Abstract: A fixed wire balloon catheter for use in angioplasty includes an elongated flexible thin walled metal tube which carries an inflatable balloon at its distal end. A metal core member of smaller outer diameter meter than the metal tube is attached to the distal end of the tube to provide support for and guiding of the balloon section. The proximal end of the balloon is connected either to the distal end of the metal tube or to an intermediate waist tube, with the core extending distally from the metal tube through the balloon. The distal end of the balloon is secured to the core. A vent arrangement is provided to purge the catheter of gases prior to use.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter is disclosed which includes a proximal hypotube shaft segment, a distal polymer shaft segment, a distally-mounted inflatable balloon segment, and a hollow tubular member having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the hypotube shaft segment such that the lumen of the hollow tubular member is in communication with the exterior of the balloon catheter and the distal end of the hollow tubular member is connected to the distal end of the balloon.

Abstract: A guide wire, and methods of use thereof, comprising a main part, an extension part, and a connector. The connector connects the main part to the extension part such that the main part and the extension part can be rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for use in angioplasty includes an elongated flexible thin walled metal tube which carries an inflatable balloon at its distal end. A core member of smaller outer diameter than the metal tube is attached to the distal end of the tube to provide support for and guiding of the balloon section.

Abstract: First and second sealed, sterile containers, having respectively communicating first and second fluid transfer tubes, the tubes having diaphragms occluding the bores thereof, may be connected together in sterile manner for the sterile transfer of the contents of one container to the other. To accomplish this, one point of a double-pointed, hollow spike is inserted into each of the bores of the fluid transfer tubes, at the free ends thereof, the spike being proportioned to tightly and sealingly fit into each bore of the fluid transfer tubes. Thereafter, the spike and that portion of the tubes extending from the diaphragms to the free ends thereof are sterilized. Then the points of the spike are moved to rupture the diaphragms, to open a flow channel, and the sterile contents are transferred. The fluid transfer tube of the container receiving the desired sterile contents is then resealed, prior to breaking sterility by opening the connection.