Abstract: A lead locking device has a lead insertion member having a proximal end and a distal end and has a lead engaging assembly. The lead insertion member defines a lumen extending along a longitudinal axis between the distal end and the proximal end of the lead engaging assembly. A mandrel disposed in the lumen of the lead engaging assembly extends along substantially the entire length of the lumen and protrudes beyond the most proximal end of the lead insertion member. The mandrel includes a distal portion in slidable contact with at least a portion of the lead engaging assembly. The lead engaging assembly has a first configuration while being inserted into a lumen of a lead and a second configuration while engaging the lead from within the lumen of the lead. The lead engaging member has at least two expansion jaws that, in the first configuration, define a substantially cylindrical body.

Abstract: Expandable laser catheters for utilizing laser energy to remove obstructions from body passages are described. In one embodiment, the laser catheter includes a shaftway having a distal end including a flexible portion configured in a series of radial folds. Multiple optical fibers, configured to transmit laser energy, extend along the shaftway and are attached to the flexible portion. An inflatable, ring-shaped balloon is attached to the catheter within the flexible portion. In use, the catheter is inserted into a body passage such as an artery, and advanced until the distal end is adjacent to an obstruction. The balloon is inflated to expand the flexible portion and to bring the optical fibers nearer the inner wall of the body passage. Laser energy is directed by the optical fibers toward targeted regions of the obstruction. As the catheter is advanced and the process repeated, a core is formed from the obstruction and contained within the flexible portion.

Abstract: A device suitable for removing material from a living being is provided, featuring an infusate pump, and an aspiration pump, both powered by a motor. The aspiration pump and infusate pump preferably feature a helical pumping mechanism, and operate at a high rate of rotation, thereby ensuring adequate pumping performance and flexibility. Additionally, a narrow crossing profile is maintained, ensuring that the device may reach more tortuous regions of the vasculature. In one embodiment, the system comprises a wire-guided mono-rail catheter with a working head mounted on a flexible portion of the catheter that can laterally displace away from the guide wire to facilitate thrombus removal. The working head may be operated to separate and move away from the guide wire to come within a closer proximity of the obstructive material to more effectively remove it from the vessel.

Abstract: A fiber optic catheter has a short guide wire lumen (less than 10 cm) extending in a proximal direction from its distal end and an intermediate portion reinforced with a tapered mandrel which provides optimal steerability and trackability characteristics. The distal end of the mandrel is coextensive with a proximal portion of the guide wire lumen. The intermediate portion of the catheter may have a marker for visual identification, and the tip of the catheter may include a radiopaque tip marker band for fluoroscopic identification. The short guide wire lumen catheter provides superior flexibility, a low profile, and low-friction engagement with the guide wire.