Abstract: A medical device has a cuff adapted to be positioned in the trachea of a subject with a patient tube, and a first tube having a distal end coupled to the cuff and a proximal end communicable with the surroundings. More effective and simpler sample taking and/or dosing of medicament is achieved by a second tube that is coupled with a distal end to the cuff and communicable with the surroundings via a proximal end, together with a pumping device that is connected to the proximal end of the first tube and to the proximal end of the second tube in order to circulate a fluid through the cuff. The cuff has a membrane that is permeable to a specific substance, the membrane being disposed to allow transfer of the specific substance between the interior and the exterior of the cuff.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: An improved catheter device for selectively isolating and occluding a portion of the iliac vasculature of a patient includes an elongate hollow catheter shaft which is advanceable though the vascular system of the patient. The catheter shaft has a proximal portion that extends out from the patient and a distal portion adapted to be disposed within the iliac vasculature of the patient. A plurality of expandable members are disposed on the distal portion. One expandable member is dimensioned and configured so that when expanded it rests within the bifurcation of the descending aorta to the common iliac arteries (and/or within the bifurcation of the inferior vena cava that leads to the common iliac veins) so as to fixate the catheter within the iliac vasculature of the patient. At least two other expandable members are spaced apart from the fixation member and configured to selectively isolate and occlude blood flow through different portions of the iliac vasculature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter comprising: a hollow inner shaft disposed within a hollow outer shaft; a balloon attached at its proximal end to said outer shaft and at its distal end to said inner shaft; wherein the inner shaft is constructed such that following radial expansion of the balloon to a first expanded state, said inner shaft is capable of responding to further longitudinal expansion of the balloon to a second expanded state by increasing its length from a resting value, and of responding to subsequent partial deflation back to said first expanded state by reducing its length back to said resting value.

Abstract: An embolism filter adapted to selectively stop an embolism filter along a length of guidewire, including a filter adapted to encircle a guidewire and at least one self-deploying stop attached to the filter and which selectively stops movement of said filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collar for use with an inflation device, the collar having a release mechanism allowing a user to advance and/or retract a plunger in a non-threaded fashion. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the release mechanism has a first position in which the plunger is threadably engaged and a second position in which the plunger can be advanced and/or retracted in a non-threaded fashion. In one embodiment the release mechanism includes a displaceable member and an engagement mechanism. In another embodiment, the release mechanism is utilized with a sleeve which allows the collar to be decoupled from the inflation device by rotation of the collar.

Abstract: A medical-balloon inflator includes a pump piston assembly, a movable pivot, and an actuator handle. The actuator handle is operatively connected to the movable pivot and is adapted to translate the pump piston assembly to inflate or inflatingly pressurize a medical balloon when the actuator handle is rotated an angular distance about the movable pivot by a user.

Abstract: A probe that facilitates the creation of lesions in bodily tissue. The probe includes a relatively short shaft and an inflatable therapeutic element.

Abstract: A steerable guidewire having a deflectable distal tip which comprises a longitudinal hypotube and an interlocking spring coil attached to the distal end of the hypotube and also includes a longitudinally movable deflection member which is attached to the distal end of the spring coil and a tip retaining ribbon which extends from the distal end of the hypotube to the distal end of the spring coil for providing very precise deflection of the distal tip. The distal end of the deflection member has “skived,” or tapered, sides to enhance the flexibility of the guidewire.

Abstract: A treatment system (1600, 1900) is provided for traversing the alimentary tract. The system (1600, 1900) includes an ingestible capsule, which includes a gas pressurizing module (1602)) providing a gas and at least one balloon (1604, 1901) in fluid communication with the gas pressurization module (1602). The capsule further includes an exhaust channel (1610) in fluid communication with a respective balloon of the at least one balloon (1604, 1901), and a depressurizing closure member (1608) for selectively controlling flow of gas between the balloon (1604, 1901) and the ambient surroundings of the capsule. The system further includes control circuitry (906) for controlling the depressurizing closure member (1608).

Abstract: Described is a medical device and method for allowing fenestration of the aortic wall while maintaining distal perfusion and preventing external bleeding. The device isolates a segment of the aortic wall from the flowing column of blood using a balloon mounted on a metal alloy strut assembly. The strut assembly expands radially from a collapsed, low-profile configuration when uncovered by a constraining outer sheath. Aortic blood flow is allowed through the flow passage thus contained by the strut assembly within the center of the balloon. The balloon is inflated to contact the aortic wall. The balloon contains a pocket shaped to allow aortic fenestration. The balloon contains radiopaque markers to facilitate orientation and positioning of the pocket within the aorta. Other embodiments using spaced balloons are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling hemorrhage in a body cavity, comprising an expandable balloon and a conduit for supplying a physiologically compatible fluid to inflate the balloon. When the balloon tamponade device is implanted or inserted into the body cavity, it is inflated with a physiologically suitable fluid, so that the balloon generally conforms to the body cavity and exerts compressive force against the walls, tissues or structures of the body cavity to control hemorrhage. The balloon may have a deforming means to limit expansion of the balloon in a direction to facilitate expansion of the balloon in another direction. The device may have additional tubes within the conduit, or a plurality of separate lumens within the conduit or tubes to allow drainage and irrigation to the body cavity. There is also provided a cuff for attachment of an external traction to the balloon tamponade, to facilitate the compressive effect of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enteral feeding catheter (1) for channelling flowable nutrient into a patient's digestive tract, such as into patients stomach, duodenum or jejunum, said catheter having a first lumen (2), having an opening (3) for connecting it to a supply for of nutrient and channelling said nutrient from the proximal end (P) to the distal end (D), the distal end (D) of the first lumen (2) being provided with several radial outlets (4) for the exit of said nutrient into patient's digestive tract, the catheter (1) further comprising a second lumen (7), for being connected to a source/sink of gas (26) and a gas pressure gauge (24) at its proximal end and being connected to an inflatable and deflatable distal balloon (6) provided on the catheter (1) near the distal end (D). The invention refers also to a computer system and computer program to operate said feeding catheter.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive valve comprising: (a) an outer balloon adapted for intravascular insertion comprising at least one hole adapted for ejection of a fluid; (b) an inner structure adapted to substantially fill the outer balloon; (c) at least one selectively blockable flow path between the outer balloon and the inner structure, at least some of the at least one flow path in fluid communication with at least one of the at least one hole; (d) an inlet port to the at least one flow path; and (e) a pressure source operable to provide a fluid at least at a selected injection pressure to the inlet port. A flow of the fluid along the at least one selectively blockable flow path to the at least one hole is prevented when the pressure source provides any pressure below the selected injection pressure and a flow of the fluid along the at least one selectively blockable low path to the at least one hole occurs when the pressure source provides pressure at or above the selected injection pressure.

Abstract: A steerable balloon catheter including a balloon catheter supported by a steerable guidewire having a deflectable distal tip. The guidewire comprises a longitudinal hypotube and a spring coil attached to the distal end of the hypotube and includes a longitudinally movable deflection member which is attached to the distal end of the spring coil and a tip retaining member which extends from the distal end of the hypotube to the distal end of the spring coil for providing very precise deflection of the distal tip of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: A medical device including an inflation element, such as a syringe, and a balloon catheter in which the inflation element includes a series of indicia to which an operative portion of the inflation device can be aligned. The indicia directly correspond to a particular balloon diameter. A method of inflating a balloon to at least two desired diameters in a body lumen and determining the inflation diameter of the balloon within the body lumen. A method of calibrating the inflation device to allow a user to inflate a balloon to a desired diameter.

Abstract: A delivery catheter that includes a flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having an outer diameter less than about 13 mm; a delivery lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the delivery lumen within the flexible shaft, the delivery lumen having at least an outlet port or at least one side hole at the distal end of the delivery lumen, the delivery lumen having a cross-sectional area at least about 5 mm2; a pressure monitoring lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the pressure monitoring lumen within the flexible shaft; a pressure port adjacent to and connected to the distal end of the pressure monitoring lumen; a balloon inflation lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the balloon inflation lumen within the flexible shaft; a soft tip at the distal end of the flexible shaft; a balloon at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the balloon connected to the distal end of the balloon inflation lumen, the balloon includes at least one of the following materials, po

Abstract: An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. The apparatus features a means for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, means for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a means for sealing the open end of said tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for re-opening the sealed tubular guide wire and letting the fluid out. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire is maintained by utilizing an apparatus to crimp the end of the tubular guide wire, effectively sealing the inside bore of the tubular guide wire.

Abstract: A pressure relief mechanism is incorporated into a modified syringe-type inflation device that may be coupled to a balloon catheter for inflating and deflating the balloon. An engagement mechanism selectively engages and disengages from a threaded shaft for advancing or withdrawing a plunger placed in slidable, yet sealing fit within a cylindrical chamber. In a first engaging position, the threaded shaft may be forcibly advanced or withdrawn in the cylindrical chamber, while in a second disengaged position, the plunger may be quickly pulled back.

Abstract: A rotary valve for a balloon catheter, including a hollow guidewire with a central lumen and a portion of a rotary shaft disposed within a guidewire proximal end. Rotating the rotary shaft of the rotary valve controls flow of an inflation fluid into and through the guidewire central lumen.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the rectosigmoid during surgery, to move the rectosigmoid to a pre-determined position, which includes a cannula portin, having a rounded and flexible tip, an inflatable balloon surrounding at least a portion of the cannula; the balloon inflatable with water, gas, or dye; a cone at a first end of the cannula for sealing around the opening of the anus; a stylet insertable in the cannula opening to provide partial rigidity to the cannula; and a syringe lock for introducing the fluid into the balloon, so as to provide a soft yet somewhat rigid device for allowing gentle manipulation of the recto-sigmoid during surgical procedures.

Abstract: An inflation adaptor is provided to move a wire within a hollow tubular body, the movement of the wire enabling actuation of an expandable member at the distal end of the hollow tubular body. The expandable member can be a balloon, filter or similar device. The adaptor generally includes a clamping mechanism which clamps the hollow tubular body and wire within the adaptor, and also includes a drive mechanism for moving the wire within the hollow tubular body. An actuator, such as a rotatable knob, is provided to operate both the clamping mechanism and the drive mechanism. The adaptor may also include a fluid delivery and expansion system within a housing when the expandable member is a balloon, wherein movement of the actuator delivers a predetermined amount to the balloon while still operating the clamping mechanism and the drive mechanism. The adaptor may also include one or more magnets within the housing to prevent kinking of the wire and the hollow tubular body during loading of the hollow tubular body.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for use in passing fluids and medicines therethrough for use in the perfusion or reperfusion of blood or blood-fluid mixtures into the arteries, veins, tissues, conduits, or organs of a patient is disclosed. The catheter has an elongate tubular body with an elongate central lumen defined therein. The catheter also includes at least one occlusive balloon disposed on the exterior of and about the tubular body, and a drug delivery lumen defined within the tubular body separately of the central lumen and extending in the lengthwise direction of the tubular body. A drug delivery outlet is defined at and in communication with a distal end of the drug delivery lumen for permitting the delivery of fluids passed through the drug delivery lumen separate of any fluids passed through the central lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring ventricular function in an isolated, perfused heart using an intraventricular balloon connected to a plumbing circuit containing a fluid, the plumbing circuit including (a) a valve for selectively opening the plumbing circuit to (i) atmospheric pressure or (ii) a pressure control circuit of a pressure control apparatus or (b) a pressure control apparatus which can be selectively connected to the plumbing circuit, including the steps of establishing a base pressure by (1) opening the valve to atmospheric pressure or the pressure control circuit or (2) operating the pressure control apparatus, after equalization of the pressure within the intraventricular balloon with the base pressure, closing the valve or stopping operation of the pressure control apparatus, following the closing of the valve, measuring ventricular function as a function of a titrated infusion of fluid into the plumbing circuit and intraventricular balloon, performing an intervention, and repeating at least t

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. It is highly preferable that the balloon or inflatable member be situated in a recess in the outer wall of the inventive catheter. Additionally, the distal end of the catheter past the balloon is preferably tapered. The catheter has a very low profile as compared to other catheters of the neurovascular balloon catheter genre. It may include other features such as variable stiffness along the axis of the device and anti-kinking components. The balloon is preferably compliant in nature.

Abstract: A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layers to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creature of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdrawn through the incision.

Abstract: An aspiration baffle comprises an outer tube and an inner core wire. Microholes are provided in the outer tubular member to permit passage of gas but inhibit the passage of liquids. The aspiration baffle is used in a catheter having a balloon or other inflatable structure to assist in priming of the structure. After evacuating the inflatable structure by applying a vacuum, the aspiration baffle can collect and trap residual gas which remains during the priming of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: Pressure in a cuff on an endotracheal tube is controlled by a fluid circuit that includes a port on the endotracheal tube, a moisture absorbent barrier covering that port, a one-way valve, a pressure manometer as well as a pilot balloon fluidically connected to the cuff. A thumb wheel is included in one form of the invention to control operation of the one-way valve.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter which includes a purge mechanism for purging air from the catheter prior to use. The purge mechanism is sized to allow air to pass through, but highly restricts the flow of liquids. Air remaining in the catheter after purging is allowed to diffuse through the balloon prior to use. The mechanism is especially useful with low-pressure, gas-permeable, compliant balloons.

Abstract: A balloon for a balloon catheter and a method of manufacture The method entails providing a polymeric tubular member having an inner lumen and a longitudinal axis. An incompressible fluid is introduced into the inner lumen at a predetermined volumetric flow rate, expanding the polymeric tubular member to a desired outer diameter. The volumetric flow rate of fluid may be predetermined to not over-inflate the balloon. The balloon is blown slower because no initial pressure need be exceeded, so higher blow up ratios may be achieved without sacrificing any strength of the balloon. The balloons embodying features of the invention have thinner walls, yet maintain the same physical and mechanical properties of a thicker walled balloon manufactured in today's methods. Therefore, the process of the invention will lead to lower profile balloon catheters for balloon catheters with the same outer diameter balloon on them.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body including an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A blunt tip is secured to the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided. The balloon assembly is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a deflated collapsed balloon. A sheath encloses the balloon and is carried by the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a weakened region extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed to release the balloon.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon device includes a flexible bladder, a relatively rigid reservoir coupled to the bladder and adapted to hold a bladder inflation fluid, and an inflation/deflation system adapted to move or permit movement of the fluid from the reservoir and into the bladder. The intragastric balloon device is sized such that it may be positioned, in its entirety, into the stomach cavity. Various systems may be used to move or permit movement of the fluid. A control system is provided to automatically activate the inflation/deflation system. The automatic activation may be activated by a combination of one or more of a timer, the temperature of the stomach, the pressure in the stomach, the mechanical stress in the stomach, or another sensed condition, at which the control system is programmed or otherwise configured to activate.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering therapeutic agents and method of making such a device. The device including an inflatable balloon having a plurality of holes formed in the wall of the balloon. A microporous coating covers a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the balloon. The thickness of the coating and the size of the micropores can permit controlled delivery of a substance from the micropores of the coating and into the tissue of a patient's lumen.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and method of use for inflating the balloon more effectively, particularly during stent deployment. The balloon catheter includes a catheter shaft and a balloon, wherein the proximal end of the balloon is connected to the distal end of the shaft. A tip is disposed in the interior of the balloon, with the proximal end of the tip extending from the distal end of the catheter shaft and the distal end of the tip connected to the distal end of the balloon. The tip includes a fluid path to facilitate the passage of inflation fluid from the inflation lumen to the interior of the balloon, and the tip may further include a guide wire lumen extending therethrough. The fluid path may be configured to inflate the balloon uniformly or to initially inflate the distal end of the balloon such that a stent loaded on the balloon will not have a tendency migrate distally during deployment.

Abstract: A catheter device for non-surgical entry into a uterus, includes a tubular body having a lumen extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, the lumen having an external opening adjacent to or at the first end for dispensing a diagnostic fluid into the uterus. An elongated balloon is disposed distally on the tubular body for insertion into the cervical canal of the uterus, the balloon having opposing portions which occlude opposing openings of the canal.

Abstract: This is a medical catheter made up of a body having on its distal end portion an expandable balloon and, proximal of the balloon, a delivery lumen ending in a port through which therapeutic or diagnostic agents may be delivered. In one variation, a single inflation/wire lumen extends from the catheter proximal end to the catheter distal end, through which the balloon is inflated with pressurized fluid and through which a guide wire extends. The guide wire may have a valve plug for selectively seating against a valve seat of the catheter distal end to seal the inflation/wire lumen for balloon inflations. In another variation, a vaso-occlusive agent is disposable within a delivery lumen in a catheter coupled with a steerable guidewire. The delivery lumen ends in a delivery port near to and proximal of an expandable balloon located at the catheter's end. A single inflation/wire lumen may also be provided for facilitating both balloon inflation and guide wire tracking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter having an elongated cannula with an infusion lumen and a pressure-sensing lumen, and a portion of the cannula which tapers to form a distal end which is narrower than the more proximal portions of the cannula. The distal end of the cannula has a rounded tip and forms at least one infusion lumen opening and a pressure-sensing opening. A balloon is attached to and surrounds the cannula near the distal end while being in fluid communication with the infusion lumen through one or more inflation openings. The infusion lumen openings are smaller than the inflation openings so as to make the balloon self-inflating. Also disclosed is a method for using such a catheter to perform cardioplegia by the retrograde infusion of a cardioplegic fluid into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A catheter (10), and a method for performing radiation treatment at a site where angio-plasty was performed, are disclosed. The catheter (10) includes a hollow, cylindrical member (12) constructed from a fairly flexible material. The catheter is maneuvered within the body by traveling over a guide wire which was initially maneuvered in the blood vessel to a position beyond the actual site of a stenosis. Stand-off structure (26) having a stand-off balloon (28) surrounds a portion (30) of the outer surface of the catheter (10). The distal end (18) of the catheter (10) includes an inner lumen plug (38), and a distal mandrel (40) extending through the inner lumen plug (38). The distal mandrel (40) is manufactured from shape memory alloy to stiffen, and reinforce the catheter when the catheter is introduced within the blood vessel.

Abstract: The hysteroscope port includes a cylindrical cannula dimensioned for insertion through a vagina to penetrate a cervix. A balloon element having a nonsmooth surface is positioned adjacent the distal end of the cannula for dilating the cervix and for maintaining the cervix in a dilated state. The balloon is inflatable between a narrowed insertion and withdrawal position and an expanded dilatation position. An introducer's distal portion is dimensioned for insertion through the cannula's lumen and is sufficiently long to extend beyond the cannula's distal end. The introducer's distal tip is tapered and smooth for ease of insertion. The introducer's proximal portion protrudes from the cannula's proximal opening for being grasped for insertion into and removal from the cannula.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for rapidly and selectively moving a threaded screw and nut member combination into or out of threaded engagement, particularly for use to pressurize angioplasty balloon catheters, or the like. The mechanism includes a housing and a threaded screw structure slidably displaceable through the housing. A nut member having partial threads is selectively engageable and disengageable with the threaded screw structure. The mechanism includes a carrier member and is designed to be assembled from the rear. The carrier member is preferably configured to be retainably engaged with the housing via a bayonet arrangement, such as a quarter-turn bayonet arrangement, and is configured to provide an audible indication when it is, in fact, properly and fully installed. Preferably, the housing is configured to receive a pressure gauge directly into a threaded bore on the housing. An improved method of assembling an actuating mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluid materials into and out of the inner ear via the round window membrane. A fluid transfer conduit is provided which includes one or more passageways therethrough which may have a semipermeable membrane associated therewith to control fluid flow. Attached to the conduit is an inflatable bladder sized for insertion within the round window niche. When inflated, the bladder engages the internal side wall of the niche, thereby securing the bladder and part of the conduit within the niche. The conduit can then transfer fluids to and from the niche and the fluid-permeable round window membrane therein. Bladder inflation may be achieved through one of the passageways within the conduit which can deliver an inflation fluid into the bladder. Also, the conduit may include an elongate conductive diagnostic member for transferring electrical potentials to and from the inner ear.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of volume deficiency disorders of body structures and related syndromes and, more particularly, apparatus that deliver fluid via a catheter at a controlled pressure into a balloon situated within or adjacent a body cavity to effect tissue expansion. A drainage mechanism, especially useful in treating bladder deficiencies, is disclosed which permits drainage of body fluids while the balloon is in its expanded state. The balloon can be adapted to fit within a recess of the catheter, for example, in a folded or rolled state, and the invention also provides means for delivering fluid at a controlled pressure into an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A method and device for the pharmacological cardioversion of fibrillation or atrial flutter is disclosed. The device is implantable in the human body and provides equipment for drug infusion using an electrocatheter positioned in the right atrium, the right ventricle, or the coronary sinus. The electrocatheter is provided with sensors which monitor the electromechanical activity of the heart and which intervene to activate the infusion in the presence of fibrillation or flutter. The catheter may be provided with at least one balloon which can be inflated and deflated to create a chamber which permits perfusion of the drug directly into the vein of Marshall.

Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a balloon is inflated to occlude the structure before the application of energy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low profile catheter valve comprising a movable sealer portion positioned within the inflation lumen of a catheter. The sealer portion forms a fluid tight seal with the inflation lumen by firmly contacting the entire circumference of a section of the inflation lumen. The sealer portion may be positioned proximally of a side-access inflation port on the catheter, to establish an unrestricted fluid pathway between the inflation port and an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the catheter. As desired, the clinician may move the sealer portion to a position distal of the inflation port, thereby preventing any fluid from being introduced into or withdrawn from the balloon via the inflation port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter for use in an emboli containment system. In one embodiment, the catheter has a tubular body with a metallic braid construction. Two lumens extend through the tubular body, the lumen being in a side-by-side configuration. One of the lumens functions as an inflation lumen, and is in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon mounted on the distal end of the catheter. The second lumen is adapted to receive other therapeutic catheters which comprise the emboli containment system. In another embodiment, apparatus is provided for treatment of a stenosis in a lumen in a blood-carrying vessel comprising a main catheter and a therapeutic catheter. The main catheter comprises a first flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. A sealing element is carried on the distal extremity of the first flexible elongate tubular member.

Abstract: The balloon catheter has a portion of its tubular shaft sequentially squeezed between a ram reciprocating in a box and a saddle arranged in a cover closely fitting on the box. The pressurised fluid medium supplied to the balloon is pulsated by the squeeze and release action of the ram and saddle arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low profile catheter valve comprising a movable sealer portion positioned within the inflation lumen of a catheter. The sealer portion forms a fluid tight seal with the inflation lumen by firmly contacting the entire circumference of a section of the inflation lumen. The sealer portion may be positioned proximally of a side-access inflation port on the catheter, to establish an unrestricted fluid pathway between the inflation port and an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the catheter. As desired, the clinician may move the sealer portion to a position distal of the inflation port, thereby preventing any fluid from being introduced into or withdrawn from the balloon via the inflation port. Also disclosed herein is an inflation adaptor for moving the sealer portion within the catheter to establish or close the fluid pathway between the inflation port and the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Thermal treatment apparatus for thermally treating selected tissues of a subject located in or near a body cavity, includes a catheter insertable into the subject's body cavity and having a proximal end formed with an inflatable anchoring section for anchoring the catheter in the body cavity, a distal end to be located externally of the body cavity, and an inflatable heating section adjacent the proximal end to be located near the tissue to be heated. The catheter is formed with passageways extending from the distal end to the inflatable heating section for circulating heated fluid through the inflatable heating section but not through the inflatable anchoring section, and a further passageway from the distal end to the inflatable anchoring section for inflating the inflatable anchoring section with a non-heated fluid.