Abstract: A connecting structure for a connector in which a male-side connector and a merging pipe are connected by screwing together a female screw having protrusions formed on the inner peripheral surface of a lock ring and a male screw comprising protrusions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the merging pipe is provided with engaging recess parts on the female screw and engaging projections on the outer peripheral surface of the merging pipe which are able to engage with the engaging recess parts whereby when the male screw and the female screw are screwed together to reach an appropriate screwed state, the engaging protrusions engage with the engaging recess parts.

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. The sheath is provided with a cylindrical grip on the proximal end to resiliently squeeze the proximal end of the arthroscopic instrument. A lever is provided to move the grip radially outwardly to release the grip from the arthroscopic instrument.

Abstract: A vascular access port is described that is elongate in form. A distal end is coupled to a tube which leads into a body lumen. A proximal end has a head thereon with a septum which can be repeatedly penetrated by a needle and reseal, for repeated administration of medications or other compositions through the port and into the body of the patient. A wing is attached to the body that has two positions including a streamlined first position for implantation and a wider second position for stabilization of the port after implantation. A stay is preferably also provided to abut the wing when in the second position to keep the wing in the second position when fully deployed.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body, housing, neck, and a septum with a substantially non-gaseous cross section. A method of operating a septum of a vascular access device may include providing a vascular access device in an external environment and actuating the septum without transferring a substantial amount of gas from within the device to the external environment of the device.

Abstract: A device for connecting a catheter assembly to a collection receptacle is disclosed. The device is situated at a distal portion of the catheter assembly and the connection made may be either temporary or permanent using snap-fit, pressure-fit or other similar mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a miniature flexible thrombectomy catheter having one or more flexible miniature noncollapsing tubular portions including pushable and torqueable structure for introduction into the smaller vessels in neurovascular regions. A jet body having an arcuate fluid jet emanator is incorporated in order to minimize size at the distal portion of a minimally sized catheter tube.

Abstract: A tube connection apparatus enabling the connection of tube members to a chemical solution container for a radioactive contrast medium with exposure of a operator to the radiation minimized. When the container (400) is loaded to a container holding mechanism (315) located at a retreat position, the container (400) is moved to a needle insertion position by a container moving mechanism (310) and short/long needle members (341, 342) are moved to the insertion position by a holder moving mechanism (320). Since the short/long needle members (341, 342) are inserted into the elastic member (402) of the chemical liquid container (400) without requiring manual operation by a operator, a liquid supply tube (120) and a chemical solution injection tube (130) can be connected to the container (400) with the exposure of the operator to radiation minimized.

Abstract: An improved septum-containing device having at least one polymeric septum with at least one corresponding plate having at least one aperture through which a septum-piercing device, usually a non-coring needle, may pass. The aperture exerts force on the non-coring needle to reduce the occurrence of inadvertent needle dislodgement from a septum-containing device. In a preferred embodiment the aperture is sized such that when the indwelling needle no longer is essentially perpendicular to the aperture, the side wall structure of the aperture exerts frictional forces on the needle. The present invention may be directed towards an implanted septum-containing device such as an infusion port as well as a non-implanted, externalized device with a polymeric septum such as a luer injection cap.

Abstract: A medical device may include a vascular access device with an access port which may include a septum and a slit. The slit may be formed on the inner surface of the body of the septum and the access port may be capable of receiving a separate access device through the slit of the septum. The medical device may also include a flexible member which expands to create an additional volume within the access port when the port is accessed by the access device. A method of controlling volume displacement a chamber of a medical device may include decreasing the volume of a chamber of an extravascular system by inserting a substance having a mass into the chamber and/or increasing the volume of the chamber simultaneously and commensurately with the mass of the substance inserted into the chamber.

Abstract: An access port for a catheter, comprises a housing including a needle opening extending to a fluid chamber defined within the housing and a self sealing septum mounted within the needle opening and engaging an interior perimeter of the needle opening and a compression element disposed between the septum and the housing directing a radially inward compressive force to the septum.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes catheter having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending between the ends. At least one end of the catheter is formed from a material that can be trimmed to achieve a selected length for the catheter. A tubular connector is telescoped over the catheter and a hub is joined to the tubular connector. Proximal portions of the hub are configured for connection to a medical apparatus. A cuff is mounted around the tubular connector or the catheter. The cuff is formed from a material that will permit or promote the growth of scar tissue for anchoring the catheter device at least on a semi-permanent basis in a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of connectors for connecting a container with a fluid preparation device for preparing a fluid, in particular a container with a concentrate for the preparation of dialysis fluid. In order to simplify the handling during both the manufacturing process of such containers and the connection of such containers to the fluid preparation devices, the invention proposes a design of a connector (1) for connecting a first and second fluid line of the container with a third and fourth fluid line of the fluid preparation device with two lateraly spaced-apart mounting means (2, 4) which each incorporate one of two orifices (3, 5) terminating the first and second fluid lines. The invention also concerns a corresponding container and fluid preparation device.

Abstract: An adapter is connected to a probe tube of an already installed PEG probe, cut off above the abdominal wall of the patient. The adapter comprises a retaining member, supported by the abdominal wall, structure for fixing the proximal end of the PEG probe and structure for connecting a delivery tube. The retaining member is embodied as a separate piece, comprising an opening for the passage of the PEG probe, while the structures for fixing the PEG probe and for connection of the delivery tube form an insert piece, which may be inserted in the retaining member with a tight fit. The adapter is simple to manipulate and of a construction with a limited height.

Abstract: A system for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents into a living body includes a port assembly having a cannula extending from the mounting side, a port opening away from the mounting side and a resilient barrier between the port and the cannula. An access hub includes a connector positionable at the port for opening the resilient barrier. The access hub is movable in the port assembly, is engaged therewith through a resilient ring coupling and forms a seal with the resilient barrier, reducing the amount of volume to be primed. Inserters, both disposable and reusable, include the cannula insertion member as part of the assembly. A spring loaded port driver is operatively mounted within the housing with movement controlled by a latch. The driver includes a seat for receipt of a port assembly. The cannula insertion member is nonremovably fixed in a socket in the port driver in the disposable assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inventive apparatus and method for docking of a male luer connector fluidly interconnected or interconnectable to a medical liquid source during one or repeated periods. As such, the invention has particular application to multiple-dose medication therapy procedures. The docking apparatus comprises a holding receptacle having a single access opening and a depressible member disposed in the holding receptacle. The holding receptacle is adapted for retentive engagement with a male luer connector (e.g. via complementary threading), wherein upon docking a nozzle of the male luer connector is isolated within the holding receptacle. An anti-bacterial material may be readily applied to a top surface of the depressible member prior to docking so that the forward edge of the nozzle of the male luer connector contacts the anti-bacterial material when docked. The docking apparatus may be provided with lateral and rearward handling members to facilitate docking procedures.

Abstract: A system for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents into a living body includes a port assembly having a cannula extending from the mounting side, a port opening away from the mounting side and a resilient barrier between the port and the cannula. An access hub includes a connector positionable at the port for opening the resilient barrier. The access hub is movable in the port assembly, is engaged therewith through a resilient ring coupling and forms a seal with the resilient barrier, reducing the amount of volume to be primed. Inserters, both disposable and reusable, include the cannula insertion member as part of the assembly. A spring loaded port driver is operatively mounted within the housing with movement controlled by a latch. The driver includes a seat for receipt of a port assembly. The cannula insertion member is nonremovably fixed in a socket in the port driver in the disposable assembly.

Abstract: An injection joint for an IV device tube has a connector with a sealed injection port. The sealed injection port has an injection port socket, a resilient plug and a cap. The resilient plug is mounted in the injection port socket and has a tapered flange and multiple through holes. The cap has a threaded nipple and is securely mounted in the injection port socket around the resilient plug. The tapered flange selectively blocks the threaded nipple. When adding medicinal solution to the injection joint, a syringe without a needle but with an inner threaded opening is screwed onto the threaded nipple of the cap. Pushing the tapered flange into an axial passage in the neck allows the medicinal solution to pass through the through holes and into the injection port socket. The present invention improves the safety to medical personnel when injecting solution into the injection joint.

Abstract: A catheter anchoring system is provided to securely anchor to a patient's skin a catheter and fluid supply tube interconnection. The anchoring system comprises a retainer configured to receive a catheter adaptor in a variety of positions. The adaptor interconnects the catheter and the fluid supply tube. In one embodiment the adaptor has a radial recess that circumscribes the adaptor. The anchoring system additionally includes a flexible, adhesive anchor pad which can supports a tube clip, as well as the retainer. The retainer includes a channel that is configured to receive the adaptor in a snap-fit manner. The retainer also includes a plurality of laterally arranged projections that extend from a channel wall and into a channel. Each radial recess is sized to receive and to capture at least a portion of the projection of the retainer so as to inhibit the adaptor from moving within the channel.

Abstract: A catheter anchoring system is provided to securely anchor to a patient's skin a catheter and fluid supply tube interconnection. The anchoring system comprises a retainer configured to receive a catheter adaptor in a variety of positions. The adaptor interconnects the catheter and the fluid supply tube. In one embodiment the adaptor takes the form of a conical-shaped fitting permanently attached to the collar and includes a recess which extends around the circumference of the adaptor. The anchoring system additionally includes a flexible, adhesive anchor pad which supports a tube clip, as well as the retainer. The retainer includes a channel that is configured to receive the adaptor in a snap-fit manner. The retainer also includes a plurality of projections. Each projection is sized to be received by a recess of the adaptor to prevent the adaptor from sliding within the channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for making and using adjustable epidermal tissue ingrowth cuff and catheter assemblies for transcutaneous placement to provide periodic or continuous external access for medical purposes to an interior body region of a patent who requires such medical treatment over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A locatable cuff for coupling with a complementary projection on a catheter, allowing secure placement of the cuff at different locations on the catheter. In one exemplary embodiment, the cuff comprises an internal receiving location to fit over and receive the complementary projection of the catheter. A physician can select the preferred location on a catheter for the cuff either before or during surgery.

Abstract: An introducing apparatus includes an elongate tubular sheath having an external diameter, and the sheath has a bore including an internal diameter sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath includes at least one tab extending away from a longitudinal axis of the sheath. A movable valve assembly is movably engaged with the tab, where the moving valve is adapted to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position the moving valve is disposed through the longitudinal axis of the sheath. In the second position the moving valve assembly is disposed away from the longitudinal axis of the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inventive apparatus and method for docking of a male luer connector fluidly interconnected or interconnectable to a medical liquid source during one or repeated periods. As such, the invention has particular application to multiple-dose medication therapy procedures. The docking apparatus comprises a holding receptacle having a single access opening and a depressible member disposed in the holding receptacle. The holding receptacle is adapted for retentive engagement with a male luer connector (e.g. via complementary threading), wherein upon docking a nozzle of the male luer connector is isolated within the holding receptacle. An anti-bacterial material may be readily applied to a top surface of the depressible member prior to docking so that the forward edge of the nozzle of the male luer connector contacts the anti-bacterial material when docked. The docking apparatus may be provided with lateral and rearward handling members to facilitate docking procedures.

Abstract: A cannula fixation system that allows for easy insertion and removal. A flexible sleeve with corrugations and proximal flange is attached distally to the cannula. The flange serves as a splashguard and a finger retention device. The corrugations have a variable diameter depending upon the tension applied to the proximal flange. The flange is pulled proximally to reduce the diameter of the corrugations for insertion of the cannula. Upon release of the flange, the corrugations expand because of the inherent resiliency of the sleeve to seal against the portal in the patient. The cannula body can be shifted with the sleeve remaining in sealing contact with the portal.

Abstract: A device for retaining at least one drainage tube passing through an artificial cavity into a patient's body. According to the invention, the device includes at least one collecting chamber for the collection of secretions, a base attached to the body and surrounding each collecting chamber, and at least one orifice in the collecting chamber for the passage of a drainage tube, the axis of the orifice not being perpendicular to the plane of the base, enabling the drainage tube to be curved.

Abstract: Modular systems comprising a cannula and at least one clip-on access port adjacent to a distal end of the cannula to provide insertion of one or more therapeutic or diagnostic devices into a vessel or cardiac tissue through a single incision site. The access port can be removably attached to a distal region of the cannula in a fixed orientation or in any desired orientation. The devices can be operated in combination or independently. The systems can be employed to provide multiple therapies, including blood perfusion, filtration, aspiration, vessel occlusion, atherectomy, and endoscopic devices. Methods of using the system for vessel cannulation are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge, comprises an injection component (1) defining a void (17) therein for receiving medicament, and having an injection discharge orifice communicating with the void. The cartridge further comprises a transfer device (2) comprising a liquid-containing reservoir (4), and transfer means for causing the liquid (5) to flow from the reservoir, through a reservoir outlet, into the void in the injection component.

Abstract: A hand access device for use as a seal for sealing a surgeon's forearm on entry through a wound opening, for example, in an abdominal wall contains a substantially tubular sleeve of pliable gas tight material. The tube is turned axially back on itself to define an outer sleeve section and an inner sleeve section which define therebetween a sealed inflatable chamber. The inner sleeve section is engaged by the forearm which, on insertion, causes the sleeve to evert. The device has eversion limiting means in the form of inner and outer rings which are of elastomeric material.

Abstract: An orthogonal arterial catheter preferably includes a hub and a cannula. The hub preferably protects the cannula from potential kinking and shearing forces because the cannula upon exiting a patient's body enters the hub. The hub preferably provides a passageway through which the hose travels to a connector piece. The connector piece preferably attaches the device to a fluid line such as an arterial line transducer. In addition, the hub preferably includes a port that provides a channel through which a guide wire or a needle may gain access to the cannula. The hub also may include appendages extending from it to suture to the patient.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site includes a housing with a flow path therethrough. A first end of the housing carries a pre-slit septum. One form of a blunt cannula, usable with the injection site, carries a locking member. When the pre-slit injection site slidably receives the blunt cannula, the locking member latches to the injection site and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula includes a tube having a tapered distal end region and having elongate discharge slots for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post, an annular barb, and axially oriented grooves.

Abstract: A vascular interventional device may be introduced over a guidewire into a vessel of the cardiovascular system of a patient. This device includes a hollow, flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end that is adapted to selectively engage a target vessel of the cardiovascular system of the patient. This tube also includes a lumen that is continuous from the proximal to the distal end, and has an end hole in the distal end that is in fluid communication with the lumen. The device also includes a hollow vessel dilator that is adapted for insertion into and through the tube and over the guidewire. The dilator has an inside diameter that is slightly larger than the guidewire and an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the lumen of the tube. The distal end of the dilator is adapted to accommodate vascular entry over the guidewire, and the dilator is adapted to dilate the vessel to accept the tube. The device also includes a hub at the proximal end of the tube.

Abstract: A heart stabilizer includes a shaft and two articulating arms coupled to a distal end of the shaft. At the end of each arm is a rotatable foot adapted to be angled relative to the heart wall contour and apply pressure against the wall of the heart to effectively eliminate motion of the heart wall between the feet. The stabilizer is adapted to be collapsible (foldable) to be inserted through the port device and locked longitudinally relative thereto. The stabilizer is also adapted to be deployed into an open configuration and then manipulated by actuation of a proximal control and actuation handle into a selected orientation.

Abstract: An endotracheal suction catheter apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a distal end that is configured for allowing a catheter to be moved through the distal end and into the respiratory tract of a patient. The distal end defines a cleaning chamber where the catheter may be cleaned. A flap is located in the distal end and is located on one end of the cleaning chamber. The flap effects fluid flow within the cleaning chamber during cleaning of the catheter. A connection member is present and is attached to the distal end. The connection member is configured for releasably engaging a heat and moisture exchanger so that the catheter may be advanced through the distal end into the heat and moisture exchanger.

Abstract: A port device includes a tubular body sized to be inserted through a pair of ribs in a chest wall of a patient, a ball provided about the body, and a base defining a socket in which the ball is provided. Detent structure permits but limits longitudinal movement of the body relative to the ball. The base includes a clamping system which compresses the ball to lock the ball at a selected orientation within the socket and also immobilizes the port body relative to the ball. The distal end of the body includes a pair of swivels rotatably attached thereto. An obturator is extendable within the body maneuvers the swivels between a closed position (in which the swivels are oriented substantially parallel to the axis of the body), and an open position (in which the swivels are directed outward from the port).

Abstract: An instrument stabilizer minimizes unwanted motion at the distal end of a surgical instrument by applying a damping force to the instrument. According to one embodiment, the instrument stabilizer preferably includes a cannula through which an instrument can extend, and a distal bushing adapted to contact the instrument. The instrument stabilizer also includes a proximal housing which includes a mechanism which applies a stabilizing or damping force to the proximal portion of the cannula. The mechanism which applies the force may be, by way of example, one or more of elastic bands, springs, struts, etc. When a surgical instrument is extended through the cannula and contacts the bushing, movement of the cannula and consequently the surgical instrument is damped by the stabilization force on the proximal portion of the cannula. In addition, a swivel device for angularly orienting the instrument stabilizer relative to a body of patient is also provided.

Abstract: A hand access device for use in hand assisted laparoscopic surgery comprises a substantially tubular inflatable sleeve of pliable gas tight material having a twisted inner sleeve section and an outer sleeve section. The device has an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening in the abdominal wall and an outer O-ring for location outside of the wound opening. On insertion of a surgeon's arm the sleeve everts while monitoring a reduced lumen seal to the arm and a seal to the wound openings.

Abstract: A catheter connector includes an outlet tube (34, 36), and a compression seal (140) defining an undulating shape to product ring seals during use. A cam slot formed on a lever arm is useable in locking a locking sleeve (120) of the connector. The lever arm acts as a compensating mechanism for over compression of the seal. The catheter tip (32a) is received in a tip recess (92) of the connector. The connector is useable on an implanted port (20), including a dual port with parallel outlet tubes (34, 36), and a dual lumen catheter (24).

Abstract: A catheter button system for anchoring a catheter to a patient's body tissue, consists of a catheter button having a primary aperture for snugly receiving a catheter tube, and at least one secondary aperture. A cord loop extends through the secondary aperture. The loop is for catching a surgeon's suture needle for fastening the button system to the patient's body tissue. Perferably, the button consists of separate upper and lower components, and the cord loop holds the button components together, as well as serving to anchor the button to a patient's body with a stitch of suture thread. Perferably, the primary aperture is central to the button, and two secondary apertures are spaced equidistant from the primary aperture, on opposing sides of the button. The invention also relates to a method for anchoring a suture to a patient's body, by joining a button to the suture, the button having at least one pre-formed loop.

Abstract: A holding apparatus is provided for a trocar sleeve suitable for fixing the trocar sleeve in different positions relative to the patient. The holding apparatus comprises a base member fixedly positionable with respect to the patient and a retainer for the trocar sleeve. The retainer is connected to be tiltable with respect to the base member by a flexible connecting member. According to the invention, the connecting member has a first flexible operational state and a second rigid operational state and the connecting member can be switched between the first flexible and the second rigid operational state.

Abstract: A medical feeding tube connection device for allowing administrating of addition nutrients without disconnecting the feeding tube to the patient. The medical feeding tube connection device includes a connecting assembly including a main tubular member, and also including a tubular extension member being connected to the main tubular member, and further including a tube insert member being connected to the tubular extension member, and also including a tube member being connected to the main tubular member.

Abstract: A system for performing through port off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery includes a port insertable between ribs into a chest wall of a patient, a heart stabilizer extendable through and stably couplable to the port, and an instrument stabilizer adapted to dampen extraneous movement to which a surgical instrument extending through the stabilizer is subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a compatibility liner with a source of perishable therapeutic is provided. In one exemplary system for connecting a reservoir of perishable therapeutic with a lumen, a hollow hub having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the hollow hub, which contains a bond port, is in fluid communication with the second end. The second end of the hollow hub may contain a docking groove that is sized to couple a reservoir to it. The system also includes an inner hypo-tube having a proximal tip and an inner lumen. This inner lumen is lined with a therapeutic compatible lining and is in fluid communication with the second end of the hub through the proximal tip of the inner hypo-tube. The inner lining and the proximal tip in this system are configured to shield therapeutic ejected from the reservoir from contacting materials that can diminish the integrity of the therapeutic.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing one or more branch fluid lines into IV tubing is disclosed. The apparatus including a pair of first and second fluidic blocks having a pair of contact surfaces that may be arranged to respectively engage each other in sealing contact. At least one cutting member is operatively moveable through, or connected, to the other block. In a two cutting member embodiment, a conduit extends between two cutting members and has opposite open ends in communication with an outer side of the associated cutting member. As the second block contact surface is moved towards the first block contact surface, the cutting members cut a portion of the IV tubing extending between the grooves. As cutting occurs, the cut end of the tubing sealingly engages with an associated open end of the conduit to thereby provide for uninterrupted fluid communication through the IV tubing. facilitate connection of IV extension lines by simply connecting the extension line to the conduit through the fluid port.

Abstract: A method for performing through-port off-pump beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery is provided. A port device is positioned in the chest wall and directed as necessary. A heart stabilizer is coupled to the port, and operated to apply a compressive force against the heart wall surrounding a location the required bypass such that the location is substantially immobilized. An instrument stabilizer includes a cannula which is inserted through a hole in the chest cavity, and the distal tip of the cannula is located adjacent the surgical site. The instrument stabilizer dampens movement of a surgical instrument, e.g., a scalpel or needle holder, extended therethrough. Once the bypass procedure is complete, the instruments, heart stabilizer, instrument stabilizers, and port are removed from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A needle receptacle is provided for use with needle assemblies typically used in blood banks. The needle assemblies of the type concerned here have a needle mount with a forward end and a rearward end, a needle extending from the forward end of the needle mount and a flexible tube extending from the rearward end of the needle mount that connects the needle assembly in fluid-flow connection with a blood collection bag. The needle receptacle has an elongated hollow body with a front end and a rear end. The front end is open and sufficiently sized to permit the needle mount to pass axially through it. The rear end has a bore formed in it. The bore is sufficiently sized to permit the tube to pass axially through it, but too small to permit passage of the needle mount. There is also an opening formed in the body between the front end and the rear end for receiving the needle mount and the needle so that the hollow body can be slidably mounted onto the needle assembly.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods enable physicians and/or other medical personnel to access percutaneously the interior of a patient. One particular device includes a housing which defines a cavity, a first opening into the cavity, and a second opening into the cavity. The housing is implantable in a patient. The cavity is placed subcutaneously within the patient. The first opening is substantially flush with the surface of the skin of the patient and creates a percutaneous passageway from the exterior of the skin of the patient into the cavity, and the second opening creates a passageway from the cavity into the interior of the patient. A connector is coupled to the second opening and disposed substantially within the cavity to enable a connection between a first device and a second device disposed within the interior of the patient.

Abstract: An instrument stabilizer minimizes unwanted motion at the distal end of a surgical instrument by applying a damping force to the instrument. According to one embodiment, the instrument stabilizer preferably includes a cannula through which an instrument can extend, and a distal bushing adapted to contact the instrument. The instrument stabilizer also includes a proximal housing which includes a mechanism which applies a stabilizing or damping force to the proximal portion of the cannula. The mechanism which applies the force may be, by way of example, one or more of elastic bands, springs, struts, etc. When a surgical instrument is extended through the cannula and contacts the bushing, movement of the cannula and consequently the surgical instrument is damped by the stabilization force on the proximal portion of the cannula. In addition, a swivel device for angularly orienting the instrument stabilizer relative to a body of patient is also provided.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy device comprises a removable, dilating tip. The tip is located at the distal end of the device and provides for tissue dilation upon entry of the device into the body of a patient. The tip is lubricious and biodegradable. The tip is removable by dislodging it from the end of the device following placement of the device in the patient. The tip is usually dislodged by action of a physician to dislodge the tip, however it may be dissolved by application of a biocompatible solvent or through digestion. Following removal of the tip from the device, the tip is dissolved naturally by digestion.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly includes a feeding tube, a polyurethane feeding tube adaptor having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, and a removable cap for selectively closing the inlet conduit. The surface configuration of the cap that causes frictional engagement with the inlet conduit is noncomplementary therewith in a common transverse plane and has a cross-sectional shape substantially different than that of the corresponding surface configuration of the inlet conduit. This difference in surface configurations can be established by providing one or both of the surfaces with a series of protuberances, indentations, or other surface variations.