Abstract: An introducer of the type employing an elongated introducer sleeve for receiving a catheter or lead body and an associated hemostasis clamp including a clamping member configured to engage the outer circumference of the introducer sleeve. The clamp is provided with a mechanism for maintaining the clamping member in engagement with said outer circumference of the sleeve to compress the outer circumference of the sleeve around a catheter or lead body inserted therethrough. In some embodiments the clamp takes the form of a hinged clamp provided with two jaws each having a recess adapted to engage a portion of the other circumference of the introducer sleeve. In other embodiments the clamp takes the form of interacting ramped members. The clamp is maintained in engagement with the sleeve either resiliently or by means of a latch.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the percutaneous administration of a composition to a desired in vivo location. The composition comprises a biologically active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is preferably non-solid and a polymer, which is preferably capable of being transformed into a gel, thus allowing timed-released delivery of the substance. A preferred use for this invention is to provide local delivery of biologically active substances for the prevention of restenosis following angioplasty or other blood vessel injury.

Abstract: This is a catheter section having a number of radially placed holes through the catheter section wall and a catheter assembly including that section. That catheter assembly may be used in accessing and treating a tissue target within the body, typically one which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the catheter section is the presence of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated in such a way to provide an exceptionally thin wall, controlled stiffness, high resistance to kinking, and complete recovery in vivo from kinking situations. The orifices in the section are optimally placed in the interstices between the turns of the braid. The braid may have a single pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section. The braided ribbon reinforcing member typically is placed between a flexible outer tubing member and an inner tubing member to produce a catheter section which is very flexible but highly kink resistant.

Abstract: A core making machine wherein a selected blow plate is attracted to the blow head by suction and/or by one or more magnets so that the connection between the blow head and the plate can be terminated or established practically instantaneously without the utilization of screws, bolts and nuts, clamps, hooks or other conventional fasteners.