Abstract: The medical devices of the invention comprise an expandable portion which is covered with a sponge coating for release of at least one biologically active material. The sponge coating is made of a non-hydrogel polymer having a plurality of voids. The device can further include means for infusing or expelling the biologically active material or drug into the voids. The drug is delivered to the body lumen of a patient by expelling the drug and inflating or expanding the expandable portion of the catheter or device.

Abstract: The medical devices of the invention comprise an expandable portion which is covered with a sponge coating for release of at least one biologically active material. The sponge coating is made of a non-hydrogel polymer having a plurality of voids. The device can further include means for infusing or expelling the biologically active material or drug into the voids. The drug is delivered to the body lumen of a patient by expelling the drug and inflating or expanding the expandable portion of the catheter or device.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for locating vulnerable plaque lesions within a body lumen comprising a unique balloon mounted on a catheter shaft. The balloon having an uninflated state and being expandable to an inflated state, the balloon further having an inside and an outside, the balloon being made at least partially of at least one temperature responsive material. The at least one temperature responsive material designed to exhibit at least one predetermined color when the material is in contact with an object having an elevated temperature, such as a vulnerable plaque lesion. The catheter having a lumen which allows a light source to transmit light into the inside of the balloon. The light directed to illuminate at least a portion of the temperature responsive material.

Abstract: The medical devices of the invention comprise an expandable portion which is covered with a sponge coating for release of at least one biologically active material. The sponge coating is made of a non-hydrogel polymer having a plurality of voids. The device can further include means for infusing or expelling the biologically active material or drug into the voids. The drug is delivered to the body lumen of a patient by expelling the drug and inflating or expanding the expandable portion of the catheter or device.

Abstract: The medical devices of the invention comprise an expandable portion which is covered with a sponge coating for release of at least one biologically active material. The sponge coating is made of a non-hydrogel polymer having a plurality of voids. The device can further include means for infusing or expelling the biologically active material or drug into the voids. The drug is delivered to the body lumen of a patient by expelling the drug and inflating or expanding the expandable portion of the catheter or device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of diseases of the prostate, including BPH and prostate cancer, utilizing transurethrally applied focussed ultrasound energy to produce hyperthermal and thermotherapeutic effects in diseased tissue are disclosed. A first preferred embodiment of the apparatus relies on visual control; and a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus incorporates an integrated ultrasonic imaging and therapy transducer. The apparatus and method feature the close proximal placement of the ultrasound transducer to the diseased tissue to be treated, resulting in less attenuation of the beam and deposition of a greater fraction of the total emitted ultrasound energy in the selected portion of the diseased tissue. The ultrasound energy passes atraumatically through the urethral wall and other tissue not targeted.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering laser energy to a target through a radiation-transmitting waveguide having a distal end terminating in a tip which is in contact with the target during delivery, while protecting the tip from heat damage, which apparatus comprises a waveguide for transmitting laser radiation and having a distal end terminating in a tip adapted to be placed in contact with the target to deliver laser energy directly to the target at the site of contact, and means for delivering a controlled small amount of liquid to the target adjacent to the tip, which small amount is just sufficient to limit the temperature at the target to not more than the failure temperature of the tip. An apparatus assembly for performing ILC incorporating a waveguide and a method for protecting the tip of a waveguide from damage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrosurgical incision of a stricture within or adjacent to a body lumen, which comprises an electrically conducting, deflectable wire associated with an introducer for introducing the apparatus into the body lumen, wherein a proximal portion of the wire is deflectable outwardly relative to the introducer, and a source of RF electric current connected to the wire whereby RF electric current may be transmitted through the wire when it is in the deflected position.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in removing atherosclerotic plaque deposits in a blood vessel comprises a high power laser, an elongated, flexible catheter adapted to be inserted into and advanced through the blood vessel, a plurality of circumferentially arrayed optical fibers extending axially through the catheter, and an ultrasonic transducer at the distal end of the catheter for transmitting acoustical energy toward a selected area of the inner surface of a blood vessel in response to laser energy coupled through any one of the optical fibers and impinging upon the transducer. A detector proximal of the ultrasonic transducer is responsive to ultrasonic energy reflected from the blood vessel and produces a signal indicative of the tissue interfaces of the blood vessel. Laser energy can be transmitted from the high power laser through the same optical fiber used for the diagnostic procedure to ablate plaque in the blood vessel.