Abstract: A surgical instrument in which a surgical tool is carried distally of a bend region in a stationary support member by an assembly that transmits proximally applied forces through the bend region to both operate the surgical tool and selectively change the rotational orientation of the surgical tool with respect to the stationary member. In another aspect, in which the stationary member does not include a bend region, a rotatable member supported by the stationary member transmits rotational force to the surgical tool to selectively change the rotational orientation of the tool, and a driver member supported by the stationary member transmits axial force to the surgical tool to operate it.

Abstract: A surgical instrument in which a surgical tool is carried distally of a bend region in a stationary support member by an assembly that transmits proximally applied forces through the bend region to both operate the surgical tool and selectively change the rotational orientation of the surgical tool with respect to the stationary member. In another aspect, in which the stationary member does not include a bend region, a rotatable member supported by the stationary member transmits rotational force to the surgical tool to selectively change the rotational orientation of the tool, and a driver member supported by the stationary member transmits axial force to the surgical tool to operate it.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter adapted for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has an integral guidewire. The balloon and its supporting members are not attached to the guidewire at their distal ends. The supporting members are attached at their proximal ends to the guidewire. The guidewire has an increased freedom of rotational movement and the balloon and its supporting members do not adversely twist about the guidewire.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter adapted for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has an integral guidewire. The balloon and its supporting members are not attached to the guidewire at their distal ends. The supporting members are attached at their proximal ends to the guidewire. The guidewire has an increased freedom of rotational movement and the balloon and its supporting members do not adversely twist about the guidewire.

Abstract: A low profile, steerable balloon dilatation catheter for dilating obstructions in blood vessels is provided which also enables catheter exchanges to be performed without losing guidewire position. The system includes a guidewire and catheter that can be locked together to be operated in a manner as that of an integral wire catheter, or alternatively, they can be unlocked to allow the guidewire to be operated independently in a manner similar to that of an over-the wire catheter system. In the latter mode of operation, the length of the guidewire, at its proximal end, can be extended and the catheter can be withdrawn from the patient without causing a loss of guidewire position. With the guidewire position so maintained, a succeeding catheter can be advanced over the guidewire to the vascular location being treated.