Abstract: A clot extraction catheter comprises an expandable tubular mesh, a tapered tip fixed to the tubular mesh distal end, a self-expanding rim attached to the tubular mesh proximal end, at least three control wires, an inner sheath, and an outer sheath advancable over the inner sheath. To extract a clot, the catheter is advanced through the clot. The inner sheath is retracted relative to the control wires and the tubular mesh, allowing the rim and the tubular mesh to expand. The tubular mesh is retracted to capture the clot, closed once the clot is captured, constrained proximally by the distal portion of the inner sheath, and retracted with the inner sheath into the outer sheath. The control wires may be manipulated to control the angle of the rim relative to the longitudinal axis of the sheaths, facilitating clot capture and retraction of the tubular mesh into the sheaths thereafter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal capture assembly for use with an implantable device such as a filter and method of use. The universal capture assembly includes a body with a neck having a reduced cross-sectional diameter with respect to the body and a larger diameter neck extending therefrom. The reduced diameter neck and larger diameter neck are separated by a disk shaped collar positioned there between. The body further includes a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface (longitudinal relative to the longitudinal axis of filter) thereof wherein the plurality of grooves form a plurality of projections that engage and retain the loop of a snare, or other similar retrieval device, with ease and accuracy. The body is designed to include at least two or more, longitudinal grooves and projections. The universal capture is attached to the implantable device by the larger diameter neck portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal capture assembly for use with an implantable device such as a filter and method of use. The universal capture assembly includes a body with a neck having a reduced cross-sectional diameter with respect to the body and a larger diameter neck extending therefrom. The reduced diameter neck and larger diameter neck are separated by a disk shaped collar positioned there between. The body further includes a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface (longitudinal relative to the longitudinal axis of filter) thereof wherein the plurality of grooves form a plurality of projections that engage and retain the loop of a snare, or other similar retrieval device, with ease and accuracy. The body is designed to include at least two or more, longitudinal grooves and projections. The universal capture is attached to the implantable device by the larger diameter neck portion.

Abstract: A safety needle for use in the vascular system. The needle has a first end adapted to be placed in the vascular system and a second end with a stopper and adapted to pass a guide wire. The needle has a port positioned between the first and second needle ends. The port is adapted to be connected to a blood collection device. The blood which enters the first end of the needle is diverted through the port to the blood collection device which avoids having the blood reach the second end of the needle.

Abstract: A balloon guide is disclosed which includes a single lumen useful alternately for fluid communication through the distal tip or for inflation of a balloon when the distal end is closed. The guide includes a body formed from coiled wire having a proximal portion in which the coils are held together and a distal portion in which the coils are separable. The balloon is located about the separable coils. A restriction adjacent the distal tip of the guide body is closable by a plug mandril extending through the central lumen of the guide. With the distal tip open, fluid communication is available through the central lumen for pressure measurements, fluid infusion or the like. In an alternate condition, a plug is positioned to close off the distal opening of the guide and also to stretch the coiled wire to separate the coils in the region underlying the balloon, preventing fluid communication through the distal tip, but permitting inflation or deflation of the balloon through the separated wire coils.

Abstract: A balloon guide is disclosed which includes a single lumen useful alternately for fluid communication through the distal tip or for inflation of a balloon when the distal end is closed. The guide includes a body formed from coiled wire having a proximal portion in which the coils are held together and a distal portion in which the coils are separable. The balloon is located about the separable coils. A restriction adjacent the distal tip of the guide body is closable by a plug mandril extending through the central lumen of the guide. With the distal tip open, fluid communication is available through the central lumen for pressure measurements, fluid infusion or the like. In an alternate condition, a plug is positioned to close off the distal opening of the guide and also to stretch the coiled wire to separate the coils in the region underlying the balloon, preventing fluid communication through the distal tip, but permitting inflation or deflation of the balloon through the separated wire coils.