Abstract: A hybrid pulse driver and method for generating a short, high-voltage pulse of electrical energy. The hybrid pulse driver combining a pulse transformer function and a flyback transformer function and comprising one or more core circuits, a switching circuit, and an output. Each core circuit including a transformer having a magnetic core, a single-turn primary winding, and a multi-turn secondary winding. The switching circuit, when switched to an on state, results in electrical energy discharging through the transformer in each core circuit, each transformer transforming the electrical energy into a stepped-up pulse, and each transformer transmitting a flyback pulse following the stepped-up pulse, the flyback pulse resetting the magnetic core. The output transmits an output pulse, the output pulse comprising the sum of each stepped-up pulse.

Abstract: A hybrid pulse driver and method for generating a short, high-voltage pulse of electrical energy. The hybrid pulse driver combining a pulse transformer function and a flyback transformer function and comprising one or more core circuits, a switching circuit, and an output. Each core circuit including a transformer having a magnetic core, a single-turn primary winding, and a multi-turn secondary winding. The switching circuit, when switched to an on state, results in electrical energy discharging through the transformer in each core circuit, each transformer transforming the electrical energy into a stepped-up pulse, and each transformer transmitting a flyback pulse following the stepped-up pulse, the flyback pulse resetting the magnetic core. The output transmits an output pulse, the output pulse comprising the sum of each stepped-up pulse.

Abstract: A coupling wire guide structured to be slidably coupled to a previously introduced wire guide. The coupling wire guide includes a main body having a distal section. The distal section includes an outer wire disposed over a safety wire. A loop wire is connected to the safety wire at two axially spaced points. At least a portion of the loop wire is positioned outside of the outer wire to define a loop area sized to receive the previously introduced wire guide.

Abstract: An iris-type valve assembly for controlling a flow of fluid. The assembly comprises a base member, a rotatable member, and an elongated elastomeric valve sheath. The distal end of the valve sheath is secured to the base member and the proximal end of the valve sheath is secured to the rotatable member. At least one of the valve sheath ends includes a flange that is secured to a valve-receiving surface of the base member or the rotatable member. The base member and the rotatable member are aligned to define an elongated passageway therethrough for passage of an interventional device, and the elastomeric valve sheath is disposed along the passageway and has a longitudinal opening therethrough for passage of the interventional device. Upon rotation of the rotatable member relative to the base member the longitudinal opening of the valve sheath is selectively constrictable to comprise a seal around the interventional device.