Abstract: The stent comprises a flexible self-expandable braided tubular wall having a proximal segment having an outer diameter, and a distal segment having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal segment. An intermediate segment is formed between proximal and distal segments, which forms a truncated cone of which the base is forming the proximal end of the intermediate segment and of which the top is forming the distal end of the intermediate segment. A covering layer is arranged within the tubular wall.

Abstract: A body implantable stent is formed of a plurality of strands arranged in two sets of coaxial helices, wound in opposite directions to form multiple crossings. At selected crossings, the adjacent strands are welded to one another, while at the remaining crossings the strands are free for limited movement relative to one another. The welds are formed in patterns that preferably enhance radial strength and rigidity, while having a minimal impact on axial bending flexibility. Preferred weld patterns in this regard include rings or circumferential rows, and helices, particularly with a steeper pitch than that of the strands. Stent fabrication preferably involves resistance welding at the crossings, and use of a tool to reuniformly compress the stent around and against the distal end region of a balloon catheter used later to deliver the stent to a treatment site.

Abstract: A guidewire threader to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of a guidewire into the distal end of a catheter including two clamping pieces each of which has the shape of a lever having two arms and are hinged to each other for pivoting about a common axis between a closed clamp position and an open release position. A spring maintains clamping surfaces, each of which is provided on one arm of each clamping piece, positively in contact with each other in the clamp position. The clamping surfaces in their condition in contact with each other define a passage oriented roughly parallel to the common pivot axis open at both ends, the passage containing a section having an interior dimension corresponding to the outer diameter of the catheter and which is flared funnel-shaped at both of its ends. In the release position, the clamping surfaces open the passage in the lateral direction for removal of the guidewire.

Abstract: The stent comprises a flexible self-expandable braided tubular wall having a proximal segment having an outer diameter, and a distal segment having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal segment. An intermediate segment is formed between proximal and distal segments, which forms a truncated cone of which the base is forming the proximal end of the intermediate segment and of which the top is forming the distal end of the intermediate segment. A covering layer is arranged within the tubular wall.

Abstract: When installed in the device, the endoprosthesis is compressed radially and located in a cylindrical chamber (14), one proximal area (A) of this endoprosthesis lies within a first outer catheter (3) and a second distal area (B) is in a second outer catheter (30). In order to release the endoprosthesis (1) in a vessel (11), for example, the second outer catheter (30) is first retracted. The endoprosthesis (1) is then held in the first outer catheter (3) by friction and can be re-folded and thus repositioned by advancing the second outer catheter (30). Finally, the endoprosthesis (1) is released by retracting the first outer catheter (3). Because the friction is distributed over at least two outer catheters (3, 30), even endoprostheses (1) that generate a high level of friction on the outer catheter, for example because of a coating, of greater expansion force, or because of great length, can be released.

Abstract: The endoprosthesis is inserted under tension in a recess of a flexible inner catheter and secured by means of a tube-shaped outer catheter. To release the endoprosthesis into a vessel, the outer catheter is pushed back over the recess. The recess is formed by a connector piece that connects a tip to a piece of tubing of the inner catheter. The inner catheter can be designed with a smaller outer diameter in the region of the recess than was previously the case with at least the same flexibility and resistance to buckling.

Abstract: A catheter with a self-expanding stent of a permeable mesh of stiff intersecting fibers is provided. A tubular outer catheter shaft holds the stent under tension at its distal end and from which the stent can be released for placement. A displaceable inner catheter inside the tubular outer catheter shaft supports the stent axially at its proximal end. In order to release the stent, the outer catheter shaft is retracted with respect to the inner catheter. A process for producing this catheter is also described. The stent is secured by gripping it at its proximal end in such a way that it forms a permeable mesh cone that expands automatically together with the stent and has a radius that increases gradually to the radius of the relaxed stent. The stent is securely anchored on the inner catheter with the help of the mesh cone.

Abstract: A catheter with a self-expanding stent of a permeable mesh of stiff intersecting fibers is provided. A tubular outer catheter shaft holds the stent under tension at its distal end and from which the stent can be released for placement. A displaceable inner catheter inside the tubular outer catheter shaft supports the stent axially at its proximal end. In order to release the stent, the outer catheter shaft is retracted with respect to the inner catheter. A process for producing this catheter is also described. The stent is secured by gripping it at its proximal end in such a way that it forms a permeable mesh cone that expands automatically together with the stent and has a radius that increases gradually to the radius of the relaxed stent. The stent is securely anchored on the inner catheter with the help of the mesh cone.

Abstract: A catheter system for mechanical dilatation of coronary arterial stenoses includes a balloon dilatation catheter, a guide wire and a guide catheter. The balloon dilatation catheter has, for the perfusion of vessel fluid during dilatation, side openings arranged both distal and proximal of the balloon and connected to one another via a lumen extending within the balloon. The internal lumen configuration of the balloon dilatation catheter permits the catheter system to be utilized as either a "monorail"-type or an "over-the-wire" system.

Abstract: The dilatation catheter has a shaft which consists of two separately produced shaft portions. Both portions have a first lumen for a guide wire and a second lumen for a pressure liquid. The two portions overlap at a connection point and are preferably welded to one another at this point. The proximal portion consists of two coaxial tube portions and the distal portion consists of an extruded two-lumen tube piece. The proximal portion is stiffer than the distal portion, which permits an optimal adaptation to a non-straight course of a blood vessel. The dilatation catheter according to the invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of arterial occlusions, which are situated in or downstream of a vessel curve.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter wherein the balloon thereof has connected to its wall a plurality of laser light guides which are inlaid in the balloon wall so that the distal ends of the light guides can be moved radially outwardly and inwardly by changing pressure within the balloon.

Abstract: A catheter for opening constricted regions in the cardiovascular system includes an expandable dilatation zone comprising three dilatation elements arranged around a support tube. The dilatation elements are of tubular configuration, and each communicates at one end with a passage in the support tube leading to a pressure-suction pump. Constricted regions in the cardiovascular system may be enlarged or opened by introducing the dilatation zone into the affected site in a folded condition and expanding it peripherally therein. Upon expansion of the dilatation elements flow passages are formed between these elements, through which body fluid (for example blood) can pass with little resistance. The supply of body fluid to organs and tissues downstream of the affected site is thereby maintained. Interruption of the dilatation treatment is not required to insure this supply, thus permitting a substantial reduction in the overall duration of the medical procedure.