Abstract: A guide wire, for use, for example, in guiding an elongated catheter through an artery or vein of a mammalian body having a stenosis and/or an occlusion therein, includes an elongated conductor having a longitudinal dimension, a proximal end and a distal end. The guide wire further includes an insulator overlying the elongated conductor. The insulator exposes a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the elongated conductor to form an electrode. The elongated conductor is arranged to be connected to a source of high voltage pulses to cause electrical arcs at the electrode that in turn form steam bubbles and shock waves to break the stenosis and/or open the occlusion and permit the guide wire to pass there through. Other embodiments are directed to a system including the guide wire and a method of using the guide wire.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for endoscopic suturing or stitching through an access tube or the like. An endoscopic stitching device is provided and includes a handle assembly; an elongate shaft supported by and extending from the handle assembly; and an end effector supported on a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a neck assembly configured and adapted for articulation in one direction between a substantially linear configuration and an off-axis configuration, and a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another. Each jaw defines a suture needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with an adhesive filled flexible element. For example, in some implementations a sensing guide wire includes a flexible elongate member; a flexible element extending distally from the flexible elongate member; a core member extending within a lumen of the flexible element; at least one flexible adhesive filling at least a portion of the lumen between the core member and the flexible element along a length of the flexible element; and a sensing element positioned distal of the flexible element. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: Catheter having an elongate tubular shaft including an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen defined therein, the guidewire lumen extending along at least a distal length of an inner tubular member of the elongate tubular shaft. The catheter includes a distal tip member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal tip member is monolithic and the proximal end of the distal tip member is secured to a distal end of the inner tubular member. The catheter includes a balloon having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the balloon sealingly coupled to the distal portion of the elongate tubular shaft. The distal portion of the balloon is sealingly coupled to the distal tip member and the balloon defines an inner chamber in communication with the inflation lumen, wherein the proximal end of the distal tip member is disposed within the inner chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel. A catheter set comprising a pre-loaded stylet in a catheter is connectable to a guidewire. The guidewire may be introduced into the patient through a hollow needle. The stylet can then be connected to the guidewire, and the catheter advanced over the stylet and the guidewire into the access site and into position in the blood vessel of the patient. The invention reduces the time and placement steps required to position a catheter in a vessel and lowers the associated procedural costs. The invention reduces the frequency and severity of complications generally associated with introducing a catheter, thereby improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs.

Abstract: Guidewires and related methods for percutaneous crossing of an occlusion in a blood vessel are disclosed. A guidewire can include a core member and a jacket member. The core member can extend from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, with the distal end portion including a first segment, a more distal second segment and a more proximal third segment. The first segment can be configured to encourage prolapse by way of a short taper or a diameter-reduced portion. The jacket member can surround at least the distal end portion of the core member. A method can include advancing a distal end portion of the guidewire through the natural lumen of a blood vessel to a location near an occlusion. A longitudinal pushing force can be applied to a proximal end portion of the guidewire, thereby causing a first segment of the distal end portion to prolapse.

Abstract: A wire W1 is a wire W1 in which a plurality of strand conductors 11 are twisted at a predetermined twist pitch P1 and which includes a bent portion 20 having a bent shape with a curvature K. A section length L1 of the bent portion 20 is an integer multiple of the twist pitch P1.

Abstract: An embodiment of an elongate medical device may comprise a shaft body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and three or more deflection wire assemblies, each deflection wire assembly comprising a flat wire coupled to the distal end portion and configured to deflect the distal end portion. Each flat wire may have a respective length defining a respective deflection radius, wherein each deflection radius is different.

Abstract: A catheter of the invention includes an elongated flexible tubular main body; a plurality of manipulation wires inserted through the tubular main body and having tips connected to a distal part of the tubular main body; a manipulation-part main body provided at a base end of the tubular main body; and a bending manipulation part. The bending manipulation part has an engagement part engaging with base ends of the manipulation wires, and individually applies pulling force to the plurality of manipulation wires through pulling operations so as to bend the distal part of the tubular main body. The bending manipulation part is provided so as to be movable with respect to the manipulation-part main body. The path lengths of the plurality of manipulation wires from the tips thereof to the engagement part are simultaneously increased or decreased when the bending manipulation part and the manipulation-part main body move relative to each other.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool includes: a needle tube in which a needle tube insertion passage extending from a distal end to a proximal end of the needle tube is formed; a stylet which is disposed to move freely in the needle tube insertion passage; a main manipulation part which is connected to a proximal end side of the needle tube, the main manipulation part supporting the stylet such that the stylet advances while rotating, and the main manipulation part operating the stylet; a manipulation transmission member which has flexibility and the manipulation transmission member is connected to the stylet; and an auxiliary manipulation part which includes a handle fixed to a proximal end portion of the manipulation transmission member and the auxiliary manipulation part is configured such that the manipulation transmission member advances while rotating in accordance with a manipulation of the handle.

Abstract: A guide device establishes a guide passage through a guide tube, through which an operative tool can be deployed into an interior body region for use. A steering assembly, in use, deflects or bends the distal end region of the guide tube, so that the operative tool can be placed in a desired orientation with respect to tissue. The steering assembly is desirable configured for single handed operation by the clinician. The steering assembly is also desirably configured to provide a mechanical advantage sufficient to translate relatively small increments of clinician control into relatively larger increments of guide tube deflection. In one arrangement, the steering assembly includes a rack and pinion linkage system. In another arrangement, the steering assembly includes a pivoting lever system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for cardiovascular and peripheral vessels, use a pulling member and a spring member, for example a compression spring, to oscillate a drilling component. The drilling component at the distal end of the catheter tip has combined longitudinal stiffness for penetrating a total or partial occlusion and high axial (lateral) flexibility to improve deliverability and crossability of a catheter through a partially occluded vessel or a tortuous vessel, and may taper distally. The system of the invention includes the apparatus and a control unit to permit adjustment of the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the drilling component. Also provided is a method for oscillating a drilling component using a pulling member and a spring member and a method of traversing an occlusion.

Abstract: A method of making a core metal element for a medical guidewire including providing a wire of nickel titanium alloy having a length that includes a proximal portion having a first diameter and a distal portion having a second diameter. The method further includes applying cold work to the distal portion and not applying cold work to the proximal portion, thereby imparting to the distal portion a third diameter that is smaller than the second diameter; and then applying a reducing process to the wire whereby the proximal portion is reduced to have a fourth diameter that is less than the first diameter.

Abstract: An extending portion of a vibration transmitting unit. is capable of transmitting ultrasonic vibration from a proximal side to a distal side, and in the extending portion, a second component provided on the distal side with respect to a first component. A third component provided between the first component and the second component in the extending portion has a third cross-sectional area that is larger than a first cross-sectional area of the first component and is smaller than a second cross-sectional area of the second component, and one of vibration anti-nodes is positioned at third component by the extending portion vibrating at a frequency in a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor guide wire (1) for intravascular measurements of at least one variable in a living body, which sensor guide wire (1) has a proximal region (2), a distal sensor region (3) and a tip region (4). The sensor guide wire (1) comprises, a sensor element arranged in said sensor region (3), a tip region core wire (5) having a longitudinal axis (6) and extending essentially along said tip region (4), and a coil (7) arranged in said tip region (4). The coil (7) at least partly encloses said tip region core wire (5), and a distal tip joint (8) is arranged at a distal end (9) of said sensor guide wire (1) for attaching said coil (7) to said tip region core wire (5). A major part of said tip region core wire (5) has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (6).

Abstract: A vascular access system includes a catheter having an inner lumen in communication with an open distal end; a guidewire at least partially positioned in the catheter lumen and extending out the open distal end thereof, respective proximal and distal stops secured to the guidewire; and a centering device slidably mounted on the guidewire such that the centering device may freely within the catheter lumen relative to the guidewire between the proximal and distal stops, wherein the centering device substantially aligns a longitudinal axis of the catheter with a longitudinal axis of the guidewire proximate the centering device.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound “(IVUS”) device having an intrinsic or attachable needle guide is disclosed. In some embodiments, a sheath having a needle guide is used in connection with an IVUS device. The devices may be used in performing minimally invasive image-guided surgical procedures. The devices may be configured to maintain a needle placed through guide in the plane of the IVUS-array to improve visualization of the needle. In some embodiments, the device is used to facilitate the creation of a tract through the liver from the inferior vena cava to the portal vein using IVUS-guidance in a direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt procedure. The devices, systems, and methods can improve patient safety by decreasing the risk of off-target punctures, decrease procedure times, and allow procedures to be performed from a single access site.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.

Abstract: A guidewire for backloading and inserting a percutaneous pump affixed to a cannula includes a proximal section made of a first material, with a first diameter, a rounded proximal end, and a distal end. The guidewire also includes a distal section made of a second material, with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter, a distal end, and a proximal end abutting the distal end of the proximal section. The first material of the proximal section is selected to be softer than a material of the percutaneous pump to reduce damage to the pump during backloading. The distal section of the guidewire is configured to be stiffer than the proximal section to insert the percutaneous pump in a desired location without damaging the guidewire.

Abstract: According to one example a medical device snare is described that may comprise a first strip and a second strip, each having an interlock feature. The first interlock feature configured as a groove and the second interlock feature configured as a rail may be interlocked such that the first strip and the second strip are slidable parallel to one another so a snare portion may form a loop.

Abstract: A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a lung of a lung of a patient. One embodiment of a method comprises positioning a leadless marker in the lung of the patient relative to the target, and collecting position data of the marker. This method further comprises determining the location of the marker in an external reference frame outside the patient based on the collected position data, and providing an objective output in the external reference frame that is responsive to movement of the marker. The objective output is provided at a frequency (i.e., periodicity) that results in a clinically acceptable tracking error. In addition, the objective output can also be provided at least substantially contemporaneously with collecting the position data used to determine the location of the marker.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a superelastic medical instrument that of bending elastically through the tortuous pathways of an endoscope, returning to a straight shape upon deployment from the endoscope, and deploying straight along the axis of the end of the bronchoscope (within a tolerated margin) to distances of 2 cm or more.

Abstract: A guide wire including a core shaft, a coil body that covers an outer periphery of the core shaft, and a distal end joint that joins the core shaft and the coil body, The distal end joint includes tin-zinc based solder. The guide wire has secured joining strength between the core shaft and the coil body no matter the material used for the core shaft and the coil body, and especially when the core shaft and/or the coil body are formed of tungsten.

Abstract: A guidewire insertion tool configured to measure a length of an anatomic region. The tool can include a housing, a light chamber, and a track at least partially extending through the light chamber. The track is adapted to guide a guidewire as it is advanced through the insertion tool. The tool can also include an optical sensor assembly in optical communication with the light chamber. The optical sensor assembly can include one or more light sources, an optical sensor, and a magnifier. The one or more light sources can be adapted to direct light toward a portion of the guidewire within the track, and the optical sensor can be adapted to receive reflected light from the portion of the guidewire within the tract. A processing unit can analyze data from the optical sensor assembly to determine the length of the anatomic region and output the measurement to a display.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device having an elongate shaft having a distal end and a controller coupled to the shaft. A control member can extend through at least part of the elongate shaft and at least part of the controller, wherein the control member in a tensioned configuration can be moveable by the controller to control the distal end of the shaft and the control member can be slack in an untensioned configuration. A tensioning mechanism can be configured to move relative to at least one of the elongate shaft and the controller to tension the control member and automatically lock the control member in the tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in fluid communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in fluid communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in fluid communication with the second lumen, wherein the second lumen is configured to receive both a guidewire and a drug solution, (e) an occlusion balloon, (f) a drug delivery balloon, where the occlusion balloon and the drug delivery balloon are in fluid communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen.

Abstract: A method of forming a fenestrated tubular support member includes determining a first iso-stiffness curve corresponding to a first function of beam length versus ring width for the first stiffness; determining a second iso-stiffness curve corresponding to a second function of beam length versus ring width for the second stiffness; determining an iso-volume curve corresponding to a third function of beam length versus ring width for a given fenestration volume; identifying a first intersection point where the iso-volume curve intersects the first iso-stiffness curve; and identifying a second intersection point where the iso-volume curve intersects the second iso-stiffness curve. The first section ring width and first section beam length are determined from the first intersection point, and the second section ring width and second section beam length are determined from the second intersection point.

Abstract: A medical device has a distal member with a configuration that can be changed by means of a control handle with a control assembly employing a rotational cam, a shaft, and a pulley, where the rotational cam is rotationally mounted on a portion of the control handle for rotation by a user. The rotational cam operates on the shaft to move it proximally or distally depending on the direction of rotation which in turn rotates the pulley to draw or release a puller wire to change the configuration of the distal member of the medical device. The shaft is oriented along a diameter of the control handle. The shaft has two ends which extends through two axial guide slots in the portion of the control handle to sit two opposing helical tracks formed on inner surface of the rotational cam. The guide slots are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the control handle and therefore maintain the shaft's diametrical orientation as the rotational cam is rotated to move the shaft proximal or distally.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon and an inner shaft. The inner shaft includes a marker member arranged on an outer periphery of a coil body having a sparsely wound portion in which gaps are formed between adjacent windings of the wire of the coil body. A distal end part and a proximal end part of the marker member are arranged at a position facing a void formed within one of the gaps between the adjacent windings of the wire of the coil body. The inner shaft of the balloon catheter therefore will not buckle, preventing damage to the balloon by contact with the marker member when the balloon catheter is passed through the inside of a curved blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: A single-wire stylet may be constructed as an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy body with a generally cylindrical body profile, extending distally from a proximal end terminus, where embodiments include a polymeric distal tip member fixedly attached directly at a distal end of the single-wire body. At least one lengthwise portion of the single-wire body is at least partially in martensitic phase at operating temperatures at and below about 37° C. Where present, the polymeric distal tip member has a generally cylindrical body profile circumferentially bounded by an outer circumference substantially equal to or greater than that of the metal body. The polymeric distal tip member may be overmolded upon a distal-end tip length of an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy stylet body, where the distal end and/or discrete intermediate distal-portion length(s) that include martensitic-phase alloy and any polymeric member have greater flexibility than a proximal-most length of the alloy stylet body.

Abstract: A tube for an intravascular medical device has a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis. The tube comprises a tube wall having a specified thickness and a plurality of through-going slots, wherein each slot has an essentially elongated shape along a main extension extending along the circumference of the tube. At least two slots are provided in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the main extension of the at least two slots are in the perpendicular plane. The lengths of the slots in the same perpendicular plane P are essentially the same, and the lengths L of the slots in different planes vary along the longitudinal extension of the tube according to a predefined pattern. A sensor guide wire for an intravascular measurement of at least one variable in a living body may comprise such a tube.

Abstract: A single optical fiber force-sensing assembly includes a catheter configured to detect both axial and bending tip displacement. The catheter includes a flexible structure located adjacent to a distal tip portion of the catheter. The single optical fiber within the catheter defines a first reflective surface. A second reflective surface is located closely adjacent to the first reflective surface.

Abstract: High torque guidewires and methods for making and using them are provided. A guidewire may include an inner core wire movable relative to an outer jacket. The outer jacket includes proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending there between, thereby defining a longitudinal axis, and one or more helical slots adjacent the distal end. The core wire includes a proximal portion, a distal portion slidably received in the outer jacket lumen and terminating in a curved distal tip that extends from the outer jacket distal end, and one or more pins on the distal portion, each pin slidably received in a respective helical slot in the outer jacket such that axial movement of the core wire relative to the outer jacket causes the pin to slide within the helical slot and rotate the distal tip relative to the outer jacket distal end.

Abstract: A guidewire introducable into a bodily lumen having an obstruction therein is provided. An introducer needle is advanced through tissue and into the bodily lumen. A guidewire is advanced through the introducer and into the lumen. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen until an atraumatic distal tip of the guidewire encounters an obstruction the distal tip cannot pass in a straight forward manner. The distal tip is pressed against the obstruction such that a flexible segment proximal of the distal tip forms a loop distal of the distal tip. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen such that the loop of the flexible segment is pushed past the obstruction and the distal tip is pulled distally past the obstruction. A greater diameter guidewire extension can be coupled to the back end of the guidewire, providing function as a larger diameter guidewire.

Abstract: A guide wire may include a core shaft and an external coil body covering a distal portion of the core shaft. The external coil body includes a first coil portion and a second coil portion that is distal to the first coil portion. An outside diameter of the second coil portion is smaller than an outside diameter of the first coil portion. Similarly, the guide wire may include a core shaft, a first external coil body, and a second external coil body. An outside diameter of the second external coil body is smaller than an outside diameter of the first external coil body. The external coil body or first and second external coil bodies enable the performance of a pushing-out operation and a drawing-in operation of the stent; yet, the flexibility of the guide wire is maintained.

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated core wire possessing a distal portion at which is located a reshaping portion that is configured to be reshaped. The reshaping portion includes a first material portion made of a first material and a second material portion which is made of a second material different than the first material. The first material portion is joined to the second material portion at a joint surface which extends in the longitudinal direction of the core wire.

Abstract: A sensor guide wire for an intravascular measurement of a physiological variable in a living body may include a sensor element configured to measure the physiological variable based on exposure to fluid in the living body; and a cylindrical-shaped jacket forming an interior space housing the sensor element. The jacket comprises an outer circumferential wall with a circumferential surface extending between distal and proximal longitudinal ends of the jacket. The outer circumferential wall of the jacket does not include any apertures along its circumferential surface so as to prevent fluid from passing through the outer circumferential wall and/or the jacket has a constant cross section along its entire length.

Abstract: A delivery system (50) for a detachable medical device (10) comprises a first helical wire (12) attached to the medical device, a second helical wire (18) attached to a deployment member (16) and a wire coil (30) which is arranged to interconnect the helical wires (12, 18). A pull on a release wire (32) at one end of the coil (30) detaches the coil from at least one of the helical wires whereby to detach the medical device (10) from the deployment member (16). In a modification a release coil (130) is arranged between concentric helical wires (112, 118).

Abstract: A guide wire may include a core shaft and an external coil body covering a distal portion of the core shaft. The external coil body includes a first coil portion and a second coil portion that is distal to the first coil portion. An outside diameter of the second coil portion is smaller than an outside diameter of the first coil portion. Similarly, the guide wire may include a core shaft, a first external coil body, and a second external coil body. An outside diameter of the second external coil body is smaller than an outside diameter of the first external coil body. The external coil body or first and second external coil bodies enable the performance of a pushing-out operation and a drawing-in operation of the stent; yet, the flexibility of the guide wire is maintained.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical instrument with a coating that provides excellent lubricity when wet. The medical instrument possesses a coating including a wet lubricating film with high peel durability and anti-eluting properties. In embodiments, an intermediate film made of bisphenol A type epoxy resin is coated on a base material of a medical instrument made of metal, and a wet lubricant coating produced by alkaline processing of a polymer alloy containing a methyl vinyl ether maleic anhydride copolymer and a polyether block amide is then applied thereto. Methods for making these medical instruments are also provided.

Abstract: Preformed guiding stylet for introducing a septal lead in contact with the septum or other intra-corporal device in contact with body tissue. This stylet includes a flexible wire to be introduced by its distal end in a central lumen of the lead, and a control handle. The wire is elastically deformable in bending and has sufficient rigidity in torsion to enable transmission by the handle rotation of a rotational movement over the entire length of the wire. Unstressed, the wire comprises successively in its distal part a first curvilinear portion a first straight portion a second curvilinear portion and optionally a second straight portion. The first and second curvilinear portions extend in respective planes making an angle between them defining a dihedral which axis comprises the first straight portion. The total length of the first curvilinear portion coincides with the anatomical curvature of the venous system.

Abstract: A rotational thrombectomy wire for breaking up vascular thrombus or other obstructive material having a core having a proximal region and a distal region and being rotatable by a motor. The distal region has a smaller diameter than the proximal region. A cable is coupled to the distal region of the core and extends distally thereof. A torque tube is positioned over the cable and a coil is positioned over a distal portion of the cable. A distal portion of the cable has a non-linear configuration. A first covering material is positioned over the coil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steerable catheter device and method of using the same comprising a catheter body having a distal section. The distal section of the catheter body has an inner lumen, and one or more steering lumen radially offset from the inner lumen. The steering lumen comprise a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A fluid source is in fluid communication with the steering lumen for supplying fluid thereto to radially distend the first end of the steering lumen such that the catheter body bends away from the steering lumen. In some cases, a vacuum is supplied to an opposite lumen to further assist bending of the catheter body. The inner lumen may include a porous material that is utilized to clean an instrument, such as an imaging device, movably disposed in the inner lumen.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core member, a stent engagement member, and a stent. The core member can have a distal segment. The stent engagement member can have a generally tubular body positioned about the core member distal segment and can be rotatably coupled to the core member. The engagement member can include an inner layer that has a first durometer and an outer layer that has a second durometer less than the first durometer. The stent can extend along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by the engagement member outer layer for facilitating rotation of the stent relative to the core member.

Abstract: A coaxial guide catheter to be passed through guide catheter having a first lumen, for use with interventional cardiology devices that are insertable into a branch artery that branches off from a main artery. The coaxial guide catheter is extended through the lumen of the guide catheter and beyond the distal end of the guide catheter and inserted into the branch artery. The device assists in resisting axial and shear forces exerted by an interventional cardiology device passed through the second lumen and beyond the flexible distal tip portion that would otherwise tend to dislodge the guide catheter from the branch artery.