Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ultrasonic catheters including vibration wires that are positionable in a retracted position and an extended position, and their methods of use. In operation, catheters according to the present disclosure are operable in an occlusion crossing mode, in which the catheter emits ultrasonic energy with the vibration wires in the retracted position and in an atherectomy mode, in which the catheter emits ultrasonic energy with the vibration wires in the extended position, causing the vibration wires to oscillate. The vibration wires may directly or indirectly engage plaque within an artery, causing the plaque to break free from the artery wall. The oscillation of the vibration wires may be less abrasive than conventional cutting elements used in atherectomy procedures, such that catheters according to the present disclosure may cause less trauma to artery walls as compared to conventional atherectomy devices.

Abstract: An intravascular apparatus includes an electrical circuit configured to generate a series of electrical pulses. An intravascular catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a distal end portion and a distal end at a distal terminus of the distal end portion. A solenoid-type reciprocating device is located at the distal end portion of the elongate catheter body. The solenoid-type reciprocating device has a coil and a distal tip member. The coil is electrically coupled to the electrical circuit. The distal tip member has a proximal armature section and a distal working end section. The coil defines a coil aperture that is configured to slidably receive the proximal armature section. The proximal armature section is configured to axially reciprocate relative to the coil when the coil is energized.

Abstract: A re-entry device for recanalization of a vessel using a subintimal technique. A catheter (10) includes a first inner lumen (14) extending to a distal end portion (12b) of the catheter, the distal end portion including an angled tip (20) having a distal open end (20a). An elongated stylet (24) is located in the first inner lumen, the stylet having an angled distal end portion (24a) forming a needle. An actuator (26) at a proximal end portion (12a) of the catheter is for advancing the stylet from a retracted position within the catheter to a deployed position projecting from the distal open end of the angled tip for penetrating a wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for both crossing a lesion, such as a chronic total occlusion, in a vessel and performing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty thereupon. The catheter includes a shaft having a tapered tip adapted for being pushed into the lesion to advance through the lesion. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the shaft, which may be braided to provide enhanced pushability and kink-resistance. The inflatable balloon includes a proximal portion and a distal tapered portion connected to the tapered tip, and having a shallow taper. The taper of the distal tapered portion and the tapered tip may together create a continuous sloping transition from a distal end of the distal tapered portion to an adjacent portion of the tapered tip to facilitate crossing a lesion. The balloon may also be selectively inflated or deflated during crossing of the lesion, and ultimately used to compact the lesion when inflated.

Abstract: Provided herein are dual-lumen catheters, systems, and methods thereof. In some embodiments, for example, a catheter assembly configured for modifying intravascular lesions is provided including a core wire, a dual-lumen extrusion including the core wire, and a manifold disposed around a portion of the dual-lumen extrusion. The core wire includes a proximal end configured to vibrationally couple to an ultrasound transducer. The dual-lumen extrusion includes a first lumen and a second lumen. The core wire is disposed within the first lumen, and the second lumen is configured to accommodate a guidewire. The manifold is disposed around at least a skived proximal-end portion of the dual-lumen extrusion, wherein the skived portion includes the second lumen without the first lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly further includes the ultrasound transducer. In some embodiments, a system console includes the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: Provided herein are dual-lumen catheters, systems, and methods thereof. In some embodiments, for example, a catheter assembly configured for modifying intravascular lesions is provided including a core wire, a dual-lumen extrusion including the core wire, and a manifold disposed around a portion of the dual-lumen extrusion. The core wire includes a proximal end configured to vibrationally couple to an ultrasound transducer. The dual-lumen extrusion includes a first lumen and a second lumen. The core wire is disposed within the first lumen, and the second lumen is configured to accommodate a guidewire. The manifold is disposed around at least a skived proximal-end portion of the dual-lumen extrusion, wherein the skived portion includes the second lumen without the first lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly further includes the ultrasound transducer. In some embodiments, a system console includes the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process of producing natural mozzarella cheese. The process starts with a liquid dairy substrate that is cultured and coagulated. The resulting curd is cut and salted. The resulting curd (i.e., base curd) may be frozen or refrigerated and stored until needed. Once needed, the stored base curd is ground and treated in a blender where it is partially standardized to form a “partially standardized base curd.” The partially standardized base curd is then cooked in a cooker or cooker/stretcher (preferably in a lay-down cooker) where standardization is completed by the addition of a cultured or uncultured skim milk retentate. No emulsifying salts are used in the cooker/stretcher. The cheese mass is then rapidly cooled to produce the mozzarella cheese. The conventional brine cooling step normally used in mozzarella cheese production is not used in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process of producing natural mozzarella cheese. The process starts with a liquid dairy substrate that is cultured and coagulated. The resulting curd is cut and salted. The resulting curd (i.e., base curd) may be frozen or refrigerated and stored until needed. Once needed, the stored base curd is ground and treated in a blender where it is partially standardized to form a “partially standardized base curd.” The partially standardized base curd is then cooked in a cooker or cooker/stretcher (preferably in a lay-down cooker) where standardization is completed by the addition of a cultured or uncultured skim milk retentate. No emulsifying salts are used in the cooker/stretcher. The cheese mass is then rapidly cooled to produce the mozzarella cheese. The conventional brine cooling step normally used in mozzarella cheese production is not used in the present invention.