Abstract: An elongated medical apparatus suitable for insertion into a bodily passageway of a patient for carrying out a medical procedure. The elongated apparatus includes an elongated tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion terminates at a distal end. The tubular body has a plurality of lumens extending therein. An inflatable balloon member is mounted at the distal end of the tubular body and extends in a distal direction therefrom. The balloon member is inflated by receiving an inflation fluid through one of the lumens. The presence of the balloon member at the leading end of the elongated apparatus reduces the risk of puncture and trauma upon insertion of the apparatus into the bodily passageway.

Abstract: An introducer sheath is disclosed herein. The sheath includes a tubular body. The tubular body has a proximal zone, an intermediate zone and a distal zone. The proximal zone is generally straight. The intermediate zone extends from a distal end of the proximal zone and curves in a first direction. The distal zone extends from a distal end of the intermediate zone and curves in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft with a first rotatable sheath rotatably disposed thereabout. A first guidewire housing which defines a first guidewire lumen for passage of a first guidewire therethrough is engaged to the first rotatable sheath. A first stent, which when in the reduced stent state, is disposed about at least a portion of the first rotatable sheath. A second stent, which when in the reduced stent state, is positioned adjacent to the first stent.

Abstract: An endoscope device comprises: an endoscope including an insertion portion and a first balloon attached to a distal end of the insertion portion; and an insertion guide that is to be covered on the insertion portion to guide insertion of the insertion portion, the insertion guide comprising a second balloon on its distal end, wherein the insertion portion or the insertion guide is fixed in a body cavity by expanding the first balloon or the second balloon, respectively, wherein the first balloon and the second balloon are substantially equal to each other in friction resistance against the body cavity when they are expanded.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer diagnostic parallel balloon catheter and method. The balloon catheter has a plurality of main expandable members disposed one inside another, a distal expandable member and a proximal expandable member that all can be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and then collapsed again to a collapsed configuration. The device can be used to determine whether a particular patient is a candidate for implantation of an interspinous process spacer to treat the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis and the size of such a spacer if indicated.

Abstract: A medical device includes a first catheter; a second catheter slidably disposed within the first catheter; a first expansible member disposed about the first catheter; a second expansible member disposed about the second catheter; and a locking mechanism for interlocking the first catheter and the second catheter to prevent relative movement between the first catheter and the second catheter. The first expansible member and the second expansible member are structured so as to approximate a first vessel and a second vessel.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter including a catheter tubing defining a lumen therethrough, a balloon disposed near a distal end of the catheter tubing and moving between deflated and inflated states, and proximal and distal balloon control bands concentrically arranged around respective proximal and distal end portions of the balloon. The proximal balloon control band has a proximal end located proximally of a proximal end of the balloon and a distal end located adjacent a proximal end of a received unexpanded stent. The distal balloon control band has a proximal end located adjacent a distal end of the received unexpanded stent and a distal end located distally of a distal end of the balloon. The balloon control bands each have a diametric cross-section larger than the balloon in an uninflated state and the unexpanded stent received over the balloon to impede axial movement of the unexpanded stent off of the balloon.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a woven fabric layer composed of at least two woven fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A thin-wall PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tube in the form of a tube of porous expanded PTFE film wherein the porous PTFE film has a microstructure containing a multiplicity of fibrils oriented substantially parallel to each other. The tube has a wall thickness of less than about 0.25 mm and is made from at least one first layer and at least one second layer of porous PTFE film, wherein the fibrils of the first and second layers are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Preferably the fibrils of the at least one first layer are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and the fibrils of the at least one second layer of porous PTFE film are oriented substantially circumferential to the tube. The first and second layers may be inner and outer layers respectively, or alternatively their relationship may be reversed.

Abstract: A non-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer embedded in a continuous matrix of thermally-weldable polymer material defining a barrel wall, cone walls and neck walls. The fibers of the first fiber layer run substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fibers of the first fiber layer have a pattern of different lengths and are divisible into a first group and a second group based on length. Each fiber of the first group begins in the neck wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the neck wall at the opposite end of the balloon. Substantially all of the fibers of the first group have a generally uniform length. Each fiber of the second group begins in the cone wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the cone wall at the opposite end of the balloon.

Abstract: Devices and methods for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The methods and devices create channels in lung tissue and maintain the patency of these surgically created channels in tissue. Maintaining the patency of the channels allows air to pass directly out of the lung tissue which facilitates the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or decompresses hyper-inflated lungs.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment comprises a method for treating lesions in the carotid artery of a mammalian body. The method comprises transcervical access and blocking of blood flow through the common carotid artery (with or without blocking of blood flow through the external carotid artery), shunting blood from the internal carotid artery and treating the lesion in the carotid artery.

Abstract: To accomplish isolation and removal of a substance from a vasculature, a catheter is employed to occlude a vessel of the vasculature. The substance is thus isolated in the vasculature and can be removed. In this way, the substance is removed before entering other parts of the circulatory system. This method is applicable to removal of contrast from the coronary sinus shortly after injection of the coronary arteries with the contrast. The method substantially minimizes or avoids renal dysfunction caused by angiographic procedures in which contrast must be injected. Such angiographic procedures are often performed during intervention procedures. This method substantially prevents circulation of the contrast to the kidneys where it could otherwise cause renal dysfunction or failure. The apparatus for implementation of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion.

Abstract: A catheter assembly 10 comprises a first elongate tubular member 12 having a proximal end portion 14 defining a proximal end 15, a distal end portion 18 having an opening therein 20 and defining a distal end 22, and at least one lumen 24 defined between the proximal end 15 and the distal end 22. A second elongate tubular member 26 has a proximal end portion 28 defining a proximal end 30, a distal end portion 32 defining a distal end 34, and at least one lumen 36 defined between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 34. The second elongate tubular member 26 is received within the at least one lumen 24 of the first elongate tubular member 12, such that the distal end portion 32 of the second elongate tubular member 26 projects from the opening 20 in the distal end portion 18 of the first elongate tubular member 12 An elongate, shape-imparting element 38 is receivable in the at least one lumen 24, 36 of at least one of the first elongate tubular member 12 and the second elongate tubular member 26.

Abstract: A cannula for insertion through a biologic tissue. The cannula includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portions with a lumen therebetween. The cannula further includes a tip having a proximal end portion, a distal tip end, and a lumen therebetween. The proximal end portion of the tip is secured to the distal end portion of the shaft so that the lumen of the tip is in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. The tip includes an opening that extends proximally relative to the distal tip end to permit the flow of fluid into the lumen of the tip even in the event that the distal tip end becomes obstructed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable and deflatable balloon fixed to the catheter tube and a refolding device for folding the balloon onto the catheter tube during balloon deflation, wherein the refolding device includes at least one flap arrangement being fixed on the catheter tube and being disposed within the balloon.

Abstract: A collapsing clip including of a plurality of collapsed self expanding wire frame segments is contained within the distal end of a catheter. The clip can be maneuvered by a wire traversing through the catheter. The catheter can be placed proximate to the neck of an aneurysm within the neurovascular system. Using the wire, at least one segment can be pushed from the catheter through the aneurysm neck and expanded within the interior of the aneurysm. The wire can pull the expanded segment in a proximal direction. A proximal segment can be pushed from the catheter and expanded on the proximal side of the aneurysm. The collapsing clip impinges the distal and proximal framed wire segments onto the neck of the aneurysm. The framed wire segments are inter positioned so that the diamond shaped spaces between the wires are substantially blocked. The neck of the aneurysm is blocked by the distal and proximal framed wire segments forming a barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bioactive surface on the balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1). According to said method, the surface of the balloon (3) is at least partially wetted with a first solution of an active substance (8) and the section of the surface of the balloon (3) wetted with the first solution of an active substance (8) is then wetted with a second, saturated solution of the active substance (28). The invention further relates to a balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1) the surface of which is at least partially coated with an active substance (11), the coating (11) being homogeneous and brittle in the entire coated region.

Abstract: A balloon catheter can include an actively steerable element for adjusting the configuration of the balloon after placement at a target location. By coupling the actively steerable element to the balloon, any articulation of the actively steerable element will also re-configure the position of the balloon, thereby enabling greater control over procedures that make use of such a balloon catheter. The active steering capability can also enhance the material manipulation capabilities of the balloon catheter, and enable operations and actions that are not possible with a non-steerable balloon catheter.

Abstract: A vascular introducer having an expandable sheath. The sheath includes a balloon-expandable section and a self-expandable section, where the balloon-expandable section is distal to the self-expandable section. The distal balloon-expandable section is collapsible to decrease a diameter of the introducer for directing the introducer into a vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone cavity, which involves a forced-feeding balloon rupture mechanism. This mechanism includes continuously or intermittently injecting a liquid or gas into a perforated balloon containing a hardened orthopaedic paste therein in a bone cavity until the perforated balloon is dilated to exceed a critical size, and thus ruptures.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a control unit and a pump integrated with the control unit. The control unit includes an adjustment knob attached to a major surface of the control unit, a first conduit extending from a side of the control unit to a reservoir that is configured to contain a volume of irrigation liquid, and a second conduit extending from the side of the control unit to an anal probe that is inflatable for fixation of the anal probe within a user. The adjustment knob has a first setting that is selectable to inflate a cuff of the anal probe and a second setting that is selectable to allow the pump to pump gas into the reservoir and thereby transfer the irrigation liquid from the reservoir through the inflated anal probe.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an inflation/deflation system for a dilatation balloon comprising a receptacle, a pressure member, a sensing system and a data processing and display unit. The receptacle is adapted to contain an inflation fluid to be introduced into the balloon during its inflation. The receptacle also has an inlet/outlet port adapted for connection to the dilatation balloon; The pressure member is adapted to be axially displaced within the receptacle to cause the fluid to exit the receptacle via the outlet port. The sensing system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is associated with the pressure member to sense its axial displacement. The second sensor is associated with the interior of the receptacle to sense in a non-contact manner the pressure P of the inflation fluid within the receptacle, and to provide a corresponding data signal.

Abstract: An implantable access device for intravenous delivery and/or withdrawal of fluids is described herein. The access device includes a septum which is movably supported within a housing of the access device from a retracted, low profile position to an extended, high profile position to facilitate easy identification of the location of the septum by medical personnel.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and a method of making a balloon catheter, having a balloon with a first layer and a second layer, the first layer having at least one impregnated section impregnated with a polymeric material compatible with a polymeric material forming the catheter shaft. At least a portion of the impregnated section is fusion bonded to the shaft. In a presently preferred embodiment, the impregnated section is adjacent to a section of the first layer which is not impregnated with the compatible polymeric material. The impregnated section provides improved bonding of the balloon to the catheter shaft while minimizing the effect of the bond on catheter performance characteristics such as profile and flexibility.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in medical, veterinary, non-medical or industrial applications where removal of an obstruction from a small diameter vessel or vessel-like structure could produce particles, which, if allowed to remain in the vessel, could cause undesirable complications and results. One embodiment comprises a catheter for insertion into a vessel and a trap operably connected to the catheter and to a rotatable member. Rotating the rotatable member relative to the catheter actuates the trap. One embodiment comprises a rotatable member that actuates a flexible strut between an arcuately expanded position and a helically twisted position, and a membrane operably connected to the flexible strut.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device includes a multifilar tube shaft having a shaft lumen. A shaft lumen coating is provided on a surface of the multifilar tube shaft and extends from a proximal end of the multifilar tube shaft and terminates before a distal end of the multifilar tube shaft. An inflation balloon is disposed at the distal end of the multifilar tube shaft such that the shaft lumen coating and the inflation balloon form a continuously sealed length of the shaft lumen. The shaft lumen defines an inflation lumen that is in fluid communication with an interior space of the inflation balloon.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer diagnostic balloon catheter and method. The balloon catheter has a main expandable member, a distal expandable member and a proximal expandable member that all can be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and then collapsed again to a collapsed configuration. The device can be used to determine whether a particular patient is a candidate for implantation of an interspinous process spacer to treat the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis and the size of such a spacer if indicated.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of a medical balloon, and a balloon device useful for various medical balloon procedures, such as gastrointestinal, vascular, reproductive system, urinary system and pulmonary applications. At least two layers of a thermoplastic film are sealed at their peripheral edges and heat sealed at one or more locations inside an area enclosed by the sealed edges at predetermined locations, in one implementation of the balloon device. Such configuration enables the balloon to articulate to a desired shape upon inflation, with the desired shape being selected to accommodate a specific medical application.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided that permits easy cannulation and radiological examination of the biliary and pancreatic ducts during an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatograhy (ERCP) procedure. The system of biliary catheters provides for a method of gaining access to the biliary tree, particularly when the contralateral wall or septum of the biliary tree interferes with access to the biliary tree. This anatomical interference is remedied using a pulling biliary catheter that withdraws the papilla of Vater away from the contralateral wall or septum by pulling proximally upon a chute expanded within the papilla of Vater. The enlarged opening then permits additional medical devices to be advanced through the pulling biliary catheter into the desired duct requiring the ERCP procedure.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is affixed to the distal end of the catheter so as to provide an air tight seal there between. A stiffening member extends distally of the distal end of the catheter and forms a slip joint connection with the distal end of the balloon to permit the distal end of the balloon to axially move or translate relative to the distal end of the catheter. The slip joint allows the axial length of balloon to change during inflation or deflation without transferring tensile or compressive forces between the balloon and the catheter. A balloon folding control mechanism is disposed about the portion of the stiffening member traversing the interior of the balloon, and is configured to promote refolding of the balloon into a predetermined and desired folding configuration upon deflation.

Abstract: An expandable frame for an embolic filtering device used to capture embolic debris in a body vessel includes a first half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop and a second half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop. The partial loops cooperatively form a composite loop for attachment of a filtering element which will expand in the body vessel to capture embolic debris entrained in the fluid of the vessel. The lengths and positioning of the first and second control arms of each half frame can be varied to create an expandable frame which conforms to the size and shape of the body vessel in which the filtering device is deployed. Additionally, the radius of the partial loops, along with the length of the arc of the partial loops, can be varied on each of the frames to create a composite filtering assembly that can easily adapt to the size and shape of the body vessel.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is fixedly connected to the distal end of the catheter, and the distal end of the balloon is supported by stiffening member that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter and through the interior of the balloon. The distal end of the catheter comprises one or more apertures that are in fluid communication with an inflation lumen extending through the catheter. A deflation mechanism is disposed about the stiffening member and is configured to facilitate the flow of an inflation fluid through the interior volume of the balloon and towards the aperture.

Abstract: A catheter basically has a catheter shaft in which a catheter tip of which is provided with a joint made of a material which is more flexible than the material of the catheter shaft. The joint is disposed between the distal end of the catheter shaft and the distal end of the catheter tip. The front end consists of a material being the same or more rigid than that of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient is disclosed. The assembly comprises outer and inner catheters. The outer catheter has an exterior surface, an inflatable balloon mounted upon the exterior surface, at least one element distal to the balloon, at least one aperture and a lumen. The inner catheter is sized to be received within the lumen and has a passageway extending between a proximal end and at least one port. The lumen is adapted to guide the inner catheter to the desired tissue region in the brain. Each element is adapted to monitor brain activity within the tissue region, to electronically stimulate the tissue region, or to provide information on a precise position of the element when the element is entirely within the brain. The elements are mounted proximal to the distal end of the outer catheter upon the exterior surface of its distal portion.

Abstract: A self-expanding cage for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device includes one or more circumferential members adapted to expand from an unexpanded position to a expanded position within the patient's body vessel. At least one proximal strut and at least one distal strut are attached to the circumferential member to form the basket. The circumferential member may include a plurality of bending regions which enhance the ability of the circumferential member to move between the unexpanded and expanded positions. The proximal and distal struts can be attached to one of the bending regions. When two or more circumferential members are utilized, each member may be connected by a connecting strut which may be connected at a bending region. The connecting strut can be a straight segment or may have a non-linear shape to provide additional flexibility. The expandable cage can be mounted to a elongated member, such as a guide wire, and can be either permanently mounted or rotatably mounted thereto.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for sealing a natural or artificial opening of the large intestine (colon) or the rectum of a patient and for occluding same and/or for removing stool therefrom, particularly for continuous and/or intermittent irrigation, preferably into an external, bag-like collection container, comprising an inflatable balloon with an approximately annular structure formed from a flat, everted tube section, wherein the outer layer of said everted tube section has a radially enlarged region for insertion into the rectum and has a region that is tapered relative thereto and that remains at least regionally outside the rectum during use, the intrarectal balloon section having no functional or spatial connection to the transanal balloon section.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: An enteral feeding unit that reduces the occurrence of gastro-esophogeal-pharynegal reflux during feeding includes an automatable feeding pump with a feedback sensor for sensing a relative pressure in a patient's stomach and esophagus, and a regulator system for controlling and monitoring feeding rate to the patient as a function of the relative gastro-esophageal pressure. The system includes a stomach probe that provides a fluid-tight closure of the esophagus. The stomach probe includes a tampon-bladder for watertight closure of the esophagus, in which the tampon-bladder is formed of flexible and/or elastic material. At least an inner cavity of the bladder is provided for the reception of a fluid medium.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing a thrombus (clot) from a vascular structure of a living subject. An embodiment of a thrombus removal device comprises first and second annular members, the first annular member being adapted to slide over a guidewire placed in a vascular structure, the second annular member being coupled to the first annular member and having a suction flow path therethrough, the first annular member having an expandable mesh structure disposed at a distal portion thereof, the mesh structure being deployable to an expanded configuration by movement of an actuating element extending along the second annular member. An embodiment of a thrombus removal method comprises advancing the device to position the mesh structure downstream of the thrombus by sliding the first annular member over the guidewire, applying a suction force to the suction flow path of the second annular member, deploying the mesh structure, and retracting the device to cause the mesh structure to engage the thrombus.

Abstract: An expandable roll sock delivery catheter includes an inner tube, an outer tube having a distal outer tube end, and a medical device, such as a self-expanding stent, collapsibly disposed over the inner tube and concentrically oriented between the inner tube and the outer tube. A hollow tube of expandable balloon material extends from the distal outer tube end, the balloon material being substantially disposed in its entirety within a distal end portion of the outer tube. The balloon material is folded back into the outer tube and over the device as a single layer of balloon material connectively linked to the inner tube proximal to the self-expanding device so as to form an expandable roll sock balloon. The roll sock balloon defines an inflation lumen disposed between the outer tube and inner tube, whereby the inflation lumen is configured for expansion of the roll sock balloon following release of the device.

Abstract: A directionally limited illuminating balloon catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft having a distal end and a hollow balloon portion disposed at the distal end and inflated through the shaft, the balloon portion having a light source illuminating only a portion of the environment outside the balloon portion. The balloon portion can have a directionally limited light source directing substantially all illumination towards the shaft. Also provided is a directionally illuminating balloon catheter kit including a set of illuminating catheters each having the light source with different sized illuminating areas to illuminate a different sized partial portion of the environment outside the balloon portion.

Abstract: A device for providing a fluid to a target tissue region of a body vessel is described. The device includes an elongate member having a lumen to receive a fluid, and a structure deployable from a distal portion of the elongate member to channel blood flowing in the vessel. Also described are a method of, and a system for, providing a fluid to a target tissue region inside a body.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, lubricious coating for a substrate includes a first coating layer having a cross-linked polyurethane or polyurea complexed with poly(ethylene oxide) formed by reacting a mixture of an isocyanate, a polyol or polyamine, and a poly(ethylene oxide), and a second coating layer having a cross-linked polyurethane or polyurea complexed with polyvinylpyrrolidone formed by reacting a mixture of an isocyanate, a polyol or polyamine, and a polyvinylpyrrolidone. The first layer is substantially covered by the second layer and the second layer at least partially interpenetrates the first layer. The coating is provided by applying the first coating layer, curing to provide a cross-linked polyurethane or polyurea/poly(ethylene oxide) coating, applying the second layer, and curing to provide a cross-linked polyurethane or polyurea/polyvinylpyrrolidone coating.

Abstract: A Dilator and a method of manufacturing the same A medical dilator for a gastrostomy feeding tube comprising a first portion (12) a second portion (38) and a central filament (34) having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the central filament (34) is connected to the first portion (12) and the second end of the central filament (34) is connected to the second portion (38) such that the first and second portion are able to couple together to form an assembled dilator and the central filament is able to fold to form a pull loop. A method of manufacturing the dilator, a tube adapted to be engaged by the dilator and a kit comprising the same.

Abstract: A tunable coating formulation is described for a drug delivery balloon comprising a therapeutic agent, an excipient and a plasticizer. The tunable coating includes a first therapeutic agent and a first excipient, and can have a second therapeutic agent and a second excipient. The first and second therapeutic agents have different dissolution rates during balloon inflation and therefore provide a coating that is tunable. The plasticizer in the formulation has a weigh ratio of excipient to plasticizer below 1:0.1.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a coated medical device such as a balloon or stent and methods of manufacturing the device, where the device has a working length disposed between a distal end and a proximal end thereof; and a coating applied to at least a length of the body. The coating includes a hydrophobic therapeutic agent having a water solubility less than about 15.0 ?g/ml and an emulsifier that is a solid at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided with a flexible tubular body having two lumens. A solid slidable member with a sharp distal end is disposed within one of the lumens. The slidable member is capable of sliding within the lumen of the tubular body between an exposed position in which the sharp distal end of the slidable member protrudes from the distal end of the tubular body and a shielded position in which the distal end of the slidable member is within the tubular body. One advantage is that the sharp distal end of the slidable member may be withdrawn into the tubular body in order to shield a patient from unintentional cutting or irritation from the sharp distal end of the slidable member.