Abstract: The invention relates to a rod-shaped body (1) comprised of one or more filaments (2) and of a non-ferromagnetic matrix material (3). The matrix material (3) surrounds the filament(s) (1) and/or adheres them to one another. The rod-shaped body is also comprised of a dopant consisting of particles that generate magnetic resonance tomographic artifacts that is introduced into the matrix material (3). Rod-shaped bodies of this type can be used to construct guide wires, catheters and other instruments to be used in minimally invasive surgical interventions.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a motor located at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting physiological measured variables within the body, comprising a catheter which has a tip supporting a sensor and which can be introduced into a blood vessel, the catheter (1) being connected to a transponder unit (2) for wireless transmission of at least one measured variable to an external reading station which is arranged outside the blood vessel (4) after insertion of the catheter (1) into said blood vessel (4), the catheter (1) and the transponder (2) being sealed in a leaktight manner. The invention also relates to a sluice/sleeve for coaxial arrangement on an element for insertion into a blood vessel, in particular a needle and/or a catheter, the sluice/sleeve (6,10,11) being able to be divided at least once in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Implantable pressure measuring unit for internal pressure measurement in a blood vessel or heart of a patient, having a pressure sensor having electrical signal output, fixing means adapted to the intended measurement location for fixing the pressure sensor, a power supply unit of the pressure sensor, a signal detection unit connected by a line to the signal output of the pressure sensor, and a transmitting unit connected to a measurement data output of the signal detection unit, in particular for wireless transmission of measurement data to an analysis unit, in particular outward from the patient body.

Abstract: In a device (1) for recanalizing a cavity, organ path or vessel (4) which is at least partially occluded by at least one compressible occlusive object, in particular a thrombus or embolus (3), in the body of a human or animal, using at least one compressible and self-expanding stent (10) having a distal (12) and a proximal end (11), the at least one stent (10) is embodied substantially in a bell shape with a widened distal end (12) and a constricted proximal end (11).

Abstract: In an extraction device (1) for extracting objects (2), in particular clots, foreign bodies, etc., from cavities (3) in a human or animal body, with first and second compressible and expandable collecting baskets (10, 20, 102, 110) between which the object (2) can be captured, said collecting baskets being mutually displaceable and being able to be drawn one into the other, at least one collecting basket (10) is umbrella-like in the expanded state and is designed with flexible wire-like adjustment elements for deliberately changing the shape and/or position of the collecting basket so that the object can be captured in the latter and can be drawn into the other collecting basket (20).

Abstract: The axial-flow pump for introduction through the vascular system of a patient has a flexible compressible tube (1) forming the pump housing. A radially compressible rotor (7) is located within the tube (1). The drive shaft (6) of the rotor (7) extends through a catheter (4). The catheter (4) can be pulled into a cover hose (5) together with the tube (1) and the rotor (7).

Abstract: A system and method for heating cells surrounding metallic implants in living beings. The system includes a metallic implant within the living being, surrounded by the cells to be heated, an induction coil having an aperture sufficiently large to accommodate a portion of the living being containing the metallic implant, and an RF generator coupled to the coil to apply an electric RF signal thereto, the RF signal ranging in frequency from 10 kilohertz to 10 megahertz. The metallic implant is inductively heatable by the application of the RF signal to the induction coil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fragmentation of a lung embolus. The apparatus includes a catheter that is introduced over a guide wire to the site of the lung embolism in the vascular system of a patient. When the guide wire is withdrawn from the distal end segment of the catheter, the distal end segment bends back proximally. An opening in the bend of the catheter is in line with the central axis of the catheter when the distal end segment is in a curved configuration. The guide wire is then advanced to extend distally from the catheter opening past the embolism and stabilize the longitudinal position of the catheter in the blood vessel. The apparatus also includes a thread for pulling the bent distal end segment into a generally oval-shaped loop condition and stabilizing the loop about the embolism. The looped catheter is then rotated and moved longitudinally back and forth for mechanically destroying the embolism.

Abstract: An endovascular graft prosthesis for arrangement at or in the vicinity of a bifurcation in the arterial system of a patient, e.g. for the purpose of repairing an aneurysm or the aortic bifurcation comprises a substantially tubular main body for location in the principal upstream arteria above the bifurcation such as th aorta and substantially tubular legs joining said main body in a bifurcation and extending into each of two branch arteries such as the iliac arteries. The main body (8) is substantially bag-shaped with an open proximal upstream end and a distal downstream bottom region in which two outlet openings (9, 10) are provided and is attachable to the inner side of the principal arteria (2) by means of an expandable stent device (11).

Abstract: Thrombi are fragmented by a rotating action body secured on a torsion-resistant flexible shaft. The shaft is journalled in two parts of an internal catheter between which the action body is located. A grid surrounding the action body is formed by curved biassed resilient legs which connect the two parts of the internal catheter together.