compatible infusion sites and medical connectors that employ a cannula and which function to interconnect uniquely configured T sites, Y sites, heparin locks and the like with a liquid source, such as an I.V. source.

Abstract: A double balloon dilatation catheter assembly comprises an elongate catheter body terminating at two opposing distal ends. Each distal end comprises one dilatation balloon provided thereon for dilating a stenosis. The catheter body further comprises a central portion which communicates with two separate delivery passages. Each delivery passage operates to deliver inflation media from an inflation port located in the catheter body central portion to a dilatation balloon to inflate the balloon. A connector may be slidably positioned along the catheter body central portion for allowing the delivery of inflation media from an external source through the inflations ports and to the dilatation balloons.

Abstract: A family of variously configured, new, improved and universally compatible infusion sites and medical connectors that employ a cannula and which function to interconnect uniquely configured T sites, Y sites, heparin locks and the like with a liquid source, such as an I.V. source.

Abstract: A perfusion cannula for insertion into an artery having a main channel fluidly connected to an intra-aortic portion and in fluid connection with an aortic perfusion line of a cardiopulmonary bypass. The cannula includes a first side port to which an extra-aortic balloon pump may be connected or through which an intra-aortic balloon pump may be inserted. Also, there is a blood pressure port which can be connected to a blood pressure monitoring device without removal of the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for suctioning the sinonasal tract of a subject, wherein at least one suction tube is passed through the oral cavity into the nasal tract, to extend at least as far as the nasopharynx.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy tube comprising a main conduit having a slanted outlet port at a lower end. A balloon is affixed to the lower end of the main conduit and about the slanted outlet port. A valve stem is connected at an angle to an upper end of the main conduit. A one-way valve is affixed to an upper end of the valve stem. An elongated filler pipe extends from the one-way valve through the valve stem and down through a wall of said main conduit into the balloon. A fluid, such as a saline solution/air, can be forced through the one-way valve and the elongated filler pipe, to inflate the balloon into a kidney shape, thereby making it easier and safer to insert the lower end of the main conduit through an opening in a stomach from an opening in an external surface of a body of a person.

Abstract: A luer connector is provided with a tactile and audible torque indicator. The indicator comprises a detent incorporated between the female cylindrical component of the luer connector and a rotatable collar mounted thereon. As the collar is turned in a clockwise direction, the collar is impeded by the detent formed by opposingly projecting protuberances between the inside of the collar and the outside of the female cylindrical luer component. As the threaded luer connection is tightened, requiring additional torque to tighten it further, the additional torque overcomes the resistance of the detent, allowing the collar protuberance to slip past the cylinder protuberance. The female luer component may also be provided with a color patch or pattern, to indicate by its rotation, when the detent has been overcome, that the luer connection has been appropriately tightened.

Abstract: A guidewire replacement device having an elongated catheter shaft with an inner lumen extending within the catheter shaft, a proximal guidewire port spaced at least 1 cm from the distal end of the catheter which is in fluid communication with the inner lumen and a distal guidewire port in the distal end of the catheter which is also in fluid communication with the inner lumen. The proximal end of an in-place guidewire is inserted through the distal guidewire port and advanced through the inner lumen until the proximal end of the guidewire extends through the proximal guidewire port. The exchange device is advanced over the guidewire until the distal end of the exchange device is seated within the proximal guidewire port in the readily exchangeable dilatation catheter. With the distal end of the exchange device well seated within the proximal guidewire port of the dilatation catheter, the in-place guidewire can be withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: Dual headed catheter assemblies are provided with a tubular central instrument body portion connected at each end to an elongate tubular distal body, each of which may be provided with an expansible balloon for dilatation purposes. One or more releasible connectors may be provided for sealingly connecting each of the tubular distal bodies to the central instrument body portion to allow for replacement of the tubular distal body and to simplify potential resterilization and reuse of the central instrument body portion. Alternative embodiments include multiple inflation lumens each provided with an individual inflation port which may be preferentially accessed by a fluid conducting inflation assembly configured to preferentially access individual inflation ports. The dual headed catheter with replaceable components may be utilized in place of multiple single headed catheters to perform medical procedures involving repeat access to vascular target sites.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting fluids during angiographic procedures. A finger activated control pad is used to regulate the injection of fluids by a single operator who simultaneously manipulates the primary catheterization equipment.

Abstract: A sheath introducer for a catheterization or similar procedure comprises a body having a upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being angled with respect to the upper portion; a curved tapering channel extending through the upper and lower portions; a cannula with a tapered distal end extending at an angle with respect to the upper portion a hemostatic valve having an access port and a fluid tight slit opening and seated within the upper portion and maintained by a cap; and an angled sideport in fluid communication with the channel. Optionally, a wiper flange extends inward within the valve access port which provide an additional fluid tight seal when a catheter is slidingly inserted, removed or maintained within the valve. A dilator can be adapted for use with the introducer by having a bend in the tube portion of the dilator.

Abstract: An elastic plug assembly is provided for selective penetration by a needle. The elastic plug assembly comprises an elastic plug that is retained in a radially compressed state by a rigid plug retainer. The combined elastic plug and rigid plug retainer may be secured in a housing formed from an elastomeric material. The elastic plug may be penetrated by a needle. Upon removal of the needle, the radially compressed elastic plug will be urged toward its compressed condition with the space that had been occupied by the needle being completely filled to effectively achieve the sealing function of the plug. Needles may repeatedly be penetrated through the plug and removed as necessary, and the plug will efficiently return to its substantially solid sealed state after each successive needle removal.

Abstract: A system for use in performing surgery comprises a video camera for generating a video signal encoding an image of organs of a patient, a display operatively connected to the video camera for displaying the image in response to the video signal, and an identification device operatively connected to the video camera for automatically analyzing the video signal to identify organs in the image. The identification device is operatively connected to the display for displaying symbols on the display to identify at least one of the organs in the image.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual lumen catheter comprising outer and inner tube materials. A main portion extends axially and has a selected first cross-section. The main portion includes main portions of the respective outer and inner tube materials which together define an annular intake lumen and a main portion of a return lumen contained inside the intake lumen. A tubular transition portion is made up integrally of both the outer and inner tube materials and has a second cross-section smaller than the first cross-section. The transition portion extends axially from the distal end of the main portion and this can be extended to include a tip portion made up only of outer tube material and which extends axially from the transition portion. The transition portion on its own, or with the tip portion, defines a tip section which is a continuation of said main part of the return lumen to complete the return lumen.

Abstract: The Universal Coronary Catheter is a diagnostic coronary catheter which permits simultaneous visualization of the left and right coronary arteries. This is achieved by providing a stationary lumen for cannulating the left coronary artery, and an independently-movable cannula routed through an adjacent lumen for engaging the right coronary artery. The two arms are densely packed within its shaft, the lumen of for cannulating the left coronary artery being about twice the lumen of the cannula. The catheter includes individual lumens for guidewire delivery for injecting radiocontrast agent.

Abstract: An aortic cannula is presented which comprises two tubes. One of the tubes is for blood perfusion and the other for monitoring arterial pressure. The tubes are outwardly joined yet have distinct lumens at the insertion end of the cannula. The device provides for superior accuracy in monitoring arterial pressure while avoiding complications caused by the Bernoulli principle and peripheral artery monitoring locations.

Abstract: The vascular introduction device is of the lateral arm type. It comprises a tubular body defining an introduction channel enabling, after installation of the distal part of the introduction device in a blood vessel of a patient to be treated, the introduction of a catheter into the vascular system up to where the operation is be performed. The introduction device is provided over part of its length with a longitudinal bulge whose inner wall defines a cavity merged with the introduction channel and communicating directly with the lateral arm. The tubular body is provided with blood inlet orifices arranged at least in the wall defining the cavity. The lateral arm thus enables feeding of a closed external blood circuit comprising a perfusion pump, with a sufficient blood rate in terms of pressure and flow, equal to the rate that would be obtained by a contralateral puncture point. The blood thus sampled off can be reinjected into the patient via the dilatation catheter.

Abstract: A puncturing needle device for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel, including a body; a catheter duct passing through the body for guiding a catheter therethrough; a syringe duct extending in the body from a syringe duct opening provided in the body and merging into the catheter duct at a merging location between opposite ends thereof for receiving a syringe introducible into the syringe duct through the syringe duct opening; and a needle having a throughgoing inner passage and an end attached to the body to communicate with the catheter duct. The inner wall surface of the catheter duct and the inner wall surface of the needle passage form a smooth transition from the catheter duct to the passage. The syringe duct and the passage are oriented to one another at an oblique angle. There is further provided a lock element positioned in the catheter duct between the merging location and that end of the catheter duct which is distal from the needle passage.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter assembly having an elongate main body extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends. A tip structure is attached to the distal end of the main body and also extends longitudinally. The main body and tip structure combine to define side-by-side intake and return lumens and the intake lumen terminates at a transverse intake opening at the distal end of the main body. The return lumen terminates at the distal end of the tip structure at a transverse return opening and a side opening is provided adjacent the return opening. A tubular applicator passes through the intake lumen, through the side opening and into the return lumen. This permits the assembly to be passed over a guide wire by engaging the wire inside the tubular applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the non-surgical direct intubation of the duodenum or small bowel. The apparatus consists of an introducer tube comprising a double-lumen tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. One of the lumens is dimensioned to permit the passage of a duodenal catheter therethrough. The other lumen is in fluid communication with the interior of an inflatable, anatomically-conforming balloon affixed asymmetrically near the distal end of the introducer tube. The anatomically-conforming balloon is stomach shaped when inflated. The introducer tube is advanced through the esophagus until the balloon is within the confines of the stomach. The introducer tube is then rotated so that the balloon is oriented toward (inflates toward) the greater curvature of the stomach. As the balloon is inflated, it expands into and conforms with the interior shape of the stomach.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter having a main body extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends and including a tip structure at the distal end, a transition portion extending from the tip structure, and a shaft extending from the transition portion to the proximal end. The main body defines first, second and third lumens, the first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the transition portion, and the third lumen extending from the proximal to the distal end. The side lumens are separated from the central lumen by parallel walls. In a preferred embodiment for use in dialysis, the side lumens are coupled to one another at the proximal end so that both side lumens receive intake blood and the treated blood is returned through the central lumen. Because the first and second lumens have intakes at different locations about the periphery of the main body, there is less likelihood that these lumens will be occluded by engagement with the wall of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A Y-adaptor manifold assembly includes a main tubular segment adapted to be coupled to an intravascular catheter. A first, tubular side port is joined to the main tubular segment so as to be in fluid communication with a through passage of the main tubular member. The first side port forms an infusion port for radiopaque dye. A second, tubular side port is joined to the main tubular segment so as to be in fluid communication with a through passage of the main tubular member. The second side port and main tubular segment are adapted to receive dilatation catheters. To prevent backbleeding, the second side port and main tubular segment include passive hemostatic valve mechanisms. Each valve mechanism includes a valve member and a disk valve. The valve member has a normally closed, sealed state, an open state and an in-use sealed state. The valve member has an inherent tendency to move to its normally closed, sealed state or its in-use state (wherein the valve member conforms about the dilatation catheter).

Abstract: A grommet at one side comprises a tubular part which widens out either in a regular trumpet-shaped curve ("monotonic") or via one or more "steps" or "bends" with the result that the risk of blockage is considerably reduced and the grommet is less quickly expelled from the eardrum. At the other side, the grommet is provided with a flange via which the grommet remains hooked behind the eardrum. This flange is so large - either round and the same size as the widely "fanning" top side of the trumpet-shaped top part of the grommet, or provided with one or more symmetrical or asymmetrical projections - that the grommet is held fast by the eardrum for a relatively long time. A recurrence of the fluid accumulation in the tympanic cavity or of an ear infection is consequently less likely to occur.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urodynamic catheter having a fill lumen for filling the bladder with liquid; at least a first pressure-sensing lumen having an opening adapted for being positioned within the bladder for obtaining pressure readings of the bladder; and preferably also a second pressure-sensing lumen having an opening adapted for being positioned within the urethra while the opening of the first pressure-sensing lumen is within the bladder, the opening in the urethra being for obtaining pressure readings of the urethra.Each pressure-sensing lumen has a radio-opaque element fixedly seated therewithin in close proximity to and distal to the opening in the lumen for determining proper placement of the catheter within the patient.

Abstract: A capping device for covering the access port of a conduit connector includes a first cap having a downwardly extending skirt and an access opening through which a bronchoscope, catheter or other small diameter medical device may be inserted. The skirt includes an inwardly extending rim around its internal surface which detachably snaps over a lip around the access port. The access opening is selectively sealable by a second cap that is tethered to the first cap by a flexible tether strap. The second cap also incudes a downwardly extending skirt including an inwardly extending rim around its internal surface which detachably snaps over a lip around the first cap. The capping device further includes a flexible anchor strap extending from the first cap which snaps onto a knob on the connector, thereby retaining the capping device on the connector when not in use.

Abstract: A catheter having a side port for selective infusion of fluids is disclosed. The side port may be deactivated so that the catheter can be used as a non-side port catheter. The side port is rotable about the catheter housing to; block off access to the catheter lumen from the side port when the side port is deactivated. The catheter is also provided with a valve to facilitate the selective infusion of fluid from the side port into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for connecting a plurality of fluid sources to a single-bore outlet member, said coupling comprising a plurality of tubes (44, 46, 48) mutually conjoined within a connector (42) for attachment of said outlet member, each said tube extending through said connector to terminate at a point (43) which is substantially contiguous with said outlet member when attached to said connector, the lumens of each said tube being mutually isolated by the tube walls until the termination of the tubes at said point, whereby in use of said fluid coupling with said single-bore outlet member connected thereto, fluid passing down any of said tubes discharges from the end of the respective tube substantially directly into the bore of said outlet member.

Abstract: Apparatus for central vein cannulation that includes a valved Y-connector for use between a conventional syringe and introducer needle. The valve is in an auxiliary arm and removably receives an end portion of a length of flexible tubing so that venous pressure can be visually observed during the medical procedure and then removed for insertion of a J-wire through the same valve by a conventional J-wire dispensing system.

Abstract: An improved Y-adapter in which the lumen extending through the side arm is formed along the arc of a circle and smoothly merges into the lumen extending through the central arm, such that a catheter or guide wire can be smoothly inserted through the side arm of the Y-adapter into the central arm and then twisted and manipulated without distortion.

Abstract: A holder for percutaneously introduced tubes is disclosed. The tube inserted into the body, a tube for drainage, and an entry port for medicants or irrigating fluids, are connected to the holder. The entry port has a normally closed valve which opens when medicants or irrigating fluids are introduced into the tube and which also blocks communication between the tube and the drainage tube. Similarly, the drainage tube has a normally closed valve which opens when suction is applied to the tube to allow materials or debris to be drained from the body. The holder thus protects the body at all times from the entry of air and from bacterial contamination.

Abstract: A coaxial configured dual lumen catheter for hemodialysis treatment and the like comprising an outer extraction lumen having an inner return lumen disposed therein configured to be coupled between a patient and a dialysis device, the outer extraction lumen and the inner return lumen are similarly configured to cooperatively form a proximal section coupled to the dialysis device, an arcuate intermediate section and a distal section to be placed into the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of the outer extraction lumen and inner return lumen in the arcuate section is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outer extraction lumen and the inner return lumen in the distal section to compensate for the increase in friction and turbulence created by the arcuate configuration and thereby more evenly distribute fluid flow pressure through the dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: A capless medical valve includes a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve bore, all three of which meet at a common transition zone bounded by a transition surface. A valve member confined within the valve bore has a spherical head and a generally cylindrical stem sized to fit within the inlet and extending from the head toward the transition zone. A spring in compression biases the valve member toward the inlet, so that the spherical head is normally seated against the transition surface, but can be mechanically displaced off its seat by inserting a syringe tip or fitting into the inlet.

Abstract: A Y-connector with a compression gasket for compressing about a guidewire or catheter when inserted into an inner chamber of a Y-connector and compressed by a rim of a large knurled knob. When the large knurled knob is twisted with an inward force, the rim engages the gasket with inward compression, causing the center portion of the gasket to expand inwardly, thereby frictionally engaging against a guidewire or catheter. The inner expansion of the gasket is substantially equal about the inner circumference of the gasket, thereby providing a seal between the guidewire catheter and bodily fluids, such as blood. A guidewire clamp is included at the end of a side arm extending from the Y-connector body.

Abstract: A tubing set for performing peritoneal dialysis and a method of operating the same. The tubing set includes elements for administering CCPD as well as elements for administering CAPD wherein preferably the CCPD and CAPD elements share a common reservoir bag and solution bags. The two sets of elements are separable by a releasable coupling. The CCPD elements may include multiple patient connectors in series to allow for multiple separate CCPD therapies. The solution bag and drain bag are separable from the other elements so that the empty solution bag from one tubing set can be used as the drain bag for the next tubing set.

Abstract: A safety connector is provided for connection to the branch port on a fluid flow line. The connector comprises a tubular body having an opening at its distal end to receive a branch port and a channel in the wall of the tubular body adjacent to the distal end. The channel is adapted to receive the fluid flow line when the branch port is engaged within the tubular body. The connector also comprises a locking rotatable collar located on the distal end of the tubular body. The collar is rotatable from a first position wherein the channel is adapted to receive the fluid flow line when the branch port is engaged within the tubular body, and a second position wherein the collar prevents the removal of the branch port from the tubular body.

Abstract: A perfusion cannula for insertion into an artery having a main channel fluidly connected to an intra-aortic portion and in fluid connection with an aortic perfusion line of a cardiopulmonary by-pass. The cannula includes a first side port to which an extra-aortic balloon pump may be connected or through which an intra-aortic balloon pump may be inserted. Also, there is a blood pressure port which can be connected to a blood pressure monitoring device without removal of the cannula.

Abstract: Multi-lumen wire guide introducer and method of inserting a wire guide or the like into the introducer prior to positioning the introducer in a vessel of the vascular system of a patient. The multi-lumen wire guide introducer comprises a tubular member formed of a semi-rigid plastic material such as a radiopaque polytetrafluoroethylene with first and second adjacent lumens extending longitudinally therein. In one aspect, the tubular member includes a tapered outer surface extending proximally from the distal end of the member and centered about the first lumen. The second lumen includes an opening in the tapered outer surface of the tubular member for extending a wire guide therefrom and into the blood vessel. In another aspect, the tubular member has proximal and distal portions with a first lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The proximal portion includes a second lumen extending longitudinally therein and communicating with the first lumen prior to the distal portion.

Abstract: A system for selective removal of certain components from plasma drawn from a patient comprises an extracorporeal blood circulation circuit and a cannula. The extracorporeal blood circulation circuit has an uptake line for transporting blood from the patient, a plasma separator, and a return line connected to the plasma separator for transporting selectively depleted blood from the plasma separator to the patient. The plasma separator is connected to the uptake line for receiving the blood, selectively removing plasma components (e.g., heparin) by separating plasma from whole blood and interfacing such plasma with an adsorption substrate, recombining depleted plasma, and reinfusing selectively depleted blood into the return line for transport to the patient. The cannula has an uptake conduit with an intake end and an exit end, and a return conduit, connected to the uptake conduit, with an outflow end and an entry end.

Abstract: A connector includes a body having a tubular cavity connected to two ducts and includes an infusion aperture for infusing a liquid into the line and a sampling aperture for sampling blood. A constriction having a diameter progressively decreasing towards the inlet aperture is disposed in the cavity between the two apertures and produces a Venturi tube effect, preventing the sampled blood from being affected by the infused liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is an "over-the-wire" catheter having a proximal adapter system which may be used to open a longitudinally closed guidewire lumen, thereby facilitating rapid removal of the catheter without a guidewire extension mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible sheath secured in seal-tight manner on an arm of a Y-site connector to define a closed chamber for a guide wire. The guide wire is mounted at one end in a seal ring located in a bore of the arm of the connector and can be slid through the ring to be implanted in a body cavity, such as a blood vessel.

Abstract: A valve for medical use has a cannula mounted on a hub and fixed in a fluid conduit so that the cannula points upstream. An elastomeric valve element is mounted on the hub within the conduit so as to enclose the cannula. The valve element has a first solid frustoconical portion upstream of the cannula point, a second hollow frustoconical portion within which the cannula point is disposed, and a third hollow cylindrical portion surrounding the cannula downstream from its point and fixed to the hub. The second portion has a frustoconical interior passageway tapering inwardly from the first portion toward the hub. A supplementary metallic frustoconical sleeve is fixed within the second element interior so as to open outwardly toward the first element and enclose the cannula point. In one type of use, the valve element is compressed to cause the cannula point to pierce the first portion to provide a path for fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A combination laparoscopic T-tube, drain and balloon instrument comprises T-tube means, drain means, and balloon means and is insertable into a common bile duct and operable to evacuate fluids therefrom. The drain means is adjacent the T-tube means and is operable to evacuate fluids from the abdominal cavity and the balloon means is adjacent the T-tube means and drain means and is operable to fixate the T-tube within the common bile duct. To insert the instrument through a cannula and into a common bile duct, a V-tip stylet is provided which is a slender rigid rod with a V-tip on a distal end of the rod. A method is provided whereby the V-tip stylet is utilized to introduce the instrument through a cannula and into a common bile duct.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for use in laparoscopic surgery comprises a rigid tubular member and a first component connected to the tubular member and rigid therewith for defining, for a first laparoscopic instrument having a rigid shaft, a first insertion path through the tubular member and through a pre-established instrument-crossing region of predetermined area to be lodged in a patient's abdomen. A second component is connected to the tubular member and is at least partially separate from the first component for defining, for a second laparoscopic instrument having a rigid shaft, a second insertion path through the instrument-crossing region.

Abstract: A catheter for use with an endoscope includes a projectable and retractable needle for the introduction of injectable drug agents and a visual-path irrigation lumen disposed adjacent to the needle for providing irrigation fluid to a target site within body tissue. The visual-path irrigation lumen enables the user in a one-catheter procedure to displace blood or other obscuring substances such that the visual path is cleared, a target injection site endoscopically identified, the needle advanced into the tissue at the site, and the injectable agent injected into the tissue.

Abstract: A cannula for performing two or more medical procedures either individually, seriatim or simultaneously, for example, combined percutaneous PBY and IAB procedures, which cannula includes a body having a common leg and two or more access port legs (e.g. a Y-shaped body), one access port for performing one procedure, a second access port for performing a second procedure, and hemostasis structure. A smooth continuous blood flow path is formed by a common lumen of a common leg of the cannula body and a primary lumen formed in a primary access port leg of the cannula body. The secondary access port legs are provided with secondary lumens that communicate with the common lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering dialysis, including a separable tubing coupling (32). The tubing coupling (32) consists of a hollow cylindrical element (42, 44) insertable into the lumens of the distal and proximal regions of the fluid delivery tube (16), and has a scored circumference at which the coupling can be broken-off by application of an adequate bending force. The device allows rapid and reliable disconnecting of the patient from the dialysis apparatus, without the need for scissors or a knife to be employed.

Abstract: An outer catheter so sized and configured so as to extend from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter having a tip secured in the opening at the distal end thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger in diameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. A passageway is formed between said outer catheter and said inner catheter. A connector hub assembly, connected to the proximal end of the outer catheter and couplable to a supply of oxygen, allows for oxygen insufflation to take place during the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure. The proximal surface of the tip between the outer lateral periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end of the outer catheter. In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter.