Abstract: The invention described is a single lumen balloon catheter with a detachable adaptor, a rotatable guide wire and a short guide tube, in which the guide tube provides a path for the guide wire, the adaptor incorporates means for rotating the guide wire and whereby the axial force can be transmitted to the guide tube.

Abstract: A method and device for efficiently and effectively stapling an opening in an anatomical structure such as veins, arteries, organs, and other body members within a living body is disclosed. The opening may be from a deliberately placed incision, as from an invasive surgical procedure, or caused by other damaging events. The device includes a stapling mechanism having a main body with a handle, a trigger for activating the staples, and a central passage through which a balloon catheter may pass. The balloon catheter supports the artery and helps position the stapling mechanism properly on the artery. Alternatively, the device may have a main body that has an inflatable member attached to it and extending from it. The main body provides a passage through which a pressurized media such as saline can be supplied to the inflatable member.

Abstract: The invention described is a single lumen balloon catheter with a detachable adaptor, a rotatable guide wire and a short guide tube, in which the guide tube provides a path for the guide wire, the adaptor incorporates means for rotating the guide wire and whereby axial force can be transmitted to the guide tube.

Abstract: The invention described is a single lumen balloon catheter with a detachable adaptor, a rotatable guide wire and a short guide tube, in which the guide tube provides a path for the guide wire, the adaptor incorporates means for rotating the guide wire and whereby axial force can be transmitted to the guide tube. In one embodiment, a resilient spring member couples the main catheter body to the guide tube for transmitting axial force therebetween, while permitting fluid communication between the inflation lumen and the balloon.

Abstract: A support catheter assembly for facilitating medical procedures includes a tubular body and a continuous lumen from its proximal end to its distal end. A manipulating member is connected to the tubular body for inserting, advancing, withdrawing and maneuvering the body during a medical procedure. The manipulating member may be a wire or a manipulating tube. The tubular body also may be provided with a funnel shaped lumen opening at its proximal end to facilitate insertion of devices therethrough, and radiopaque markers for subcutaneously detecting the location of the device during a medical procedure and, more particularly, for detecting its location relative to other devices used in the medical procedure. A method also is disclosed for using the tube assembly to facilitate insertion of a PTCA catheter into a stenotic region and for holding open the lumen through that region after angioplasty has been performed.

Abstract: Guide wire extension connecting means are described in which a stretchable tube acts as the connecting element. The stretchable tube has a lumen or recess into which the guide wire is inserted. As withdrawal of the guide wire is attempted, the connecting element stretches and collapses, thereby grabbing the guide wire and resisting withdrawal.

Abstract: The invention described is a single lumen balloon catheter with a detachable adaptor, a rotatable guide wire and a short guide tube, in which the guide tube provides a path for the guide wire, the adaptor incorporates means for rotating the guide wire and whereby axial force can be transmitted to the guide tube.

Abstract: The invention described is a procedure whereby a small balloon catheter can be placed in a patient's body, expanded and collapsed as needed and then a second, larger balloon catheter placed over the smaller one. There is also disclosed a balloon catheter system for performing the above-noted procedure.

Abstract: A syringe useful for taking samples of blood includes a barrel with a hollow needle at one end and a plunger positioned inside the barrel for regulating the amount of fluid inside the barrel. In order to control the volume inside the barrel which receives and contains the blood sample, a control element is associated with the plunger and the barrel to control the distance which the plunger can move in both inward and outward directions.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter assembly comprises a catheter with an elongate hollow tube and a hub connected to the tube and having an interior cavity communicating with the lumen of the tube. A needle is slidably positioned in the lumen so that its point protrudes slightly beyond the distal end of the tube, whereas the other end of the needle extends through the hub and sealingly contacts the same so that the hub is effectively closed. A blocking device is contained in the cavity which is adapted to block the entrance of the lumen after the needle is withdrawn from the catheter tube to prevent ready re-insertion of an instrument into the lumen; however, flow of fluids into the lumen is not blocked. The hub includes an access provision to the cavity whereby fluids may be deposited into the cavity for delivery to a patient after the needle has been withdrawn from the catheter tube.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter assembly comprises a catheter having an elongate hollow tube and a hub connected to said tube. The hub has an interior cavity communicating with the lumen of the tube and also includes an aperture communicating with the cavity. A needle is slidably positioned in the aperture and the lumen of the tube so that its pointed end protrudes slightly beyond the distal end of the catheter tube. An operable valve includes a closure portion located in the cavity and is adapted to close the interior entrance of the aperture under the influence of fluid flowing into the cavity from the lumen after the needle is withdrawn. The operable valve also includes an activating portion located outside the exterior entrance of the aperture and is adapted to be moved generally axially to thereby move the closure portion away from the aperture and open the same for fluid flow into the cavity.