Abstract: A thrombolysis catheter system having a fixed length infusion zone is disclosed. The invention contemplates apparatus, method and kit aspects. The apparatus, which has the capability to track a guidewire, uses a multilumen catheter to deliver radially thrombolytic agent to an infusion zone defined by one or more balloon means. In one aspect, with an occluder means, a primary lumen of the catheter is used both for catheter placement and delivery of fluid. The method discloses utilization of radiopaque indicia to place the catheter in proximity to the occlusion or diseased tissue to be treated. The kit includes a catheter of the invention in conjunction with a steerable guidewire and a tip occluder wire, either or both of the tip occluder wire and the guidewire having an enlargement on their distal tip which cooperates with a reduced diameter portion of the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A thrombolysis catheter system having a fixed length infusion zone is disclosed. The invention contemplates apparatus, method and kit aspects. The apparatus, which has the capability to track a guidewire, uses a multilumen catheter to deliver radially thrombolytic agent to an infusion zone defined by one or more balloon means. In one aspect, with an occluder means, a primary lumen of the catheter is used both for catheter placement and delivery of fluid. The method discloses utilization of radiopaque indicia to place the catheter in proximity to the occlusion or diseased tissue to be treated. The kit includes a catheter of the invention in conjunction with a steerable guidewire and a tip occluder wire, either or both of the tip occluder wire and the guidewire having an enlargement on their distal tip which cooperates with a reduced diameter portion of the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A thrombolysis catheter system having a fixed length infusion zone is disclosed. The invention contemplates apparatus, method and kit aspects. The apparatus, which has the capability to track a guidewire, uses a multilumen catheter to deliver radially thrombolytic agent to an infusion zone defined by one or more balloon means. In one aspect, with an occluder means, a primary lumen of the catheter is used both for catheter placement and delivery of fluid. The method discloses utilization of radiopaque indicia to place the catheter in proximity to the occlusion or diseased tissue to be treated. The kit includes a catheter of the invention in conjunction with a steerable guidewire and a tip occluder wire, either or both of the tip occluder wire and the guidewire having an enlargement on their distal tip which cooperates with a reduced diameter portion of the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A thrombolysis catheter system having a fixed length infusion zone is disclosed. The invention contemplates apparatus, method and kit aspects. The apparatus, which has the capability to track a guidewire, uses a multilumen catheter to deliver radially thrombolytic agent to an infusion zone defined by one or more balloon means. In one aspect, with an occluder means, a primary lumen of the catheter is used both for catheter placement and delivery of fluid. The method discloses utilization of radiopaque indicia to place the catheter in proximity to the occlusion or diseased tissue to be treated. The kit includes a catheter of the invention in conjunction with a steerable guidewire and a tip occluder wire, either or both of the tip occluder wire and the guidewire having an enlargement on their distal tip which cooperates with a reduced diameter portion of the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion in body vessels for removing occlusions or obstructions such as thrombus, clot, plaque and other vascular or arterial deposits without generating distal emboli. Removal of freshly or recently formed obstructions is a preferred application. Concurrently or subsequently, suction or aspiration removal of the resulting occlusion debris is disclosed. A catheter system of this invention comprises elongate, hollow, inner and outer coaxial catheters having distal and proximal ends. The distal end of the outer catheter terminates short of the distal end of the inner catheter. The catheters may be independently movable with respect to each other. The inner catheter wall defines a central lumen which fluidically couples the proximal and distal ends of the inner catheter and through which a guidewire can pass. The central lumen has a reduced diameter distal portion which, with an occluder means (e.g., a guidewire), is adapted to restrict distal fluid delivery therethrough.

Abstract: A catheter for removing vascular obstruction(s) is disclosed. The catheter employs a configuration comprising generally coaxial, rapidly rotatable drive cable, fluid output lumens or channels, and fluid input lumens or channels. The drive cable is fixedly coupled to an elongate head so as to permit the head to be rapidly rotated by the drive cable. The head includes flats or impellers which, when rapidly rotated, generate a zone of turbulence or a vortex adjacent the vascular obstruction. The turbulence generated by the device tends to break up or dismantle the obstruction. The fluid input and output mechanisms permit fluid to be delivered to the vicinity of the obstruction and debris from the obstruction to be removed.In a preferred practice, a catheter of the invention is hollow, permitting it to be slid over a guide wire which has been steered to the site of the vascular obstruction.

Abstract: An apparatus providing the benefits of a catheter with a fixed guidewire, while retaining the advantages of a catheter with an adjustable, removable, and exchangeable guidewire. The catheter may be designed for use in the urinary tract, cardiovascular system, or other body passages. The guidewire is advanced through the catheter from the proximal to the distal end for the required distance. This may be sufficient to make the catheter and the guidewire coextensive or to make either the catheter or guidewire protrude from the distal end, as desired. The guidewire may be secured to the proximal end of the catheter by rotation of a compressible fixation device. The connection is frictionally sealed. The guidewire may be rotated with respect to the catheter in the same manner as with a fixed wire catheter. Opposite rotation of the compressible fixation device frees the guidewire for removal, advancement or exchange.

Abstract: A cylindrical shaped stent to prevent arterial acute closure and subsequent restenosis formed of longitudinal wires of biocompatible metal. The wires are welded together in pairs at alternate ends with each pair of wires bent into a V-section. The wires are all formed into a cylinder welded closed to form the stent. The stent is compressed and loaded into an outer catheter by a special tool. The stent is positioned and released for self expansion in situ by an inner catheter. A guide wire through both assists in threading the catheters through blood vessels.