Abstract: A guidewire comprising a distal end (2), a shaft portion (4) and a proximal end (3), wherein the shaft portion comprises a single helically wound, ribbon-shaped wire (7) having a pitch angle (&agr;) in the range of 35° to 76°, and said helical wound wire preferably has a smaller total outer diameter at the distal end than at its proximal end.

Abstract: A non-invasive, non-instrumented method and test kit for oral sampling and subsequent rapid or point-of-care sample analysis and diagnosis, including pH determination for detecting the presence and extent of gastroesophageal (acid) reflux. The test for acid reflux includes sampling of the pharynx by gargling with specified liquid (10) and then retrieving the resulting fluid and measuring its pH. The invention may be used both for rapid self-testing in the home as well as for point-of-care diagnosis by health professionals.

Abstract: A holder for a blood collection needle includes a cylinder and a needle fixing mechanism disposed at a distal end wall of the cylinder. The needle fixing mechanism includes a first slider, a second slider, a retainer, and a frame. The first slider and the retainer have half female members integrally formed thereon. The first slider is movable toward the second slider such that the mechanism is in a closed state in which the first slider engages the frame such that the half female members come together to define a complete female member. The second slider is movable toward the first slider such that the mechanism is in an open state in which the first slider is disengaged from the frame. The frame is affixed to the cylinder so as to hold the first slider, the second slider, and the retainer on the end wall thereof.

Abstract: A guidewire replacement device having a proximal shaft section, a distal shaft section and a flexible intermediate shaft section which facilitate the articulation of the distal shaft section with respect to the proximal shaft section. The intermediate shaft section has as aperture for the egress or exit of an in-place guidewire during a guidewire exchange. The proximal end of an in-place guidewire is inserted through the distal guidewire port in the distal end of the distal shaft section, through the distal section and out the aperture in the intermediate shaft section. The exchange device is advanced through the inner lumen of a guiding catheter over the in-place guidewire until the distal end of the exchange device extends through the proximal guidewire port of a rapid exchange type intraluminal catheter. Once the guidewire exchange device is properly placed, the in-place guidewire can then be withdrawn from the patient.