Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongate body extending along a first longitudinal axis and having an outermost radial surface; a coil wound in a substantially cylindrical shape and extending along a second longitudinal axis that is coincident with the first longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the coil is proximate to the outermost radial surface of the elongate body.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering and/or retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer shaft having a proximal end, distal end and a wall defining an outer shaft lumen. The system also includes a stop mechanism disposed within the outer shaft lumen. The stop mechanism is preferably configured such that relative axial movement between the guidewire and the outer shaft may be selectively precluded.

Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The body may be configured to emit electrical energy in accordance with a predefined diagnostic or therapeutic function. The body may have a groove disposed over an outermost surface of the body. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in said groove. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire, for example. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter having a substantially longitudinally non-compressible non-metallic internal shaft or reinforcing member (12) is provided having proximal end, intermediate, and distal end portions. At least one of the portions of the shaft includes mechanical features that promote lateral bending of the shaft, and thus, the catheter. In one form, a plurality of spaced-apart cutouts (20,34) are formed within the shaft (12). A first of the plurality of cutouts (20) is disposed in a first plane. A second of the plurality of cutouts (34) is disposed in a second plane. The first plane and second plane can be substantially parallel. The cut-outs (20,34) can have diverse shape, size and cross-section and can be similar, identical and/or of varying dimension. In lieu of or in addition to one or more cut-outs, material removed from portions of the shaft provide relatively more or less flexibility in one or more lateral directions.

Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The body may be configured to emit electrical energy in accordance with a predefined diagnostic or therapeutic function. The body may have a groove disposed over an outermost surface of the body. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in said groove. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire, for example. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering and/or retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer shaft having a proximal end, distal end and a wall defining an outer shaft lumen. The system also includes a stop mechanism disposed within the outer shaft lumen. The stop mechanism is preferably configured such that relative axial movement between the guidewire and the outer shaft may be selectively precluded.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices for filtering embolic debris from a blood vessel in conjunction with a medical procedure. More particularly, the invention includes a loading tool for loading a filter into a sheath. In addition, a method of using the loading tool to load a filter into a sheath is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering and/or retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer shaft having a proximal end, distal end and a wall defining an outer shaft lumen. The system also includes a stop mechanism disposed within the outer shaft lumen. The stop mechanism is preferably configured such that relative axial movement between the guidewire and the outer shaft may be selectively precluded.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices for filtering embolic debris from a blood vessel in conjunction with a medical procedure. More particularly, the invention includes a loading tool for loading a filter into a sheath. In addition, a method of using the loading tool to load a filter into a sheath is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering and/or retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer shaft having a proximal end, distal end and a wall defining an outer shaft lumen. The system also includes a stop mechanism disposed within the outer shaft lumen. The stop mechanism is preferably configured such that relative axial movement between the guidewire and the outer shaft may be selectively precluded.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering and/or retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer shaft having a proximal end, distal end and a wall defining an outer shaft lumen. The system also includes a stop mechanism disposed within the outer shaft lumen. The stop mechanism is preferably configured such that relative axial movement between the guidewire and the outer shaft may be selectively precluded.