Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible small-diameter guide wire provided with an enlarged-diameter distal end portion, and a flexible elongated tubular shaft with at least one dual-function fluid-conducting lumen adapted to both receive the guide wire extending therethrough, and to communicate pressurized inflation fluid to a distal balloon of the catheter. A distal orifice of the catheter communicates with the balloon and is provided with selective valving means for releasably engaging sealingly with the enlarged distal end portion of the guide wire. Apparatus is disclosed for axially moving the guide wire to effect engagement and disengagement of the enlarged distal end portion with the selective valving means of the catheter shaft. A torquer device is also provided by means of which the guide wire may be rotated relative to the catheter shaft for steering of the guide wire along a vascular pathway.

Abstract: A catheter combination as disclosed for passing an endoscope along a vessel. The catheter combination includes a catheter having a hollow tubular member defining a lumen having a first cross-sectional area. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an irrigation connector at the proximal end of the catheter with a wall defining a passageway connecting with the lumen. An endoscope has an endoscope body with a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The body has a cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area of the lumen. The endoscope proximal end portion extends proximally of the catheter proximal end and the endoscope distal end portion extends distally of the catheter distal end. The endoscope body extends through the lumen such that fluid from the passage in the irrigation connector can pass between the endoscope body and the lumen.

Abstract: A catheter meter is described for determining spacial parameters such as linear distance in a vessel or other body cavity. The catheter meter includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a handle for holding the catheter. The catheter further includes a hollow tubular member defining a lumen extending distally of the handle to a catheter tip. A wall in the catheter defines a passageway communicating with the lumen for passing a cylindrical member such as a tube or cable having a length and a tip through the passageway and the lumen so that the tip of the cylindrical member can extend distally of the catheter tip. A measurement gauge at the proximal end of the catheter is provided for measuring the distance from the proximal end of the catheter to the tip of the cylindrical member when the tip has been passed through the catheter passageway and the lumen and beyond the catheter tip.