Abstract: Devices and methods are described to facilitate the coupling of two wires introduced into the vascular system at two different points in the body. The coupling enables the formation of a continuous wire entering the body at one point and exiting at another remote point. The device consists of two wires "A" and "B" with a magnetic element attached to one end of each wire. The coupling is formed by the forces of attraction between the magnetic elements. Wire "A" is introduced at one point in the vascular system, for example, in the femoral artery. Wire "B" is then introduced at another point in the vascular system, for example, the axiliary artery. The wires are advanced towards each other under fluoroscopic guidance. The magnetic tips couple once the two wires near each other. The coupled wires are then withdrawn together from either of the two access sites. Once the magnetic coupling exits the body, a single wire is left traversing the vascular system.

Abstract: An integrated electrostatically-controlled micromechanical gyroscope with a rotor encompassed within a rotor cavity and electrostatically spun within the cavity. The gyroscope includes a plurality of axial electrostatic rotor actuators above and below the rotor for controlling the axial and tilt position of the rotor within the cavity, and a plurality of radial electrostatic actuators spaced circumferentially around the rotor for controlling the radial and tilt position of the rotor within the cavity. The position of the rotor within the cavity is then resolved to determine the external forces acting on the rotor.