Abstract: A radially expandable intravascular medical device is disclosed. The device typically includes two members. The first member is an outer tube-shaped sheath which is radially expandable by being formed from elastic material or other means and having relatively low column strength. The second member is an inner portion extending throughout the outer tube. This inner portion includes a slit to allow it to expand radially as well. Using the structure diagnostic, therapeutic, or other desired objects may be conveyed through the device yet still enable the device to have a smaller cross-sectional area throughout most of its length than the object conveyed therethrough.

Abstract: A radially expandable intravascular medical device is disclosed. The device typically includes two members. The first member is an outer tube-shaped sheath which is radially expandable by being formed from elastic material or other means and having relatively low column strength. The second member is an inner portion extending throughout the outer tube. This inner portion includes a slit to allow it to expand radially as well. Using the structure diagnostic, therapeutic, or other desired objects may be conveyed through the device yet still enable the device to have a smaller cross-sectional area throughout most of its length than the object conveyed therethrough.

Abstract: Multilumen catheters are provided with an axially decreasing stiffness by the incorporation of a hollow tube formed of a relatively stiff material into the catheter construction. The tube may either encircle the catheter as an external shell or reside inside one of the lumens as a liner. The stiffness variation may be attained by extending the hollow tube only part of the distance from the proximal to the distal ends of the catheter or by varying the construction of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A seal for a medical device such as a catheter is formed between two parts of the device which are capable of movement relative to each other, either axially, rotationally or both. The seal is formed by opposing sealing surfaces on each of the two parts, the surfaces being sufficiently smooth and of sufficiently close proximity that liquids having viscosities on the order of those normally used in catheters will not pass between the surfaces due to such effects as surface tension and friction. In certain embodiments, the surfaces are arranged to permit liquid to pass at a controlled rate for purposes of perfusion when desired, or the surfaces can be moved relative to one another to achieve this capability.

Abstract: A radially expandable intravascular medical device is disclosed. The device typically includes two members. The first member is an outer tube-shaped sheath which is radially expandable by being formed from elastic material or other means and having relatively low column strength. The second member is an inner portion extending throughout the outer tube. This inner portion includes a slit to allow it to expand radially as well. Using the structure diagnostic, therapeutic, or other desired objects may be conveyed through the device yet still enable the device to have a smaller cross-sectional area throughout most of its length than the object conveyed therethrough.

Abstract: The inner tubular element of an annular over-the-wire dilatation balloon catheter defines the guidewire lumen extending through the catheter shaft and the balloon and is bonded to the balloon at the distal opening of the balloon. In accordance with the invention, the inner tubular element is constructed in two segments. The proximal segment is constructed of a polymer such as polyethylene which has a lubricious surface, while the distal segment is constructed of a polymer such as nylon, polyurethane, or a nylon/polyurethane blend, which lacks lubricity but forms a secure bond with the balloon at the distal opening. The bond by which the proximal and distal segments are joined is thus removed from the distal balloon opening, and accordingly less susceptible to failure upon pressurization of the balloon.

Abstract: A seal for a medical device such as a catheter is formed between two parts of the device which are capable of movement relative to each other, either axially, rotationally or both. The seal is formed by opposing sealing surfaces on each of the two parts, the surfaces being sufficiently smooth and of sufficiently close proximity that liquids having viscosities on the order of those normally used in catheters will not pass between the surfaces due to such effects as surface tension and friction. In certain embodiments, the surfaces are arranged to permit liquid to pass at a controlled rate for purposes of perfusion when desired, or the surfaces can be moved relative to one another to achieve this capability.

Abstract: A catheter, having a substantially fluid-tight seal is provided. The seal can be used in a number of catheters, including an angioplasty catheter. The seal includes surfaces that are independently movable relative to one another. The effectiveness of the seal depends on the proximity of the surfaces, the surface are at the interface, pressure differential and viscosity of the fluid. The seal is used in connection with providing fluid-tight channels with surfaces that are relatively movable and to circumvent the need to separate hydraulic channels from other channels so that catheters can be provided with fewer channels. Further, catheters and catheter systems with smaller shaft dimensions or larger hydraulic channel dimensions is made possible. Balloon catheters using this seal have enhanced torque delivery and directional control.

Abstract: A radially expandable intravascular medical device is disclosed. The device typically includes two members. The first member is an outer tube-shaped sheath which is radially expandable by being formed from elastic material or other means and having relatively low column strength. The second member is an inner portion extending throughout the outer tube. This inner portion includes a slit to allow it to expand radially as well. Using the structure diagnostic, therapeutic, or other desired objects may be conveyed through the device yet still enable the device to have a smaller cross-sectional area throughout most of its length than the object conveyed therethrough.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter system is disclosed which allows insertion and removal of a guidewire through the inner member of the catheter, yet which inner member includes a portion which is smaller than the cross-section of portions of the guidewire. Advancement and removal of the guidewire are achieved by forming the first portion of the inner member of the catheter shaft from material which is expandable, or which is sufficiently thin to be folded and temporarily secured in place using several techniques.

Abstract: A turn-limiting proximal adaptor for steerable catheter systems comprising a stationary portion and a rotator portion, the rotator portion secured to a guidewire to provide rotational mobility of the guidewire component relative to the catheter component. The proximal adaptor includes a turn-limiter section which has a translational nut threaded onto a central element and limited in longitudinal displacement by a proximal stop and a distal stop. The central threaded element is secured to the stationary portion of the proximal adapter and forms a torsionally rigid body.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon catheter is disclosed with an inelastic balloon wrapped about a smaller section of a guidewire. During introduction across a region of a stenosis, the balloon is wrapped around a guidewire in such a way that the guidewire contained therein can rotated freely, but cannot advance independently of the balloon. The wrapped configuration is maintained by means of a temporary bond. Inflation of the balloon, following proper positioning of the catheter breaks the bond, permitting the balloon to unwrap from the guidewire contained therein. Typically, the distal end of the guidewire is tapered and the guide wire is controllably clamped to the catheter for advancement into the patient.