Abstract: A pressure sensor for use with a fluid delivery system having good sensitivity at low pressure, but also configured to remain in operating condition after being exposed to high pressures is disclosed herein. In one variation, the pressure sensor includes a fluid path set, a deformable element associated with the fluid path set and configured to deform in response to an external pressure, and a pressure transducer for monitoring deformation of the deformable element. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure fluid pressure within the range of between about 0 mm Hg to about 300 mm Hg. However, the sensor pressure is also be configured to remain functional after being exposed to pressure in excess of about 60,000 mm Hg.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for use with a fluid delivery system having good sensitivity at low pressure, but also configured to remain in operating condition after being exposed to high pressures is disclosed herein. In one variation, the pressure sensor includes a fluid path set, a deformable element associated with the fluid path set and configured to deform in response to an external pressure, and a pressure transducer for monitoring deformation of the deformable element. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure fluid pressure within the range of between about 0 mm Hg to about 300 mm Hg. However, the sensor pressure is also be configured to remain functional after being exposed to pressure in excess of about 60,000 mm Hg.

Abstract: A core wire insertable in a catheter guide wire assembly provides a defined degree of rigidity to the catheter assembly to allow the assembly to be maneuvered through the tortuous path of the vascular or other system of a patient. The core wire includes, at its distal end, a paddle having a substantially barrel-shaped body, leading to a continuous chamfer which terminates in a truncated end. Further, the core wire can have a curved section adjacent its distal end. The curved section is made by press hardening the generally circular core wire into a substantially rectangular shape such that the press hardened wire memorizes the arc of curvature. When the core wire is press hardened into a rectangular shape, a singular degree of freedom of movement is imparted to the wire in contrast to the two degrees of freedom of movement of the cross-sectionally circular core wire. A method of manufacture is also described using concave/convex mating dies or flat plate dies.

Abstract: A catheter guide wire assembly for use in angioplasty. The assembly has a combined core and safety wire extending longitudinally between its proximal and distal ends. A wound wire is positioned around the combined core and safety wire and follows the contour thereof. The combined core and safety wire has a relatively short and relatively flexible distal end portion with a first diameter, an elongated, relatively rigid proximal body portion having a diameter greater than the first diameter, and a tapered intermediate portion interconnecting the distal end portion and the proximal body portion. Ends of the wire and the combined core and safety wire are rigidly connected to each other. The guide wire assembly guides and supports a balloon catheter used to dilate a stenosis region of a blood vessel.