Abstract: A guidewire (1) comprising a distal end (2), a shaft portion (4) and a proximal end (3), wherein the shaft portion comprises at least one helically wound group (10) of at least two wires (7,8,9) extending side by side and having a pitch angle in the range of 35° to 76°.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on one surface of structure 12; and at least one porous layer 20 posited over the bioactive material layer 18 posited on one surface of structure (12) and the bioactive-material-free surface. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 is comprised of a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides a controlled release of the bioactive material. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative, which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, merely by condensation of a monomer vapor. Also disclosed is the method of manufacture of the device 10, as well as a method of using it in medical treatments.

Abstract: A papillotome (10) including a multi-lumen inner member tube (11) with an outer member tube (16) positioned around the proximal portion thereof with a spacing therebetween for limiting the radial expansion of the inner member tube so that the elastic limit of the inner member tube is not exceeded. The material of and the spacing between the inner and outer member tubes is selected so as to longitudinally distribute the radial expansion of the inner member tube from a fixed or partial attachment of the inner and outer member tubes.

Abstract: A rotatable endoscopic surgical snare having an operating loop which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of a torque transmitting center member connecting the operating loop to an electrical power supply. The operating loop is retractable and protractable into and from a protective flexible sheath. The operating loop is formed of a resilient spiral sleeve through which a core member extends.