Abstract: A multi-purpose vascular device defines a lumen allowing fluid communication there through and has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding following the application of force by an actuating member which causes the connected coil winds to have a predetermined configuration in an unstressed state. The application of longitudinal force causes the unconnected coil winds to expand, resulting in the vascular device assuming a different configuration.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vascular device defines a lumen allowing fluid communication there through and has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding following the application of force by an actuating member which causes the connected coil winds to have a predetermined configuration in an unstressed state. The application of longitudinal force causes the unconnected coil winds to expand, resulting in the vascular device assuming a different configuration.

Abstract: A guidewire has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding resulting from the application of force by an actuating member. The application of longitudinal force to the coil causes the unconnected coil wind side to expand while the connected side does not expand, resulting in the guidewire assuming a different configuration.

Abstract: A guidewire has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding resulting from the application of force by an actuating member. The application of longitudinal force to the coil causes the unconnected coil wind side to expand while the connected side does not expand, resulting in the guidewire assuming a different configuration.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vascular device defines a lumen allowing fluid communication there through and has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding following the application of force by an actuating member which causes the connected coil winds to have a predetermined configuration in an unstressed state. The application of longitudinal force causes the unconnected coil winds to expand, resulting in the vascular device assuming a different configuration.

Abstract: A guidewire has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding resulting from the application of force by an actuating member. The application of longitudinal force to the coil causes the unconnected coil wind side to expand while the connected side does not expand, resulting in the guidewire assuming a different configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an internally threaded tube of virtually limitless length that can be easily and reliably constructed. In one aspect, the invention provides an internally threaded tube that includes a tube casing and a coil. A ratio of the length of the tube casing to the inner diameter of the tube casing can be greater than 5:1. The coil can be positioned coaxially within the tube casing. In this position, the coil can exert a radially outward force on the inner surface of the tube casing, which can aid in bonding. A portion of the coil can be specially adapted to be bonded to the tube casing. Methods of creating internally threaded tubes and methods of spirally delivering surgical components with internally threaded tubes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system characterizes tissue using fluorescence spectroscopy, such as light-induced fluorescence. Native fluorescence (“autofluorescence”) from endogenous tissue without requiring fluorescence-enhancing agents is used to distinguish between normal tissue, hyperplastic tissue, adenomatous tissue, and adenocarcinomas. The system provides endoscopic image enhancement for easy location of a tissue site for optical biopsy tissue characterization. The system allows the use of an integrated endoscopic diagnosis and treatment device for immediate diagnosis and treatment without interchanging equipment and relocating the tissue site. The system is also integrated with existing endoscopy equipment for initiating and displaying the diagnosis. The system provides an adjunctive tool to histopathological tissue classification or, alternatively, further treatment is based on the optical biopsy system diagnosis itself.