Abstract: The invention provides flow directed catheters and methods which are useful in introducing various fluids to a target site within a body lumen. In one exemplary embodiment, a flow directed catheter is provided which comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one axial lumen. At least one jet is in fluid communication with the axial lumen. The jet is angled toward the proximal end of the catheter body so that a fluid which is flowed through the axial lumen exits the jet to distally propel the catheter body.

Abstract: A balloon catheter has a combined balloon inflation and guide wire lumen. A guide wire tube in a distal port of the lumen inhibits loss of inflation medium through the port even when the balloon is inflated at relatively high pressures. The guide wire tube provides sufficient clearance with the guide wire, however, so that the catheter may be axially translated over the guide wire without excessive friction.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (2) comprises an outer sheath (3) housing an inner catheter (10). The inner catheter comprises an inner tubular member (30), a braided reinforcement layer (32), and a soft outer layer (34). The inner tubular member extends from a proximal end (15) of the inner catheter to a first distal location (22). The braided reinforcement layer extends from the proximal end to a second distal location (18), usually located proximal of the first distal location. The soft outer layer extends from the proximal end of the inner catheter to the tip (44) of the inner catheter. In this way, a catheter having a shaft region (16), a transition region (20), and a distal region (24), each with different strength and flexibility characteristics, can be used with the outer sheath. The balloon (8) is bonded to the distal ends of the outer sheath and the inner catheter and is inflated through the space defined therebetween.

Abstract: An embolic element comprises a filament composed of a shape memory material having an unexpanded coil configuration and an expanded random matrix configuration. The embolic element may be delivered to a blood vessel treatment site in its coiled configuration over a delivery wire through a guide catheter. Usually, the coiled embolic element will be disposed over a helical section of the delivery wire prior to release. In that way, proper positioning of the embolic element may be confirmed prior to release. The embolic element is then expanded to its enlarged configuration by heating or otherwise exposing to a temperature over the transition temperature of the shape memory material.