Abstract: For the provision of an apparatus to lessen or remove points of constriction in vessels of all types whereby ruptures and tears are to be avoided in the vessel walls and, during the treatment of stenosis in blood vessels, the danger of infarction is to be avoided, through use of a treatment catheter (1) that is equipped with two expandable balloons (4, 5) which seal off both sides of a point of constriction (6) in a vessel, whereby the degree of expansion of both balloons (4, 5) can be controlled externally, it is proposed that there be mounted in the wall of the treatment catheter (1) within the region confined by the balloons (4, 5) an inlet piece (A) for the supply of media capable of dissolving or crumbling into smaller particles the material (7) at the point of constriction and an outlet piece (B) for the removal of the material (7) dissolved or crumbled at the point of constriction, whereby these pieces are connected with an externally accessible conduit (10, 11) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for comminuting and/or eliminating constricted areas in vessels of all types whereby fissures and cracks in the vessel walls during the treatment of stenosis in blood vessels and also coronary obstruction are to be avoided. A treatment catheter is used which is equipped with two inflatable balloons which seal off a constriction place in a vessel on both sides thereof whereby the degree of expansion of both balloons is externally regulatable. An inlet member for the supply of means dissolving the material of the constriction area or comminuting the same into smaller particles and an outlet member for the removal of the dissolved or comminuted material of the constriction place are provided in the walls of the treatment catheter within the area delimited by the two balloons. These inlet and outlet members are in communication with a channel accessible from the outside.

Abstract: In order to keep the opening for inserting a catheter into a blood vessel as small as possible, a catheter insertion tube is used which coaxially surrounds the puncturing canula and consists, at least in a circumferential area and/or at least along a portion of its length, of one or several dilatable or expandable areas permitting enlargement of its internal diameter. The diameter of the catheter insertion tube, at the front end where it is inserted into the blood vessel, is approximately equal or smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter. The catheter insertion tube is expandable at least over the front or forward portion of its length by the catheter. The catheter insertion tube i removable from the puncture over the catheter while the catheter is advanced into the puncture and is tighty sealed by the catheter because the catheter has an external diameter equal to or larger than the puncture previously occupied by the insertion tube.

Abstract: A catheter connecting head with at least one duct in a base member for the connection of an infusion system, such as a catheter or the like and for the introduction of a puncture cannula, is provided with a closure member mounted for movement between a first position opening the cannula introduction duct and a second position blocking said duct. The connecting head is provided with a device for retaining the closure member in the first position until the puncture cannula is withdrawn after which the closure element is automatically shifted into its second position. Once the closure member is in its second position blocking the cannula insertion duct, a locking arrangement retains the closure member in this position so that reintroduction of a puncture cannula into said insertion duct is not possible. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the closure member can be constructed as a lever member pivotally mounted to the base member or as a disc mounted upon the base member in a rotatable manner.