Abstract: The present invention provides a low-profile balloon catheter which is extremely maneuverable and capable of dilating an occluded artery with minimal risk of angina. The catheter is highly maneuverable because its distal section has substantially coaxial inner and outer tubes which are in relatively tight mechanical communication at their proximal end and their distal ends are mechanically connected only via the balloon. As a result, the inner distal tube is relatively independent of the outer distal tube. The proximal section of the catheter is relatively stiff and preferably has two lumens therethrough. One lumen, which is substantially larger, is used to actively perfuse oxygenated blood, drugs, or dyes distal to the tip of the catheter at flowrates up to about 100 cc/min. Preferably, the inner surface of this first perfusion lumen has a shape at its inner surface that permits the second, smaller lumen to "nest" adjacent to and substantially within said inner surface of said first perfusion lumen.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for the delivery of a vascular stent into human arteries and veins is disclosed. The system disclosed in the present invention is an apparatus capable of deploying a vascular stent mounted on a catheter, either on a balloon catheter or on the distal portion of a catheter tube. In the case of a stent mounted on the balloon of a balloon catheter, the spring sheath is withdrawn and the balloon is inflated to deploy the stent to the inner wall of the vasculature. In the case of a self-expanding stent, the spring sheath is withdrawn, causing the stent to expand to the vessel wall. The apparatus is withdrawn after the stent has been deployed.

Abstract: A low-profile angioplasty catheter is disclosed which is insertable through a guiding catheter. The angioplasty catheter has two balloons. The distal balloon dilates the stenosis. The proximal balloon is separately inflatable and selectively closes the annular passage between the angioplasty catheter and the guiding catheter. The angioplasty catheter has a central lumen with a series of openings allowing fluid communication from the central lumen into the annular passage proximally of the balloon which seals the annular passage. While the first balloon is inflated to dilate the stenosis, blood can be withdrawn from an arterial source through a lumen (or plurality thereof) in the guiding catheter and pumped into the annular passage between the angioplasty catheter and the guiding catheter.

Abstract: The invention is a disposable, positive-displacement piston pump, having a polycarbonate body, a piston, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve. The outlet valve is connected to an exit chamber, which is separated from the exit valve by an elastomeric membrane. The elastomeric membrane encloses an accumulation chamber which is filled with a fluid such as air under atmospheric pressure. Pulsations in outlet pressure caused by stroking of the piston are dampened by the flexing action of the elastomeric membrane, compressing the fluid within the accumulator chamber. The throw out of the pump is pressure-dampened and is of sufficient pressure to flow through very low-profile angioplasty catheters having perfusion lumens extending therethrough. The combination of the pump with a very low-profile balloon angioplasty catheter allows access of the catheter to a constricted passage with the ability to pump a sufficient volume of blood through such a low-profile catheter during balloon inflations.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter has an elongated body with at least one lumen extending therethrough. A tip, constructed of materials softer than the elongated body is attached to the distal end of the body. The tip segment has at least one lumen passing therethrough which is in alignment withthe lumen in the elongated body. A guide is adapted to pass through the aligned lumens. A balloon is connected to the distal segment of the elongated body over its outer periphery, thereby creating a balloon cavity therebetween. At least one additional lumen is provided in the elongated body in flow communication with the balloon cavity, for selective inflation and deflation thereof, with a contrast fluid.

Abstract: A very low profile balloon catheter is disclosed that allows for an independently movable, steerable and removable guidewire. After removal of the guidewire, the balloon catheter retains adequately angiographic and hemodynamic characteristics. Such catheter construction allows for exchange of guidewires. A tracking mechanical device is included and provides excellent and easy advancement of the balloon catheter through severe obstructions.