Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therein. An administering portion is disposed at the distal end of the catheter and is configured to administer a bolus of liquid in response to positive pressure in a distal portion of the lumen. The catheter system of the present invention has a dead space of less 0.32 cc and preferably less than 0.15 cc in which residual therapeutic agents remain after delivery. The present invention also includes a method of administering a liquid to a treatment site. The distal end of the catheter is transluminally positioned proximate the treatment site. The catheter is charged by placing a bolus of the liquid in the lumen A positive pressure is created to drive the bolus to the administering tip to express the bolus from the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary placement of a filter in a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter delivery system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter having an elongate shaft and a tubular member disposed within a shaft lumen defined by the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft also includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall defining the shaft lumen. The tubular member has a first end fixed to the wall of the elongate shaft, and a second end disposed within the shaft lumen. The tubular member defines a guidewire lumen that is in fluid communication with a distal guidewire port defined by the second end of the tubular member. The catheter also includes a proximal guidewire port extending through the wall of the elongate shaft. A filter may be disposed within a distal portion of the shaft lumen. A distal end of a guidewire is fixed to the filter.

Abstract: A transmyocardial revascularization catheter which includes an elongate drive shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The TMR catheter also includes a cutting tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a distally disposed cutting edge and a longitudinally extending lumen therethrough. A motor is coupled to the drive shaft for rotation of the cutting tip. The shaft defines a longitudinally extending lumen in fluid communication with the tip lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing blood perfusion within the myocardium of the heart by wounding the myocardium and applying growth factors to promote vascularization. One method includes driving spikes into the myocardium from within the heart, with the spikes being formed of biodegradable material, containing releasable growth factors, and having lumens and side holes. An alternative method utilizes non-biodegradable spikes with lumens and side holes. Another method promotes vascularization by injecting angiogenic material into holes bored into the myocardium, leaving a patent hole. Another method includes injecting angiogenic material into the myocardium without boring, leaving no patent hole. The angiogenic material can be carried in a biodegradable adhesive. Revascularization of the myocardium is promoted in one method by externally wounding the heart and applying a patch including growth factors.

Abstract: A PMR catheter including an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a conductor extending therethrough. An insulator disposed around the conductor. At least one conductive loop disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The conductive loop having an electrode disposed at its distal end.

Abstract: An intravascular device and methods for forming multiple percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) holes in a heart chamber wall simultaneously. One device includes a basket formed of flexible arms carrying cutting probes over their length. The basket arms are outwardly arcuately biased so as to assume an outwardly bowed, arcuate shape when unconstrained. The device includes an inner shaft distally secured to a proximal portion of the basket and slidably disposed within an outer shaft. The inner shaft and collapsed basket can be retracted within the outer shaft, delivered intravascularly to the left ventricle, and distally advanced, forcing the basket to assume the bowed shape. Radio frequency current supplied to the electrical cutting probes burn holes into the ventricle wall and myocardium. One embodiment has high pressure fluid jet cutting means. Another embodiment uses a basket as an anchor to position a steerable cutting probe.

Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing blood perfusion within the myocardium of the heart by wounding the myocardium and applying growth factors to promote vascularization. One method includes driving spikes into the myocardium from within the heart, with the spikes being formed of biodegradable material, containing releasable growth factors, and having lumens and side holes. An alternative method utilizes non-biodegradable spikes with lumens and side holes. Another method promotes vascularization by injecting angiogenic material into holes bored into the myocardium, leaving a patent hole. Another method includes injecting angiogenic material into the myocardium without boring, leaving no patent hole. The angiogenic material can be carried in a biodegradable adhesive. Revascularization of the myocardium is promoted in one method by externally wounding the heart and applying a patch including growth factors.

Abstract: A transmyocardial revascularization catheter which includes an elongate drive shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The TMR catheter also includes a cutting tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a distally disposed cutting edge and a longitudinally extending lumen therethrough. A motor is coupled to the drive shaft for rotation of the cutting tip. The shaft defines a longitudinally extending lumen in fluid communication with the tip lumen.

Abstract: A drug delivery catheter which may be inserted into a vessel, such as a blood vessel is disclosed. The drug delivery catheter comprises any elongated tubular member which has a proximal end and a distal end. A drug lumen which provides a communication path for fluid is provided in the elongated tubular member for delivering a fluid, such as the drug to be administered. An inflatable balloon assembly is provided at the distal end of the elongated tubular member. The balloon assembly includes apertures which communicate with the drug lumen. The balloon assembly comprises a tubular balloon which is helically wound through the elongated tubular member and a sheath.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, having a non-linear compliance curve, made up of a dual layered balloon, one balloon being a Compliant balloon and the other balloon being a Non-Compliant balloon.

Abstract: The present invention includes an imaging catheter for providing a three-dimensional representation of a body vessel wall. The imaging catheter includes an expandable deformable balloon which is inserted into a lumen of the body vessel at a position of interest on the vessel wall. After the balloon has been inflated, the balloon is then deflated and withdrawn from the body vessel to provide a three-dimensional image of the position of interest on the vessel wall.