Abstract: A device suitable for viewing and illuminating a mammary duct orifice comprising a hollow receptacle defining an interior volume and an open aperture at a distal end thereof sized to circumscribe the nipple. The open aperture preferably is surrounded by an outwardly extending flange that can be provided with an adhesive. A vacuum port suitable for connection to a vacuum source to create a vacuum in the interior volume may also be configured as part of the hollow receptacle. An illumination source is provided within the device to illuminate nipple orifices when a nipple is positioned within the hollow receptacle.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a biopsy instrument, suitable for collecting at least one tissue sample from a body lumen, such as a mammary duct, and a cutter introducer sized for receiving the biopsy instrument and introducing the biopsy instrument into a mammary duct to retrieve a tissue sample therefrom.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided for accessing the coronary ostia transluminally from a peripheral arterial access site, such as the femoral artery, and for inducing cardioplegic arrest by direct infusion of cardioplegic solution into the coronary arteries. In a first embodiment, the catheter system is in the form of a single perfusion catheter with multiple distal branches for engaging the coronary ostia. In a second embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single arterial cannula. In a third embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter. In a fourth embodiment, multiple catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter which has distal exit ports that are arranged to direct the perfusion catheters into the coronary ostia.

Abstract: A biopsy device suitable for collecting cells from a mammary duct is provided. The device is suitable for conducting brushing biopsy and tissue excision procedures. The device comprises a sheath that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The device further comprises an endoscope disposed within and extending through the sheath. An adjustment mechanism is also operatively connected to the endoscope to longitudinally extend and retract the endoscope within the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the risk of air embolism includes an instrument delivery member 2 having a gas outlet 38 for delivering gas into a patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is directed across an opening 48 in the instrument delivery member 2 to help retain the gas in the patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is preferably carbon dioxide which is more soluble in blood than air which will thereby decrease the likelihood of the patient receiving an embolism due to trapped air in the patient's heart and great vessels after surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the risk of air embolism includes an instrument delivery member 2 having a gas outlet 38 for delivering gas into a patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is directed across an opening 48 in the instrument delivery member 2 to help retain the gas in the patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is preferably carbon dioxide which is more soluble in blood than air which will thereby decrease the likelihood of the patient receiving an embolism due to trapped air in the patient's heart and great vessels after surgery.

Abstract: Pressure is measured on both sides of an occluding member for determining when pressure forces the occluding member may cause migration of the occluding member. An alarm indicates when the pressure force on the balloon exceed a predetermined threshold. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure monitor determines when a rate of pressure increase with respect to the fluid volume in the balloon reaches a predetermined threshold when inflating the occluding member. A predetermined amount of fluid is then added to the occluding member so that the balloon is not under inflated or over inflated.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the risk of air embolism includes an instrument delivery member 2 having a gas outlet 38 for delivering gas into a patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is directed across an opening 48 in the instrument delivery member 2 to help retain the gas in the patient's thoracic cavity. The gas is preferably carbon dioxide which is more soluble in blood than air which will thereby decrease the likelihood of the patient receiving an embolism due to trapped air in the patient's heart and great vessels after surgery.

Abstract: A lifting device for laparoscopic procedures is provided with joints to enable an instrument carried by the device to be rotated to selectively adjust its pitch, roll and yaw. The adjustment provides a mechanism whereby the instrument may be connected to the arm in a variety of rotational orientations and accommodate different conditions to provide operating space within the body of a patient. Various mechanisms are provided to selectively lock the joints.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided for accessing the coronary ostia transluminally from a peripheral arterial access site, such as the femoral artery, and for inducing cardioplegic arrest by direct infusion of cardioplegic solution into the coronary arteries. In a first embodiment, the catheter system is in the form of a single perfusion catheter with multiple distal branches for engaging the coronary ostia. In a second embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single arterial cannula. In a third embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter. In a fourth embodiment, multiple catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter which has distal exit ports that are arranged to direct the perfusion catheters into the coronary ostia.

Abstract: Pressure is measured on both sides of an occluding member for determining when pressure forces on the occluding member may cause migration of the occluding member. An alarm indicates when the pressure force on the balloon exceed a predetermined threshold. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure monitor determines when a rate of pressure increase with respect to the fluid volume in the balloon reaches a predetermined threshold when inflating the occluding member. A predetermined amount of fluid is then added to the balloon so that the balloon is not under inflated or over inflated.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided for accessing the coronary ostia transluminally from a peripheral arterial access site, such as the femoral artery, and for inducing cardioplegic arrest by direct infusion of cardioplegic solution into the coronary arteries. In a first embodiment, the catheter system is in the form of a single perfusion catheter with multiple distal branches for engaging the coronary ostia. In a second embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single arterial cannula. In a third embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter. In a fourth embodiment, multiple catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter which has distal exit ports that are arranged to direct the perfusion catheters into the coronary ostia.

Abstract: A deployable clamp for clamping a patient's ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery. The clamp is detachably mounted to the distal end of an elongated clamp positioner and is manipulated and actuated from the proximal end of the clamp positioner at a location outside of the patient's thoracic cavity. When actuated, the clamp blocks blood flow through the ascending aorta.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a very low-profile dilatation catheter having an inner tubular member with an inner lumen with a diameter of not more than 0.003 inch (0.076 mm) greater than the diameter of a guidewire disposed therein. Preferably, the inner diameter of the tubular member is less than 0.015 inch (0.381 mm). The inner member may be formed of a thin-walled tubing such as polyimide tubing having a wall thickness less than 0.003 inch (0.076 mm). Polyimide tubing is also preferably employed as the tubular member in low-profile steerable dilatation catheters wherein the guide elements thereof are fixed within the catheter.

Abstract: Dilatation cathether, tip marker and method of manufacture wherein the tip marker comprises a split sleeve of radiopaque material having an arc length between 180.degree. and 360.degree.. In one disclosed embodiment, the tip marker is crimped in position about an inner tubular member, and an outer tubular member is bonded to the inner tubular member, with the tip marker being captured between the two members. In this particular embodiment, the outer tubular member comprises an inflatable balloon, and a vent opening extends from the balloon to the distal end of the catheter through the gap formed between the confronting edges of the marker sleeve.

Abstract: Perfusion dilatation catheter and method of manufacturing the same. The catheter has an elongated flexible shaft with an inflatable balloon mounted near the distal end of the shaft. A first lumen in the shaft communicates with the balloon for inflating and deflating the balloon. A second lumen extends between the proximal and distal ends of the shaft and is adapted to receive a guide wire. Openings formed in the side wall of the shaft on the proximal and distal sides of the balloon communicate with the second lumen to provide a path for blood to flow past the balloon when it is inflated.

Abstract: Stiffened dilation catheter and method of manufacturing the same. The catheter has a relatively stiff proximal end portion formed by bonding a relatively stiff tubular member coaxially within the proximal end portion of a relatively soft outer tubular member. The outer tubular member has a distensible portion which forms an inflatable balloon. An inner tubular member or shaft having an axial lumen adapted to receive a guide wire is positioned coaxially within the other tubular members. The distal end portions of the inner and outer tubular members are sealed together to close the distal end of the balloon, and an annular passageway for inflating and deflating the balloon is formed between the outer wall of the inner member and the inner wall of the stiffened proximal end portion of the outer tubular member. The relative wall thicknesses of the inner and outer tubular members can be varied to provide any desired stiffness or profile of stiffness along the length of the catheter.

Abstract: Perfusion-type balloon dilatation apparatus having a guiding catheter with proximal and distal extremities and with a flow passage extending therethrough. A balloon dilatation catheter is disposed in the guiding catheter. The balloon dilatation catheter is comprised of a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a first lumen extending therethrough. First and second inflatable balloons are carried by the tubular member and having their interiors in communication with the first lumen in the tubular member. The first balloon is positioned within the guiding catheter. The second balloon is positioned adjacent the distal extremity of the tubular member. A second lumen is carried by the tubular member and extends through the first and second balloons and through the distal extremity of the tubular member. The second lumen has an opening proximal of the first balloon and opens into the interior of the guiding catheter.

Abstract: A suture tab for holding a catheter in place on a patient is described. The suture tab includes a central opening adapted to receive and hold a catheter in place. A slit extends from one edge of the suture tab to the central opening such that the catheter must pass through the slit to arrive at the central opening. A suture placed through the suture tab serves to both close the slit and hold the suture tab in place on the patient.

Abstract: The catheter includes multiple lumens which connect to a single mixing chamber at the catheter hub. Each of the multiple lumens is connected both to the mixing chamber and to a port connected to a catheter connector. By selecting a plug of suitable length, one or more of the side ports connected to the central mixing chamber can be plugged whereby the connection from that particular side port will be prevented from going into the mixing chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to have a single catheter connection into the mixing chamber which connects to multiple lumens of the catheter without any additional plumbing requirements.