Abstract: A separate deliverable embolic protection device filter that attaches to a helical coil at a distal end of a conventional guide, for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filter assembly with a proximal end and a distal end, and a guide wire connector attached to the distal end of the filter assembly. The guide wire connector is able to couple with the helical coil of the guide wire. A restraining sheath placed over the filter assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filter assembly in a collapsed position and delivers the filter assembly separately to the helical coil of the guide wire, and then the guide wire connector is joined to the helical coil. Alternatively, the guide wire can include a rotatable coil section forming a portion of the distal tip coil on the guide wire which is adapted to be coupled to the filter assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to adjustable length mold assemblies for forming inflatable members and methods for using adjustable length mold assemblies for forming inflatable members, such as, for example, balloons for use with balloon catheters and stent delivery systems. The adjustable length mold assemblies comprise at least two mold pieces adapted to fit together, one mold piece having a surface configured to be slidably received by a bore of the other mold piece, the placement of one piece within the other defining a chamber of variable length which forms the mold. Each adjustable length mold assembly of the present invention is effective to form balloons, where if desired different balloons formed by a single mold may have different lengths. The adjustable length mold assemblies may also comprise a positioner to put a mold piece in a desired position relative to the other, and a locking mechanism to secure a mold piece in a desired position.

Abstract: A guidewire for advancing a medical device such as a catheter through a patient's body lumen which has an elongated core with proximal and distal core sections, a flexible tubular member such as a coil on the distal end and an intermediate portion, preferably formed at least in part by a polymeric sheath proximal to the coil having contact regions and recessed non-contact regions.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter and stent delivery system using vibratory energy to open calcified lesions. The catheter having an expandable stent mounted on a balloon portion thereof, is adapted to convey vibratory energy through the stent to a calcified lesion to facilitate crossing and dilating the lesion during a PTCA procedure. A vibratory energy source is transmitted through a flexible wire to provide vibratory energy to the stent, which in turn provides vibratory energy to a calcified lesion to thereby at least partially pulverize the lesion and assist in crossing and dilating the body lumen.

Abstract: A device and method for enabling substantially uniform and tight crimping of an intravascular stent onto a balloon catheter assembly. The device has a base portion having an intermediate portion and pivoting arm portions attached thereto. A loop portion is attached at its end portions to the pivoting handle portions. The loop portion has a compressible and generally cylindrical opening which is substantially uniformly compressible radially inwardly upon pivoting the arm portions downwardly from the intermediate portion. This substantially uniformly and tightly crimps the stent onto the catheter portion which is inserted therein.