Abstract: A kink resistant multi-purpose drainage catheter. A drainage catheter is constructed using kink resistant tubing. One end of the kink resistant tube forms a drain for bodily fluids. The opposite end of the kink resistant tube has a molded LUER connector. The drain has numerous holes along its length to allow drainage. The substrate of the kink resistant tube is constructed from an extrusion. The extrusion is then covered with a coil along the body of the catheter. The entire length of the drainage catheter is coated with a final layer of polyurethane. The drain may be formed in a number of desired shapes along with the position of drainage holes.

Abstract: A modular junction fitting system for joining ends of two or more lengths of edge-type drainage robing (being of the type that is substantially taller than it is wide in transverse cross-section). The junction fitting of the invention includes a central generally vertically oriented tube that is substantially taller than it is wide, side walls having, for each edge-type drainage tube to be connected to such fitting, one or more orifices for permitting fluid communication of the drainage tubing with the interior of the central tube. A connector is provided for connecting the edge-type drainage tubing to the central vertical tube in alignment with the orifices. The system can utilize simple mechanical attachments between the drain tubing, the connector, and the central tube, permitting easy fabrication of a wide variety of fittings, thus permitting the system to be used in a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo removal of calcified deposits from an aortic valve. The apparatus includes an anchoring balloon catheter fixatable across the aortic valve, a tool for removing the deposits, and a mechanism means for securing the tool with respect to the anchoring balloon and the aortic valve. The method involves advancing an anchoring balloon catheter through the aorta and positioning it across the aortic valve, inflating the anchoring balloon to fixate it with respect to the aorta and aortic valve, and then operating a deposit removal tool secured to the anchoring balloon to remove the deposits.

Abstract: Reinforced paper tabs for use in xerographic reproduction equipment. The tabs include a thin reinforcing film that may optionally be recessed into the thickness of the paper sheet, or may merely be very thin with respect to the thickness of the paper sheet, thus permitting the tabbed sheets to be fed through conventional xerographic reproduction equipment for use in production of booklets and the like. Preferably the reinforcing film includes an outer heat activatable adhesive layer that is melt compatible with xerographic toner, so that xerographic images can be permanently reproduced on the reinforced tabs. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing and collating such tabbed sheets from web stock.

Abstract: An abrasive drive shaft atherectomy device for removing stenotic tissue from an artery. The device includes a rotational atherectomy apparatus having a flexible, elongated drive shaft having a central lumen and a segment, near its distal end, coated with an abrasive material to define an abrasive segment. In one embodiment the device includes a special guide wire having a generally straight proximal portion, a distal end portion, and a flexible intermediate positioning segment. The positioning segment has a predetermined curved shape such that when the abrasive segment of the drive shaft is advanced over the guide wire to a position along the curved positioning segment, such curved segment positions the abrasive segment laterally away from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the drive shaft. In another embodiment a conventional, generally straight guide wire is utilized, along with a separate positioning wire.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing an atherectomy. The apparatus includes a rotational atherectomy device having a flexible, elongated drive shaft and an abrasive burr carried on the drive shaft. The drive shaft and abrasive burr each include a central lumen so that they can be advanced over a guide wire. The apparatus further includes a guide wire having a generally straight proximal portion, a flexible distal end portion, and an intermediate, flexible burr positioning segment. The burr positioning segment includes a predetermined curved shape so that when the abrasive burr is advanced over the guide wire to a position along the curved burr positioning segment, the burr positioning segment positions the burr laterally away from the axes of the proximal and distal portions of the guide wire, thus giving control over the lateral position of the burr within an artery.

Abstract: A inflatable sheath for ultrasonic imaging, with a fiber optic endoscope, of a bodily passageway or cavity area of interest. The inflatable sheath, having an ultrasound transducer therein, is introduced into the distal end of an endoscope. Typically the endoscope comprises an elongated shaft that has at least a pair of fiber optic bundles and an open lumen extending therethrough. Fiber optic illumination of the area just distal to the distal end of the endoscope is provided through one of the fiber optic bundles, and observation of the lit area is provided through the other bundle. The open lumen is provided for introducing an inflatable sheath, guided by a pushing shaft, into the illuminated area. Once inserted, the sheath can be inflated with a fluid sonolucent ultrasound coupling medium, and the pushing shaft can then be removed, the distal portion of the inflated sheath holding the sheath in place (with respect to the lumen of the endoscope) as the pushing shaft is removed.

Abstract: An abrasive drive shaft atherectomy device for removing stenotic tissue from an artery. The device includes a flexible, elongated drive shaft having a central lumen for receipt of a guide wire therein and around which the drive shaft may be rotated. The drive shaft is made from one or more helically wound wires. Wire turns of the proximal segment of the drive shaft have a generally constant diameter. Wire turns of a segment of the drive shaft near its distal end have an enlarged diameter. At least part of the enlarged diameter segment includes an external coating of an abrasive material to define an abrasive segment of the drive shaft which, when rotated at high speeds, is usable to remove stenotic tissue from an artery. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a bushing disposed in the enlarged diameter segment for supporting the enlarged diameter turns of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Device and method for performing an atherectomy. The device utilizes a dual lumen catheter, with a guide wire being receivable in one of these lumens, and a flexible, elongated drive shaft carrying an abrasive burr at its distal end being disposed in the other lumen. The drive shaft and abrasive burr each include a central lumen so that they can be advanced over a positioning wire. The positioning wire has a generally straight proximal portion, and a distal end that is slidably secured to the guide wire so that the positioning wire can be moved proximally and distally with respect to the guide wire. The positioning wire also includes a distal end portion with a burr positioning segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo removal of calcified deposits from an aortic valve. The apparatus includes an anchoring balloon catheter fixatable across the aortic valve, a tool for removing the deposits, and attachment means for securing the tool with respect to the anchoring balloon and the aortic valve. The method involves advancing an anchoring balloon catheter through the aorta and positioning it across the aortic valve, inflating the anchoring balloon to fixate it with respect to the aorta and aortic valve, and then operating a deposit removal tool secured to the anchoring balloon to remove the deposits.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging balloon catheter for imaging near a wall of a cavity or passageway. The apparatus includes an elongated catheter having a primary lumen with a distal opening enveloped by the balloon. A pre-shaped ultrasound catheter carrying ultrasound transducer elements can be advanced through the catheter and inserted into the inflated balloon. The shape of the distal portion of the ultrasound catheter positions the ultrasound transducer elements radially outwardly of the catheter lumen, and preferably adjacent to the wall of the balloon, thus centering the image close to the wall of the cavity or passageway, giving greater depth of image at the portion of the wall of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for dividing a trash receptacle into sections for the source separation of waste items and recyclable materials. The apparatus is designed to be attached to the top opening of a trash receptacle, and facilitates the use of liner bags placed within the sections to produce compartments for separating and storing the various types of trash and recyclables. The apparatus is adjustable to fit the top of variuos sizes of trash containers and is further adjustable in size, shape and the number of compartments it divides into without inhibiting the use of the container lid. The apparatus can be configured to divide the container into thirds, halves or one half and two quarters to facilitate the separation of recyclables.

Abstract: A perfusion balloon catheter which permits blood flow through the balloon even when the balloon is inflated. The balloon catheter comprises a thin-walled, collapsible and inflatable tube that has a proximal, generally straight portion, and a distal, helically coiled portion that is generally cylindrically shaped and defines an open lumen therethrough. The successive turns of the coil are secured to one another to maintain the balloon's configuration when inflated. The furled balloon catheter can be inserted to the desired location and then inflated. Because the helically coiled portion defines a relatively large open lumen, blood flow through the balloon can continue even as the inflated balloon remains in place, facilitating extended inflation periods.