Abstract: This invention provides a device and controllably expansive tool tip for thrombus removal. According to one embodiment, the controllably expansive thrombus removal tool tip (e.g., a screen and/or mesh) may be collapsed by pushing on an actuating handle, and then advanced into a balloon or guiding catheter until a distal end of device has reached the thrombus. The tool tip is then expanded by pulling the actuating handle backward; and the radially extended (expanded) tool tip is moved to receive and substantially surround (e.g., encompass) the thrombus. The tool tip may then be collapsed again by pushing on the actuating handle to engage (tighten around) the thrombus, and the device may be withdrawn from a patient's body through the vascular system with the thrombus engaged by the tool tip.

Abstract: A device and method for treating tissue at a treatment site. The device and method include supplying controlled energy to a heating portion of the device positioned within a tissue wall at the treatment site. The size of the heating portion and energy supplied provides for ablation of the tissue to form a cavity within the tissue wall without ablating the surfaces of the tissue wall. Treatment fluid can then be supplied through the device to the cavity to supplement growth of blood vessels or retard such growth at the treatment site. The device can also be used to create an injury zone at a treatment site without ablating tissue, wherein the injury zone can be injected with treatment fluid. The device and method has use anywhere within the body, especially in the regions of the heart.

Abstract: A small-diameter surgical snare device that is capable of fitting through existing balloon or guiding catheters includes metal tubing along a section of a core wire. The distal end of the core wire connects to one or more snare wires that form the snaring loop. The distal end of the snaring loop supports a radiopaque coil or collar that makes the end of the loop visible under fluoroscopy. The snaring loop may consist of one or two wires or an overlap of a tapered end of the core wire. A radiopaque coil is attached to a distal end of the metal tubing, to provide flexibility and visibility to a distal region of the device. Alternatively, a polyimide tube and a short radiopaque marker may be included at a distal end of the metal tubing. The polyimide tube fits inside of the metal tubing, to add strength and torsion control to the distal region of the device, while the radiopaque marker adds visibility.

Abstract: A composite guidewire includes a solid central core of super elastic material and one or more core overlays of non-super elastic material. A coupling tube fits over the proximal end of the core, and a coil, which may be radiopaque, fits over the distal end of the core and attaches to a distal end of the coupling tube. A flat safety wire that is positioned between the distal portion of the coupling tube and the core also attaches to the distal end of the tube. The safety wire extends the length of the coil and attaches to both the distal and the proximal ends of the coil. The guidewire's proximal end may be a non-super elastic core extension shaped at its distal end to overlap and mechanically inter-lock with a proximal end of the core and the coil and safety wire may extend beyond the distal end of the core.

Abstract: A guidewire includes (i) a tapered core; (ii) an elongated non-radiopaque coil that is coincident with the core and extends over a distal portion of the core up to a proximal portion of a tapered end section of the core; and (iii) a radiopaque plastic tip that fits over the distal end of the core. The proximal end of the plastic tip may extend over the distal end of the non-radiopaque coil. The tip may then be attached to the coil by forcing the proximal end of the tip through the windings at the distal end of the coil. The distal end of the plastic tip extends slightly beyond the distal end of the core, to form a deformable bumper. The outer diameter of the proximal end of the plastic tip is the same as the outer diameter of the coil, which is the same diameter as proximal end of the core before its first taper. Accordingly, the guidewire has an essentially uniform outer diameter over its entire length.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a tapered core, an elongated non-radiopaque inner coil that is coincident with the core and extends over a distal portion of the core, and a radiopaque outer coil that fits over a distal end of the inner coil. The inner coil tapers between its proximal end and distal end, to form a tapered distal end section. The outer diameter of the proximal end of the inner coil is the same as the outer diameter of the proximal end of the core, before its first taper, and similarly, the outer diameter of the outer coil is the same as the outer diameter of the inner coil before its taper. Accordingly, the guidewire has an essentially uniform outer diameter over its entire length. A rounded tip that acts as a deformable buffer is formed where the distal ends of the two coils and the core join. The distal end of the core is preferably flattened to provide a formable end to the guidewire. A low friction coating may be added to the wire, to facilitate movement of the wire through the arteries.