УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ КАТЕТЕРИЗАЦИИ

Изобретение относится к медицинской технике, а именно к устройству и связанному с ним способу для мочевой катетеризации и расширения структуры мочеиспускательного канала. Устройство для мочевой катетеризации включает катетер и проводник. Катетер имеет удлиненное тело с дистальным концом и проксимальным концом, дренажный канал и отдельный проводниковый канал, проходящие через него. Проводник проходит через проводниковый канал и служит для направления катетера при его введении. На проксимальном конце удлиненного тела или вблизи него выполнен смазочный порт. Смазочный порт включает боковую ветвь для коммуникации жидкости с проводниковым каналом для введения жидкой смазки проводника в проводниковый канал. Способ мочевой катетеризации включает смазку вышеуказанного проводника, расположенного в проводниковом канале, проходящем через вышеуказанный катетер; введение дистального конца проводника в уретру и направленное проведение проводника по уретре в мочевой пузырь; продвижение катетера поверх ...

РЕНТГЕНОКОНТРАСТНЫЙ ПРОВОДНИК ДЛЯ ПОЗИЦИОНИРОВАНИЯ КАТЕТЕРА

Группа изобретений относится к медицинской технике, а именнок хирургическим медицинским процедурам, таким как ангиопластика, и, более конкретно, к рентгеноконтрастному проводнику для позиционирования катетера. Устройство для воздействия на обрабатываемую зону в сосудистом русле с помощью катетера, содержащего баллон, причем устройство содержит проводник для введения баллона в обрабатываемую зону. Проводник содержит один или более рентгеноконтрастных маркеров, соответствующих обрабатываемой зоне, где проводник содержит проксимальный маркер для совмещения с опорной точкой на катетере при совмещении одного или более рентгеноконтрастных маркеров с обрабатываемой зоной. Проксимальный маркер предпочтительно выполнен так, что при совмещении одного или более рентгеноконтрастных маркеров с обрабатываемой зоной находится вне сосудистого русла. Один или более рентгеноконтрастных маркеров соответствуют обрабатываемой зоне по размеру. Баллонный катетер дополнительно содержит вышеуказанный проводник.

Устройство ввода катетера, включающее установленные сверху элементы выдвижения

Группа изобретений относится к области медицинской техники, а именно к инструментам ввода для введения катетера или другого трубчатого медицинского устройства в тело пациента. Устройство ввода для введения катетера в тело пациента содержит корпус, в котором изначально расположен по меньшей мере участок катетера; иглу, дистально проходящую от корпуса, причем по меньшей мере участок катетера предварительно расположен поверх иглы; проволочный направитель; узел выдвижения проволочного направителя; и узел выдвижения катетера. Узел выдвижения проволочного направителя включает в себя первый элемент взаимодействия с пользователем, выполненный с возможностью воздействия на него большим или другим пальцем руки пользователя для выборочного дистального выдвижения дистального конца проволочного направителя из дистального отверстия иглы при подготовке к дистальному выдвижению катетера. Узел выдвижения катетера включает в себя второй элемент взаимодействия с пользователем, выполненный с возможностью воздействия ...

СПОСОБ СТЕНТИРОВАНИЯ ЖЕЛЧНЫХ ПРОТОКОВ У БОЛЬНЫХ С МЕХАНИЧЕСКОЙ ЖЕЛТУХОЙ ОПУХОЛЕВОЙ ЭТИОЛОГИИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ДОСТУПА ЧЕРЕЗ ХОЛЕЦИСТОСТОМУ

Изобретение относится к медицине, а именно к гепатобилиарной хирургии. Производят имплантацию стента по методике «Рандеву». По проводнику в желчный пузырь к устью пузырного протока устанавливают интродьюсер, через который в пузырный проток устанавливают манипуляционный катетер «Кобра», выполняют холангиографию. Затем осуществляют реканализацию пузырного протока и катетеризацию холедоха. При помощи системы «гидрофильный проводник плюс гидрофильный катетер» выполняют реканализацию опухолевой стриктуры. После проникновения за область стриктуры устанавливают проводниковый катетер. По катетеру заводят эндоскопический проводник, который захватывают через эндоскоп эндоскопическими щипцами и выводят через рот. Выполняют папиллосфинктеротомию на проводнике. Производят катетеризацию гепатикохоледоха. Выполняют стентирование гепатикохоледоха с имплантацией стента, при этом проксимальный конец стента устанавливают выше опухолевой стриктуры на 20 мм, дистальный конец устанавливают транспапиллярно в ...

УСТРОЙСТВО И СПОСОБ ФРИКЦИОННОЙ ОБРАТНОЙ СВЯЗИ ПРОВОЛОЧНОГО ПРОВОДНИКА ДЛЯ ИНТЕРВЕНЦИОННОГО ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОГО РОБОТА

Группа изобретений относится к медицине, а именно к устройству и способу фрикционной обратной связи проволочного проводника для интервенционного хирургического робота. Устройство включает два набора приводных концевых частей, ведомых концевых частей и зажимных частей. Наборы частей симметрично расположены вдоль проволочного проводника (101). Каждый набор приводной концевой части включает соединитель с U-образным пазом, высокоточный датчик усилия, первый ползун, первую микролинейную направляющую, угловую соединительную пластину и соединительную деталь приводного конца. Верхняя часть соединительной детали приводного конца выполнена с возможностью скольжения вдоль направления, параллельного проволочному проводнику, по продольному направлению прямоугольной нижней пластины. Прямоугольная нижняя пластина приводит в движение приводной конец механизма. Нижняя часть угловой соединительной пластины выполнена с возможностью скольжения перпендикулярно направлению проволочного проводника на верхней ...

НАПРАВЛЯЮЩАЯ ПРОВОЛОКА ДЛЯ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ В ТРУБКООБРАЗНЫХ МЕДИЦИНСКИХ ЗОНДАХ, В ЧАСТНОСТИ ДЛЯ ДИЕТОТЕРАПИИ

Изобретение относится к медицине. Направляющая проволока, снабженная элементом, облегчающим введение, на ее торцевом конце и выполненная с возможностью введения в трубку питательного зонда, причем с проксимальной стороны за элементом, облегчающим введение, предусмотрен участок направляющей проволоки, жесткость на изгиб которого меньше жесткости на изгиб примыкающей с проксимальной стороны направляющей проволоки в остальной части. При этом легко гнущийся участок направляющей проволоки между элементом, облегчающим введение, и направляющей проволокой в остальной части образован винтовой пружиной, изготовленной из плоской проволоки путем намотки на болванку с предварительным натяжением, на которой с дистальной стороны элемент, облегчающий введение, выполнен в виде закругления, и с которой с проксимальной стороны соосно входит в зацепление и закреплена с замыканием материалом направляющая проволока в остальной части, выполненная в виде многожильной плетенки. Применение изобретения позволит минимизировать ...

Способ наружного дренировани желчных путей при лапароскопической операции

Способ наружного дренирования желчных путей при лапароскопических операциях, включающий клипирование проксимального отдела пузырного протока в области шейки желчного пузыря клипсами и пересечение пузырного протока, создание отверстия в его стенке, введение дренажа в общий желчный проток и фиксацию его к пузырному протоку, отличающийся тем, что предварительно перед введением дренажа в общий желчный проток на культю пузырного протока ниже отверстия в его стенке набрасывают петлю Редера из кетгута, в отверстие в стенке пузырного протока вводят мочеточниковый катетер вначале на 15-20 см, затем на 3-4 см, после чего металлический проводник из катетера удаляют и петлю Редера окончательно затягивают, а внешний конец мочеточникового катетера выводят на переднюю брюшную стенку, где закрепляют таким образом, чтобы в брюшной полости катетер располагался свободно, без натяжения.

УСТРОЙСТВО, СИСТЕМА И СПОСОБ ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИИ АНАТОМИИ ПАЦИЕНТА

... 1. Устройство для визуализации анатомии, содержащее удлиненное волокно с проксимальным концом, дистальным концом и расширяющейся частью, выполненной с возможностью введения в область тела пациента, окруженную одной или более тканевыми стенками, причем расширяющаяся часть выполнена с возможностью радиального расширения по направлении к указанной одной или более тканевым стенкам, и с возможностью визуализации после расширения по направлению к указанной одной или более тканевым стенкам.2. Устройство по п.1, отличающееся тем, что обеспечивает визуализацию области тела в реальном масштабе времени.3. Устройство по п.1, отличающееся тем, что выполнено с возможностью обеспечения информации, выбранной из группы, включающей информацию о геометрии сосуда, такую как информацию о диаметре, криволинейной форме и других геометрических параметрах сосуда, полезных в ангиопластике, при стентировании, атерэктомии и при других диагностических или терапевтических сосудистых процедурах; информацию о фистуле ...

AUSTAUSCHFüHRUNGSDRAHT MIT ALTERNIERENDEN BäNDERN

AUTOMATISCH ANGEPASSTER LENKBARER PCTA FÜHRUNGSDRAHT

Führungsdraht

Führungsdraht (1) für medizinische Zwecke mit einem elastisch biegsamen Kerndraht (3) sowie einem aus einem formstabilen elastisch nachgiebigem Kunststoff bestehenden Mantelrohr (2), welches den Kerndraht (3) längs des Mantelrohrs (2) verschiebbar aufnimmt, wobei das Mantelrohr (2) an seinem distalen Ende (9) eine abgerundete Endkappe (10) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Endkappe (10) einstückiger Bestandteil des Mantelrohrs (2) ist und durch eine thermische oder thermisch-mechanische Umformung am Mantelrohr (2) angeformt ist.

Ausdehnbarer Führungsdraht für Herz-Kreislauf-Systeme.

Führungsdraht

Halteverbindung für die Verlängerung eines Führungsdrahtes

Guide wire for surgical instrument with wire core

The wire core (1) has a rear section (2) with a larger dia., and a front section (3) with a smaller dia., with both sections adjacent to each other, while forming an annular shoulder (5) abutted by a spinal spring (6) surrounding the front wire core section. The spinal spring is secured to the wire core at least in the shoulder region. The outer dia. (dl) of the front core section is slightly larger than the inner dia. (di) of the spiral spring in an end section (4), adjacent to the annular shoulder and extending axially max. over a few spring turns. Otherwise the front section outer dia. is smaller than the spring inner dia.

EKG-Abteilung über Katheter

GALLENKATHETER MIT EINEM GEMEINSAMEN DISTALEN LUMEN ZUM AUSWECHSELN DURCH EINEN BEDIENER

MANDREL FOR CATHETERS AND CANNULAS

FÜHRUNGSDRAHT MIT GERINGER MASSE ZUR DREHMOMENT-ÜBERTRAGUNG

Führungsdraht für medizinische Vorrichtungen

Führungsdraht für medizinische Vorrichtungen, der zumindest eine Markierung aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Führungsdraht (1) in dessen distalem Bereich eine Spirale (11) aufweist, die sich von dem distalen Ende des Führungsdrahtes (1) aus in proximaler Richtung erstreckt und zumindest zwei aneinander angeschlossene Spiralbereiche (110, 111) als Markierungen aufweist, die zumindest an deren Oberflächen aus unterschiedlichen Materialien bestehen.

Führungsdrahteinheit

Führungsdraht mit biegsamer distalen Spitze

Führungsdraht

MEHRLUMIGE KATHETER

Device

A device (1) for accessing a location within a body lumen and obtaining a biopsy sample, the device (1) comprising: first (2) and second (4) elongate members; a first cutter part (8) connected to the first elongate member (2); and a second cutter (12) part connected to the second elongate member (4); wherein the first (2) and second (4) elongate members are moveable relative to one another and configured to move at least one of the first (8) and second (12) cutter parts in a longitudinal direction of at least one of the elongate members between an open position and a cutter interaction position for cutting a biopsy sample. The first member (2) may comprise a dilation element (10). The device may comprise a chamber (16) for holding the tissue sample, possibly located within an outer sheath of the second member (4). A portion of the chamber may be defined by the first member, such as between the dilation element (10) and the cutter part (8). Said cutter parts may be electrically connectable ...

An embolic protection device

Aspiration catheter

An aspiration catheter 10 has an aspiration tube 14 with a coaxial wire guide support 20. The distal end of the wire guide support 20 has a tip 18 for poking into thrombi. In use, the aspiration catheter 10 is navigated over a wire guide 40 until it is positioned adjacent to a thrombus before the tip 18 is moved back and forth in the distal-proximal direction to dislodge the thrombus and an aspiration force is applied via the aspiration tube 14 to suck the dislodged thrombus from the body.

Pulmonary nodule access devices and methods of using the same

In certain embodiments, a device is configured to be delivered to the site of a nodule in the lung or other body organ or lumen. The device can be configured to attach directly to the target nodule or to tissue adjacent the target nodule. The device can be configured t provide repeatable access to the site of the target nodule. In some embodiments, the device includes a guide wire that can extend proximal the device. In some embodiments, the device can include a channel portion through which medical devices and/or instruments can be navigated. In some embodiments, the device can be deployed in the wall of an airway or other body lumen to provide trans luminal access to a nodule outside of the lumen.

Spring guide manipulator

... 1,119,159. Manipulative tool for spring guides. UNITED STATES CATHETER & INSTRUMENT CORP. 17 Feb., 1967 [31 May, 1966], No. 7689/67. Heading A5R. [Also in Division F2] A manipulative tool for spring guides comprises a body portion A, a front chuck B for securely holding the proximal end coils of a spring guide, the front chuck being operably connected to the body portion and rotatable with respect thereto about its longitudinal axis, a back chuck C for securely holding the proximal end of a spring guide tensioning wire, the back chuck being operably associated with the front chuck and being rotatable therewith and axially movable with respect thereto, wheel D for rotating both chucks relative to the body portion, and a linkage assembly E for effecting axial movement of the back chuck C towards or away from the front chuck B. Body portion A includes flange 5 connected to mounting block 6 by spacer rod 7. Block 6 has a vertical rib 8, a pair of horizontal slideways 9, 9, and relatively large ...

DEVICE FOR BRINGING IN ELONGATED MEDICAL ONE PROPERTY

GUIDANCE WIRE

GUIDANCE WIRE

LOCKING DEVICE FOR GUIDANCE WIRE

WITH POLYMER OF COVERINGS GUIDANCE WIRE

PRESSURE SENSOR GUIDANCE WIRE WITH IMPROVED RESISTANCE TO BENDING

MARKING GUIDANCE WIRES

GUIDANCE WIRE AS EMBOLIESCHUTZ WITH ACTIVATE-CASH ATTACK AND FILTER

GUIDANCE WIRE FOR A CATHETER

EMBOLIESCHUTZVORRICHTUNG

GUIDANCE WIRE

EQUIPMENT FOR THE APPROXIMATION OF FABRIC PARTS, THE ONE ANASTOMOSIS FORMS BEING SUPPOSED

POLYMER-COATED GUIDANCE WIRE

MEDICAL GUIDANCE WIRE

EQUIPMENT TO THE INTRAVENOUS CATHETER INTRODUCTION AND USE PROCEDURE

MEDICAL GUIDANCE WIRE

WIRE-ROD GUIDES WITH NEW OUTER LAYER RANGES AND CHAMBERS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE HYDROPHILIC CHARACTERISTICS AND DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

TORQUE DEVICE FOR A MEDICAL GUIDANCE WIRE AND USE OF THE DEVICE

NEWPOSITION-CASH AND BACKGET-CASH OF VASCULAR ONES STENT/GRAFT

CATHETER GUIDANCE WIRE SYSTEM WITH CONCENTRIC WIRES

GUIDANCE WIRE COMMUNICATION DEVICE

GUIDANCE WIRE TO THE USE WITH THE MEASUREMENT OF A FLOW DIRECTION IN A CONTAINER

MEDICAL GUIDANCE WIRE

GUIDANCE WIRE

INTRAVASCULÄRER GUIDANCE WIRE

GUIDANCE WIRE MECHANISM WITH A ROTARY ELECTRICAL CONNECTING PIECE.

ONE IN IT FOR SCHLAUCHFOERMIGE CATHETERS AND KOERPERSONDEN.

CATHETER FROM A FLEXIBLE TUBE

CONNECTING CONSTRUCTION FOR A MEDICAL GUIDANCE WIRE

INTRODUCTION ASSISTANCE FOR GUIDANCE WIRE

HOLLOWWOUND GUIDANCE WIRE FOR A CATHETER

TRIGGER WIRE SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHESIS PLACING DEVICE

GUIDANCE CATHETER WITH AN SLIDINGABLE INTERIOR COATING

DEVICE FOR BRINGING IN A MEDICAL TRANSPLANT

MEDICAL GUIDANCE WIRE

GUIDANCE WIRE DEVICE TO THE COMPLETE OKKLUSION

DEVICE FOR LEADING A GUIDANCE WIRE AND FOR CONNECTING WITH A GUIDANCE WIRE EXTENSION

RETAINING CONNECTION FOR THE EXTENSION OF A GUIDANCE WIRE

RETAINING CONNECTION FOR THE EXTENSION OF A GUIDANCE WIRE

PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A GUIDANCE WIRE

EINSTÜCKIGES GUIDANCE PART AND PROCEDURE FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

GUIDANCE FEEDING OF WIRE EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURE

GUIDANCE WIRE FROM SUPERELASTIC ALLOY

CORE WIRE ASSEMBLY FOR GUIDEWIRE

An apparatus and method of manufacture includes a helical wire coil and a core wire assembly. The core wire assembly includes a core wire and a sleeve. The core wire extends through the helical wire coil and is formed from a first material that is non-extensible. The sleeve has a longitudinal bore. The core wire is disposed within the longitudinal bore of the sleeve. The core wire is secured within the sleeve. The sleeve is formed from a second material. The second material of the sleeve is different than the first material of the core wire. The sleeve is attached to the distal wire coil such that core wire inhibits longitudinal elongation of the proximal and distal wire coils along the longitudinal coil axis. Fl 1 40 26 x-20 64) Fig.1A 1-4 110 64) Fig.1 B ...

Producing a guideware comprising a position sensor

A method for producing a guidewire, the method includes producing a position sensor by providing a shaft section having a solid profile, which is sized and shaped 5 to move in an anatomical material transportation system. A wire is wound around an axis of the shaft-section and first and second ends of the wire are coupled to respective first and second locations on an outer surface of the shaft section. A guidewire-shaft is provided, and the position 10 sensor is coupled to a distal end of the guidewire-shaft.

Sheathless guide, rapid exchange dilator and associated methods

SHEATHLESS GUIDE, RAPID EXCHANGE DILATOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS Dilators, such as rapid exchange dilators, configured for percutaneous access are disclosed. The dilator (100) may be configured to be disposable within, or couplable with, a catheter. In some embodiments, the dilator (100), or the coupled dilator and the catheter, may be configured such that a sheath is not required for percutaneous access. In other embodiments, the dilator (100) may comprise a plug (114) such that a guide wire may be directed from a distal end (106) of the dilator (100) through a port (110), such as a rapid exchange port, in a sidewall of the dilator. The plug (114) may also be configured to permit passage of fluid through a lumen (108) of the dilator (100) while inhibiting passage of the guide wire through a length of the dilator (100).

Sheathless guide, rapid exchange dilator and associated methods

SHEATHLESS GUIDE, RAPID EXCHANGE DILATOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS Dilators, such as rapid exchange dilators, configured for percutaneous access are disclosed. The dilator (100) may be configured to be disposable within, or couplable with, a catheter. In some embodiments, the dilator (100), or the coupled dilator and the catheter, may be configured such that a sheath is not required for percutaneous access. In other embodiments, the dilator (100) may comprise a plug (114) such that a guide wire may be directed from a distal end (106) of the dilator (100) through a port (110), such as a rapid exchange port, in a sidewall of the dilator. The plug (114) may also be configured to permit passage of fluid through a lumen (108) of the dilator (100) while inhibiting passage of the guide wire through a length of the dilator (100).

Guide wire dispenser apparatus

Methods of fabricating a catheter shaft having one or more guidewire ports

Method of removing a stylette from a catheter

A hydrophilic coated stylette is pre-loaded in an implantable catheter. The hydrophilic coated stylette is wetted with saline to activate the hydrophilic coating. 5 The stylette loaded catheter is tunneled, typically through muscle and tissue, to a desired target site within the body. The hydrophilic coated stylette is then removed from the catheter while maintaining the catheter intact. The proximal end of the catheter can be connected to an outlet of an implantable infusion pump so that medicament can be delivered directly to the target site. 18/10/06,16109 specification,2 U-( L -~L0 ...

Shapeable intraluminal device and method therefor

Extension system for pressure-sensing guidewires

Guide wire insertion and re-insertion tools and methods of use

Sensor and guide wire assembly

ENHANCED METHOD FOR JOINING TWO CORE WIRES

Guide for medical devices

A medical guide wire, an assembly body of the same medical guide wire and microcatheter, an assembly body of the same medical guide wire, a balloon catheter and a guiding catheter

TRIGGER WIRE SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHESIS DEPLOYMENT DEVICE

A sensor for intravascular measurements within a living body

GUIDEWIRE LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD

Guidewire-centering catheter tip

Medical device with shield having a retractable needle

Expandable device and method for sensing temperature profile of a hollow body organ

Guidewire reel and related methods

Echolucent guidewire tip

A medical device includes a guidewire with a lumen, a plastic tip, and a removable mandrel. The medical device has echogenic properties which can be altered between an echogenic state and an echolucent state by evacuating the lumen and applying a liquid or gas within the lumen.

Guidewire

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a guidewire for performing medical procedures may include a central core. The central core may include a first region having a first width and a distal surface. The central core may also include a second region distal to the first region. The second region may have a second width different than the first width. The second region may also have a proximal surface. At least a portion of the distal surface of the first region may be angled relative to a portion of the proximal surface of the second region. The guidewire may also include a first covering surrounding the first region. The first covering and the first region may form a first covered region having a third width. The guidewire may also include a second covering surrounding the second region. The second covering and the second region may form a second covered region having a fourth width. The third width and the fourth width may be substantially equal.

Multi-electrode catheter assemblies for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods

Catheter apparatuses and systems for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., spiral/helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function.

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Abstract A method is described for decreasing activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating at least one blood vessel in the pulmonary vasculature of a patient to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. In one embodiment, the method comprises advancing an intravascular treatment device to a target location in a target blood vessel within the pulmonary vasculature of the patient and using the treatment device to decrease activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating the target blood vessel at or near the target location to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension.

Anchoring guidewire

Anchoring guide wire (102) comprising a non-coiled segment (104), a first expandable segment (106), and a leading segment (108), wherein the first expandable segment is configured to transition between a constrained state and a deployed state.

Intravascular arterial to venous anastomosis and tissue welding catheter

A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the wal ls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size.

Catheter guiding tool

A catheter guiding tool includes a handle of the guiding tool, the handle including an inner cavity extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the handle; a flexible wire guide; a cover closing the proximal end of the handle, wherein the proximal end of the wire guide forms a coil spring, the coil spring being positioned in the inner cavity of the handle and held in rotation by the cover, the cover being solidary in rotation of the handle.

Vertebra filler

The present invention offers two programs of a filler for spine, both two include a catheter and a catheter holder for fastening the catheter, there is a guide pin inside of the catheter, and the guide pin is fastened on the guide pin holder, a sealed or ventilate feed bag made of soft nonmetal materials accordent to biocompartibility or absorbefacient materials is set at the end of the catheter, the feature of the two programs lies in that a outer thimble is set at the outerside of the catheter, the outer thimble is fixed on the outer thimble holder, a dismountable structure connects the outer thimble holder and catheter holder, a reducing cone of tapered outer thimble at the open end of the said outer thimble connects to a little diameter outer thimble, or a inside convex plate of outer thimble; the said catheter has a reducing cone corresponding to the reducing cone of outer thimble at the reducing cone of outer thimble or the inside convex plate of outer thimble, and the reducing cone of catheter connects to a little diameter catheter; the said feed bag is set in the catheter through its open end, lies in between outer thimble and catheter and fastened tightly at the outer wall of catheter by outer thimble.

System and method for manipulating insertion pathways for accessing target sites

A method for accessing a target site in the body by transferring a guidewire from an initial insertion site on the body to a different insertion site on the body is provided. In one aspect, a method for transferring a medical device or component, such as a sensor lead, from an initial insertion site to another insertion site is also provided. A guidewire of sufficient length, pliancy and deformability to perform a transfer from one insertion site to another insertion site is provided. In one aspect, the guidewire comprises a removable core mandrel to increase rigidity, facilitate insertion and/or improve steerability. A kit or system, comprising introducers, guidewires and catheters for performing a guidewire or device transfer is also provided.

Color coded guide wire and methods of making same

A color coding is applied to medical guide wires by coloring portions of the guide wire to distinguish similar guide wires and guide wire portions from a particular manufacturer. The metallic elongate core can be colored using various methods such as electrochemical processes, sputtering, electroplating, and laser inducing microstructures to alter the surface characteristics of the elongate metallic core. Alternatively, the outer layer of the guide wire can be color coded by using non-standard colors or by introducing a colored band on the guide wire.

Guide wire with soldered multilayer coil member

A guide wire includes an elongate core section and a flexible member disposed on the distal end, the flexible member including a first wire wound into an inner helical coil in a first direction and a second wire wound into an outer helical coil wrapped about the first helical coil in the opposite direction. The two combined helical coils add stiffness and torque transmission to the guide wire without sacrificing tactile feedback.

Spring Action Medical Device

A spring action medical device includes a spring that may propel a hammer component in a distal direction when the spring is released from a loaded state. When propelled forward by the spring, the hammer component makes contact with a distal tip of the medical device. The distal tip may then transfer a force to an external object, such as an occlusion in a body lumen.

Catheter access and control device and method of using same

The present application discloses a handle configured to receive a catheter. The handle comprises a port that communicates with a lumen of the catheter and a mechanism is provided that moves the end of the catheter for positioning. The guide wire traverses a reservoir located in the handle. In particular, the handle comprises an enclosure with a conduit and a reservoir, where the conduit extends through the enclosure from the left side to the right side and the reservoir space has a curved or concave base. The bottom side and top side of the handle converge into a tapered point on the left side.

Methods and Apparatus for Inserting Multi-Lumen Split-Tip Catheters Into a Blood Vessel

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for inserting flexible, multi-lumen catheters into blood vessels, and in particular, for inserting flexible, split-tip catheters into blood vessels. The invention accomplishes these objects by temporarily stiffening each catheter lumen and tip independently through use of intra-catheter stiffener elements disposed within the catheter lumens. This provides means for advancing the catheter/stiffeners assembly through a subcutaneous tunnel, and over a plurality of guidewires until a distal tip of the catheter is at a desired position within the vessel. The intra-catheter stiffener elements are sufficiently stiffening to allow advancing the catheter over guidewires, but sufficiently flexible to allow bending and looping of the catheter for proper placement within the vessel.

Quick release mechanism for medical device deployment

A medical device assembly having a quick release mechanism reversibly engaged with a medical device and a method used by an operator to deploy said medical device at a targeted site in a body vessel is provided. The quick release mechanism generally comprises an inner core wire and an outer coil having a proximal section and distal section. The inner core wire and the outer coil are coupled together proximate to their distal end with the outer coil having an enlarged overall thickness in its distal section. The medical device has an opening sized to receive and to detachably engage the distal section of the outer coil. The quick release mechanism having an engaged position in which the outer coil is securely holds the medical device and a detached position in which the outer coil and medical device are substantially unengaged. The operator causes the quick release mechanism to move from the engaged position to the detached position by moving the inner core wire and outer coil in opposite directions.

Steering system and a catcher system

A steering system ( 30 ) comprises two radially oppositely arranged drive wheels ( 1; 3 ) for steering a tubular object ( 5 ) positioned between the drive wheels ( 1; 3 ). The drive wheels ( 1; 3 ) each have a wheel rotation axis ( 40; 42 ) and each include a plurality of rollers ( 7 ) distributed around the wheel rotation axis ( 40; 42 ). The rollers ( 7 ) are rotatably arranged, each roller having a roller rotation axis ( 44 ) and an outer drive face ( 58 ) concavely vaulted in a direction corresponding to its roller rotation axis ( 44 ). The roller rotation axis ( 44 ) is obliquely oriented in relation to the wheel rotation axis ( 40; 42 ) and the rollers ( 7 ) of each drive wheel ( 1; 3 ) form together a steering periphery for the tubular object ( 5 ). The steering system enables continues rotation of a tubular object without danger that the object will lose the contact with the rollers. The steering system ( 30 ) may be incorporated in a catheter system which comprises a catheter ( 5 ).

Balloon catheter

A balloon catheter includes a balloon support member having a hollow axial lumen and open distal end for allowing passage of a guidewire therethrough, a balloon disposed around the balloon support member, and an annular balloon seal disposed proximate to a distal end of the balloon catheter. The seal defines a central passageway for allowing passage therethrough of a guidewire extending out the distal end of the balloon support member, and is configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal around each of a plurality of guidewires having different outer diameters.

Guidewire

A guidewire includes a core shaft, a coil body that covers the core shaft, and a joining portion formed of metal solder that couples the core shaft and the coil body. The coil body includes a tungsten wire and a noble metal plating layer that covers at least a portion of a surface of the tungsten wire. A surface of the noble metal plating layer has a first uneven shape, including at least one recess and at least one protrusion.

ASSEMBLIES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INFUSING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS INTO THE BODY

An infusion catheter assembly has the ability to infinitely titrate the length of a porous fluid distribution section in situ. The infusion catheter assembly thereby provides a length of infusion that can be infinitely varied over a prescribed range, to control the effective infusion length and the rate of infusion. Using the infusion catheter assembly, a physician has the capability to treat only the length of the vessel desired, thereby preventing excessive drug/patient exposures. The porous fluid distribution section can include an array of spaced apart apertures that vary in size and/or density along the length of the porous fluid distribution section, such that the flow rate remains essentially constant for a given inlet pressure independent of the effective infusion length. 1. An infusion catheter assembly comprisinga catheter body having an interior lumen and including a porous fluid distribution section having a predefined maximum length communicating with the interior lumen;at least one fluid delivery port for dispensing a fluid from an external source into communication with the porous fluid distribution section for infusion through the porous fluid distribution section at a flow rate; anda barrier mechanism movable within the catheter body to establish for the infusion catheter assembly an infinitely variable range of effective infusion lengths between the maximum length and any smaller length along the porous fluid distribution section.2. An infusion catheter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier mechanism comprises an expandable structure.3. An infusion catheter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier mechanism comprises an expandable structure that expands in response to introduction of a fluid.4. An infusion catheter assembly according to claim 1 , further including a lumen in the catheter body to accommodate passage of a guide wire claim 1 , and the barrier mechanism also including a lumen to accommodate passage of the guide ...

Vascular delivery methods

A vascular method is disclosed comprising introducing a first flexible wire into a blood vessel, wherein the blood vessel has a first vessel end and a second vessel end and wherein the first flexible wire has a first end and a second end, sliding an angiotip along the first flexible wire in a direction away from the first end of the wire and toward the second end of the wire, frictionally engaging the first flexible wire with the angiotip, and pulling the first flexible wire through the blood vessel in the direction of the second vessel end, wherein the pulling of the first flexible wire pulls the angiotip through the blood vessel in the direction of the second vessel end.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DILATION AND DISSECTION OF TISSUES

A minimally invasive dilation device includes a stylus, a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about the stylus, and a dilating member positioned between the stylus and the arms. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon or a cannula. During dilation, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the stylus and inner mesh may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system. 1. A method for forming a passageway through tissue , the method comprising:making an incision;inserting a dilation device into the incision, the dilation device comprising: a plurality of arms arranged in a radial array, each arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and lateral edges extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the radial array of arms in a closed configuration wherein the lateral edges of adjacent arms contact one another, the radial array of arms having an outer diameter in the closed configuration; and a circular hub proximal to the plurality of arms, the arms radially arrayed relative to the hub and extending out of the hub;penetrating the tissue with the dilation device;advancing a cannula to extend through the hub and inside the radial array of arms, the cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, the cannula having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the radial array of arms in the closed configuration; wherein advancing the cannula inside the radial array of arms transforms the radial array of arms from the closed configuration to an ...

GUIDE WIRE

A guide wire includes a first wire disposed on the distal side of the guide wire and a second wire disposed on the proximal side. The second wire has an elastic modulus larger than the first wire. The first wire is joined to the second wire at a welded portion by welding. A coil is disposed on the distal side of the first wire. A cover layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the wire member in such a manner as to cover at least the welded portion. The cover layer is made from a material capable of reducing the friction of the cover layer, for example, a fluorocarbon resin or a hydrophilic material, to thereby improve the sliding performance of the guide wire. Such a guide wire is excellent in operationality and kink resistance. 1. A method of manufacturing a guide wire comprising:providing a first wire and a second wire, the first wire and the second wire being made from different materials;welding the first wire to the second wire at a welded portion; andcoating an outer periphery of the welded portion with a polymer cover layer while the welded portion is not heated,wherein the polymer cover layer is made from a fluorocarbon resin or hydrophilic material.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first wire and the second wire each possess an end face claim 1 , and the end face of the first wire and the end face of the second wire are welded to one another at the welded portion so that the first and second wires do not axially overlap one another.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the end face of the first wire and the end face of the second wire are each perpendicular to an axial direction of the first and second wires claim 2 , and the welding between the first and second end faces is performed by a butt resistance welding process.4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the end face of the first wire and the end face of the second wire are formed into a recessed and raised shape claim 2 , respectively.5. The method according to ...

FLUOROSCOPY-INDEPENDENT, ENDOVASCULAR AORTIC OCCLUSION SYSTEM

A system for deploying and selectively inflating a thoracic aortic balloon at a desired location within the thoracic aorta for resuscitative aortic occlusion, inferior to the left subclavian artery, without the aid of fluoroscopy is described. Using CT imaging data, a distance between readily identifiable and consistently located external landmarks of torso extent is measured. Next, using the same data, a second distance from the femoral artery to a desired aortic occlusion location inferior to the left subclavian artery is determined. A correlation between the external measure of torso extent and the desired intra-arterial (i.e. endovascular) distance within the torso is made. Using a nomogram, a calibrated endovascular resuscitative thoracic aortic occlusion system can be positioned to this desired location on any injured individual with end-stage shock and impending cardiovascular collapse or death without the aid of fluoroscopy for delivery or balloon inflation. 114-. (canceled)15. A system for determining a length to which an endovascular wire and a balloon shaft of a thoracic aortic occlusion system are to be inserted into a femoral artery at a femoral head of a patient , thereby positioning the aortic occlusion balloon in a thoracic aorta inferiorly of a left subclavian artery of the patient without fluoroscopy , comprising:measuring a distance between at least two anatomical landmarks of the patient, said anatomical landmarks including at least a symphysis pubis of the patient and a sternal notch of the patient; andcomparing the distance between the at least two external anatomical landmarks of the patient to a nomogram, the nomogram including one of a table, chart or graph correlating distances between the at least two external anatomical landmarks of a pool of humans to centerline distances from the femoral artery at the femoral head to a location within the thoracic aorta of the humans, to calculate the length to which the endovascular wire and the ...

SENSOR JACKET

A sensor guide wire for intravascular measurement of a physiological variable includes a sensor element arranged in a jacket in a sensor region of the sensor guide wire, a core wire extending at least partly along the length of the sensor guide wire, and at least one electrical lead connected to the sensor element. The jacket is tubular and includes proximal and distal end openings, a jacket wall, a first opening arranged in the jacket wall, and a second opening arranged in the jacket wall. The first and second openings are proximate to the sensor element, and the core wire is adapted to extend through the jacket via the proximal and distal end openings. The sensor guide wire can provide a more reliable and stable sensor output by preventing air from becoming entrapped within the jacket wall or allowing such entrapped air to escape. The sensor guide wire may also prevent air from adhering to the outer surface of the jacket wall by enabling improved fluid communication between the sensor element and a fluid medium. 113.-. (canceled)14. A sensor guide wire for intravascular measurement of a physiological variable , comprising:a sensor element arranged in a jacket in a sensor region of the sensor guide wire;a core wire extending at least partly along a length of the sensor guide wire; andat least one electrical lead connected to the sensor element;wherein the jacket is tubular and includes proximal and distal end openings, a jacket wall, a first opening arranged in the jacket wall, and a second opening arranged in the jacket wall, the first and second openings being proximate to the sensor element; andwherein the core wire is adapted to extend through the jacket via the proximal and distal end openings.15. The sensor guide wire according to claim 14 , wherein the second opening is arranged at the opposite side of the jacket in relation to the first opening.16. The sensor guide wire according to claim 14 , wherein the jacket has a longitudinal axis claim 14 , and ...

MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING A LUBRICIOUS COATING WITH A HYDROPHILIC COMPOUND IN AN INTERLOCKING NETWORK

A medical device having a lubricious coating on at least a section of the medical device, and a method of coating a medical device, the lubricious coating being a network of short chain and long chain hydrophilic compounds cross-linked to one another and interlocked with a network of a cross-linked polymerized multifunctional monomer or polymer. The coating can include one or more agents which provide enhanced adhesion of the coating on the device, or which provide faster hydration of the coating and/or improved lubricity. Additionally, the lubricious coating can be provided with one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents, and in one embodiment the agent elutes relatively quickly in a concentrated release from the lubricious coating upon hydration of the coating. 1. A medical device having at least a section with a lubricious coating that comprises the cured reaction product of a solution mixture applied to the device , the solution mixture , comprising:a) a multifunctional monomer or polymer network-forming compound;b) a short chain hydrophilic compound;c) a long chain hydrophilic compound;d) one or more first cross-linkers for cross-linking the multifunctional monomer or polymer, which preferentially cross-links the multifunctional monomer or polymer relative to the hydrophilic compounds; ande) one or more second cross-linkers, different than the first cross-linkers, for cross-linking the hydrophilic compounds, which preferentially cross-links the hydrophilic compounds relative to the multifunctional monomer or polymer, such that the cured reaction product on the medical device is a network of the hydrophilic compounds cross-linked to one another and interlocked with a polymerized network of the monomer or polymer.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lubricious coating is cured using a radiation source.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lubricious coating is cured using an ultraviolet source.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lubricious coating is ...

Bond between components of a medical device

An elongated member and a method of manufacturing an elongated member may include first, second, and third elongated rod mandrels. The first, second, and third elongated rod mandrels may be fixed together at predetermined proximal and distal locations and at a ball tip. The first, second, and third rod mandrels may be disposed within a tubular coupling element and fixed to the tubular coupling element at the ball tip. The tubular coupling element may be placed into abutment with and fixed to the distal end of an elongated shaft.

GUIDEWIRE HAVING LINEAR CHANGE IN STIFFNESS

The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal section with multiple distally tapered core segments with at least two contiguous distally tapering core segments in which the most distal tapered core segment preferably has a greater degree of taper than the proximally contiguous tapered core segment. The invention is also directed to an elongated intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire or section thereof, that has a core member or the like with a plurality of contiguous tapered segments having taper angles that are configured to produce a linear change in stiffness over a longitudinal section of the device. The device may also have a core section with a continuously changing taper angle to produce a curvilinear profile that preferably is configured to produce a linear change in stiffness of the core over a longitudinal section of the device. 163-. (canceled)64. A guidewire , comprising:an elongated core member having a substantially constant change in bending stiffness based on relative bending stiffness values of the elongated core member versus axial position values along the core member.65. The guidewire of claim 64 , wherein the slope of a graph of the bending stiffness values of the elongated core member versus the axial position values of the core member is constant.66. The guidewire of claim 64 , wherein the elongated core member is comprised of multiple core segments claim 64 , at least some of the multiple core segments having a constant taper angle along a length thereof.67. The guidewire of claim 66 , wherein the elongated core member has a distal end and a proximal end; the constant taper angle of each of the at least some of the multiple core segments being greater than the constant taper angle proximally adjacent thereto.68. The guidewire of claim 64 , wherein the elongated core member is comprised of multiple core segments each having a tapered segment with a constant taper angle along a length thereof.60. The guidewire of claim 68 , ...

GUIDEWIRE

A guidewire includes a core wire, a coil body that covers the core wire, a tip portion that fixes a distal end of the core wire to a distal end of the coil body, and a resin layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the core wire. A gap is provided between an outer peripheral surface of the resin layer and an inner peripheral surface of the coil body, so that the resin layer and the coil body are not in contact with each other. 1. A guidewire comprising:a core wire;a coil body that covers at least a distal end portion of the core wire;a tip portion that fixes a distal end of the core wire to a distal end of the coil body; and 'an outer peripheral surface of the resin layer and an inner peripheral surface of the coil body face each other with a gap therebetween so that the resin layer and the coil body are not in contact with each other.', 'a resin layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the core wire, the resin layer being disposed inside the coil body, wherein'}2. The guidewire according to claim 1 , wherein the resin layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the core wire so as to extend from a proximal end of the tip portion toward a proximal end of the core wire.3. The guidewire according to claim 1 , further comprising: 'the resin layer is formed at least inside the inner coil body and the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer and an inner peripheral surface of the inner coil body face each other with a gap therebetween so that the resin layer and the inner coil body are not in contact with each other.', 'an inner coil body that is disposed between the coil body and core wire, wherein'}4. The guidewire according to claim 1 , further comprising: 'a distal end of the inner coil body is fixed to the tip portion and a proximal end of the inner coil body is connected to a distal end of the resin layer.', 'an inner coil body that is disposed between the coil body and the core wire, the resin layer being disposed on a proximal-end side of ...

Guidewire with adjustable stiffness

A medical guidewire system including an inner member having an outer diameter and an outer member having an inner diameter, the inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter. The inner and outer members are relatively slidable to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire system. The lumen of the outer member forms a gap for fluid flow therethrough. A connector to the inner member and a fluid infusion channel communicating with the gap for injection of fluid through the gap to exit a distal portion of the outer member.

ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

A needle assembly comprises a metal needle () with a hub () and a marker in the form of a bubble-filled plastics rod () inserted within the needle. The rod () makes the assembly more visible under ultrasound observation when confirming correct placement of the needle () and is subsequently removed when correct placement has been confirmed. A fluid () is placed between the outside of the rod () and the inside of the needle () to improve acoustic coupling between the needle and the rod. Alternatively, a rod () is stretched during insertion and allowed to expand into close contact with the inside of the needle after insertion. 1. A needle assembly including a hollow metal needle , wherein the assembly includes a plastics rod removably mounted within the needle along its length and containing a plurality of gas bubbles within the thickness of the rod along its length such that the rod is visible under ultrasound observation and such that the ultrasound visibility of the assembly with the rod is greater that that of the needle alone.2. An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the gas bubbles extend along substantially the entire length of the rod.3. An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the gas bubbles have a size between 0.1μ and 300μ.4. An assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the gas bubbles have a size between approximately 5μ and 10μ.5. An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the assembly includes a flowable substance between the outside of the rod and the inside of the needle to provide acoustic coupling between the rod and needle so that during acoustic scanning acoustic energy passes through the needle to the rod.6. An assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the flowable substance is a body fluid.7. An assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the flowable substance is a liquid or gel applied to the outside of the rod.8. A method of enhancing visibility of a catheter or needle under ultrasound observation comprising the steps of: inserting the catheter ...

BACKLOADABLE OPTICAL SHAPE SENSING GUIDEWIRES

An optical guidewire system employs an optical guidewire (), an optical guidewire controller (), a guide interface () and an optical connector (). The optical guidewire () is for advancing a catheter () to a target region relative to a distal end of the optical guidewire (), wherein the optical guidewire () includes one or more guidewire fiber cores () for generating an encoded optical signal () indicative of a shape of the optical guidewire (). The optical guidewire controller () is responsive to the encoded optical signal () for reconstructing the shape of the optical guidewire (). The guidewire interface () includes one or more interface fiber core(s) () optically coupled to the optical guidewire controller (). The optical connector () facilitates a connection, disconnection and reconnection of the optical guidewire () to the guidewire interface () that enables a backloading the catheter () on the optical guidewire (). 1. An optical guidewire system , comprising:an optical guidewire for advancing a catheter to a target region relative to a distal end of the optical guidewire, wherein the optical guidewire includes at least one guidewire fiber core for generating an encoded optical signal indicative of a shape of the optical guidewire;an optical guidewire controller responsive to the encoded optical signal for reconstructing the shape of the optical guidewire;a guidewire interface including at least one interface fiber core optically coupled to the optical guidewire controller; and wherein the optical connector is operable for connecting the optical guidewire to the guidewire interface to optically communicate the encoded optical signal from the at least one guidewire fiber core through the at least one interface fiber core to the optical guidewire controller,', 'wherein, subsequent to a connection of the optical guidewire to the guidewire interface, the optical connector is further operable for disconnecting the optical guidewire from the guidewire interface and ...

Variable Stiffness Guidewire Systems

A variable-stiffness guidewire system which comprises an elongated flexible guidewire. The guidewire has a body and a tensioning head coupled to the body. The tensioning head is slidably moveable with respect to a guidewire collar coupled to the body via a tensioning wire to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire. The guidewire includes one or more protrusions within a conduit of the guidewire collar which applies a frictional force to the tensioning wire to maintain the tensioning head a desired distance from the collar, thereby maintaining the desired stiffness in the guidewire. A tool can be utilized with the guidewire to engage the guidewire head and move the guidewire head a desired distance from the guidewire collar to achieve a desired stiffness. 1. A variable-stiffness guidewire assembly comprising:an elongated flexible guidewire, the guidewire having a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the guidewire including a tensioning wire having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the distal end of the body, the guidewire including a tension head coupled to the second end of the tensioning wire, wherein the tensioning wire is longitudinally movable with respect to the body to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire, the guidewire including a collar located at the proximal end of the guidewire, the collar including at least one protrusion within which applies a frictional force onto the tensioning wire to maintain the tension head at a desired distance with respect to the guidewire; anda tool configured to receive and secure the tensioning head and the collar within, the tool including a main body and an actuator in longitudinal communication with the main body, wherein the actuator is longitudinally moveable with respect to the main body to move the tensioning head a desired distance with respect to the collar to achieve a desired stiffness in the guidewire.2. The variable-stiffness guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tensioning head is ...

Catheter with atraumatic tip

A medical device is provided comprising a shaft comprising a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is configured to buckle upon application of a first critical force. The second segment includes an outer surface and an inner surface and is configured to buckle upon application of a second critical force. The second critical force is lower than the first critical force. The medical device further comprises a coil disposed radially inwardly of the inner surface of the second segment.

BILIARY ACCESS CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING THE BILIARY TREE

Medical devices and methods are disclosed. An example method for accessing a body lumen may include providing a catheter system. The catheter system may include a catheter shaft having a lumen defined therein and an outer wall surface having a channel formed therein. A first guidewire may be disposed in the channel and a second guidewire may be disposed in the lumen. The method may also include advancing the catheter system through a body lumen to a location where the body lumen splits into a first section and a second section, advancing the first guidewire into the first section, and advancing the second guidewire into the second section, and advancing the catheter shaft along the second guidewire and into the second section. Advancing the catheter shaft along the second guidewire and into the second section may remove at least a portion of the first guidewire from the channel. 1. A method for accessing a body lumen , the method comprising:providing a catheter system, the catheter system including a catheter shaft having a lumen defined therein and an outer wall surface having a channel formed therein;wherein a first guidewire is disposed in the channel and a second guidewire is disposed in the lumen;advancing the catheter system through a body lumen to a location where the body lumen splits into a first section and a second section;advancing the first guidewire into the first section; andadvancing the second guidewire into the second section.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising advancing the catheter shaft along the second guidewire and into the second section.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein advancing the catheter system through a body lumen to a location where the body lumen splits into a first section and a second section includes advancing the catheter system through the ampulla of Vater.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein advancing the first guidewire into the first section includes advancing the first guidewire into the pancreatic duct.5. The ...

System and method for delivering and deploying an occluding device within a vessel

A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned. The elongated flexible member may be a integral portion formed thereof that form a coil portion.

Medical delivery systems and apparatus

A catheter proximal section is preferably formed from a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, and includes a proximal terminal end that defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter. The proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool. An inner surface of each of the relatively soft and rigid parts may be located opposite one another, on either side of the catheter lumen. The relatively soft and rigid parts may be included in a sealing assembly that further includes an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the proximal section catheter.

PROCESSING OF INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY IMAGES BY ECG ANALYSIS

A method of processing images for interventional imaging, wherein a region of interest is visualized, is provided. The method comprises acquiring a series of 2D images of the region of interest in a patient during at least one respiratory phase, acquiring an electrocardiographic signal which is synchronized with the acquisition of the series of 2D images, processing the electrocardiographic signal to estimate at least one deformation phase of the region of interest induced by the patient's respiratory movement, and registering the different successive 2D images in relation to the estimated deformation phase. 1. A method of processing images for interventional imaging , wherein a region of interest is visualized , the method comprising:acquiring a series of 2D images of the region of interest in a patient during at least one respiratory phase;acquiring an electrocardiographic signal which is synchronized with the acquisition of the series of 2D images;processing the electrocardiographic signal to estimate at least one deformation phase of the region of interest induced by the patient's respiratory movement; andregistering the different successive 2D images in relation to the estimated deformation phase.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein processing the electrocardiographic signal comprises detecting an envelope of the electrocardiographic signal in order to derive the patient's respiratory movement.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the series of 2D images are acquired at the rate of the patient's cardiac cycle.4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:acquiring a plurality of 2D images of the region of interest, wherein the patient's respiratory movement is blocked; andutilizing each of the plurality of 2D images to form a mask of the region of interest.5. The method according to claim 4 , further comprising:reconstructing a 3D image of the patient from the plurality of 2D images of the region of interest; andutilizing the ...

Interface Devices, Systems, and Methods for Use With Intravascular Pressure Monitoring Devices

Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to provide FFR measurements in a small, compact device that integrates with existing proximal and distal pressure measurement systems and does not require a separate power source. 1. An interface for intravascular pressure sensing devices , comprising:a distal input configured to receive a distal pressure signal from a distal pressure sensing device;a distal output configured to output the distal pressure signal to a hemodynamic system in a format useable by the hemodynamic system;a proximal input configured to receive a proximal pressure signal from a proximal pressure sensing device;a proximal output configured to output the proximal pressure signal to the hemodynamic system in a format useable by the hemodynamic system;a processor coupled to the distal input, distal output, proximal input, and proximal output, the processor configured to calculate a pressure differential between the distal pressure and the proximal pressure based on the received distal pressure signal and the received proximal pressure signal; anda display in communication with the processor and configured to display the pressure differential calculated by the processor.2. The interface of claim 1 , wherein the distal input claim 1 , distal output claim 1 , proximal input claim 1 , proximal output claim 1 , processor claim 1 , and display are secured to a housing.3. The interface of claim 2 , wherein the housing has a width between 5 cm and 25 cm claim 2 , a height between 5 cm and 25 cm claim 2 , and a depth between 1 cm and 10 cm.4. The interface of claim 3 , wherein the distal pressure sensing device is a pressure-sensing guidewire.5. The interface of claim 4 , wherein the proximal pressure sensing device is a pressure-sensing catheter ...

Guidewire positioning tool

A guidewire positioning tool includes a sheath having a body bore extending axially through a length of the sheath with a radially extending body slot configured to receive a guidewire. A collet portion extends laterally from the sheath and has collet arms and interstitial spaces with a collet bore extending therethrough. The collet bore has a collet slot extending radially from the collet bore configured to receive a guidewire. The collet arms have threads located on the exterior of the collet arms. A clamp nut is positioned over the collet portion and configured to threadably engage the threads. A retainer is rotatably attached to an end of the sheath opposite from the collet portion. The retainer has a retainer bore extending axially therethrough. The retainer has a retainer slot extending radially from the retainer bore configured to receive a guidewire.

Catheter for Positioning a Wire Guide

A system and a method of positioning a wire guide are provided. The method includes inserting a wire guide in a first configuration into a lumen of a catheter, distally advancing the wire guide to a distal portion of the lumen so that a distal end of the wire guide is distal to an opening in a wall of the catheter and advancing a distal portion of the wire guide through the opening by distally advancing the distal portion relative to the catheter so that the distal end remains in the lumen as the distal portion of the wire guide extends out of the opening. The method includes advancing the distal portion of the wire guide further out of the opening so that the distal end exits through the opening so that the distal portion is distal to the distal end of the wire guide in a second configuration. 1. A method of positioning a wire guide for advancement through a lumen , the method comprising:inserting a wire guide in a first configuration into a lumen of a catheter;distally advancing the wire guide to a distal portion of the lumen so that a distal end of the wire guide is distal to an opening in a wall of the catheter, the opening positioned proximal to a distal end of the catheter;advancing a distal portion of the wire guide through the opening by distally advancing the distal portion of the wire guide relative to the catheter so that the distal end of the wire guide remains in the lumen as the distal portion of the wire guide extends out of the opening, the distal portion being proximal to the distal end in the first configuration;advancing the distal portion of the wire guide further out of the opening so that the distal end of the wire guide exits through the opening such that the distal portion of the wire guide is distal to the distal end of the wire guide in a second configuration.2. The method of claim 1 , comprising advancing the distal end of the wire guide to a distal end of the lumen and abutting the distal end of the wire guide against the distal end of ...

Kerstpiek tip for medical devices

An apparatus may include a medical device including an elongate shaft disposed about a guidewire, and a distal tip including a plurality of rounded protrusions, wherein adjacent protrusions are fixed directly to each other by a discrete, relatively flexible connector. The plurality of protrusions may each decrease in size from a proximalmost protrusion distally to distalmost protrusion.

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR GASTROINTESTINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES USING NEAR INFRARED (nIR) IMAGING TECHNIQUES

Described herein are methods and devices for performing gastrointestinal surgical procedures using near infrared (nIR) imaging techniques. Described herein are imaging systems, endoscopes, and methods making use of near infrared (nIR) imaging techniques. The imaging systems, endoscopes, and methods can be used, for example, in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for visualization of the intraduodenal portion of the bile duct, and in procedures to visualize and to direct treatment of bleeding ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and tumors, for example, a pancreatic mass. 1. An imaging system for an endoscope comprising:a light source capable of emitting near-infrared (nIR) light;an objective lens;an optical filter;an imaging sensor; andan image display unit.2. The imaging system of wherein the light source is capable of emitting nIR light having a wavelength of 800 nm.3. The imaging system of wherein the optical filter is a band-pass filter centered at 830 nm or a long-pass filter excluding light below 810 to 820 nm.4. The imaging system of wherein the light source is further capable of emitting visible light.5. The imaging system of wherein the imaging sensor is a camera.6. The imaging system of wherein the camera is a solid state nIR sensitive camera.7. The imaging system of wherein the image display unit is a monitor.8. The imaging system of wherein said endoscope is adapted for use in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).9. The imaging system of wherein said endoscope is adapted for use in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).10. An endoscope comprising:a distal portion for insertion into a patient;a proximal portion which is external to the patient; andan imaging system having a light source capable of emitting near-infrared (nIR) light; an objective lens; an optical filter; and an imaging sensor.11. The endoscope of wherein the light source and objective lens are positioned at a distal end of the endoscope.12. The endoscope of ...

ULTRASOUND EMISSION ELEMENT

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound catheter for intrabody medical therapy comprising; an element adapted to emit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a gas bubble containment area adapted to retain the gas bubble when in blood. 1. An ultrasound catheter for intrabody medical therapy comprising:an element adapted to emit ultrasound energy; 'a support board, wherein said support board is coupled to said element at 0.06%-17% of a surface area of said board.', 'at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of said element; and'}2. A catheter according to claim 1 , wherein a gas bubble is retained in a gas bubble containment area defined in a space between said board and said element claim 1 , said space being open to the outside of the catheter.3. A catheter according to claim 2 , wherein at least some surface area of at least said element and said board comprise a coating adapted to retain said bubble to said element.4. A catheter according to claim 3 , wherein said coating comprises parylene.5. A catheter according to claim 2 , wherein said board comprises a depression or an aperture claim 2 , and said element is positioned over at least some volume of said depression or said aperture.6. A catheter according to claim 1 , wherein said element is rectangular.7. A catheter according to claim 2 , wherein said element comprises irregularities on a surface to couple said bubble to said element by increasing an area of said surface.8. A catheter according to claim 2 , wherein said gas comprises selecting from the group consisting of: air claim 2 , oxygen claim 2 , nitrogen claim 2 , carbon dioxide claim 2 , carbon tetrafluoride.9. A catheter according to claim 2 , further comprising at least two bubbles coupled to a side of said element.10. A catheter according to claim 2 , further comprising a ...

Guidewire with internal pressure sensor

The present document describes a pressure guidewire comprising: a shaft tube with a proximal section; a middle section extending from the proximal section of the shaft tube, the middle section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; an inner hypotube installed substantially within the middle section for optimal mechanical properties; a pressure sensor with a communication means routed through the middle section and the proximal section; and a sensor housing for receiving the pressure sensor. There are also described methods for joining the inner hypotube to the shaft tube.

INTERFACE UNIT, MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND A METHOD IN AN INTERFACE UNIT

The present invention relates to an extracorporeale interface unit (), for an intravascular measurement system for measuring a physiological, or other, variable in a living body, being adapted to generate a sensor signal in response of said variable. The interface unit () comprises a sensor interface circuitry () adapted to interface a sensor wire configured to be inserted into the living body and provided with one or many sensor element(s) at its distal region. The sensor interface circuitry () further comprises a measurement unit () adapted to generate the measured data of the variable as a sensor signal. The sensor interface circuitry () comprises two current source units (CSU, CSU) adapted to energize the sensor element(s) via at least two connection points (CP, CP, . . . CPn), and a switching unit (), wherein the switching unit () is adapted to alternately switch connection between the current source units (CSU, CSU) and at least two of the connection points (CP, CP, . . . CPn), using a preset switching frequency having essentially the same connection time period (T) for each connection. The measurement unit () is adapted to determine a sensor variable value (V) related to the variable at two of the connection points (CP, CP, . . . CPn). The present invention further relates to a measurement system () comprising said extracorporeale interface unit () and a method in said interface unit. 28. The interface unit () according to claim 1 , wherein said sensor signal is related to the average value of sensor variable values (V) from at least two connection time periods (T).3812. The interface unit () according to claim 1 , wherein said sensor variable value (V) is the absolute value of the voltage difference between the connected connection points (CP claim 1 , CP claim 1 , . . . CPn) during one connection time period (T).4812. The interface unit () according to claim 1 , wherein the variable is determined as a value related to the sensor variable value (V) and the ...

Pulmonary nodule access devices and methods of using the same

In certain embodiments, a device is configured to be delivered to the site of a nodule in the lung or other body organ or lumen. The device can be configured to attach directly to the target nodule or to tissue adjacent the target nodule. The device can be configured to provide repeatable access to the site of the target nodule. In some embodiments, the device includes a guide wire that can extend proximal the device. The guide wire can be configured to engage with a catheter or other medical device to provided repeatable and dependable navigation to the site of the target nodule. In some embodiments, the device can include a channel portion through which medical devices and/or instruments can be navigated. In some embodiments, the device can be deployed in the wall of an airway or other body lumen to provide transluminal access to a nodule outside of the lumen.

Intravascular guidewire

A guidewire for use in a medical procedure includes an elongate guide member dimensioned for insertion within a body vessel of a subject. The guide member defines a longitudinal axis and has trailing and leading end segments. The leading end segment has a reduced cross-sectional dimension relative to a cross-sectional dimension of the trailing end segment. The leading end segment includes a first core element comprising a first material and a second core element comprising a second material different from the first material and being forward of the first core element. The first material of the first core element has greater rigidity than the rigidity of the second material of the second core element, to thereby facilitate advancement of, and application of torque to, the leading end segment while minimizing deformation.

CLOT REMOVAL SYSTEM AND METHOD

A clot removal system includes an elongated tubular sheath and an elongated tubular catheter received within the sheath. A distal segment of the catheter is split into a plurality of catheter wall segments, with each wall segment having a pre-shaped curved configuration. Each wall segment defines at least one scraping edge and has a distal tip that is less stiff than a remaining portion of the wall segment. The clot removal system has a transport configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is axially aligned with a distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments are urged against the pre-shaped curved configuration by the sheath. The clot removal system also has a deployed configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is advanced distally beyond the distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments conform to the pre-shaped curved configuration. 1. A clot removal system , comprising:an elongated tubular sheath; andan elongated tubular catheter received within the sheath, wherein a distal segment of the catheter is split into a plurality of catheter wall segments, wherein each of the wall segments has a pre-shaped curved configuration and defines at least one scraping edge;wherein the clot removal system has a transport configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is axially aligned with a distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments are urged against the pre-shaped curved configuration by a lumen wall of the sheath, and a deployed configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is advanced distally beyond the distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments conform to the pre-shaped curved configuration;wherein a distal tip of each wall segment is less stiff than a remaining portion of the wall segment.2. The clot removal system of claim 1 , wherein the catheter is configured for rotation about a longitudinal axis.3. The clot removal system of claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , in the transport configuration ...

ASSEMBLY WITH A GUIDE WIRE AND A FIXATOR FOR ATTACHING TO A BLOOD VESSEL

A fixator assembly comprising a fixator for fixing inside a blood vessel, the fixator being able to slide proximally along a guide wire. The assembly comprising means for preventing the fixator from moving distally of the preventing means. A tubular element for introduction into a blood vessel of a person, the tubular element comprising an end opening and a plurality of side openings as well as a transport wire extending from inside the tubular element and to the surroundings thereof through an individual side opening. 19.-. (canceled)10. An assembly of:a guide wire having a distal end for introduction into a blood vessel and a proximal end,a fixator for releasably attaching to an inner side of the blood vessel andmeans preventing the fixator from travelling distally beyond the preventing means, wherein:the fixator is adapted to move toward the proximal end of the guide wire independently of the guide wire andthe fixator is adapted to maintain attachment to the inner side of the blood vessel, when a pulling force of at least 0.1N is applied to the guide wire and, via the preventing means, to the fixator.11. The assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the fixator has:a deformable portion having a central portion adapted to attach to the inner side of the blood vessel at a predetermined length thereof, along a first longitudinal direction of the blood vessel,a distal part attached to the deformable portion,a proximal part attached to the deformable portion,wherein the deformable portion is adapted to exert at least substantially the same force to the blood vessel along all of the predetermined length when the pulling force of at least 0.1N is exerted to the guide wire and fixator.12. The assembly according claim 10 , wherein the fixator has:a deformable portion having a central portion adapted to attach to the inner side of the blood vessel,a distal part attached to the deformable portion,a proximal part attached to the deformable portion and being translatable, ...

GUIDE WIRE WITH CORE HAVING WELDED WIRE SEGMENTS

An intravascular guide wire having two core materials joined together without the use of a connector tube or sleeve, the core materials being stainless steel and psuedoelastic metal alloy, nitinol. The core materials are joined to each other through an intermediate transition piece made essentially of nickel, which is welded on either side to the two core materials. In a multi-segment intravascular guide wire, discrete, high modulus and medium modulus core portions of different materials are welded to a shapeable, low modulus distal core portion made of a third material having a flattened, shapeable section at a most distal end that is not welded to but made from the distal core portion, so the flattened, shapeable section can be deformed to create a steerable tip. Processes such as simultaneous resistance and friction welding can be used to join the core portions. 17-. (canceled)81. The intravascular guide wire of claim , wherein the weld zones are butt joints created by a fusion welding process selected from the group consisting of laser welding , electron beam welding , TIG welding , plasma arc welding , flash butt welding , or arc percussive welding.9. (canceled)101. The intravascular guide wire of claim , the weld zones are created via simultaneous friction welding and resistive heating the weld zone.11. (canceled)121. The intravascular guide wire of claim , wherein the welding is achieved by laser welding.13. A multi-segment intravascular guide wire , comprising:a discrete, proximal, high modulus core portion with proximal and distal ends made of a first material and having a first outer diameter;a discrete, intermediate, medium modulus core portion with proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end is joined to the distal end of the proximal core portion, made of a second material and having a second outer diameter;a discrete, shapeable, low modulus distal core portion made of a third material having a third outer diameter, and further having a flattened ...

CATHETER APPARATUS WITH TELESCOPING LUMEN CATHETERS AND ITS USE IN METHODS FOR TREATING VASCULATURES

The invention provides for methods and catheter apparatus for passing one or more guidewires (via the use of one or more telescoping guidewire lumens) through a chronic total occlusion of a vasculature. The catheter apparatus may include: a catheter shaft having a distal end; one or more telescoping guidewire lumen catheters passing longitudinally through the shaft, wherein the one or more guidewire lumen catheters are capable of telescoping beyond the distal end of the catheter shaft; an expansible distal portion of the shaft; and a retractable sheath covering at least a portion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft, wherein retracting the retractable sheath from the expansible distal portion of the shaft directly activates the expansible distal portion of the shaft causing expansion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft. 1. A catheter apparatus comprising:a main catheter shaft;one or more lumen telescoping catheters, each lumen catheter configured for passing over one or more guidewire; each lumen catheter capable of telescoping in and out from a distal end of the main catheter shaft; andan expansible support structure coupled to the distal end of the main catheter shaft, the expansible support structure configured so that each telescoping lumen microcatheter can telescope in and out of the expansible support structure.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the main catheter shaft has one or more telescoping lumen catheter shafts.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the one or more telescoping lumen catheters pass through the one or more telescoping lumen catheter shafts.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the telescoping lumen catheters are coupled to the expansible support structure.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the expansible support structure is capable of surrounding the one or more telescoping lumen catheters.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the expansible support structure has one or more inward facing loops each corresponding ...

Mri guidewire

A guidewire ( 100 ) for use with interventional magnetic resonance imaging has a guidewire body ( 102 ) having a distal end and a proximal end and reserving a space therein, a dipole antenna ( 108 ) disposed in the space reserved within the guidewire body, the dipole antenna being adapted to be electrically connected to a signal processing system through a first signal channel ( 110 ) through the proximal end of the guidewire body, and a loop antenna ( 112 ) disposed in the space reserved within the guidewire body toward the distal end of the guidewire body, the loop antenna ( 112 ) being adapted to be electrically connected to the signal processing system through a second signal channel ( 114 ) through the proximal end of the guidewire body. The dipole antenna and the loop antenna are each constructed to receive magnetic resonance imaging signals independently of each other and to transmit received signals through the first and second signal channels, respectively, to be received by the signal processing system. An interventional magnetic resonance imaging system includes an active guidewire.

Wheel for robotic catheter system drive mechanism

A drive mechanism for a robotic catheter system including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface is provided. The first engagement surface and second engagement surface are configured to engage a catheter device to allow the drive mechanism to impart motion to the catheter device. The first engagement surface is textured to facilitate gripping between the first engagement surface and the catheter device.

OCCLUSION CATHETER HAVING COMPLIANT BALLOON FOR USE WITH COMPLEX VASCULATURE

A catheter used for treatment of complex vasculature, such as a bifurcated aneurysm, is provided with an inflatable balloon at a distal portion thereof. The shape, location and material of the inflatable balloon are selected such that when inflated, the balloon conforms to the shape of the complex vasculature, or at least a portion thereof, without appreciably deforming the vessel walls. In this manner, the balloon can be used to control flow in the vasculature, for example occluding a selected branch of the vasculature during introduction of material in order concentrate the material and minimize its disbursement by blood flow. 158-. (canceled)59. A microcatheter suitable for temporary vascular occlusion comprising:a substantially tubular structure with at least one lumen and an inflatable balloon, the inflatable balloon located at the distal portion of said tubular structure and positioned in fluid communication with said at least one lumen, said inflatable balloon being inflatable to an inflated state in which said inflatable balloon deforms at a pressure less than the pressure required to deform the vascular wall when placed into a blood vessel, said inflatable balloon dimensioned to occlude vasculature in said inflated state; andone or more radiopaque marker bands disposed in the vicinity of the inflatable balloon.60. The microcatheter of claim 59 , wherein the at least one lumen is adapted to accommodate a guidewire.61. The microcatheter of claim 59 , wherein the balloon is formed of a material that has a modulus at about 300% having a value less than about 300 psi and/or a tensile strength of about 600 psi.62. The microcatheter of claim 59 , wherein the balloon is formed of a material that has a Hardness-Shore A ASTM D2240 (3 sec.) rating of about 15 claim 59 , a specific gravity of about 0.89 claim 59 , tensile strength of about 600 psi claim 59 , and elongation of greater than about 1 claim 59 ,000%.63. The microcatheter of claim 59 , wherein the balloon is ...

MEDICAL DEVICE FOR ANCHORING A GUIDEWIRE DURING A PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

A medical device for anchoring a distal end of a guidewire in a catheter within a coronary artery during a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention including a catheter for being introduced into a coronary artery and a guidewire extending through the catheter. A first anchor device is provided at the proximal end of the guidewire outside of a patient's body and a second anchor is provided at the distal end of the guidewire and catheter to facilitate the movement of interventional devices in the body. 14-. (canceled)5. A medical device for anchoring a guidewire and a catheter during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , said device consisting of:a catheter having proximal and distal ends insertable into a coronary artery past a diseased segment;a guidewire having proximal and distal ends and a diameter of about 0.014 inch extending through said catheter for advancing an interventional device through said catheter to a target area;means for anchoring the proximal end of said guidewire outside of a patient's body;means for anchoring said distal end of said guidewire within said catheter and wherein said means for anchoring said distal end of said guidewire in said catheter includes a locking styllet with a smooth blunt end on one side thereof and a screw and lock mechanism on the other side thereof; andin which said catheter includes a guidewire exit hole at about 1.5 cm from said proximal end of said catheter.6. A method for anchoring a distal end of a guidewire in a distal end of a catheter during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , said method comprising the steps of:providing a catheter having proximal and distal ends insertable into a coronary artery;inserting a distal end of said catheter into a patient's coronary artery and advancing said catheter through said artery and past a diseased segment;providing a guidewire having proximal and distal ends extending through said catheter for advancing an interventional device through said catheter to a target area;employing ...

Wireguide set for changing access sites

A wireguide set is provided for changing access between two access sites. The wireguide set includes a wireguide and a catheter. The wireguide passes through one access site while the catheter passes through another access site. The wireguide and catheter are connectable to each other inside the patient's body. Once connected, the catheter can pull the wireguide through the access site of the catheter. The wireguide set may be used to treat peripheral arterial disease occlusions in the lower leg where it is difficult or impossible to gain access through the occlusion from a femoral site.

NON-METALLIC GUIDE WIRE

A guide wire having a non-metallic, non-woven core wire is disclosed. Monofilar, polymeric fibers of multifilar helically-wound non-metallic fibers are preferred core wire materials. The guide wire optionally includes further coatings and other materials on the core wire. In one embodiment, a non-metallic distal coil wire is disclosed. The guide wire of this invention is particularly useable for magnetic resonance imaging applications. 124-. (canceled)25. A guide wire comprising a core wire having coupled distal , medial and proximal segments , the core wire comprising non-metallic binder resin , and the binder resin having therein randomly distributed , non-metallic fiber segments , being uniformly dispersed between the fiber segments so as to fill any void spaces therebetween.26. A guide wire according to which further comprises a polymeric coil disposed about the distal segment of the core wire.27. A guide wire according to wherein the guide wire further comprises a polymeric outer coating disposed over at least part of the core wire.28. A guide wire according to wherein the polymeric outer coating is disposed over the core wire distal segment.29. A guide wire according to wherein the polymeric outer coating is disposed over all of the core wire.30. A guide wire according to wherein the binder resin is PEEK.31. A guide wire according to wherein the fiber segments comprise glass fibers.32. A guide wire according to wherein the binder resin comprises a vinyl ester.33. A guide wire according to wherein the fiber segments comprise carbon fibers.34. A guide wire according to wherein the binder resin comprises PEEK and the fiber segments comprise glass fibers.35. A guide wire according to wherein the binder resin comprises a vinyl ester and the fiber segments comprise carbon fibers.36. A guide wire according to wherein the outer coating comprises PEBAX.37. A guide wire according to wherein the outer coating is disposed over the core wire so that the overall diameter of ...

GUIDEWIRE

A guidewire includes a core shaft including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, an outer coil disposed so as to cover the distal end portion, and an inner coil disposed inside of the outer coil. The outer coil includes a first bent portion that is bent at a first angle in a first direction. The inner coil includes a second bent portion that is bent at a second angle in the first direction. The second angle is larger than the first angle. 1. A guidewire comprising:a core shaft including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion;an outer coil disposed so as to cover the distal end portion; andan inner coil disposed inside of the outer coil, the outer coil includes a first bent portion that is bent at a first angle in a first direction,', 'the inner coil includes a second bent portion that is bent at a second angle in the first direction, and', 'the second angle is larger than the first angle., 'wherein'}2. The guidewire according to claim 1 , further comprising:a fixing member that fixes the outer coil and the inner coil to each other,wherein the inner coil is fixed to the outer coil through the fixing member in a state in which the inner coil is urged in the first direction.3. The guidewire according to claim 2 , whereinthe outer coil has a linear shape prior to assembly of the guidewire, andthe inner coil, which is pre-bent so as to be urged in the first direction, is in contact with the outer coil, to thereby form the first bent portion of the outer coil.4. The guidewire according to claim 1 , whereinthe outer coil includes a first distal end section that is located on a distal side of the first bent portion, and the inner coil includes a second distal end section that is located on a distal side of the second bent portion, andan axis of the second distal end section is displaced from an axis of the first distal end section in the first direction.5. The guidewire according to claim 1 , whereinthe inner coil covers the distal end portion of the ...

COLOR CODED GUIDE WIRE AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME

A color coding is applied to medical guide wires by coloring portions of the guide wire to distinguish similar guide wires and guide wire portions from a particular manufacturer. The metallic elongate core can be colored using various methods such as electrochemical processes, sputtering, electroplating, and laser inducing microstructures to alter the surface characteristics of the elongate metallic core. Alternatively, the outer layer of the guide wire can be color coded by using non-standard colors or by introducing a colored band on the guide wire. 139-. (canceled)40. A method of color coding a guide wire for use in a medical procedure having an elongate metallic core member , a flexible distal end , and a low friction outer coating , comprising:attaching a colored band to the guide wire at a proximal end of the guide wire.41. The method of color coding a guide wire of claim 40 , further comprising applying an extruded polymer onto the guide wire to form the colored band.42. The method of color coding a guide wire of claim 41 , further comprising removing a portion of the low friction outer coating to create a void claim 41 , and then applying the colored extruded polymer band at the void where the low friction outer coating was removed.43. The method of color coding a guide wire of claim 41 , wherein the colored polymer is selected from a group comprising melt-processable fluoropolymers and polyurethanes.44. The method of color coding a guide wire of claim 41 , wherein the color of the band is selected from a group comprising white claim 41 , blue claim 41 , yellow claim 41 , gold claim 41 , and teal.45. The method of color coding a guide wire of claim 41 , further comprising removing a portion of the low friction outer coating with a laser.46. The method of color coding a guide wire of claim 41 , further comprising roughening a surface of the elongate core member to yield a better surface for adhesion with the extruded colored band.47. The method of color ...

GUIDE WIRE WITH SOLDERED MULTILAYER COIL MEMBER

A guide wire includes an elongate core section and a flexible member disposed on the distal end, the flexible member including a first wire wound into an inner helical coil in a first direction and a second wire wound into an outer helical coil wrapped about the first helical coil in the opposite direction. The two combined helical coils add stiffness and torque transmission to the guide wire without sacrificing tactile feedback. 113-. (canceled)14. A guide wire for use in a medical procedure , comprising:an elongate flexible member having a distal end and a proximal end, the flexible member comprising a first wire wound into an inner hollow helical coil in a first direction and a second wire wound into an outer helical coil in a second direction about the inner helical coil; andthe outer helical coil having a tapered portion.15. The guide wire of claim 14 , wherein the outer helical coil is shaved to form the tapered portion.16. The guide wire of claim 15 , wherein the tapered portion extends from the proximal end toward the distal end so that the distal end is more flexible than the proximal end.17. The guide wire of claim 16 , wherein the outer helical coil has an outer surface that is shaved to form the tapered portion. This invention relates to the field of guide wires for advancing intraluminal devices such as stent delivery catheters, balloon dilatation catheters, atherectomy catheters and the like within a patient's body, such as within a patient's vasculature.In a typical percutaneous procedure in a patient's coronary system, a guiding catheter having a preformed distal tip is percutaneously introduced into a patient's peripheral artery, e.g. femoral, radial or brachial artery, by means of a conventional Seldinger technique and advanced therein until the distal tip of the guiding catheter is seated in the ostium of a desired coronary artery. There are two basic techniques for advancing a guide wire into the desired location within the patient's coronary ...

JOINED DISSIMILAR MATERIALS AND METHOD

A method of forming a wire includes providing a first wire section comprising a first material and providing a second wire section comprising a second material different from the first material. A joining section is formed having a first end and a second end such that the first end of the joining section comprising a material that is compatible with the first material and such that the second end of the joining section comprising a material that is compatible with the second material. The first wire section is welded to the first end of the joining section and the second wire section is welded to the second end of the joining section. Forming the joining section includes forming the joining section via a process selected from a group comprising electrodeposition, three-dimensional printing, direct typing process, LIGA, lithography and stacking processes. 1. A method of forming a wire comprising:providing a first wire section comprising a first material;providing a second wire section comprising a second material different from the first material;forming a joining section having a first end and a second end such that the first end of the joining section comprising a material that is compatible with the first material and such that the second end of the joining section comprising a material that is compatible with the second material; andwelding the first wire section to the first end of the joining section and welding the second wire section to the second end of the joining section;wherein forming the joining section comprises forming the joining section via a process selected from a group comprising electrodeposition, three-dimensional printing, direct typing process, LIGA, lithography and stacking processes.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first material comprising one of stainless steel claim 1 , nickel-chromium alloy claim 1 , nickel-chromium-iron alloy claim 1 , and cobalt alloy and wherein the second material comprising nickel-titanium.3. The method of ...

Torquer device and methods related thereto

Torque devices are disclosed for controlling insertion of medical devices into a lumen of a patient. The torque devices allow for modulation of the speed of rotation of the medical devices. Methods related to the torque devices are also disclosed.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FOUR DIMENSIONAL SOFT TISSUE NAVIGATION

A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric, perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient. 1. An image-guided method comprising directing an endoscope including a tip sensor to an anatomical position in a patient;orienting an endoscopic view to a visual orientation of a user;activating a steering mechanism of the endoscope to agitate the tip sensor in a plane; anddetermining the orientation and location of the tip sensor in the patient and correlating the tip sensor location and orientation with one or more patient images.2. The image-guided method of wherein the anatomical position is a branching point of a bronchial tree.3. The image-guided method of claim 1 , wherein the tip sensor is an angled coil sensor claim 1 , the coil being disposed at a 45° angle relative to a core portion of the tip sensor.4. The image-guided method of claim 1 , wherein orientation and location determination comprise applying a deformation vector field.5. The image-guided method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more patient images are derived from an imaging device in conjunction with a patient tracking device disposed at an external region of the patient.6. A method of using a guidewire or other navigated instrument with one to one rotation to continuously align a ...

OFF-AXIS ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSOR

A sensing system includes an off-axis coil in which wire is wound in loops about a roll axis and at an angle to the roll axis. In particular, the loops define respective areas that have a normal direction at a non-zero angle relative to the roll axis. A field generator can generate a variable magnetic field through the coil, and sensor logic can be coupled to the coil and configured to determine a measurement of a roll angle of the coil about the first axis using an electrical signal induced in the coil. 1. A sensing system comprising:a first coil including wire that is wound in a plurality of loops around a first axis, whereineach of the loops defines an area that has a first normal direction at a non-zero, first angle relative to the first axis.2. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the first angle exceeds 5°.3. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein each of the loops includes a first part in which the wire is directed at an angle down the first axis and a second part in which the wire is wound at an angle up the first axis.4. The sensing system of claim 1 , further comprising:a second coil including wire that is wound in a plurality of loops around the first axis, wherein the loops in the second coil define respective areas that have a second normal direction at a non-zero, second angle relative to the first normal direction.5. The sensing system of claim 4 , wherein the second angle is about 90°.6. The sensing system of claim 4 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are substantially identical claim 4 , and the second coil has a yaw orientation that is rotated by 180° from an orientation of the first coil.7. The sensing system of claim 1 , further comprising:a field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field through the first coil; andsensor logic coupled to receive an induced signal from the first coil, wherein the sensor logic is configured to use the signal in determining a roll angle of the sensor about the first axis.8. A sensing ...

MEDICAL GUIDEWIRE SYSTEM WITH PLURAL PARALLEL GUIDEWIRES

Guidewire system includes a guidewire jacket, at least two guidewires, and a handle. The guidewires are initially constraint within the guidewire jacket and may be introduced into a diagnostic or other catheter to deliver the guidewires to a target region in a patient's vasculature. The handle detachably retains the guidewires so that they may be advanced simultaneously with the guidewire jacket. The guidewires may be then detached and manipulated individually to locate them properly within the region. After removing the guidewire jacket and the diagnostic catheter, the two or more guidewires provide a trackable yet flexible path for the introduction of interventional catheter or sheath. 1. A guidewire system comprising:a guidewire jacket having a proximal end, a distal end, and a connecter hub at its proximal end; andat least two guidewires slidably received in a lumen of the guidewire jacket, said guidewires having lengths greater than twice that of the guidewire jacket.2. A guidewire system as in claim 1 , further comprising a handle which removably receives each guidewire and has a distal connector which detachably attaches to the connector hub on the guidewire jacket.3. A guidewire system as in claim 1 , further comprising a wire organizer which removable receives the guidewires but which is not configured to attach to the hub on the guidewire jacket.4. A guidewire system as in claim 1 , wherein the guidewire jacket includes a side port on the hub claim 1 , configured to provide for fluid introduction into a lumen of the jacket.5. A guidewire system as in claim 4 , wherein the hub comprises a Touhy Borst connector.6. A guidewire system as in claim 1 , wherein a distal region of the guidewire jacket consists of a tubular element which is free from exterior structure.7. A guidewire system as in claim 1 , wherein the connector hub on the guidewire jacket comprises a laer and the distal connecter on the handle comprises a Touhy Borst valve.8. A guidewire system as ...

TWISTED RIBBON WIRE GUIDEWIRE COIL

A medical guidewire having distal tip coil that includes a twisted ribbon wire construction. The distal tip coil is mounted to the distal end of the distal core section of the guidewire. The coil is made from a flat ribbon wire with a polygonal, preferably rectangular, cross-section that is twisted along the length of the wire. The twisted, flat ribbon wire creates a tip coil that has a roughened, undulating surface at the outer circumference that, whether coated or bare, is perceptible to the physician or cardiologist when pushing or torquing the guidewire in an interventional procedure. 14-. (canceled)5. The intraluminal medical guidewire of claim 21 , wherein the width of the coil wire is in the range of 0.00075 in.-0.0030 in.6. The intraluminal medical guidewire of claim 21 , wherein the twisted first distal coil includes an outside diameter of in the range of 0.035 in.-0.010 in.7. The intraluminal medical guidewire of claim 21 , wherein the rectangular cross-section of the twisted first distal coil undergoes in the range of 2-8 rotations of 360° over a length of circumference of the first distal coil as measured by ¼ (π)(D) where D is the diameter of the helix.89-. (canceled)10. The intraluminal medical guidewire of claim 21 , wherein the rectangular cross-sectional shape includes a height-to-width aspect ratio in the range of at least one of 1:2 claim 21 , 1:3 claim 21 , and 2:3.1120-. (canceled)21. An intraluminal medical guidewire claim 21 , comprising:a solid, cylindrical core having a distal core section with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end transitioning to a proximal core section;a first distal coil mounted to the distal core section, the first distal coil having:a single strand of a coil wire with a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a height and a width, wherein the rectangular cross-sectional shape rotates 360° about a longitudinal axis of the coil wire and along a length of the coil wire to create a continuous twist,wherein the ...

OPTICAL FIBER PRESSURE SENSOR GUIDEWIRE

In an example, this document discloses an apparatus for insertion into a body lumen, the apparatus comprising an optical fiber pressure sensor. The optical fiber pressure sensor comprises an optical fiber configured to transmit an optical sensing signal, a temperature compensated Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) interferometer in optical communication with the optical fiber, the FBG interferometer configured to receive a pressure and modulate, in response to the received pressure, the optical sensing signal, and a sensor membrane in physical communication with the FBG interferometer, the membrane configured to transmit the received pressure to the FBG interferometer. 1an optical fiber pressure sensor comprising:an optical fiber configured to transmit an optical sensing signal;an ambient temperature compensated Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) interferometer in optical communication with the optical fiber, the FBG interferometer configured to receive a pressure and modulate, in response to the received pressure, the optical sensing signal; anda sensor membrane in physical communication with the FBG interferometer, the membrane configured to transmit the received pressure to the FBG interferometer.. An apparatus for insertion into a body lumen, the apparatus comprising: This application is related to (1) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,486 entitled, “OPTICAL FIBER PRESSURE SENSOR GUIDEWIRE” to Eberle et al. and filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and to (2) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/753,221, entitled, “OPTICAL FIBER PRESSURE SENSOR GUIDEWIRE” to Eberle et al. and filed on Jan. 16, 2013, and to (3) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/709,781, entitled, “OPTICAL FIBER PRESSURE SENSOR GUIDEWIRE” to Eberle et al. and filed on Oct. 4, 2012, and to (4) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/659,596, entitled, “OPTICAL FIBER PRESSURE SENSOR GUIDEWIRE” to Eberle et al. and filed on Jun. 14, 2012, and to (5) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/651,832, entitled, “OPTICAL FIBER PRESSURE ...

Vascular access configuration

One embodiment is directed to a method for creating translumenal vascular access, comprising utilizing a dilator adaptor to assist with forming a substantially atraumatic geometric outer junction between a dilator member/introducer member assembly and a guidewire which may be somewhat undersized relative to a lumen formed through the dilator member, thereby creating a geometric fit gap which may be suboptimal from a tissue interfacing perspective. The dilator adaptor may be interposed between the guidewire and dilator member to assist in remedying this fit mismatch, and in generally providing a preferred outer instrument interface for insertion through a small defect in a vessel to gain access to a lumen defined through the vessel.

Guide Wire for Use with a Catheter

A guide wire () for use with a catheter comprises a core wire () terminating in a distal portion () of flat ribbon-like construction having respective opposite major surfaces (). A spring () is brazed to a distal end () of the distal portion () and to the core wire () at a tapering portion (). A reinforcing member () extends axially along the distal portion () from a proximal end () of the distal portion () to a location () for reinforcing the distal portion () for in turn increasing its torsional rigidity in order to minimise axial twisting of the distal portion (). A guide portion () of the distal portion () between the location () and the distal end () is provided to be bent at a desired set curved configuration for offsetting a distal tip () of the guide wire () from a central axis () thereof, so that by rotating the guide wire () at its proximal end () the distal portion () is also rotated for aligning the distal tip () with a branched vessel into which it is desired to direct and urge the guide wire (). 1. A guide wire for use in a surgical or other procedure for accessing a remote site in the body of a human or animal subject, the guide wire defining a longitudinally extending axis, and terminating at one end in a proximal portion, and at an opposite end in a distal portion for accessing the remote site, the distal portion terminating adjacent a distal end thereof in a guide portion, the guide portion being adapted to be shaped to a desired curved configuration for facilitating guiding of the guide wire into a branched vessel of the subject, characterized in that a reinforcing means is provided on the distal portion for minimizing axial twisting of the distal portion between a proximal end of the distal portion and the guide portion thereof. The present invention relates to a guide wire for use in a surgical or other procedure for accessing a remote site in the body of a human or animal subject, and in particular though not limited to a guide wire for use ...

CAPTURE DEVICE

The present invention relates to a device and a method for capturing a guidewire being progressed along the lumen of a bodily duct and to direct it into a catheter. In one aspect a catheter-based eccentric cone capture means is used to engage and direct a guidewire oppositely approaching the capture means. 1. A guidewire capture sheath for use in a bodily vessel comprising: 'a lumen; and', '(a) a catheter having a longitudinal central axis and defining;'}(b) a capture means housed by, connected to, or integral with the catheter; at least a portion of the capture means being capable of expanding and collapsing between a first condition and at least a second condition, wherein when in the second condition, the capture means is adapted to guide a guidewire into the catheter, the capture means comprising in its second condition an eccentrically oriented cone, the cone being eccentrically oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis and being deployable from and retractable into the lumen.2. A guidewire capture sheath according to claim 1 , wherein when in the first condition claim 1 , at least a portion of the capture means is contracted to a cross-sectional area that is relatively smaller than that of the catheter claim 1 , and when in the second condition claim 1 , the portion of the capture means is expanded to a cross-sectional area that is relatively larger than that of the catheter.3. The guidewire capture sheath according to claim 1 , wherein when in the first condition claim 1 , at least a portion of the capture means is disposed within the catheter claim 1 , and when in the second condition claim 1 , the portion of the capture means projects from an end of the catheter.4. The guidewire capture sheath according to claim 1 , wherein the capture means is permanently disposed to project from one end of the catheter.5. The guidewire capture sheath according to claim 1 , wherein once the guidewire capture sheath is in the desired location claim 1 , the at least one ...

Guide wire arrangement, strip arrangement and methods of forming the same

A guide wire arrangement, a strip arrangement, a method of forming a guide wire arrangement, and a method of forming a strip arrangement are provided. The guide wire arrangement includes a strip; a sensor being disposed on a first portion of the strip; a chip being disposed next to the sensor on a second portion of the strip, wherein the second portion of the strip is next to the first portion of the strip; wherein the strip is folded at a folding point between the first portion of the strip and the second portion of the strip such that the first portion of the strip and the second portion of the strip form a stack of strip portions.

TRANSVASCULAR ACCESS DEVICE AND METHOD

Transvascular access devices and methods for transvascular access are provided. The transvascular access devices can include a guidewire lumen and a guide tube and stylet disposed in a second lumen. The guide tube can be used to control the orientation of the stylet and provide additional support for the stylet. The methods include providing a second entry point in a vessel of a patient remote from a first entry point. A vascular catheter can enter the vascular system of a patient at a first entry point and be advanced to a second entry point. A guide tube can be advanced out the second lumen of the vascular catheter with a stylet advanced out of the guide tube to pierce the vessel wall and skin of the patient at the second entry point. A catheter can be introduced to the vascular system at the second entry point. 1. A system for providing a second entry point in a vessel remote from a first entry point , the system comprising:a vascular catheter comprising first and second lumens, the first lumen being adapted to receive a vascular guidewire;a guide tube disposed in the second lumen, the guide tube having a distal end with a preformed curve;a stylet disposed in the guide tube, the stylet having a sharp distal tip adapted to pierce vascular tissue, muscle and skin;a guide tube actuator operatively connected to the guide tube or vascular catheter, the guide tube actuator configured to produce relative movement between the guide tube and the vascular catheter; anda stylet actuator operatively connected to the stylet, the stylet actuator comprising a stylet advancement mechanism.2. The system of wherein the guide tube actuator and the stylet actuator are supported by a handle at the proximal end of the vascular catheter.3. The system of wherein the guide tube actuator comprises a slider movably disposed in the handle and operatively connected to the guide tube or vascular catheter.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the slider is operatively connected to the guide tube ...

INTERVENTIONAL GUIDEWIRE

The present invention is an interventional guidewire particularly adapted for use in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures. A guidewire of this invention enhances peripheral vascular access for either diagnostic or therapeutic vascular or arterial procedures by having opposing ends of different stiffnesses. Retrograde dorsalis pedis artery access to upper body vascular occlusions is a particularly preferred application of this invention. 1. A double-ended guidewire having a first relatively stiff end and a second relatively softer end.2. A guidewire according to wherein the first end has a stiffness of 4 g.3. A guidewire according to wherein the second end has a stiffness of 30 g.4. A guidewire according to wherein the difference between the stiffness of the first and second ends of the guidewire is at least 2 g.5. A guidewire according to wherein the difference between the stiffness of the first and second ends of the guidewire is at least 20 g.6. A guidewire according to wherein the difference between the stiffness of the first and second ends of the guidewire is at least 25 g.7. An interventional claim 1 , double-ended guidewire having opposing ends with different stiffnesses wherein the difference between the stiffnesses of the guidewire opposite ends is at least 25 g.8. A guidewire according to wherein the difference between the stiffnesses of the guidewire opposite ends is at least 20 g.9. A guidewire according to wherein the difference between the stiffnesses of the guidewire opposite ends is at least 25 g.10. A method of crossing an occluded vessel for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes wherein the occlusion is sufficiently rigid such that a therapeutic guidewire cannot cross the occlusion without either or both of vessel injury or guidewire damage claim 7 , comprising the steps of:deploying a first guidewire into the occluded vessel upstream from the occlusion wherein the distal end of the guidewire is positioned immediately adjacent the ...

NICKEL-TITANIUM CORE GUIDE WIRE

A guide wire for use in a medical procedure having a shapeable tip integral with and made from the distal end of a superelastic nitinol distal section of the guide wire, wherein the shapeable tip can be finger kinked. Such a guide wire includes an elongated core made from a superelastic nitinol alloy at the distal end, the distal end of the elongated core having a tapered section leading to a shapeable distal tip. The shapeable tip is an extension of the distal end of the nitinol distal section, and includes permanent strain hardening from at least two different radial directions imparting crystallographic texture in the radial directions that eliminate superelasticity so that permanent deformation can be achieved with finger pressure. 114-. (canceled)15. A process for modifying a guide wire for use in a medical procedure , comprising:drawing an elongated core including a nickel-titanium alloy at a distal end;necking down the distal end of the elongated core to create a tapered section leading to a shapeable distal tip;coating the elongated core at least partially with a polymer coating;strain hardening the shapeable tip having superelastic nickel-titanium alloy from a first radial direction to impart crystallographic texture aligned with the first radial direction and eliminate the superelasticity along the shapeable tip;rotating the core about its longitudinal axis; andstrain hardening the shapeable tip having superelastic nickel-titanium alloy from a second radial direction to impart crystallographic texture aligned with the second radial direction and eliminate the superelasticity along the shapeable tip.16. The process for modifying a guide wire according to claim 15 , wherein the rotating the core step includes rotating the core about 90° about a longitudinal axis of the core.17. The process for modifying a guide wire according to claim 15 , wherein the steps of strain hardening the shapeable tip and rotating the core about its longitudinal axis are repeated ...

GUIDE WIRE ARRANGEMENT

A guide wire arrangement is provided. The guide wire arrangement includes an elongate coil element having two opposing ends; a force transmitting element arranged at one of the two opposing ends of the coil element; a sensor assembly arranged in the coil element at a predefined distance away from the force transmitting element; and a core wire extending from the force transmitting element to the sensor element through the coil element; wherein the coil element is configured to allow the core wire to be moveable relative to the sensor assembly and the sensor assembly is configured to detect movement of the core wire relative to the sensor assembly upon force impact on the force transmitting element. 1. A guide wire arrangement , comprising:an elongate coil element having two opposing ends;a force transmitting element arranged at one of the two opposing ends of the coil element;a sensor assembly arranged in the coil element at a predefined distance away from the force transmitting element; anda core wire extending from the force transmitting element to the sensor assembly through the coil element;wherein the coil element is configured to allow the core wire to be moveable relative to the sensor assembly and the sensor assembly is configured to detect movement of the core wire relative to the sensor assembly upon force impact on the force transmitting element.2. The guide wire arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the core wire extends adjacent to the sensor assembly or through the sensor assembly.3. The guide wire arrangement of claim 1 , further comprising a further core wire extending from another of the two opposing ends of the coil element into the coil element such that a free end portion of the core wire overlaps with a free end portion of the further core wire in a substantially parallel and spaced apart arrangement within the coil element.4. The guide wire arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the core wire is configured to taper in a direction away from the force ...

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A GUIDEWIRE WITH AN EXTRUSION JACKET

A method of manufacturing a guidewire having a discrete length. The method includes the steps of feeding a first end of a corewire into an extrusion device, gripping the first end of the corewire with a gripping apparatus, and extruding a first extrusion material onto an outer surface of the corewire while the gripping apparatus pulls the corewire through the extrusion device to form an extrusion jacket on the outer surface of the corewire. The corewire has a predetermined length corresponding to a length of the guidewire. 1. A method of manufacturing a guidewire , comprising: a first end section including the first end;', 'a second end section opposite the first end section; and', 'a tip section disposed between the first end section and the second end section; wherein the second end section is detachably connected to a distal end of the tip section;, 'feeding a first end of a core wire into an extrusion device, the core wire comprisingtranslating the core wire through the extrusion device;extruding an extrusion jacket comprising extrusion material onto an outer surface of the core wire as the core wire is translated through the extrusion device;removing the second end section from the core wire to define the distal end of the tip section as a distal tip of the guidewire.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:after removing the second end section from the core wire, encapsulating the distal end of the tip section.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein encapsulating the distal end of the tip section includes heating the distal tip.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein heating the distal tip makes the extrusion jacket flow toward the distal tip and encapsulate the distal end of the tip section.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein before removing the second end section claim 3 , the extrusion jacket is pulled back from the distal end of the tip section toward the first end.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein after removing the second end section and before heating the ...

Intravascular Devices, Systems, and Methods

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, the connectors are flexible coils, such as a ribbon coil, formed of a conductive material. In some particular instances, the conductive coil is embedded within a polymer tubing. Further, in some embodiments the electronic, optical, or electro-optical component is positioned within a flexible element at the distal portion of the device. In some instances the flexible element is a coil. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided. 1. An intravascular system , comprising:an intravascular device comprising a proximal connection portion having at least one electrical contact, wherein the proximal connection portion includes a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter less than the first diameter; and a first connection piece; and', 'a second connection piece having at least one electrical contact secured thereto, the second connection piece movable relative to the first connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the second connection piece is configured to receive the proximal connection portion of the intravascular device in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device such that an alignment feature of the first connection piece engages the second section of the proximal connection portion of the flexible elongate member., 'a connector configured to interface with the proximal connection portion of the intravascular device, the connector including2. The system of claim 1 , wherein engagement of the alignment feature of the first connection piece with the second section of the proximal ...

PRESSURE SENSING GUIDEWIRE

Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a pressure sensing guidewire. The pressure sensing guidewire may include a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a distal tip portion. The distal portion may have a plurality of slots formed therein. A pressure sensor may be disposed within the distal portion of the shaft. 1. A pressure sensing guidewire , comprising:a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a distal tip portion;wherein the distal portion has a plurality of slots formed therein; anda pressure sensor disposed within the distal portion of the shaft.2. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is an optical pressure sensor.3. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is a fabry-perot pressure sensor.4. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein a fiber optic cable is attached to the pressure sensor and extends proximally thererfrom.5. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slots include at least a pair of slots lying in a plane transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.6. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of slots are arranged into a pattern defining an interrupted helix.7. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is attached to the distal portion of the shaft with a mount.8. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein one or more sealing members are disposed within the shaft.9. The pressure sensing guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the distal tip portion includes a shaping ribbon.10. A pressure sensing guidewire claim 1 , comprising:a tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen defined therein;wherein the distal portion has a plurality of slots formed therein;wherein the plurality of slots are configured to allow fluid to flow from an outer ...

Connection Structures for Intravascular Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of assembling an intravascular device is provided that includes positioning a first tubular member around a plurality of conductors and a core member; advancing a first of the plurality of conductors through an opening of the first tubular member; positioning a first conductive member around the first tubular member; and electrically coupling the first of the plurality of conductors to the first conductive member. In some embodiments, an intravascular device is provided that includes an insulating member positioned around a plurality of conductors and a core member and a conductive member positioned around the insulating member, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductors extends through an opening in the insulating member and is electrically coupled to the first conductive member. 1. A method of assembling an intravascular device , comprising:exposing a section of a first conductor embedded within tubular member;positioning a first conductive member around the tubular member adjacent to the exposed section of the first conductor; andelectrically coupling the first conductive member to the first conductor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:positioning a first insulating member around the tubular member adjacent to the first conductive member;positioning a second conductive member around the tubular member adjacent to the first insulating member such that the first insulating member is positioned between the first and second conductive members; andelectrically coupling a second conductor embedded within the tubular member to the second conductive member.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising exposing a section of the second conductor embedded within the tubular member claim 2 , wherein the second conductive member is positioned around the tubular member adjacent to the exposed section of the second conductor.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein ...

Connection Structures for Intravascular Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of assembling an intravascular device is provided that includes positioning a first tubular member around a plurality of conductors and a core member; advancing a first of the plurality of conductors through an opening of the first tubular member; positioning a first conductive member around the first tubular member; and electrically coupling the first of the plurality of conductors to the first conductive member. In some embodiments, an intravascular device is provided that includes an insulating member positioned around a plurality of conductors and a core member and a conductive member positioned around the insulating member, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductors extends through an opening in the insulating member and is electrically coupled to the first conductive member. 1. An intravascular device , comprising:a first insulating member positioned around a plurality of conductors and a core member such that the plurality of conductors and the core member are at least partially positioned within a lumen of the first insulating member, the first insulating member having a first portion with a first diameter, a second portion with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and an opening extending along a length of the first insulating member in communication with the lumen; anda first conductive member positioned around the second portion of the first insulating member, wherein a first of the plurality of conductors extends through the opening in the first insulating member and is electrically coupled to the first conductive member.2. The intravascular device of claim 1 , wherein the opening of the first insulating member extends along only a portion of the length of the first insulating member.3. The intravascular device of claim 2 , wherein the opening of the first insulating member extends along the second portion of the first insulating member.4. The ...

Side-Loading Connectors for Use With Intravascular Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces. 1. A guidewire , comprising:a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion;a mounting structure positioned within a flexible element coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the mounting structure configured to have at least one sensing component mounted thereto;at least one sensing component mounted to the mounting structure;a proximal core fixedly attached to the mounting structure and extending proximally from the mounting structure;wherein the flexible elongate member and the flexible element each have an outer diameter of 0.035″ or less.2. The guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the flexible element comprises a ribbon coil.3. The guidewire of claim 2 , wherein the ribbon coil is embedded in a polymer tubing claim 2 , the polymer tubing having a thickness between about 0.0005″ and about 0.003″.4. The guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the proximal core includes a first section that is fixedly attached to the mounting structure and a second section extending proximally from the first ...

METHOD FOR ACCESSING A RENAL ARTERY

An elongated hollow tube guiding catheter forming a portion of a guiding catheter includes a proximal end, distal end, and distal section. The distal section includes a curved section and a straight section. The curved and straight sections are shaped for facilitating introduction and retention of the catheter into the ostium of a renal artery. The system includes a dilator inserted into the catheter hollow tube with a curved distal section of the dilator opposingly extending opposite the curved distal section of the guiding catheter hollow tube. The guiding catheter includes a side arm positioned near the guiding catheter's proximal end with a multi-way stop cock fixedly attached onto a proximal end of the side arm tube. 1. A method for placing a distal straight section at the end of a distal curved section of a renal artery guiding catheter into and through the ostium of a renal artery of a patient who is being treated for high blood pressure , the method including the following steps:a) placing a guide wire through the femoral artery and into the aorta of the patient that is being treated for high blood pressure;b) placing a dilator into a renal artery guiding catheter so that a curved distal section of a hollow tube that is located at a distal section of guiding catheter and a curved distal section of the dilator oppose each other so that together the dilator and the guiding catheter form a comparatively straight structure;c) advancing the dilator and guiding catheter over the guide wire until the distal end of the guiding catheter lies approximately 10±5 cm beyond the ostium of a renal artery;d) removing the dilator and guide wire from the interior lumen of the guiding catheter hollow tube; ande) pulling the guiding catheter back down the aorta until the straight section at the distal end of the curved section of the guiding catheter is placed into and through the ostium of a renal artery.2. The method of including the step of orienting a side arm tube placed ...

PRODUCTION METHOD OF MEDICAL WIRE AND MEDICAL WIRE

A production method of a medical wire includes a melting portion forming process that forms an massive melting portion in a wire end by melting and solidifying the wire end of a wire; and a joining process that contacts the melting portion with a joined part, and melts and solidifies the melting portion and the joined part to form a fusion portion, thereby joining the wire end and a joined part via a fusion portion. 1. A production method of a medical wire , the method comprising:a melting portion forming process that forms an massive melting portion in a wire end by melting and solidifying the wire end of a wire; anda joining process that contacts the melting portion with a joined part, and melts and solidifies the melting portion and the joined part to form a fusion portion, thereby joining the wire end and a joined part via a fusion portion.2. The production method of a medical wire according to claim 1 ,wherein the wire includes a stranded wire.3. The production method of a medical wire according to claim 1 ,wherein the melting portion is formed in a substantially spherical shape in the wire end.4. The production method of a medical wire according to claim 2 ,wherein the melting portion is formed in a substantially spherical shape in the wire end.5. The production method of a medical wire according to claim 1 ,wherein the melting portion is formed by irradiating the wire end and the joined part with a laser beam.6. The production method of a medical wire according to claim 1 ,wherein the melting portion is formed in a first wire, andthe first wire or a second wire different from the first wire has the joined part.7. The production method of a medical wire according to claim 6 ,wherein the joined part is a wire end different from the wire end formed with the melting portion of the first wire or the wire end of the second wire.8. The production method of a medical wire according to claim 7 ,wherein the fusion portion is formed in a rod shape and has an outer ...

Occluding Catheter and Method for Prevention of Stroke

An occluding catheter for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through right and left carotid arteries is provided. The occluding catheter includes a shaft that has a proximal end and a distal end, and a proximal occluding balloon carried by the shaft. The proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. A distal occluding balloon is carried by the shaft and is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the proximal occluding balloon. The shaft has a segment that is located between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon. Also provided is an alternative arrangement with a single occluding balloon, and an associated method of diverting emboli from cerebral circulation.

CATHETER DEPLOYMENT DEVICE

An apparatus for deploying a needle within a lumen is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having a threaded bushing radially disposed therein. The bushing rigidly couples with a nose cone having a guide tip disposed at an end opposite the bushing for penetrating an arterial wall of a lumen. During operation, a user incrementally advances the bushing within the housing, thereby incrementally advancing the guide tip into the lumen. The nose cone also includes a flex guide having a slot configuration which couples with the guide tip which deploys into the lumen along with the guide tip. 1. A catheter device comprising:a housing;a shaft adaptor connected to the housing, the shaft adaptor comprising a rotatable guide having one or more interfaces;an inner key extending distally from the shaft adapter, the inner key having one or more interfaces that engage the one or more interfaces of the shaft adaptor; anda nose cone connected to a distal end of the inner key, the inner key connecting the nose cone and the housing, the nose cone comprising a guide tip, the nose cone being configured to rotate when the guide rotates.2. The catheter device of claim 2 , wherein the inner key comprises a braided tube.3. The catheter device of claim 2 , wherein the inner key is configured to rotate when the guide rotates.4. The catheter device of claim 2 , further comprising a rotatable knob operatively associated with the housing and the inner key.5. The catheter device of claim 4 , wherein the nose cone is configured to rotate with the rotatable knob.6. The catheter device of claim 2 , wherein the nose cone houses a flex guide having one or more cuts to control the flexibility or column strength of the flex guide.7. The catheter device of claim 2 , wherein the nose cone houses a flex guide having one or more bellows to control the flexibility or column strength of the flex guide.8. A catheter device comprising:a housing;an inner key extending distally from the housing;a rotatable ...

SUBINTIMAL REENTRY SYSTEM

A subintimal recanalization catheter system for recanalizing a blood vessel. The system includes a support catheter and a balloon catheter configured to extend through the support catheter. The support catheter includes a tubular portion and an extension segment extending distal of the distal opening of the tubular portion. The balloon catheter, having a balloon secured to a distal portion thereof, is positionable through the tubular portion of the support catheter to position the balloon alongside the extension segment. The system is configured to be advanced into a subintimal space between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer of a blood vessel wall where the balloon may be inflated against the extension segment to cause a distal portion of the catheter shaft of the balloon catheter to deflect toward the vessel lumen within the subintimal space to facilitate reentry into the vessel lumen. 1. A subintimal recanalization catheter system for recanalizing a blood vessel having an occlusion in a lumen thereof , the catheter system comprising:an elongate shaft including a tubular portion having a lumen extending therethrough to a distal opening and an extension segment extending distal of the distal opening; anda balloon catheter having a balloon secured to a distal portion of a catheter shaft, the balloon catheter extendable through the lumen of the elongate shaft to position the balloon of the balloon catheter distal of the distal opening;wherein the catheter system is configured to be advanced into a subintimal space between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer of a wall of the blood vessel; andwherein the balloon is configured to be inflated against the extension segment to cause a distal portion of the catheter shaft to deflect toward the lumen of the blood vessel within the subintimal space to facilitate reentry into the lumen of the blood vessel.2. The subintimal recanalization catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the extension segment has a ...

FIBER OPTIC SENSOR ASSEMBLY FOR SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE

Methods and sensor delivery devices for monitoring a fluid pressure within a vascular structure, the devices including an elongated sheath sized for sliding along a guidewire, a sensor assembly including a fiber optic sensor, a housing surrounding the sensor, a first cavity between the distal end of the sensor and a distal aperture of the housing, a filler extending from at least the distal end of the housing distally and tapering inward toward the outer surface of the sheath, a second cavity in the filler with an opening at the outer surface of the filler and adjoining the distal aperture of the housing, and an optical fiber. The sensor delivery device may also include an outer layer that partially covers the second cavity with an aperture over the opening of the second cavity. 1. A sensor delivery device for monitoring a fluid pressure within a vascular structure of a patient , the sensor delivery device comprising:an elongated tubular sheath sized for sliding along a guidewire, the sheath having an outer surface; a fiber optic sensor;', 'a housing surrounding the sensor, the housing comprising a proximal end having a proximal aperture, a distal end having a distal aperture, an inner surface adjoined to the outer surface of the sheath, and an outer surface opposing the inner surface;', 'a first cavity between the distal end of the sensor and the distal aperture of the housing;', 'a filler on the outer surface of the housing extending at least distally from the distal end of the housing, the filler having an outer surface that tapers inward toward the outer surface of the sheath as the filler extends distally;', 'a second cavity in the filler, the second cavity comprising an opening at the outer surface of the filler, the second cavity adjoining the distal aperture of the housing;, 'a sensor assembly comprisingan optical fiber extending along the outer surface of the sheath, passing through the proximal aperture of the housing and adjoined to the sensor at a distal ...

Device and method for capturing guidewires

Device and method for capturing guidewires inside blood vessels. The disclosed device enables retrieval of guidewires that need to be pulled from the body at a different location than the guidewire entering location, such as guidewires that have entered in a retrograde direction.

GUIDEWIRE

A guidewire includes a first junction that joins a distal end of an inner coil body and a portion of a core shaft positioned a non-zero distance away from a distal end toward a proximal end; a second junction that joins a proximal end of the inner coil body and the core shaft; a third junction that joins a distal end of the outer coil body and the distal end of the core shaft; and a fourth junction that joins a proximal end of the outer coil body and the core shaft. The outer coil body includes a tapered coil portion and a uniform-diameter coil portion. The inner coil body is disposed inside the uniform-diameter coil portion of the outer coil body. The inner coil body is joined to the core shaft at only the first and second junctions but is not joined to the outer coil body. 1. A guidewire comprising:a core shaft;an outer coil body that covers an outer periphery of the core shaft;an inner coil body that is disposed inside the outer coil body and that covers a distal end portion of the core shaft;a first junction that joins a distal end of the inner coil body and a portion of the core shaft, the first junction being spaced a non-zero distance from a distal end of the core shaft toward a proximal end of the core shaft;a second junction that joins a proximal end of the inner coil body and the core shaft;a third junction that joins a distal end of the outer coil body and the distal end of the core shaft; anda fourth junction that joins a proximal end of the outer coil body and the core shaft, whereinthe outer coil body includes a tapered coil portion and a uniform-diameter coil portion, the tapered coil portion having a diameter that decreases toward the distal end of the outer coil body, the uniform-diameter coil portion being positioned on a distal end of the tapered coil portion and having a uniform coil outer diameter, and the inner coil body is disposed inside of the uniform-diameter coil portion of the outer coil body, the inner coil body is joined to the core ...

GUIDEWIRE WITH INTERNAL PRESSURE SENSOR

The present document describes a pressure guidewire comprising: a shaft tube with a proximal section; a middle section extending from the proximal section of the shaft tube, the middle section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; an inner hypotube installed substantially within the middle section for optimal mechanical properties; a pressure sensor with a communication means routed through the middle section and the proximal section; and a sensor housing for receiving the pressure sensor. There are also described methods for joining the inner hypotube to the shaft tube. 1. A pressure guidewire comprising:a shaft tube comprising:a proximal section providing pushability to the pressure guidewire;a middle section extending further distally relative to the proximal section, the middle section being cut according to a cut pattern thereby resulting in greater flexibility in the middle section than in the proximal section;a sensor housing extending further distally relative to the middle section;an inner hypotube comprising a nickel/titanium alloy (Nitinol) or stainless steel portion installed substantially within the middle section wherein the nickel/titanium alloy (Nitinol) or stainless steel portion forms a continuous cylindrical tube;a pressure sensor communication means routed to the sensor housing through the proximal section and the middle section; anda tip pressure sensor embedded within the sensor housing and communicatively connected to the pressure sensor communication means.2. The pressure guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the cut pattern comprises a spiral cut pattern.3. The pressure guidewire of claim 1 , wherein the proximal section claim 1 , the middle section and the sensor housing are made from a unitary and continuous piece of material.4. The pressure guidewire of claim 3 , wherein the unitary and continuous piece of material comprises stainless steel.5. The pressure guidewire of claim 1 , further comprising a window through the shaft tube ...

Guidewire

A guidewire for use in a medical procedure includes an elongate guide member dimensioned for insertion within a body vessel of a subject. The guide member includes an elongate body segment and a leading tip segment. The elongate body segment defines a longitudinal opening, and the leading tip segment is adapted and dimensioned to articulate relative to the elongate body segment about a single axis. A control element extends through the longitudinal opening of the elongate body segment and is longitudinally movable through manual manipulation of a clinician to cause corresponding articulating movement of the leading tip segment.

EXPANDABLE TRANS-SEPTAL SHEATH

Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is expanded using a radial dilator. In one application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as electrophysiological mapping of the heart, radio-frequency ablation of left atrial tissue, placement of atrial implants, valve repair, or the like. 18.-. (canceled)9. A method of instrumenting a left atrium of a patient comprising the steps of:routing a guidewire into the right atrium from a peripheral vein;inserting a sheath with a collapsed distal region and a pre-inserted dilator into the patient over the guidewire;advancing the sheath to a treatment or diagnostic site within the right atrium of the heart;performing a trans-septal puncture between the right and left atrium and advancing the collapsed distal region through the puncture into the left atrium;dilating the distal region of the sheath so that the distal region of the sheath is expanded to dilate the puncture;collapsing the dilator;removing the dilator from the sheath;inserting instrumentation through the lumen of the sheath into the left atrium;performing therapy or diagnosis with the instrumentation; andremoving the sheath from the patient.10. The method of wherein dilating the distal region comprises inflating a balloon on the dilator.11. The method of wherein dilating the distal region comprises ...

Double ended intravascular medical device

An intravascular medical device including an elongated member configured to be advanced along a vascular path of a patient, the elongated member having opposite first and second ends, the first end and second ends both being adapted for intravascular insertion, and the first end having a different structure than the second end. The elongated member has sufficient flexibility to be advanced through a human vasculature. Preferably, the first and second ends are adapted to have different operating characteristics. Depending on the operating characteristics needed for a particular procedure, a physician can insert either the first end portion or the second end portion of the elongated member into the patient's vasculature.

GUIDEWIRE

A guidewire has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding resulting from the application of force by an actuating member. The application of longitudinal force to the coil causes the unconnected coil wind side to expand while the connected side does not expand, resulting in the guidewire assuming a different configuration. 1. A guidewire , comprising:a distal section having an expandable side and a non-expandable side, the distal section comprising a metallic coil defining a first central space and comprising a plurality of winds and an external flat section on the plurality of winds;a proximal section comprising a hollow member defining a second central space substantially coaxial with the first central space, the proximal section having less flexibility than the distal section;a metallic ribbon having a rectangular cross section attached to the external flat section at each of the plurality of winds; andan actuating member extending through the first central space and the second central space, the actuating member attached proximate a distal end of the distal section and capable of transferring longitudinal force to the coil.2. The guidewire of wherein the guidewire in a non-stressed configuration has a straight configuration.3. The guidewire of wherein the guidewire in a non-stressed configuration has a deflected configuration.4. The guidewire of wherein the actuating member extends at least the length of the shaft.5. The guidewire of wherein the actuating member is a solid rod defining a distal end and having an end piece attached to the distal end.6. The guidewire of wherein the actuating member defines a tapered section corresponding to the distal section.7. The guidewire of wherein the proximal section comprises a coil claim 1 , and wherein the metallic coil of the distal section is would at a lesser pitch than the coil of the proximal section.8. The ...

GUIDE SHEATH AND GUIDE SHEATH SYSTEM

Provided is a guide sheath that is prevented from coming out of a body cavity so as to allow for stable operation. A tubular guide sheath that guides an insertion section of a medical device to be inserted into a body cavity includes a base-end opening that is provided at a base end of the guide sheath and into which the insertion section is inserted; a distal-end opening that is provided at a distal end of the guide sheath; a flexible bent section that is provided at the distal end of the guide sheath and is elastically bent; and an exit opening that is provided in an outer side surface of the bent section and from which the insertion section extends out. 1. A tubular guide sheath that guides an insertion section of a medical device to be inserted into a body cavity , the guide sheath comprising:a base-end opening that is provided at a base end of the guide sheath and into which the insertion section is inserted;a distal-end opening that is provided at a distal end of the guide sheath;a flexible bent section that is provided at the distal end of the guide sheath and is elastically bent; andan exit opening that is provided in an outer side surface of the bent section and from which the insertion section extends out.2. The guide sheath according to claim 1 , wherein the exit opening in the bent section is oriented toward the distal end of the guide sheath in an axial direction thereof.3. The guide sheath according to claim 1 , wherein the exit opening in the bent section is oriented in a direction that intersects an axis of the guide sheath.4. The guide sheath according to claim 1 , wherein the exit opening in the bent section is oriented toward the base end of the guide sheath in an axial direction thereof.5. The guide sheath according to claim 1 , further comprising a deforming unit claim 1 , provided in the guide sheath claim 1 , for deforming the bent section into a straight shape.6. The guide sheath according to claim 5 , wherein the deforming unit is a tow wire ...

VENTRICULAR FUNCTION ASSISTING DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

The present invention provides devices and methods for assisting in the ventricular function of a treated heart, and tools for delivering and attaching elements of said devices to the wall of the heart. In general the devices of the invention are designed to assist in the ventricular function of the heart by utilizing elastic, and/or magnetic, elements designed to apply radially and/or tangentially directed forces over the wall of the heart, and/or alter the pressure conditions inside ventricle(s) of the heart. Embodiments of the invention may utilize restrictive elements which may optionally be attached over the heart during the implantation procedure, or at a later time, by changing the mode of operation of an implanted device of the invention. 127.-. (canceled)28. A treatment device for implantation inside a ventricle of a living heart and for applying forces over its walls , said treatment device comprising two expandable elements fixedly attached to a bent spring , and anchoring means attached to each of said expandable elements , wherein said treatment device is capable of being placed inside a tube for delivery and placement in said living heart ventricle by introducing said tube into said heart ventricle and discharging said device thereinside such that its expandable elements change into a deployed state as their anchoring means are attached to the wall of the heart ventricle.29. A device according to further comprising a pacemaker electrically coupled to it for delivering electrical signals to the tissue of the heart.30. A device according to wherein the treatment device expandable elements are expandable fixation elements.31. A device according to wherein the treatment device is adapted to store energy from the ventricular motion of the heart during the systolic phase and release stored energy during the diastolic phase claim 28 , thereby assisting in improving diastolic functioning of the heart.32. A device according to wherein said device is implantable ...

Guide extension catheter

Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal region, a distal region, and a slot formed in the tubular member between the proximal region and the distal region. The proximal region of the tubular member may be configured to shift between a first configuration and a collapsed configuration. The guide extension catheter may also include an elongate shaft for shifting the proximal region between the first configuration and the collapsed configuration.

Steerable Multifunction Catheter Probe with High Guidability and Reversible Rigidity

A steerable, multifunction radiofrequency (RF) catheter probe for providing improved steerability plus variable rigidity of RF catheter probes. The features of the invention include the ability to reversibly vary the rigidity of catheter probes and to configure the shape of the distal end of catheter probes as required by the application.

Pressure-sensing medical devices and medical device systems

Medical device systems and methods for making and using medical device systems are disclosed. An example medical device system may include a guidewire. A pressure sensor assembly may be disposed within the guidewire. The pressure sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor and a first optical fiber coupled to the pressure sensor. The first optical fiber may have a first outer diameter. A cable may be coupled to the guidewire. The cable may include a second optical fiber. The second optical fiber may have a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter.

Pressure Sensing Intravascular Devices With Reduced Drift and Associated Systems and Methods

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component positioned within a distal portion of the device. In some instances, a plurality of conductors are electrically coupled to the pressure sensing component and a potting material covers the electrical connections between the plurality of conductors and the pressure sensing component. In some instances, the potting material has a durometer hardness between about 20 Shore A and about 50 Shore A, a moisture absorption rate of about 0% per twenty-four hours, a linear shrinkage of 0%, a coefficient of thermal expansion (m/m/-° C.) of between about 1.0×10 −5 and about 5.0×10 −4 , and a volume resistivity (Ω-cm) between about 6.0×10 13 and about 1.0×10 14 . Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.

ANATOMIC DEVICE DELIVERY AND POSITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

An anatomic device delivery and positioning system has a stabilizing guide wire for placement of a catheter or other medical device or material into a vessel or cavity of a tissue or organ within a body of a living subject into which the guide wire is insertable. The guide wire includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end to extend out of the body and the distal end to extend into the body, the distal end having an expandable portion that expands from a compressed condition when inside of a delivery tube or catheter to an expanded condition when outside of the delivery tube or catheter. A method is also disclosed of performing a percutaneous procedure within a vessel or cavity of a tissue or organ of a subject using the guide wire, particularly but not exclusively involving a heart procedure. 1. An anatomic device delivery and positioning system having a stabilizing guide wire guiding placement of a delivery device into a vessel or cavity of a tissue or organ within a body of a living subject into which the guide wire is insertable , wherein the guide wire comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end , the proximal end to extend out of the body and the distal end to extend into the body , the distal end having an expandable portion that expands from a compressed condition when inside of a delivery tube or catheter to an expanded condition when outside of the delivery tube or catheter.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated member comprises a metal wire.3. The system according to claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , wherein the wire is at least partially coated with a synthetic polymer.4. The system according to claim 3 , wherein the synthetic polymer is selected from the group consisting of silicone claim 3 , polytetrafluoroethylene and polyurethane.5. The system according to claim 2 , wherein the metal wire comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium claim 2 , vanadium ...

MEDICAL TUBE, CATHETER, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING MEDICAL TUBE

A first tube is a medical tube provided with a first portion, a second portion and a third portion in this order from the proximal end side toward the distal end side and is made of a resin. At the second portion, the outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion and the inner diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first portion. At the third portion, the outer diameter and the inner diameter are respectively smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the second portion. In this manner, a medical tube in which the outer diameter of the proximal end side is relatively large and the outer diameter of the distal end side is relatively small while securing the inner diameter having a sufficient size at the distal end side can be provided. 1. A medical tube comprising:a tube possessing a proximal end and a distal end, the tube possessing a first portion, a second portion and a third portion arranged in this order in a direction from a proximal end side toward a distal end side of the tube, the tube being made of resin;the first portion, the second portion and the third portion each possessing an inner diameter and an outer diameter;the outer diameter of the second portion being smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion, and the inner diameter of the second portion being substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first portion; andthe inner diameter of the third portion being smaller than the inner diameter of the second portion, and the outer diameter of the third portion being smaller than the outer diameter of the second portion.2. The medical tube according to claim 1 , wherein the tubular body comprises a taper portion between the first portion and the second portion claim 1 , the tape portion possessing a proximal end and a distal end claim 1 , the taper portion possessing an outer diameter that gradually decreases in a direction from the proximal end side toward the distal end side ...

Device for recanalization of vessel occlusions using guide wire and method of use

An attachment mechanism and method for attaching or coupling a guide wire to a catheter for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The attachment mechanism generates friction forces against the guide wire to couple the guide wire to a catheter, which design permits a greater force to be used on the guide wire during a re-canalization procedure. The invention also encompasses use of the attachment mechanism in conjunction with active catheters, which have vibration-generating means to oscillate the distal end of the catheter or a component in the distal end of the catheter, to add vibration motion, preferably axial vibration motion, to the increased force that may be applied to the guide wire for purposes of penetrating an occlusion. The methods of the invention relate to methods of attaching the guide wire to the catheter and methods of treating a vessel having a partial or total occlusion.

Methods and devices for visualization and access

Methods and devices for visualizing and accessing a region inside a body are described. One embodiment of a device includes a working catheter which slides along an open track in a visualization catheter. The visualization catheter is inserted into the body to locate a region of the body with the aid of the visualization element. The working catheter then slides along the track to reach the region, and a working element is inserted through the working catheter to access the region, again with the aid of the visualization element. The methods and devices may also be used to access a variety of internal cavities, soft tissues and organs, and the mediastinal space. 1. An access device comprising:a visualization catheter;a visualization element coupled to a distal end of the visualization catheter;an open track formed along a length of the visualization catheter;a working catheter configured to slide along the track until a distal end of the working catheter is in a vicinity of the visualization element; anda working lumen extending through the working catheter.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the track is substantially semicircular.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the working catheter is substantially circular.4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a runner coupled the working catheter claim 1 , the runner configured to slide at least partially within the track.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the runner is the same length as the working catheter.6. The device of claim 4 , wherein the runner is shorter than the working catheter.7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the runner is located at a distal portion of the working catheter.8. The device of claim 4 , wherein the track and the runner are substantially circular.9. The device of claim 4 , wherein the track and the runner are T-shaped.10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the track includes a stop at the distal end of the visualization catheter which prevents the distal end of the working catheter from ...

Rotational atherectomy device with a system of eccentric abrading heads

The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having, in various embodiments, a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with a system of eccentric abrading heads attached thereto. At least part of the eccentric enlarged abrading heads in the system have a tissue removing surface—the abrading heads may be at least partially hollow. Preferably the abrading heads have centers of mass spaced radially from the rotational axis of the drive shaft, facilitating the ability of the system of abrading heads to work together to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter larger than the outer resting diameter of the abrading heads when operated at high speeds. Therefore, certain embodiments comprise a system having unbalanced centers of mass to not only stimulate greater rotational diameters but also arranged in a manner whereby a debris-removing augering effect occurs. Other embodiments may comprise systems having abrading heads with balanced centers of mass.

COMPOSITE MATERIAL FOR MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

A composite material for medical devices includes a superelastic shape memory alloy configured or constituting a matrix and a metal oxide which is dispersed in the matrix. 1. A medical device comprising:one of a stent, a guide wire, an embolization coil, an inferior vena cava filter, and an orthodontics wire made of a composite material comprising a superelastic shape memory alloy matrix in which a metal oxide is dispersed.2. The medical device according to claim 1 , wherein the superelastic shape memory alloy matrix is a superelastic shape memory alloy powder claim 1 , and the metal oxide is metal oxide particles dispersed in the superelastic shape memory alloy powder in an amount from 0.10% by volume to 1.0% by volume.3. The medical device composite material according to claim 2 , wherein the superelastic shape memory alloy powder is one kind of alloy powder selected from a group consisting of TiNi-based alloy powder claim 2 , Cu-based alloy powder claim 2 , Fe-based alloy powder claim 2 , and Ti-based alloy powder claim 2 , and{'sub': 2', '2', '3', '2', '2, 'the metal oxide particles are one kind of oxide particles selected from a group consisting of TiO, AlO, CeO, MgO, CaO and ZrO.'}4. The medical device composite material according to claim 3 , wherein the superelastic shape memory alloy powder is the TiNi-based alloy powder claim 3 , and the metal oxide particles are any one of 0.10% by volume to 1.0% by volume of TiOand 0.1% by volume to 1.0% by volume of AlO.5. A medical device composite material claim 3 , comprising:a superelastic shape memory alloy constituting a matrix; anda metal oxide dispersed in the matrix.6. The medical device composite material according to claim 5 , wherein the medical device composite material is obtained by sintering the material for subsequent extrusion processing after the superelastic shape memory alloy comprised of superelastic shape memory alloy powder and the metal oxide comprised of metal oxide particles are mixed.7. The ...