Abstract: An arterial device for introduction into an arterial puncture to reduce bleeding comprises a flexible tapering cannula 11 having external graduations 15 and an optional protective sleeve 17. The cannula 11 has a central lumen 14 through which a guide wire may extend to facilitate insertion. Gradual withdrawal of the cannula 11 enables the arterial wall to relax gradually to close or reduce the original punctures 16, minimizing haemorrhage.

Abstract: A medical device for removing material from a body vessel comprising a tube, a drive shaft extending through the tube, a stepped root mounted to the drive shaft, a rotatable screw having a distal and proximal end, the screw extending outward from the stepped root to form a helix with an edge, the rotatable screw having a tip and sharp outer cutting edges having a tapered diameter along its length to a minimum diameter at its distal end, and a generally cylindrical housing enclosing the sharp edge of the screw so that the tip of the screw extends outside the housing and enters the tissue, and the sharp edge, in cooperation with the housing, cuts the tissue. The housing has a leading inner edge so that the tissue is removed from the vessel as it enters the housing by cooperation of the screw and the leading inner edge.

Abstract: A support system for a guiding catheter used in coronary treatment such as percutaneous transluminum coronary angioplasty (PTCA) includes a main lumen, a secondary lumen and a linearly incompressible flexible elongate element slidable within the secondary lumen. The main and secondary lumen are connected integrally together throughout the proximal portion of the length of the catheter but are separated throughout a distal portion, the elongate element, which may be a wire or metal strip, being anchored at the distal end of the catheter. The proximal end of the catheter includes operating means to exert endwise force on the elongate element and to cause the separated portion of the secondary lumen to move away from the main lumen so as to brace the catheter against opposed walls of a vessel to retain it in position. When the catheter has been braced against the vessel walls, a PTCA procedure can be carried out.