Abstract: A body implantable stent consists of two or more generally tubular, coaxial and slidably connected stent segments. Each of the stent segments is of open weave construction, formed of multiple braided, helically wound strands of resilient material. The stent is elastically deformed to a reduced radius when deployed. When released after positioning, the stent self-expands radially into contact with a tissue wall segment defining a blood vessel or other body cavity. As each stent segment expands radially, it contracts in the axial direction. To preserve a consistent length of the stent in spite of axial contraction of the segments, the axially outward and non-overlapping portions of the stent can be designed for secure fixation to the tissue wall segment, for example as radially outward flares. Accordingly, axial contraction occurs as a reduction in the length of the medial regions where adjacent stent segments overlap.

Abstract: A catheter assembly especially designed for the performance of atherectomy procedures which include an elongated flexible plastic tube which can be routed through the vascular system to the location of the atheroma to be removed and a working catheter insertable through the guide catheter in the form of an elongated flexible plastic tube having a series of fibers integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the distal end portion of the working catheter and normally laying flat against the wall of the catheter. The proximal end of the working catheter is adapted for connection to a high speed motor whereby the working catheter can be rotated relative to the surrounding guide catheter.

Abstract: A fiber optic device for remote delivery of intense ultraviolet optical signals comprising an excimer laser source and an optical fiber. The output of the pulsed, transverse discharge, high pressure laser source is coupled to an articulating reflection mechanism which directs the pulsed laser output to an input end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber serves to transmit the light from the laser source to a remote location or target. The excimer laser further comprises a segmented first elongated laser electrode and a coextensive second laser electrode which is substantially solid. The discharge is stabilized by inductors connected to each segment of the first electrode and further by preionization electrodes located adjacent and coextensive with the second electrode. The preionization electrodes comprise a central conductor surrounded by a dielectric sleeve. The laser further comprises a closed gas system for the lasing medium gas.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter designed to apply a liquid medicament or other substance to a stenotic lesion as the blood vessel is undergoing dilatation to facilitate the restoration and long-term maintenance of patency to the blood vessel. It comprises three concentrically arranged flexible plastic tubes and a pair of concentrically arranged expander members located at the distal end of the tubes. The space between the outer wall of the inner tube and the inner wall of the intermediate tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the first expander member while the space between the outer wall of the intermediate tube and the inner wall of the outer tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the second expander member.

Abstract: A catheter for facilitating the exchange of guidewires during the course of a transluminal angioplasty or related procedure which comprises an elongated, flexible, tubular member having at least one lumen running the full length thereof from its proximal end to its distal end and with at least three apertures or ports extending through the wall thereof at longitudinally spaced locations near the distal end of the tubular member. These ports communicate with the lumen of the tubular member and a longitudinal slit is also provided through the wall of the tubular member connecting the most proximal port to the next proximal port. The exchanger catheter may also include a proximal hub connected to the proximal end of the elongated plastic tube.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitoring catheter for use in a Monorail.TM. intravascular system for measuring the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion. It comprises an elongated, flexible, plastic, extruded, tubular member having a guidewire port extending through the wall thereof a short distance proximal to the distal end of the tubular member to intersect with a lumen which extends to the distal end. The second lumen runs the entire length of the tubular member from its distal end to its proximal end. The proximal end of the blood pressure monitor catheter is fitted to a molded plastic hub to facilitate the attachment of the catheter to the blood pressure measuring apparatus with which the catheter is to be used.

Abstract: A hand-operated inflator device for inflating the expander on a balloon-type catheter. It comprises a molded plastic housing for retaining a syringe tube therein for containing an inflation fluid. The housing also includes an internally threaded surface. A syringe plunger having an internal longitudinal bore and a longitudinal slot formed through the wall thereof has a piston mounted on the distal end for insertion into the syringe body. Fitted into the longitudinal slot is an externally threaded member which can be raised and lowered in a radial direction by manipulation of a manuable actuable means positioned in the longitudinal bore of the plunger. When the externally threaded member is raised, its teeth mesh with the teeth on the internally threaded annular surface of the housing, but when lowered, the threaded surfaces are disengaged. When the two are engaged, the piston is advanced in the syringe tube by rotating the plunger.

Abstract: A movable core guidewire assembly comprising a wire wound cylindrical casing having a distal closed end and a proximal open end, a resilient movable core wire extending inside the cylindrical casing between its proximal and distal ends, and a plastic safety cover coextensive with and surrounding the wire wound cylindrical casing. The plastic safety cover functions to retain fragments of a broken guidewire, replacing the interior safety wire used in prior art guidewire assemblies. Therefore, the movable core wire can utilize all the space inside the cylindrical casing to maximize the ability of medical personnel to manipulate the guidewire assembly inside the body. A specific procedure for forming a closed distal tip of the guidewire assembly from an initially open ended casing and safety cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for facilitating the restoration of patency to a blood vessel occluded with an atheroma or other similar lesion or thrombus comprising an outer flexible plastic tubular member having a plurality of ports proximate its distal end and concentrically surrounding an inner flexible plastic tubular member having a cutting loop at its distal end. The distal end portion of the inner tubular member is journaled for rotation in the distal end portion of the outer tubular member. A motor is provided at the proximal end of the catheter assembly for rotatably driving the inner tubular member and the cutting loop thereof while flushing the treatment site and aspirating the flushing liquid, blood and any debris loosened during the procedure.