A torque coil 10 includes a first filar configured in an inner layer 14 that is helically wound in a constricted state such that it defines an inner lumen providing access between a proximal and distal end of the torque coil. A second filar is configured in an outer layer 18 that is helically wound over the inner layer in a constricted state. At least one of the first and second filars includes a signal transmitting material surrounded by an isolating material thereby allowing transmission of signals between the proximal and distal end of the torque coil in one of the layers. At least one of the first and second filars includes a torque transmitting material thereby configuring the torque coil to transfer torque from the proximal to the distal end.

A device for magnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical device is disclosed including a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a magnetic field generator contained within the distal portion of the housing and a tissue penetrating subassembly including a hub and a tissue penetrating medical device having a proximal end and a distal end. The hub is detachably connected to the distal portion of the housing and the proximal end of tissue penetrating medical device extends proximally from the hub such that the proximal end of the tissue penetrating medical device is exposed to the magnetic field to magnetize the distal end of the tissue penetrating medical device. Methods of magnetizing tissue-penetrating medical devices are also disclosed.

An elongate steerable medical device includes a shaft and a handle assembly that is removably securable to the shaft. The shaft includes an elongate outer member and an elongate inner member that is disposed within the elongate outer member. The handle assembly includes a proximal handle, a spool that is slidingly secured to the handle body and a collet that is removably secured to the handle body. The spool is adapted to releasable secure the elongate inner member and the collet is adapted to releasably secure the elongate outer member.

A variable stiffness apparatus to be installed in a flexible member includes a first elongated member, a second elongated member arranged along the first elongated member, and an inducing member. The first elongated member includes a high bending stiffness portion, and a low bending stiffness portion. The second elongated member includes a shape-memory member that takes a low-stiffness state when in a first phase and a high-stiffness state when in a second phase. The inducing member causes a region of the shape memory member that is arranged around the low bending stiffness portion to transition in phase between the first phase and the second phase, so as to change the stiffness of the region of the second elongated member.

A catheter including a catheter shaft that has a proximal shaft and a distal shaft. The proximal shaft and the distal shaft are joined to one another in the axial direction. The proximal and distal shafts are integrally connected to one another by the distal end of the proximal shaft being inserted into a hollow interior of the proximal end of the distal shaft or by the proximal end of the distal shaft being inserted into a hollow interior of the distal end of the proximal shaft. The proximal shaft includes a penetrating portion which penetrates from the inner surface through to the outer surface at the distal end of the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a projecting portion that includes a tip portion which extends through the penetrating portion past the inner or outer surface of the proximal shaft so that the tip portion is exposed.

A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) needle may include a cannula including a shaft and a cannula hub coupled to a proximal end of the cannula shaft. A depth guide may be disposed on an outer surface of the cannula shaft. A stylet may be disposable within the cannula lumen and may include a tapered point at a distal end of the stylet and a stylet hub coupled to a proximal end of the stylet that is configured to be releasably securable to the cannula hub. An adjustable depth stop may be releasably securable to the cannula shaft at a desired position relative to the depth guide, the adjustable depth guide capable of being manipulated between an adjustment configuration in which the adjustable depth guide is moveable relative to the cannula shaft and a secured configuration in which the adjustable depth guide is secured relative to the cannula shaft.

The various embodiments herein relate a catheter advancement device having an elongate shaft and a capsule attached to or integral with the shaft, and related methods for assisting with advancement of catheters such as guiding catheters while reducing damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel. Some capsules have a distal plug portion and a neck portion having a smaller diameter than the plug. Other capsules have a channel defined along the outer surface of the capsule.

A guide extension catheter includes a push member and a distal shaft coupled to and extending distally from the push member. The distal shaft includes a shaft wall and a passageway. The shaft wall includes a helically-shaped proximal end and a distal end. The helically-shaped proximal end coils helically about a first central longitudinal axis of the passageway of the distal shaft. The helically-shaped proximal end of the shaft wall defines a helically-shaped entry port of the distal shaft. The distal shaft may include a helically-shaped collar coupled to the helically-shaped proximal end of the distal shaft, the collar defining the helically-shaped entry port of the distal shaft.

An obturator can include antimicrobial features which assist in sterilizing or maintaining the sterility of fluid contained within a vascular access device while the device is not being used for infusion or other access to the patient's vasculature. These antimicrobial features include antimicrobial coatings applied to various surfaces of an obturator and antimicrobial components bonded or otherwise secured to an obturator. Various combinations of antimicrobial coatings and/or components can be used on an obturator as necessary to provide a desired amount of antimicrobial agents within a particular enclosed volume of a vascular access device.

A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.