Abstract: An expandable intraluminal catheter is used for removing occlusive material from a body passage. The catheter includes a handle having both a proximal handle end and a distal handle end. Attached to the distal handle end is an elongate tubular body, which includes a proximal body end and a distal body end. The elongate tubular body further includes a lumen between the proximal body end and the distal body end. A number of expandable segments are disposed on the elongate tubular body near the distal body end. These expandable segments can be mechanically activated by a user when the distal body end is within a blood vessel, to thereby isolate and partition occlusive material within the blood vessel. The isolated and partitioned occlusive material within the blood vessel can then be removed.

Abstract: A catheter adapted to increase the patency of a body conduit includes an elongate tube having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and a balloon disposed at the distal end of the tube and having properties for being expanded to a high-profile state and for being contracted to a low-profile state. A sleeve disposed over the balloon has a pair of ends disposed on opposing sides of a central section, the ends having a floating relationship relative to the tube with the central section disposed circumferentially of the balloon. An electrode disposed outwardly of the sleeve has properties for being electrosurgically energized to incise materials defining the body conduit when the balloon is in the high-profile state. The electrode can be formed of a plurality of elements stranded to increase the surface area of the electrode.

Abstract: A trocar having a cannula and a valve housing with a polygonal configuration, provides for a floating septum where the float is encouraged in a first direction and restricted in a second direction. The septum includes multiple septum valves which may function with a comnron zero-closure valve, or individually in a valve assembly with an associated zero-closure valve. Various seals can be configured to prevent blow-back. Cup valves, check valves, and reciprocating valves are contemplated, along with various skirt configurations for maintaining pressurized air within the trocar.