Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a catheter having a torque transmitting shaft which retains adequate flexibility. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having an outer surface. In a preferred embodiment, a raised pattern is disposed on the outer surface. Preferably, the raised pattern improves the transmission of torque along the elongate shaft by including a series of bearing points which contact other bearing points along the shaft when torqued.

Abstract: A hypotube for an intravenous catheter device is disclosed which includes a tubular shaft having a tubular wall defining a lumen. The shaft includes a main section integrally connected to a distal section. The distal section includes a first section connected to the second section and disposed between the second section and the main section. The second section includes an elongated stinger.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter lumen defined by a catheter wall wherein at least a portion of the catheter wall has at least one radiopaque member. The at least one radiopaque member comprises a body and a weakened portion. The body has a body length, a body thickness and a body circumference. The weakened portion is defined by the body and has a weakened portion length, a weakened portion thickness and a weakened portion width, the weakened portion thickness being less than the body thickness.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a first balloon member and a second distal expandable member. The increased distal profile of the catheter with inflation of the second distal expandable member can deflect the distal-most end away from stent walls and edges. Another catheter has a distal region including longitudinal slits and a pre-stressed body configured to expand upon exposure to warm body fluids. Another catheter has a distal region including a first, inner tube disposed about a second, innermost tube. The inner and innermost tubes are secured at the distal-most end. The distal region includes longitudinal slits through the inner tube, thereby defining flaps between the slits. The innermost tube can be retracted relative to the inner tube disposed about the innermost tube, thereby causing the longitudinal flaps to expand outward, thereby increasing the maximum radial extent of the distal region. In yet another embodiment, a balloon catheter having a first guide wire tube is provided.

Abstract: A medical device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. A balloon extends from the distal end of the outer tube. Within the balloon is a first expandable diaphragm, one end of which is attached to the inner tube. The first expandable diaphragm is covered by a retractable sheath disposed about the inner tube. Upon retraction of the retractable sheath, the diaphragm expands to sealingly contact the interior of the balloon in a first contact region and form at least a first compartment and a second compartment in the balloon.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed providing a balloon catheter having a distal tip that is flexible while additionally incorporating high column strength. The present invention additionally provides a distal tip region that accommodates for various sized guidewires. In preferred embodiments, the distal tip region is initially configured for accommodating the passage of 0.12-inch guidewires only. Through specific manufacturing processes, however, the distal tip is modified so that it also may be expanded to accommodate the passage of 0.14-inch guidewires. In additional preferred embodiments, an elastomeric sleeve is disposed over the modified distal tip to allow the tip to return to the initial 0.12-inch accommodating profile when the larger 0.

Abstract: A wire station is disclosed for securing and managing multiple wire members used in a catheter system. The wire management system includes means for securing the proximal portion of two wire members in a spatially separate arrangement. The wire station of the present invention additionally provides a physician with the flexibility of either directly attaching the wire station of the present invention to the catheter system directly, or positioning the wire station at a remote location.

Abstract: A high pressure dilation medical device delivery catheter having a proximal and distal end comprising two tubes mounted generally concentrically about an inner tube. The balloons being characterized as a relatively short inner tube which is inflated with high pressure and a longer outer tube which is inflated with low pressure. The balloons have independent inflation lumens which extend toward the proximal end of the inner tube. A medical device mounting region is disposed about at least a portion of the outer balloon and may have a stent or other medical device mounted thereupon. A retractable outer sheath is further disposed about the medical device mounting region and is operatively connected near the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion and balloon protector means comprising a first removable sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon, and an optional second removable (outer) sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve, the second (outer) sleeve having a constrictive relationship with the first (inner) sleeve, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the catheter.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a catheter assembly comprising a tubular member composed of a first material. The first material having a first predetermined modulus of elasticity. The tubular member having at least one stripe of a second material engaged thereto. The second material having a greater modulus of elasticity than the first material. The tubular member having a loading state and being crimpable to a reduced state. In the loading state the tubular member being sized to disposingly engage the balloon of a catheter assembly wherein the balloon has a first diameter. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the tubular member is disposingly and retainingly engaged to the balloon. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the balloon has a second diameter which is less than the first diameter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion and balloon protector means comprising a first removable sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon, and an optional second removable (outer) sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve, the second (outer) sleeve having a constrictive relationship with the first (inner) sleeve, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the catheter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sequentially forming, wrapping and compressing a catheter balloon either during the initial manufacturing process or after a medical procedure. The balloon may be formed, wrapped and compressed by simply advancing the balloon through a balloon wrapping tool and selectively inflating and deflating the balloon therein. The balloon wrapping tool preferably includes a flap forming bore, a flap wrapping bore and a flap compression bore which form, wrap and compress the balloon, respectively, when the balloon is advanced therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially forming, wrapping and compressing a catheter balloon either during the initial manufacturing process or after a medical procedure. The balloon may be formed, wrapped and compressed by simply advancing the balloon through a balloon wrapping tool and selectively inflating and deflating the balloon therein. The balloon wrapping tool preferably includes a flap forming bore, a flap wrapping bore and a flap compression bore which form, wrap and compress the balloon, respectively, when the balloon is advanced therethrough.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion and balloon protector means comprising a first removable sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon, and an optional second removable (outer) sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve, the second (outer) sleeve having a constrictive relationship with the first (inner) sleeve, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the catheter.

Abstract: An improved deployment system deploys a stent to maintain the patency of a dilated vessel. The improved stent deployment system is adapted for deployment with a balloon catheter. The stent deployment system includes an expandable stent sheath for supporting the stent for deployment. The stent sheath is movably coupled to a catheter shaft and is relatively short in comparison to the catheter shaft. The stent sheath is movably coupled to the catheter shaft for movement between a retracted position and an advanced deployment position aligned with the balloon for expansion via the balloon for deployment of the stent supported thereby.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion and balloon protector means comprising a first removable sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon, and an optional second removable (outer) sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve, the second (outer) sleeve having a constrictive relationship with the first (inner) sleeve, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which includes an over-the-wire type balloon catheter with a guide wire wherein the catheter includes a polyethylene inner tube and an outer tube having a relatively stiff proximal outer section, a midshaft section of lesser stiffness, and a tapering distal outer section of the least stiffness. An inflatable balloon is connected to the distal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube. The guide wire may be removed from and inserted into the guide wire lumen at either end of the catheter.