Abstract: A catheter, such as an angioplasty catheter is provided with a distal tip segment having a helical slit. The helical slit has a proximal end and a distal end that extends fully to and intersects the rim of the tip segment that defines the distal outlet orifice. The helically slit tip segment can be unrolled partly or fully from its helical configuration and may be attached directly to an indwelling guidewire at any location along the exposed length of the guidewire. The catheter includes a guidewire lumen thereby enabling the catheter to be placed on a guidewire in conventional or in monorail fashion. Additionally, when placed on a guidewire in monorail fashion, the guidewire lumen of the catheter may be used to infuse liquids, take pressure measurements or the like.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter, usable in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, is formed so that portions of the catheter both distally and proximally of the balloon have varyinq degrees of radiopacity. A portion of the catheter distally of the balloon presents a dark image under fluoroscopy while a portion located proximally of the balloon displays a moderately radiopaque image under fluoroscopy. The portion of the catheter in the region of the balloon may have a moderate, light or no radiopaque means.

Abstract: A catheter and guidewire exchange system in which the guideware is contained within a guidewire leumen in the indwelling portion of the catheter and with the guidewire and catheter being separated externally of the patient. The catheter includes a guidewire lumen which is slit longitudinally along the length of the catheter. The guide member is carried by the catheter and serves to spread the slit of the lumen to guide the guidewire into or out of the slit guidewire lumen. The guide member may be advanced along the catheter and guidewire in zipper-like fashion so that the proximal ends of the guidewire and catheter will be separated while the distal portions will be merged.

Abstract: A small diameter (no greater than about 0.020" diameter) steerable guidewire for cardiovascular surgical procedures or the like is provided with a means by which the curvature at the distal tip of the guidewire can be adjustable by control applied at the proximal end of the guidewire whereby the curve at the distal end of the guidewire can be adjusted without requiring removal of the guidewire from the patient.