Abstract: A trackable intravascular catheter having a distal section having a laminated tubular structure with the outer lamina of the tubular structure having a Shore hardness of about 30 to about 80 D and an inner lamina which is diametrically more rigid than the outer lamina. The catheter construction is particularly suitable for over-the-wire coronary angioplasty catheters.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter, particularly a dilatation catheter for PTCA procedures, which is adapted for rapid exchange during an intraluminal procedure and which also allows for the exchange of the guidewire without loss of access to the intraluminal region about the distal end of the catheter. The catheter has a guidewire lumen which extends essentially the length of the catheter. A wall of the catheter shaft which defines at least part of the guidewire lumen has a first slit from the proximal end of the catheter to an area proximal to the second guidewire port and a second slit which extends from the proximal guidewire port to a location spaced proximally from the distal end of the catheter. Also disclosed is an adapter having a slit which is continuous with the slit in the proximal extremity of the catheter shaft which facilitates separation of the guidewire and the catheter when the adapter is fixed to the proximal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a member which is mounted on an elongated intraluminal device such as a catheter or a guidewire, preferably the proximal portion thereof, which releasably holds at least one turn of a coiled product. The coiled product may be the intraluminal device on which the fixture is mounted or it may be a separate product. In one embodiment of the invention, the turn holding member has a body and at least one flexible arm which holds a turn against the body of the fixture. In another embodiment of the invention, the holding member is a tubular element having a wall portion with a spirally shaped cutout through which a turn of coiled product can be advanced into the inner lumen or the tubular element.