Abstract: A system and method of routing requests received from client computers. The client computer processor is redirected to a router for which the address is within the preferred coverage zone. If a router is not identified for which the address is within a preferred coverage zone, but a router other than the router that received the request is identified for which the address is within a regular coverage zone, the processor is redirected to the router for which the address is within the regular coverage zone. If a message is transmitted from a router behind a firewall to a router outside the firewall, and then a request for data is received from a processor behind the firewall, the processor is redirected to the address of the router. Routers register themselves dynamically into a hierarchy. In another alternative embodiment, a service request from a particular client computer is serviced immediately by the root router rather than redirected to another router.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter includes at least an inner and outer body, and a specially shaped balloon affixed near one end of both of the inner and outer bodies. At least the outer body is tubular, and the space between the outer and inner bodies defines an inflation lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon. The balloon is designed to surround and hold a compressed self-expanding stent in a small initial size. An inner portion of the cylindrical balloon extends from where it is affixed to the inner body of the catheter shaft at a point proximal to the stent to a distal leading edge at a point distal to the stent. At this leading edge, the balloon is folded back upon itself, and an outer portion of the balloon extends proximally from the leading edge to a point proximal of the stent where it is affixed to the outer body of the catheter shaft. When the outer body is retracted in the proximal direction, the balloon progressively peels back or everts, to progressively release the stent.

Abstract: A system and method of routing requests received from client computers. The client computer processor is redirected to a router for which the address is within the preferred coverage zone. If a router is not identified for which the address is within a preferred coverage zone, but a router other than the router that received the request is identified for which the address is within a regular coverage zone, the processor is redirected to the router for which the address is within the regular coverage zone. If a message is transmitted from a router behind a firewall to a router outside the firewall, and then a request for data is received from a processor behind the firewall, the processor is redirected to the address of the router. Routers register themselves dynamically into a hierarchy. In another alternative embodiment, a service request from a particular client computer is serviced immediately by the root router rather than redirected to another router.

Abstract: A system and method of routing requests received from client computers. The client computer processor is redirected to a router for which the address is within the preferred coverage zone. If a router is not identified for which the address is within a preferred coverage zone, but a router other than the router that received the request is identified for which the address is within a regular coverage zone, the processor is redirected to the router for which the address is within the regular coverage zone. If a message is transmitted from a router behind a firewall to a router outside the firewall, and then a request for data is received from a processor behind the firewall, the processor is redirected to the address of the router. Routers register themselves dynamically into a hierarchy. In another alternative embodiment, a service request from a particular client computer is serviced immediately by the root router rather than redirected to another router.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent. The apparatus has an outer sheath which is an elongated tubular member with distal and proximal ends and inside and outside diameters. The outer sheath has an enlarged section adjacent its distal end. The enlarged section has a greater inside and outside diameter than the inside and outside diameter of the sheath proximal to the enlarged section. The apparatus also includes an inner shaft located coaxially within the outer sheath. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further includes a stop attached thereto which is proximal to the distal end of the sheath. Lastly, the apparatus includes a self-expanding stent located within the enlarged section of the outer sheath and makes frictional contact with the outer sheath. The shaft is disposed coaxially within a lumen of the stent, whereby the stent makes contact with the stop during deployment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for facilitating balloon catheter exchange in angioplasty procedures. A guide catheter allows the balloon catheter to be inserted into the subject to a region near a treatment region within the vascular system. A fluid source is provided for selectively inflating the balloon. A passageway in the catheter body that extends through the catheter balloon opens into the blood vessel via a sideport. A guidewire passageway extends through a distal most part of the catheter body to allow a guidewire to be inserted into the sideport and routed out the catheter body through a distal opening.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter defines a side aperture defined in the catheter shaft between the ends of the catheter and communicating between the guidewire lumen and the catheter exterior. A removable support mandrin may occupy a proximal lumen of the catheter. The mandrin may define a distal tip portion which is positioned preferably closely proximal to the aperture. The distal tip portion may have a reduced diameter relative to the average diameter of portions of the mandrin which are proximal to the tip portion, for providing mandrin tip flexibility. Also, a catheter-stiffening bridge member may be positioned within and permanently secured to the catheter adjacent to the aperture portion, to reduce catheter kinking adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end a distal end, and a balloon carried adjacent the distal end. The catheter body defines an inflation lumen which extends along essentially the length of the body proximal to the balloon and which communicates with the interior of the balloon. The catheter body also defines a second lumen having an open, distal end and extending at least most of the length of the body. A first tube, aligned with the second lumen, extends through the balloon and is open at both ends. A portion of the catheter body which defines the second lumen is longitudinally slidable relative to the balloon and the first tube between an advanced position and a retracted position. In the advanced position the second lumen and tube are together to allow advancement of a guidewire through both the second lumen and the first tube.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end a distal end, and a balloon carried adjacent the distal end. The catheter body defines an inflation tube which extends along essentially the length of the body proximal to the balloon and which communicates with the interior of the balloon. The catheter body also defines a lumen having an open, distal end and extending at least most of the length of the body. A first tube, aligned with the lumen, extends through the balloon and is open at both ends. A portion of the catheter which defines the lumen is longitudinally slidable relative to the balloon and the first tube between an advanced position and a retracted position. In the advanced position the lumen and first tube are together to allow advancement of a guidewire through both the lumen and the first tube. In the retracted position, the lumen is spaced from the first tube, so that the first tube is open to receive blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter defines an inflation lumen communicating with its balloon, and a guidewire lumen extending along the catheter. An aperture portion is defined in the catheter shaft between the guidewire lumen and the catheter exterior, the aperture portion being covered by a frangible wall that is typically thinner than the rest of the tubular catheter shaft wall. The catheter may be used in either the conventional over-the-wire technique or the "rapid exchange" technique of balloon angioplasty.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter defines an inflation lumen communicating with its balloon, and a guidewire lumen extending along the catheter. An aperture portion is defined in the catheter shaft between the guidewire lumen and the catheter exterior, the aperture portion being covered by a frangible wall that is typically thinner than the rest of the tubular catheter shaft wall. The catheter may be used in either the conventional over-the-wire technique or the "rapid exchange" technique of balloon angioplasty.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter comprises a flexible, tubular catheter shaft which carries a dilatation balloon adjacent the distal end. The catheter shaft defines an inflation lumen communicating with the balloon and a guidewire lumen extending at least most of the length of the catheter and extending through the catheter distal end. A longitudinal slit is defined in the catheter shaft between the guidewire lumen and the catheter exterior. This slit longitudinally extends along the majority of the catheter length from a position proximal of the balloon to a position that is at least adjacent the catheter proximal end.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter comprises a flexible, tubular catheter shaft which carries a dilatation balloon adjacent the distal end. The catheter shaft defines an inflation lumen communicating with the balloon and a guidewire lumen extending at least most of the length of the catheter and extending through the catheter distal end. A longitudinal slit is defined in the catheter shaft between the guidewire lumen and the catheter exterior. This slit longitudinally extends along the majority of the catheter length from a position proximal of the balloon to a position that is at least adjacent the catheter proximal end.