Abstract: A flexible kink-resistant introducer sheath (10). The introducer sheath includes an inner liner (31), a coil (33) and an outer tube (33). The inner liner includes a passageway (30) extending longitudinally therethrough, where a catheter (50) can be advanced through the passageway. The coil (33) has a plurality of turns positioned longitudinally and compression fitted around the inner liner (31), where the turns have a predetermined spacing therebetween. The outer tube (20) is positioned longitudinally around the coil (33) and the inner liner (31), and is connected to the inner liner through the spaces between the turns. A diameter difference between the inner liner and the catheter is in a range of about 0.0005 to about 0.004 inch (0.013 to about 0.10 mm).

Abstract: A wire guide includes a mandrel that has a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first coating with a low coefficient of friction is disposed on the proximal portion of the mandrel. A second coating is disposed on the distal portion of the mandrel, where the second coating provides a sub-structure. A third coating is disposed on the second coating, where the third coating comprises a surface that allows for easy maneuverability of the wire guide. The first coating on the proximal portion provides enough lubricity to keep the wire guide from becoming bound or stuck in a catheter or medical device while still allowing a user to have a good grip of the wire guide. The second coating on the distal portion provides lubricity for the wire guide, which allows the user to easily maneuver the wire guide through a vascular anatomy.

Abstract: A wire guide includes a mandrel that has a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first coating with a low coefficient of friction is disposed on the proximal portion of the mandrel. A second coating is disposed on the distal portion of the mandrel, where the second coating provides a sub-structure. A third coating is disposed on the second coating, where the third coating comprises a surface that allows for easy maneuverability of the wire guide. The first coating on the proximal portion provides enough lubricity to keep the wire guide from becoming bound or stuck in a catheter or medical device while still allowing a user to have a good grip of the wire guide. The second coating on the distal portion provides lubricity for the wire guide, which allows the user to easily maneuver the wire guide through a vascular anatomy.

Abstract: A method of performing an operation including angioplasty of the internal carotid artery which includes blocking blood flow in the internal carotid artery, performing the angioplasty while the blood flow is blocked in the internal carotid artery, and reversing flow in the internal carotid artery after the angioplasty has been performed to wash material loosened during the angioplasty out of the internal carotid artery. Normal flow in the internal carotid artery is restored after the loosened material is washed out of the internal carotid artery.