Abstract: A sheath for advancement into a vessel of a patient having a stenosis therein which at least partially occludes the flow of blood in the vessel. A flexible elongate tubular member has proximal and distal extremities with a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A portion of the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member is radially expandable. The expandable portion carries stiffening elements that impart pushability and column strength to the expandable portion.

Abstract: An aspiration needle apparatus for collecting cell samples from tissue comprising a vacuum container having an enclosed evacuated space evacuated to a subambient pressure and sealed by a penetrable diaphragm. An adapter is provided having a recess which is adapted to receive the vacuum container. A needle assembly is carried by the adapter and has a distal extremity serving as an aspiration needle to collect the cell sample. The proximal extremity of the needle assembly is disposed in said recess and is capable of penetrating the diaphragm of the vacuum container to couple the evacuated space to the flow passage of the needle assembly to supply a subambient pressure to the distal extremity of the needle assembly. An on-off mechanism is carried by the adapter and includes a member engaged by the vacuum container and mounted in the recess for axial movement in the recess.

Abstract: A multiple balloon catheter for use in a vessel of a patient and for use with an inflation/deflation device. A flexible elongate tubular member with proximal and distal extremities has a distal balloon mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. Coaxial inner and outer balloons are mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member proximal of the distal balloon. The flexible elongate tubular member has balloon inflation lumens therein in communication with the interiors of the distal balloon and the inner and outer coaxial balloons. A manifold is secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member in communication with the inflation lumens and is adjusted to be coupled to the inflation/deflation device. Valves are carried by the inflation/deflation manifold for inflating the distal balloon in the inner and outer coaxial balloons one at a time or in unison without removal of the inflation/deflation device from the manifold.

Abstract: A guide wire having a distal extremity with an adjustable support characteristic comprising a core wire having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity has a reduced cross sectional area which is more flexible than the proximal extremity. A tip secured to the distal extremity of the core wire. A sleeve of superelastic material is disposed coaxially on the distal extremity of the core wire. The sleeve is annealed so that it is relatively flexible at a temperature ranging from 20.degree. to 40.degree. C. and becomes progressively stiffer as temperature increases. The core wire conducts electrical energy to the superelastic sleeve to supply heat to the sleeve and extends from the proximal extremity of the core wire to the sleeve to cause the sleeve to become stiffer to thereby increase the stiffness of the distal extremity of the guide wire.

Abstract: A guide wire with extension capability for use in a medical procedure having a guide wire and a guide wire extension. The guide wire comprises a flexible elongate cylindrical member having proximal and distal extremities. A portion of the distal extremity is formed of a material having high torquability and high pushability. The guide wire extension comprises a flexible elongate cylindrical member formed of a shape memory material. A major portion of the flexible elongate cylindrical member of the guide wire extension has a shape memory in the form of a coil so that when it is free it will assume a shape memory coil. A junction is formed between the proximal extremity of the guide wire and the distal extremity of the guide wire extension for connection of the guide wire extension to the guide wire.

Abstract: A low profile catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a guide wire lumen and at least one balloon inflation lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity, said at least one balloon inflation lumen being offset eccentrically with respect to said guide wire lumen, the distal extremity of said flexible elongate tubular member having at least one inflatable balloon formed thereon and having an interior in communication with said at least one balloon inflation lumen, said guide wire lumen extending through said at least one inflatable balloon and being offset eccentrically with respect to said at least one inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Guide wire for use in a medical procedure and for use with the power supply comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a bore extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A core wire extends through the bore of the flexible elongate tubular member. A coil assembly is mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and has a distal extremity. A rounded tip is formed on the distal extremity. An actuator member has at least a portion thereof disposed in the coil assembly and has proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The distal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the rounded tip. The actuator member has a portion thereof formed of a shape memory material and incorporating a shape member therein.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. A lumen therein extends from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. First and second balloons are carried by said distal extremity and are coaxially disposed with respect to each other on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. Means are carried by the flexible elongate tubular member for inflating the first and second balloons one at a time independent of each other.

Abstract: A low profile balloon-on-a-wire catheter having a flexible elongate tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and with a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. Communication is established between the lumen and the interior of the inflatable balloon. An inflation fitting is removably secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member for supplying an inflation fluid to the lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon. The inflation fitting when removed provides a proximal extremity on the catheter which is free of obstructions so that another balloon catheter can be advanced over the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member.

Abstract: Large bore catheter having a flexible tip construction. A main flexible shaft tube is provided having a flow passage therein and having proximal and distal ends. A coil spring is secured to the distal end of the main shaft tube. Flexible tubing extends over the exterior of the coil spring and has a distal extremity which extends beyond the distal extremity of the coil spring. The flexible tubing forms a close fit over the coil spring.