Abstract: Intravascular catheters that include a flexible catheter body, a distal housing secured to the catheter body, a work element disposed within the housing and exposed to the external environment through a side window, and a guiding structure for the work element, are disclosed. An axial path through the housing is defined by the guiding structure. Embodiments of the guiding structure include a slot or channel formed in the housing, a coaxial tube attached to the housing, a radially offset ribbon attached to the housing, or the external surface of the housing itself. The work element, such as a rotatable cutting blade in an atherectomy catheter, is coupled to the guiding structure such that the work element is retained within the housing during insertion and operation of the catheter and even when the housing is bent or distorted as a result of bends in the blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intravascular universal catheter having interchangeable work elements and methods of use thereof. The catheter comprises a flexible catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending between the ends. A housing having an open interior and an aperture on a lateral side is attached to the distal end of the catheter body by a coupling element. A work element is movably disposed within the housing and operative through the aperture. A work element connector is disposed in a lumen of the catheter body and has a distal end connected to the work element. At least the distal portion of the lumen defines a receiving space within the catheter body, and the coupling element is configured to allow retraction of the work element from the housing through the open proximal end into the receiving space. In a preferred embodiment, perfusion ports are disposed in the catheter body and the housing proximate to the junctional region of the catheter body with the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three dimensional quadrupole ion trap for analyzing samples. The ion trap includes two spaced apart end cap electrodes being generally opposed to one another and defining a first axis between them. The ion trap includes a ring electrode between the end cap electrodes and adjacent thereto. Each of the end caps and ring electrodes are made from Molybdenum. The ion trap having a cavity defined by the end caps and ring electrodes. The ion trap including a sample injector for injecting the sample into the cavity, an rf source for filtering the ions of the sample and a DC source for selectively accelerating the filtered ions into an analyzer a cavity.

Abstract: A device and method for the localized treatment of vasculature with drugs and medicaments is described herein. Centrifugal force is used to drive a material from a reservoir to the outer surface of the application device and thereby deliver the treatment substance to the chosen area.

Abstract: An intravascular directional atherectomy device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end and an axial lumen therebetween. A housing having an open interior and an aperture on a lateral side thereof is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. An atheroma severing device is disposed within the housing. The device includes a cutter that is slidably disposed on a saddle which is connected to the housing. A track member is disposed in the axial lumen of the catheter body and has a distal end connected to the housing. Slidable movement of the atheroma severing device severs the stenotic material that has been urged within the aperture. The saddle enables the inflexible portion of the housing to be minimized in order to fit in the very tortious regions of biological conduits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is carrying case for protecting items. The carrying case includes an enclosure assembly having various sections, an air valve, an air pump and an attachment mechanism. Each section foldably connects to an adjacent section so that the enclosure assembly can fold from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The attachment mechanism includes a strap for holding the carrying case in the closed configuration. The air valve attaches to at least one section to selectively regulate air pressure in the section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for electrically conductive metal-to-metal bonding. The method for bonding flat metal surfaces comprises the steps of depositing a thin layer of titanium on a first surface of a first metal surface, placing the first surface of the first metal surface in contact with a first surface of a second metal surface in an inert ambiance, heating the inert ambiance to a temperature substantially below the melting point of the metal surfaces, and forming a titanium metal bond between the first metal surface and the second metal surface to provide a low resistive path between the first metal surface and the second metal surface.