Abstract: Recanalization apparatus for use in crossing a stenosis forming a total occlusion in a vessel formed by a vessel wall, the stenosis having a distal end cap which is convex facing in a proximal direction. The apparatus is comprised of an outer sheath formed of an elongate flexible tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. An inner sheath is slidably mounted in the lumen of the outer sheath and is formed of a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity has a sharpened tip. The inner sheath has a length so that when the sharpened tip is disposed distally of the distal extremity of the outer sheath, the proximal extremity extends proximally of the proximal extremity of the outer sheath. An imaging guide wire is slidably mounted in the lumen of the inner sheath and has proximal and distal extremities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating shock waves by means of a park gap by using two electrodes. At a spark gap, apart from the desired shock waves, low frequency sound parts are generated. These sound parts have a disturbing effect during therapy. According to the invention, for the reduction of the low frequency sound parts it is provided to arrange the electrodes in a pressure-tight tube surrounding them.

Abstract: A flexible catheter which has a basket at one end for the capture and removal of a calculus, such as a kidney stone. The catheter includes a plurality of wires with ends forming a basket, an elongate flexible tube through which the wires pass, a handpiece supporting the tube and having a cavity, a shaft disposed in the cavity and fixedly connecting to second ends of the wires, the tube and shaft having aligned central bores, a conductor extending through the bores, and lock means for holding the shaft in a selective position.