Abstract: An elongate tubular body with a rotatable cutting element is provided. An opening is provided near the distal end of the tubular body, and the cutting element may be partially exposed through the opening. The cutting element is configured to remove plaque from the wall of a body lumen. A distal segment may be coupled to the distal end of the tubular body and may have a distal port for slidably receiving a guidewire therethrough.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body with a rotatable cutting element is provided. An opening is provided near the distal end of the tubular body, and the cutting element may be partially exposed through the opening. The cutting element is configured to remove plaque from the wall of a body lumen. A distal segment may be coupled to the distal end of the tubular body and may have a distal port for slidably receiving a guidewire therethrough.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body with a rotatable cutting element is provided. An opening is provided near the distal end of the tubular body, and the cutting element may be partially exposed through the opening. The cutting element is configured to remove plaque from the wall of a body lumen. A distal segment may coupled to the distal end of the tubular body and may have a distal port for slidably receiving a guidewire therethrough.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter and a control. The cutter is connected to the control with a rotatable element. A vacuum is applied through an annular passage defined between the tubular body and the rotatable element. The tubular body has a sufficiently small outside diameter and sufficient kink resistance and pushability to navigate through arteries such as the internal carotid artery.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter and a control. The cutter is connected to the control with a rotatable element. A vacuum is applied through an annular passage defined between the tubular body and the rotatable element. The tubular body has a sufficiently small outside diameter and sufficient kink resistance and pushability to navigate through arteries such as the internal carotid artery.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing an ultrasonic needle or probe. The ultrasonic needle is inserted into heart tissue and activated to cause cavitation of fluid surrounding the needle. The cavitation heats the surrounding tissue and causes reversible tissue damage. The ultrasonic device consists of a transducer, a needle, and a regulator. The device can be a hand held device for external application or may be a catheter device for performing a minimally invasive procedure. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter and a control. The cutter is connected to the control with a rotatable element. A vacuum is applied through an annular passage defined between the tubular body and the rotatable element. The tubular body has a sufficiently small outside diameter and sufficient kink resistance and pushability to navigate through arteries such as the internal carotid artery.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter and a control. The cutter is connected to the control with a rotatable element. A vacuum is applied through an annular passage defined between the tubular body and the rotatable element. The tubular body has a sufficiently small outside diameter and sufficient kink resistance and pushability to navigate through the internal carotid artery and at least into the M3 segment of the middle cerebral artery.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing an ultrasonic needle or probe. The ultrasonic needle is inserted into heart tissue and activated to cause cavitation of fluid surrounding the needle. The cavitation heats the surrounding tissue and causes reversible tissue damage. The ultrasonic device consists of a transducer, a needle, and a regulator. The device can be a hand held device for external application or may be a catheter device for performing a minimally invasive procedure. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has bee inserted.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing an ultrasonic needle or probe. The ultrasonic needle is inserted into heart tissue and activated to cause cavitation of fluid surrounding the needle. The cavitation heats the surrounding tissue and causes reversible tissue damage. The ultrasonic device consists of a transducer, a needle, and a regulator. The device can be a hand held device for external application or may be a catheter device for performing a minimally invasive procedure. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has bee inserted.

Abstract: A minimally invasive medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing a needle connected to an energy source, such a radio frequency generator, a resistive heating source, or a microwave energy source. The needle is inserted into heart tissue from an interior of the heart and activated to heat the surrounding tissue in order to produce reversible tissue damage. The device consists of an energy source and regulator, electric contacts to the energy source, a catheter, and a needle at the distal end of the catheter for delivering energy to the heart tissue. The catheter is fed through the vasculature into the interior of the heart. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted. Preferably, a regulator is connected to the energy source and to the temperature sensor for controlling the temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted to about 40.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for closing a patent foramen ovale. The present invention comprises a catheter sheath with proximal and distal ends. A balloon catheter with a plurality of abrasive members is deployably retained within the catheter sheath. Once the catheter sheath is placed by a treating health care professional across a patent foramen ovale, the balloon catheter is advanced such that the balloon and the abrasive members are deployed outside of the distal end of the catheter sheath. The catheter sheath is then removed from the foramen ovale and the balloon is inflated. The treating healthcare professional then abrades the inner surfaces of the patent foramen ovale to thereby cause an area of thrombogenesis. The balloon catheter is then deflated and the abrasive members are then repositioned into the distal end of the catheter sheath and then removed from the patient.

Abstract: A tear resistant film comprises more than five layers situated one on the other in a parallel array. The layers are individually selected from a stiff polyester or copolyester, a ductile polymeric material, and optionally, an intermediate material. The stiff polyester or copolyester is oriented in at least one direction. Tear resistance may be measured in a Graves area test and reflects the ability of the film to absorb energy. The films of the invention are useful in many articles including security control laminates for glazing members.

Abstract: A tear resistant film comprises more than five layers situated one on the other in a parallel array. The layers are individually selected from a stiff polyester or copolyester, a ductile polymeric material, and optionally, an intermediate material. The stiff polyester or copolyester is oriented in at least one direction. Tear resistance may be measured in a Graves area test and reflects the ability of the film to absorb energy. The films of the invention are useful in many articles including security control laminates for glazing members.

Abstract: A dispensable multilayer film having alternating layers of a ductile material, a brittle material, and optionally an intermediate layer. The film has excellent strength in its longitudinal and transverse directions but can be transversely cut by forces of less than 9 Newtons on the cutters of commercially available table top tape dispensers. At least one surface of the sheet material can be coated with a functional material.