Abstract: A guidewire threader to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of a guidewire into the distal end of a catheter including two clamping pieces each of which has the shape of a lever having two arms and are hinged to each other for pivoting about a common axis between a closed clamp position and an open release position. A spring maintains clamping surfaces, each of which is provided on one arm of each clamping piece, positively in contact with each other in the clamp position. The clamping surfaces in their condition in contact with each other define a passage oriented roughly parallel to the common pivot axis open at both ends, the passage containing a section having an interior dimension corresponding to the outer diameter of the catheter and which is flared funnel-shaped at both of its ends. In the release position, the clamping surfaces open the passage in the lateral direction for removal of the guidewire.

Abstract: A method of joining successive sections of tubular members having substantially dissimilar flexibilities is involved that includes the step of providing a transitional zone intermediate said successive sections having a flexibility intermediate those of the successive sections. Articles made by the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter is disclosed having a multisectioned inner tube having a soft bumper tip, a multisectioned outer tube and a balloon with its distal neck connected to the bumper tip and its proximal neck connected to the outer tube. The various sections of the inner tube and outer tube may be formed from different materials or different grades of the same material. In addition, each section may have different outer diameters. The outer tube is bonded directly to the inner tube at the distal end of the outer tube. Preferably this bond is accomplished by thermal bonding.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitoring catheter for use in a Monorail.TM. intravascular system for measuring the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion. It comprises an elongated, flexible, plastic, extruded, tubular member having a guidewire port extending through the wall thereof a short distance proximal to the distal end of the tubular member to intersect with a lumen which extends to the distal end. The second lumen runs the entire length of the tubular member from its distal end to its proximal end. The proximal end of the blood pressure monitor catheter is fitted to a molded plastic hub to facilitate the attachment of the catheter to the blood pressure measuring apparatus with which the catheter is to be used.

Abstract: A Y-connector for attachment to the proximal end of a guide catheter which includes an arm projecting from the side of the Y-connector, the arm including a clamp for securing a catheter guidewire against movement relative to the guide catheter.

Abstract: An inflation/deflation device for an angioplasty balloon catheter which permits quick inflation to an approximate working pressure followed by a fine but slower adjustment to a final desired pressure. The device includes a housing containing a syringe of the type having a cylindrical chamber containing a piston. A specially designed plunger extends from the proximal end of the housing whereby the initial approxiate pressure can be achieved by the hand-squeezing of the plunger and a slight rotation of that plunger is used to maintain the plunger in a locked disposition. An internal shaft is disposed within the tubular plunger and its distal end is secured to the syringe's piston. The internal shaft includes a threaded segment on its exterior surface engaging a correspondingly threaded surface on the interior of the plunger such that rotation of the shaft relative to the plunger causes axial movement of the piston within the syringe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and testing an electrical feedthrough having a metal ferrule, and electrical lead, a glass seal for centrally locating the electrical lead axially within the ferrule, for electrically isolating the electrical lead from the ferrule and for hermetically sealing the feedthrough assembly, and an injection molded insulating material extending between the ferrule and lead and a fluorocarbon washer positioned adjacent the inner surface of the glass seal. The fluorocarbon washer retains helium and allows for the hermeticity leakage testing of the glass seal.

Abstract: An electrical feedthrough, including a metal ferrule, an electrical lead, a glass seal for centrally locating the electrical lead axially within ferrule, for electrically isolating the electrical lead from the ferrule and for hermetically sealing the feedthrough assembly, which further includes an injection molded insulating material extending between the ferrule and lead and a fluorocarbon washer positioned adjacent the inner surface of the glass seal. The fluorocarbon washer is capable of retaining helium and allows for the hermeticity leakage testing of the glass seal. Such a feedthrough is particularly useful in hermetically sealed electrochemical cells wherein the insulated portion of the feedthrough is placed in the cell and the uninsulated portion of the ferrule is welded to or forms the cell cover, and the electrical lead is electrically connected to cell components, such as the anode, within the cell.