Abstract: A guide wire that is capable of sensing the phasic pressure at the distal end of the guide wire. The guide wire has a central lumen which provides a non-compliant fluid path from the distal end of the guide wire to a pressure transducer at the proximal end of the guide wire.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac conduction defects and/or congestive heart disease. The method involves identifying the branch arteries that feed blood to the specialized cardiac conduction cells of the heart and/or to any ischemic regions of the heart. Any occlusions in these arteries are then opened using conventional PTCA devices and procedures which, prior to the present invention, have not been used to treat occlusions in the branch arteries that supply blood to the heart.

Abstract: An intravascular device and associated system which utilizes pressurized fluid to extract occlusive material. The device and system includes several unique features which provide desirable advantages over prior art devices. For example, the device is particularly suitable for removing occlusive material which is diffuse, friable, grumous-like, paste-like, granular, and/or chunky. The device includes independently movable fluid input and fluid output tubes and may be advanced over a guide wire. The fluid port holes are located immediately adjacent the distal end of the fluid output tube so as to engage the occlusive material without the need to first traverse the occlusive material with the device. The system utilizes a unique constant volume pump and associated pressure sensors to maintain balanced flow and immediately detect and correct conditions which may cause clinical complications.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having an outer shaft and an inner shaft in which the inner shaft is constructed to protect itself over its entire length and especially in its most vulnerable areas without adversely effecting its flexibility, trackability, or pushability or the catheter's deflation time. The inner shaft can be reinforced to prevent it from collapsing or breaking throughout its length and also improving the deflation time of the balloon.