Abstract: A self-contained, self-lubricating catheter assembly is provided. A receptacle formed of two opposed flexible walls includes a main chamber and a lubrication chamber separated by a passage. A lubricant is provided in the lubrication chamber. A catheter is advanced from the main chamber through the lubrication chamber and picks up lubricant as it is passes through the lubrication chamber. A catheter grasping mechanism, located proximate the exit from the lubrication chamber, permits advancement of the catheter out of the receptacle and resists movement of the catheter back into the receptacle. The receptacle also includes one or more finger holes therethrough to allow the user to retain the receptacle on one or more fingers, thereby allowing the hand to more readily position the receptacle during use while advancing the catheter.

Abstract: A method for treating fibrotic lesions in the epidural space of the spinal column includes the steps of percutaneously inserting into the epidural space and across a fibrous lesion, a catheter carrying a compliant, inflatable balloon which is expandable both radially and longitudinally, and, expanding the balloon radially so as to contact the walls of the epidural space and disrupt the fibers of the lesion, and thereafter expanding the balloon longitudinally within the epidural space so as to increase the area of contact between the balloon and the walls of the epidural space. An introducer for percutaneously inserting a catheter or other medical device into the epidural space includes a polymeric tubular shaft having a tapered, curved distal tip through which the catheter is advanced and retracted.

Abstract: A hot tip device, typically used for melting and plowing through stenotic deposits in a coronary artery, is provided with optical diagnostic capabilities. The device includes an elongated, flexible member, a filter glass heating element attached to the distal end of the flexible member and an optical fiber extending through the flexible member and optically coupled to the heating element. The filter glass heating element absorbs a first range of wavelengths for heating and passes a second range of wavelengths for irradiating the artery through the filter glass heating element. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible member is a steerable guidewire, and the filter glass heating element is heated by infrared radiation. Ultraviolet or visible radiation is used to stimulate fluorescence from deposits in the artery.