Abstract: An atherectomy catheter includes a catheter body having a cylindrical housing at its distal end. The cylindrical housing includes an elongate cutting aperture on one side thereof and a mechanism for severing atheroma which enters within the opening. In a first embodiment, the cutting mechanism comprises a circular cutting blade which is advanced over an elongate guide member which defines a path for the blade. Use of the guide means helps assure that the cutting blade will not be lost from the housing during use. In a second embodiment, a rotatable helical cutting blade is mounted within the housing. In that particular embodiment, the helical cutting blade can serve as the guide member for the circular cutting blade.

Abstract: A positive gauge blood pressure signal is transmitted to a gas column from a pulsatile blood flow stream hydrostatically higher than the pressure transducer. Particularly, a first conduit having a predetermined internal diameter smaller than a second conduit is connected at one end to the blood flow stream. The first conduit extends to a turnaround below the pressure transducer and is connected to the second conduit. The opposite end of the second conduit connects with the pressure transducer. The small internal diameter of the first conduit maintains the meniscus of the blood intact notwithstanding the pulsatile blood stream.

Abstract: A combination pipe and cigarette tool having a pair of slidable implements with one implement having a retractable cutting or scraper blade on one end and a tamper on the opposite end which can be locked in an operating or closed position in the pipe and cigarette tool housing. The second slidable implement includes a pipe pick on one end and cigarette clip on the opposite end which can hold a burning cigarette against the housing. When not in use a clip attached to the housing allows the tool to be clipped to a shirt pocket.