Abstract: Systems for suturing a tissue layer having two sides with a suture be releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture in a stationary position on one side of the tissue layer. The portion of the suture is retrieved through the tissue layer from the opposite side whereby the suture is drawn from one side to the opposite side. Systems for suturing the wall of a tubular graft having two sides is also provided using a suture by releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture on one side of the wall. the portion of the length of suture is retrieved through the wall of the graft to the opposite side of the wall.

Abstract: A vascular catheter having a central lumen adapted to slidably receive a guidewire therein with an inflatable collar or other suitable means to releasably secure or fix the guidewire within the lumen so that the catheter and guidewire can be advanced through a patient's vasculature as a unit. The catheter system is particularly suitable in balloon dilatation catheters for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A steerable dilatation catheter with perfusion holes for use in coronary angioplasty. The catheter has inner and outer tubular members, with an inflatable balloon near the distal end of the outer tubular member. The guidewire extends through a lumen in the inner tubular member, and the distal end portions of the tubular members are sealed to the guidewire to close the distal end of this passageway. An annular lumen is formed between the inner and outer tubular members for the passage of inflating fluid to the interior of the balloon. The sidewalls of the tubular members are sealed together completely around the inner periphery of the distal ends thereof and over a limited area proximal to the balloon. Perfusion holes extend through the sealed sidewalls of the tubular members on both the proximal and distal of the balloon.