Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the intraluminal passageways of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's intraluminal passageways. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: A blood containment, visualization and tactile confirmation device is provided for use with a vascular entry needle. The device includes a visualization channel and/or a compliant outer wall portion which indicates whether a needle connected to the device has entered a selected blood vessel. The visualization channel is vented to the outside to allow displaced air to escape, but has a gas permeable member to prevent blood from escaping. The visualization channel may have one, two, or more stages, with a first stage chamber which indicates initial penetration of a selected blood vessel, and a second stage chamber which fills more slowly and indicates that the needle remains positioned within the blood vessel. A third stage chamber with entrapped air which compresses slightly due to the heartbeat may also be used. Preferably, a compliant outer wall portion pulses with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing a tactile indication that the needle tip is properly positioned.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to ther electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus having thermocouple elements of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction. An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements to reduce the temperature of the junction in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool the contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired, the section of heart tissue may be treated.

Abstract: A flow control valve is described comprised of first and second rigid members and a resilient single or multi stage valve element disposed between the rigid members. A fluid flow path is defined through the rigid members and through or around the valve element to provide a continuous flow path through the valve. The rigid members are movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position. The valve element is sufficiently compressed by the rigid members when they are in the first position so as to close the flow path through or around the valve element. The valve element is sufficiently relaxed when the rigid members are in the second position to allow fluid flow through the flow path through or around the valve element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: A truck bed air deflector comprises of an air deflector shield having a generally rectangular configuration. The air deflector shield is dimensioned to be received within a truck bed. A pair of spring-loaded hinges is secured to opposing end portions of a first end of the air deflector shield. The spring-loaded hinges have mounting brackets theresecured. The mounting brackets are adapted to be secured to the truck bed thereby securing the air deflector shield to the truck bed. The spring-loaded hinges bias the air deflector shield to a raised position parallel with a tailgate of the truck bed. A pair of L-shaped locking latches are pivotally secured to a mounting bracket. Each mounting bracket is secured to the truck bed adjacent to a second end of the air deflector shield. The locking latches are adapted to secure the second end of the air deflector shield in a stowed position.

Abstract: A flow control valve is described comprised of first and second rigid members and a resilient single or multi stage valve element disposed between the rigid members. A fluid flow path is defined through the rigid members and through or around the valve element to provide a continuous flow path through the valve. The rigid members are movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position. The valve element is sufficiently compressed by the rigid members when they are in the first position so as to close the flow path through or around the valve element. The valve element is sufficiently relaxed when the rigid members are in the second position to allow fluid flow through the flow path through or around the valve element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus having thermocouple elements of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction. An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements to reduce the temperature of the junction in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool the contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired, the section of heart tissue may be treated.

Abstract: A blood containment, visualization and tactile confirmation device is provided for use with a vascular entry needle. The device includes a visualization channel and/or a complaint outer wall portion which indicates whether a needle connected to the device has entered a selected blood vessel. The visualization channel is vented to the outside to allow displaced air to escape, but has a gas permeable member to prevent blood from escaping. The visualization channel may have one, two, or more stages, with a first stage chamber which indicates initial penetration of a selected blood vessel, and a second stage chamber which fills more slowly and indicates that the needle remains positioned within the blood vessel. A third stage chamber with entrapped air which compresses slightly due to the heartbeat may also be used. Preferably, a compliant outer wall portion pulses with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing a tactile indication that the needle tip is properly positioned.

Abstract: A polymeric article and method for making a polymeric article, such as a catheter, are disclosed wherein the article is contacted with a swelling agent, such as a solvent, and a plasticizer to make the polymeric material softer and/or more pliable or flexible. The contacting may be carried our sequentially or simultaneously, using a solution containing a plasticizer and a solvent.

Abstract: A fluid control valve assembly including a first tube member, a second tube member and a cylindrical valve element. The first tube member has a narrower diameter passageway connected by a transitional surface to a wider diameter passageway. The narrower passageway acts as a secondary valve sealing surface and the transitional surface acts as a primary valve sealing surface. The valve element includes a primary valve sealing shoulder which forms a seal when in contact with the primary sealing surface of the first tube member; at least one secondary sealing flange which deformingly engages the wall of the narrower passageway; and a plurality of elastomeric bands extending from the base of the valve element. The bands are looped around posts extending upward from the inner wall of the second tube member when the valve assembly is assembled. The elastic bands maintain the valve element in a compressively engaged sealing relationship with the transitional surface of the first tube member.

Abstract: A wound treating device is disclosed which is adapted to treat wounds, and particularly to enhance clotting of wounds in blood vessels. The wound treating device includes an elongated tube with proximal and distal end portions and comprising at least two lumens extending therebetween. One of the lumens is attached to receive a flow control device partially positioned within the blood vessel for providing local flow control at the wound site. Inflatable means, such as a flexible membrane, is carried generally adjacent to the distal end portion and is movable between inflated and retracted positions.

Abstract: A wound clotting device includes a tubular portion having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween, an inflatable membrane associated with the distal end of the tubular portion and being moveable between a retracted position and an inflated position to form a balloon-like projection at the distal end when moved to the inflated position for treating a wound. A method for treating a wound by providing a wound-treating device, positioning the device in a location near the wound, moving an inflation membrane of the wound treating device to an inflated position near the wound, and removing the treating device is described. Finally, an alternate wound treating device having an inflatable membrane which is releasably carried at the distal end of the tubular portion and which is expelled to treat the wound is also described.