Abstract: Balloon dilatation catheter with an advanceable non-removable guide wire having a flexible tubular member with first and second lumens extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is carried by the distal extremity of the tubular member so that the first lumen extends through the balloon and is out of communication with the interior of the balloon and in which the second lumen is in communication with the interior of the balloon. A guide wire is slidably mounted in the first lumen. A coil-like tip is secured to the distal portion of the guide wire and has a cross-sectional area which is greater than that of the cross-sectional area of the first lumen and prevents removal of the guide wire through the first lumen. The guide wire is capable of being advanced longitudinally of the first lumen so that the coil-like tip of the guide wire can be advanced ahead of the balloon to facilitate the positioning of the balloon.

Abstract: Large bore catheter having a flexible tip construction. A main flexible shaft tube is provided having a flow passage therein and having proximal and distal ends. A coil spring is secured to the distal end of the main shaft tube. Flexible tubing extends over the exterior of the coil spring and has a distal extremity which extends beyond the distal extremity of the coil spring. The flexible tubing forms a close fit over the coil spring.

Abstract: Low profile dilation catheter and method of manufacturing the same for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The catheter has an inflatable balloon for dilating stenotic lesions, and an integral guide wire by which the catheter can be steered into the artery system.

Abstract: Low-profile steerable intraoperative balloon dilatation catheter with a flexible core wire having proximal and distal extremities. A flexible tube extends over the core wire and has proximal and distal extremities with the distal extremity being bonded to the distal extremity of the core wire to form a liquid-tight seal. A balloon is carried by the distal extremity of the flexible tube. The flexible tube provides a lumen extending from its proximal end into the balloon. An adapter is secured to the proximal ends of the core wire and the flexible tube. The adapter has at least first and second arms with the core wire extending through the first arm and the lumen being in communication with the second arm. A rotation limiter is carried by the first arm and is secured to the core wire and permits rotation of the core wire while limiting its movement longitudinally of the axis of the core wire.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a first elongate flexible member having a cylindrical outer surface and having proximal and distal ends. A metallic band of radio opaque material is disposed on the outer surface of the elongate member in the vicinity of the distal end of the elongate member. A tubular member of a flexible material is carried by the distal end of the elongate member and encapsulates the metallic band to prevent its accidental dislodgment from the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: Guide wire and method for insertion and use of a catheter. The guide wire has a shaft of substantially smaller diameter than the luminal opening, with a flexible coil at one end of the shaft. The guide wire is inserted into the cardiovascular system, and the catheter is advanced along the guide wire to the desired position, with the flexible coil outside the distal end of the catheter. An annular passageway is formed between the shaft and the wall of the luminal opening, and fluids are passed through this passageway while the guide wire is within the catheter. A marker of radio opaque material is provided at the distal end of the guide wire so that the position of the wire can be accurately determined even though the wire itself may be too small to be visible with a fluoroscope.

Abstract: Guide wire comprising an elongate flexible cylindrical element formed of metallic material having high torsional capability and having a proximal portion ranging from 0.008 to 0.020 inches and a distal portion having a diameter of less than 0.007 inches. It also comprises a coil formed of metallic material and secured to the distal portion and an additional coil formed of a material which is different from the material of which the first named coil is formed and which is substantially radiopaque secured to the distal extremity of the first named coil. In addition, it comprises a tip having a rounded conformation secured to the distal extremity of the last named coil.

Abstract: Catheter for insertion into the cardiovascular system, and method of manufacturing the same. A helically wound ribbon of flexible material is imbedded in the wall of the catheter to provide a torsional rigidity which facilitates steering and turning of the catheter during emplacement. The stiffness of the catheter is controlled by varying the pitch of the helically wound ribbon.

Abstract: Decanting apparatus for removing spent wash liquids from agglomerated red blood cells and like substances contained in an elongated pliable bag-like container has an inclined slide bed over which the container is draped. A cell-containing end portion of the container depends from the raised end of the slide bed, and the slide bed supports an elongated wash-receiving portion of the bag to maintain the bag under the tension required for decanting spent wash liquid from the former portion into the latter portion.An elevator mechanism supports the raised end of the slide bed and enables an operator selectively to elevate the bed as required for the decanting operation.A modular construction of the apparatus allows the slide bed and the elevator mechanism to be replaceably removed from the housing for cleansing and maintenance.