Abstract: A pressure-measuring guidewire system includes a hollow guidewire (110) in sealed interconnection with a contained volume (102) of a connector (101). The contained volume is bordered on at least one side by a septum (103). A pressure sensor unit (122) includes a transducer (130) associated with a hollow needle (131) which can be inserted to penetrate the septum (103), thereby connecting the transducer with a column of fluid within an inner lumen of the guidewire (102). Priming of the guidewire is performed prior to use, typically by use of a syringe, prior to connection of the sensor unit, thereby protecting the transducer from damage from the priming pressure. Also disclosed is a guidewire tip configuration which provides effective fluid connection for pressure measurement while maintaining the properties of a conventional guidewire.

Abstract: A guidewire assembly having selectively adjustable stiffness and tip curvature includes a hollow guidewire having a distal portion terminating at a distal tip, a curvature-modifying element anchored to the distal tip, and a stiffness-modifying element displaceable within the hollow guidewire towards and away from the distal tip so as to vary a stiffness of the distal portion. The stiffness-modifying element and the curvature-modifying element are frictionally linked such that movement of the stiffness-modifying element from a current position over a first range of motion causes corresponding displacement of the curvature-modifying element, thereby modifying a state of curvature of at least part of the distal portion of the guidewire. Movement of the stiffness-modifying element beyond the first range of motion displaces the stiffness-modifying element relative to the curvature-modifying element.

Abstract: A guide wire includes elements in a telescoping arrangement which impart stiffness to the guide wire for maneuverability in the tortious cardiac vessels. This arrangement also creates engagements between an inner shaft and the tip, that when released, result in a tip which can move outward with forces sufficient to penetrate a lesion in the coronary vessels.

Abstract: A tool for use at an intra-body location during a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a mechanical energy accumulator associated with first and second bodies. Cyclic relative motion of a pair of linking elements accumulates energy in the mechanical energy accumulator and then suddenly releases the energy to propel the second body through a range of free motion. The tool may be an over-the-wire tool or may be integrated as part of a guidewire. Various embodiments employ a helical spring element or an elastomer block as the accumulator.