The disclosure provides insertion tools and articles that facilitate entry of a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, into the body. In embodiments the insertion tools have an elongate hollow body (50) that is able to protect a portion of a medical device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, during an insertion procedure. In one embodiment the insertion tool has an elongate hollow body (131), a tapered distal end (135), and a locking mechanism (133) at the proximal end which can secure a portion of a balloon catheter. An opening at the distal end can allow passage of the balloon in a folded uninflated state.

The disclosure provides insertion tools and articles that facilitate entry of a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, into the body. In embodiments the insertion tools have an elongate hollow body (50) that is able to protect a portion of a medical device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, during an insertion procedure. In one embodiment the insertion tool has an elongate hollow body (131), a tapered distal end (135), and a locking mechanism (133) at the proximal end which can secure a portion of a balloon catheter. An opening at the distal end can allow passage of the balloon in a folded uninflated state.

A miniature device configured to be maneuvered within a patient under manipulation by an external magnetic field and to selectively perform a predefined function is provided. The miniature device comprises a shell defining therewithin an internal cavity, and a magnetic arrangement disposed within the cavity. The miniature device is configured such that the magnetic arrangement, within a rotating magnetic field, effects one of performance of the function and propulsion of the miniature device within the patient, and, within a magnetic field gradient, effects the other of performance of the function and propulsion of the miniature device within the patient.

Pigtail catheters and relates methods for measuring a pressure gradient across a bodily narrowing are disclosed. A pigtail catheter can comprise a proximal shaft segment and a distal shaft segment. The proximal shaft segment can include double lumen tubing defining a proximal pressure lumen and a non-coaxial, distal pressure lumen. In an example, the distal pressure lumen has a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and the proximal pressure lumen has a generally crescent or kidney cross-sectional shape that wraps partially around the distal pressure lumen. The distal shaft segment can include at least one distal orifice positionable distal to the bodily narrowing and at least one proximal orifice positionable proximal to the bodily narrowing. Each orifice can have a diameter of at least about 0.018 inches, for example. A manifold can be coupled to a proximal end of the proximal shaft segment and can include a proximal pressure port in communication with the proximal pressure lumen and a distal pressure port in communication with the distal pressure lumen.

Pigtail catheters and relates methods for measuring a pressure gradient across a bodily narrowing are disclosed. A pigtail catheter can comprise a proximal shaft segment and a distal shaft segment. The proximal shaft segment can include double lumen tubing defining a proximal pressure lumen and a non-coaxial, distal pressure lumen. In an example, the distal pressure lumen has a generally circular cross-sectional shape, and the proximal pressure lumen has a generally crescent or kidney cross-sectional shape that wraps partially around the distal pressure lumen. The distal shaft segment can include at least one distal orifice positionable distal to the bodily narrowing and at least one proximal orifice positionable proximal to the bodily narrowing. Each orifice can have a diameter of at least about 0.018 inches, for example. A manifold can be coupled to a proximal end of the proximal shaft segment and can include a proximal pressure port in communication with the proximal pressure lumen and a distal pressure port in communication with the distal pressure lumen.

Devices, systems, and methods used to dress a catheter device are disclosed. The devices and systems include a catheter dressing system including a body, a closure member, an adhesive plate, and an extension tubing having a catheter connector coupled to a distal end. The catheter dressing system is displaceable over the extension tubing and the extension tubing passes through the closure member. The catheter connector is disposable within a chamber of the body to prevent movement of the catheter connector. The closure member is actuated to form a circumferential seal around the extension tubing to prevent contamination of the catheter connector and to prevent axial movement of the extension tubing. The adhesive plate can be adhered to a patient's skin to form a circumferential seal around a catheter skin puncture site. The method includes sliding the catheter dressing system along the extension tubing.

Medical appliances including reinforcing bands and radiopaque marker bands are disclosed. In some embodiments, bands may comprise two or more material layers. A first layer may control the mechanical properties of a multilayered marking band, and a second layer may exhibit greater radiopacity than the first layer. Bands may also comprise a single layer.

A rigidizing device includes an elongate flexible tube, a braid layer positioned over the elongate flexible tube, an outer layer over the flexible tube and the braid layer, and an inlet between the elongate flexible tube and the outer layer and configured to attach to a source of vacuum or pressure. The braid layer has a plurality of strands braided together at a braid angle of 5-40 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible tube when the elongate flexible tube is straight. The rigidizing device is configured to have a rigid configuration when vacuum or pressure is applied through the inlet and a flexible configuration when vacuum or pressure is not applied through the inlet. The braid angle is configured to change as the rigidizing device bends when the rigidizing device is in the flexible configuration.

In various examples, a medical device is configured to be at least partially insertable within a patient. The medical device includes a first elongate member including a sidewall surrounding and defining a lumen extending through the first elongate member between a first proximal end and a first distal end. A second elongate member is sized and shaped to fit within the lumen of the first elongate member. A coil is disposed within the sidewall of the first elongate member, wherein the coil is configured to sense a position of the second elongate member with respect to the coil. In some examples, the first elongate member includes a catheter, and the second elongate member includes a guidewire.

A medical dispensing device which includes a catheter, an applicator tip at a distal end of the catheter, the catheter and the applicator tip defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis and a distal opening, a plunger in the lumen and movable along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of elements in the lumen proximal to the distal opening and distal to the plunger, the plurality of elements stacked along the longitudinal axis for dispersement of one element at a time through the distal opening via a force applied by the plunger.