Abstract: A wire guide and a method for its percutaneous guidance within a body vessel are provided. The wire guide includes an outer component for insertion into the body vessel and a core wire disposed in the outer component and movable between first and second positions. The core wire includes an engaging portion that extends from the outer component to engage the body vessel when the core wire is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for the simulation of image-guided medical procedures and methods of using the same. The system can be used for training and certification, pre-treatment planning, as well therapeutic device design, development and evaluation.

Abstract: An introducer for introducing an expandable implantable device into a catheter includes an outer tube and an inner core which slides in the outer tube. The distal end of the core has a tubular configuration with a slit which allows it to expand radially to grip an end of the device. The distal end of the core holding the device is pulled into the distal end of the outer tube which further tightens the grip on the device. A handle is then preferably attached to the proximal end of the core which extends beyond the proximal end of the outer tube to prevent the core from moving distally and releasing the device. The device remains in its relaxed condition attached to the introducer and mostly outside of it until use. At that time the core is moved proximally which pulls the device inside the outer tube and into its stretched condition as it does so.