Abstract: An expandable and compressible atherectomy cutter for cutting plaque from a stenosis in an artery includes a cutter assembly which, relative to its axis of rotation, has a plurality of radially separated and axially aligned blades. The distal ends of these blades are joined together at a grommet and the proximal ends are free for individual engagement with grooves which are axially oriented on the hub of a rotatable torque tube. Each groove on the hub has a plurality of notches, and each notch in a groove has a corresponding notch in each of the other grooves which lies in the same radial plane and at the same radial distance from the rotational axis of the torque tube. Although notches in different radial planes can have different radial distances, the proximal ends of the blades simultaneously engage with only the notches in the same radial plane.

Abstract: A fluid injector for use with a needle-less syringe or needle-less add-on IV line is disclosed. The injector is connected to a main IV line and has a fluid passageway from the syringe or the add-on IV set to the main IV line. The injector comprises an anti-backflow valve member where the member is movable under fluid pressure along between a first position where the fluid cannot flow through the injector and a second position where the fluid can flow through the injector. The member is a sinking type and has a specific gravity greater than 1.0. The injector also comprises a valve located near the syringe end of the injector for receiving the fluid from the syringe or the add-on IV line for injection into the main IV line and for automatically preventing air embolus entering into the IV line. The anti-air embolus valve comprises a piston in a conduit. The piston is movable between a first position and a second position. The piston has a central bore for the passage of the fluid, a capped end and an inlet end.

Abstract: An imaging balloon dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member with proximal and distal extremities. An inflatable balloon is carried by the tubular member near the distal extremity thereof. The tubular member has a plurality of lumens formed therein, an illuminating set of optical fibers is disposed in one of the lumens and extends through the length of the tubular member. An imaging bundle of optical fibers extends through another one of the lumens of the tubular member. A lens is carried by the distal extremity of the tubular member and supplies an image to the bundle of imaging optical fibers. The flexible elongate member is provided with a flow passage in communication with the interior of the balloon for inflating and deflating the balloon.