Abstract: A method, and device utilized to practice it, for the resolution of tissue by radio frequency sparking. The device of the present invention having a distal end which is insertable within and along the lumen of a tubular body member and manipulated there through to desired position where the device will be operated. The device comprises an elongated flexible hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a diameter smaller than the diameter of the tubular, body member into which the device is being inserted; passage means within the tube; a plurality of electrodes adjacent the distal end of the device; and means for selectively supplying radio frequency electrical current to at least one of said electrodes.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter having a tube with a balloon-like member connected to the tube at the distal end thereof and a guidewire removably insertable within the lumen and capable of engaging the end of the catheter within the vicinity of the balloon-like member, the guidewire and the lumen being in close-fitting relationship such that there is insufficient space around the guidewire to allow inflation or deflation of the balloon-like member in a reasonable amount of time with the inserted guidewire.

Abstract: A catheter including an elongated highly flexible hollow lumen and a guide wire positioned within the lumen, the guide wire fabricated from nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, the guide wire having greater than three percent (3%) elasticity over the temperature range of use of the catheter allowing high-elastic deformation at low stress and low rolling and sliding frictional resistance of the guide wire when moved and bent within the lumen producing a high degree of tactile control is disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-compressed angioplasty balloon catheter and method of manufacture wherein the balloon portion of the catheter is wrapped for storage and for minimizing its outside diameter for purpose of insertion into the body.

Abstract: A catheter for balloon angioplasty includes a flexible shaft (12) defining a hollow passage (18), the shaft having first (14) and second (16) ends. A core means (20) is movably and removably mounted within the hollow passage, the core means having first and second ends adjacent the first and second ends of the shaft. The core means has a first flexible portion (26) adjacent the first end and a second flexible portion (28) of greater flexibility adjacent the second end. The core means may also have an enlarged terminal knob (30) at the second end. A flexible guide wire (32) may be fixed to the second end of either the shaft or the core means. The catheter may be inserted into a vascular tree. After removal of the core means, the core means may be replaced by an exchange wire, an angioscope, a laser fiber, or a rotatable wire. Also, when the core means is replaced by an exchange wire, the shaft may then be removed and replaced by either a different balloon angioplasty catheter or a perfusion catheter.

Abstract: A catheter for balloon angioplasty includes a flexible shaft defining a hollow passage. The shaft has first and second ends. A core is movably and removably mounted in the passage and has first and second ends adjacent the first and second ends of the shaft. The core has a first flexible portion adjacent the first end and a second flexible portion of greater flexibility adjacent the second end. The core also has an enlarged terminal knob at the second end. A flexible guidewire may be fixed to the second end of one of the shaft and the core. The catheter may be inserted into a vascular tree and the core removed. The core may be replaced by an exchange wire, an angioscope, a laser fiber, or a rotatable bit. Also, when the core is replaced by an exchange wire, the shaft may then be removed and replaced by either a balloon angioplasty catheter or a perfusion catheter.