Abstract: An implantable lead conductor comprises at least one helical coil formed from at least one electrical cable. Each cable is formed from several wires twisted in a ropelike configuration with at least some of the wires being helically wound around a central axis of the cable. Each wire is a composite comprising a core of a first material and a coveting of a second material, with all adjacent wires belonging to the same cable in uninsulated contact with each other. Preferably, the core material is highly conductive, and the covering material is strong and biocompatible. The helical coil has a lumen for insertion of a stylet to facilitate insertion through a vein.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator lead comprises a flexible core onto which is wound helically wound coils to form an electrode. These electrode coils are partially encapsulated by a flexible matrix which holds them in their wrapped position around the core. Due to its coiled coil structure, this electrode provides improved flexibility, and can be used endocardially, intravascularly, epicardially, or subcutaneously. The electrode may function alternately as a defibrillation electrode and as a sensing electrode in a lead with a separate pacing electrode.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillation lead is provided in which surface modification and deposition techniques are utilized to provide improved electrical and mechanical characteristics. The surface of an electrode can thereby be matched to the heart tissue for biocompatibility while at the same time providing for the appropriate electrical and mechanical characteristics of the electrode material.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillation electrode is provided, in which there is an electrically conductive wire mesh formed of crossed spirally wound cables. Each of the spirally wound cables comprises a plurality of stranded wire elements, with a central wire element and a plurality of outer wire elements wound adjacent the central wire element. In one embodiment, the crossed cables are formed in a twill weave pattern, alternating over and under at least two individual cables.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator lead comprises a flexible, conductive lead member having proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion defines a plurality of separate, curvilinear electrodes which naturally extend laterally outwardly in a curved arrangement from the remainder of the lead. However, by desired means, the curvilinear electrodes may be temporarily extended out straight, substantially parallel to the axis of the remainder of said lead member, to facilitate implantation of the lead. This may be preferably accomplished by a flexible sheath that encloses the lead member in longitudinally slidable relation.

Abstract: A steerable balloon dilatation catheter which is particularly suitable for peripheral arteries having an elongated tubular member with a flexible, inelastic balloon on the distal end. The tubular member has a relatively stiff proximal portion formed of stainless steel and a relatively flexible distal portion formed of a polyester. A fixed guiding member is disposed within the catheter bonded to the proximal portion of the tubular member, to a short relatively rigid cylindrical member bonded to the distal portion of the tubular member and the distal end of the balloon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a very low-profile dilatation catheter having an inner tubular member with an inner lumen with a diameter of not more than 0.003 inch (0.076 mm) greater than the diameter of a guidewire disposed therein. Preferably, the inner diameter of the tubular member is less than 0.015 inch (0.381 mm). The inner member may be formed of a thin-walled tubing such as polyimide tubing having a wall thickness less than 0.003 inch (0.076 mm). Polyimide tubing is also preferably employed as the tubular member in low-profile steerable dilatation catheters wherein the guide elements thereof are fixed within the catheter.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the cardiovascular system. The guidewire has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by pushing the two sections together and pulling them apart. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section can be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.

Abstract: Low profile dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and with a flow passage extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the elongate flexible tubular member so that the balloon has its interior in communication with the flow passage in the tubular member. A flexible tip is secured to the distal extremity of the balloon. A core wire extends through the elongate flexible member and has proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the core wire is tapered and extends through the balloon and into the flexible tip. The distal extremity of the core wire is secured to the flexible tip. A rotator is provided for rotating the proximal extremity of the core wire for causing rotation of the flexible tip. Self-venting means is provided for venting the balloon to ambient. An adapter is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: Steerable low profile dilatation catheter having a flexible elongate tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and with a flow passage extending therethrough. An adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the tubular member. A separate balloon having proximal and distal extremities is provided. The balloon has its proximal extremity mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. A core wire extends through the flow passage of the tubular member and through the balloon and beyond the distal extremity of the balloon. A tip coil is provided which is formed of a radiopaque material and has proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity of the tip coil is secured to the distal extremity of the balloon. The distal extremity of the core wire extends into the tip coil but is spaced from the distal extremity of the tip coil.

Abstract: Tool and method for turning or steering an angioplasty guide wire as it is inserted into the body of a patient. The tool has a body of resilient material with a slit in which the guide wire is received. The slit opens through the side of the body, and the tool can be attached to the wire from the side. An outer sleeve encircles the resilient body, with a slot through which the wire is inserted and removed, and the resilient body is compressed by the sleeve to hold the slit closed and grip the wire tightly. The wire is turned or steered by gripping the outer sleeve and rotating the tool about its axis.

Abstract: Torsionally stabilized guide wire for use in larger vessels of the vascular system. A relatively flexible helical coil is positioned over the distal end portion of an elongated shaft which increases in flexibility toward its distal end. The coil is affixed to the shaft at the proximal and distal ends of the coil and at an intermediate point near the distal end. A jacket having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the coil covers the shaft between the proximal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the coil. In one disclosed embodiment, the jacket is formed by heat shrinking a tubular sleeve of polyethylene about the shaft.

Abstract: Tool and method for bending of shaping the tips of angioplasty guide wires. The tool has two relatively rigid body sections joined together by a relatively flexible hinge, with a flexible tube extending across the hinge for holding the tip of the wire to be bent. The body sections are folded together about the hinge to bend the wire, and the flexible tube tends to form a kink in the wire which helps the wire to retain the shape to which it is bent. Stops limit the movement of the body sections and prevent overbending of the wire.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the cardiovascular system. The guidewire has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by pushing the two sections together and pulling them apart. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section can be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.

Abstract: Low profile dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and with a flow passage extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the elongate flexible tubular member so that the balloon has its interior in communication with the flow passage in the tubular member. A flexible tip is secured to the distal extremity of the balloon. A core wire extends through the elongate flexible member and has proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the core wire is tapered and extends through the balloon and into the flexible tip. The distal extremity of the core wire is secured to the flexible tip. A rotator is provided for rotating the proximal extremity of the core wire for causing rotation of the flexible tip. Self-venting means is provided for venting the balloon to ambient. An adapter is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: Torsionally stabilized guide wire for use in larger vessels of the vascular system. A relatively flexible helical coil is positioned over the distal end portion of an elongated shaft which increases in flexibility toward its distal end. The coil is affixed to the shaft at the proximal and distal ends of the coil and at an intermediate point near the distal end. A jacket having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the coil covers the shaft between the proximal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the coil. In one disclosed embodiment, the jacket is formed by heat shrinking a tubular sleeve of polyethylene about the shaft.