Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the performance of procedures in the left atrium. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the right atrium and through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of balloon counterpulsation catheters. The access route is through the femoral arteries and the iliac arteries into the aorta, where an intra-aortic balloon pump catheter is positioned to provide cardiac support. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an infarct scar on a heart comprising an electric cable with proximal and distal ends; a handle with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end connected to the distal end of the cable; a stem with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end of the stem connected to the distal end of the handle; a heating element with a first surface for contacting infarct scar tissue connected to the distal end of the stem wherein the heating element comprises at least two electrodes and at least one temperature sensor positioned on the first surface for sensing a temperature of infarct scar tissue adjacent to the sensor; an energy source connected to the electrodes via the electric cable; and a regulator connected to the energy source and the temperature sensor of the infarct scar tissue, for controlling the temperature of the infarct scar tissue from about 60 degrees C. to about 99 degrees C.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an infarct scar on a heart comprising an electric cable with proximal and distal ends; a handle with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end connected to the distal end of the cable; a stem with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end of the stem connected to the distal end of the handle; a heating element with a first surface for contacting infarct scar tissue connected to the distal end of the stem wherein the heating element comprises at least two electrodes and at least one temperature sensor positioned on the first surface for sensing a temperature of infarct scar tissue adjacent to the sensor; an energy source connected to the electrodes via the electric cable; and a regulator connected to the energy source and the temperature sensor of the infarct scar tissue, for controlling the temperature of the infarct scar tissue from about 60 degrees C. to about 99 degrees C.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an infarct scar on a heart comprising an electric cable with proximal and distal ends; a handle with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end connected to the distal end of the cable; a stem with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end of the stem connected to the distal end of the handle; a heating element with a first surface for contacting infarct scar tissue connected to the distal end of the stem wherein the heating element comprises at least two electrodes and at least one temperature sensor positioned on the first surface for sensing a temperature of infarct scar tissue adjacent to the sensor; an energy source connected to the electrodes via the electric cable; and a regulator connected to the energy source and the temperature sensor of the infarct scar tissue, for controlling the temperature of the infarct scar tissue from about 60 degrees C. to about 99 degrees C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand held vibration device which imparts reciprocating motion in a guidewire while leaving the guidewire free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, to facilitate advancement of the guidewire through a highly occluded blood vessel. The vibrating device is provided with a lock ring for reversibly preventing guidewire rotation without effecting guidewire reciprocation, and the reciprocation length of the device may be varied. The length the guidewire extends past the distal end of a delivery catheter may be varied from controls on the device which do not require guidewire detachment from the reciprocating mechanism. The device may be used with or without a delivery catheter provided with a curved distal end, the curvature of which can be varied while the catheter is inside the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand held vibration device which imparts reciprocating motion in a guidewire while leaving the guidewire free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, to facilitate advancement of the guidewire through a highly occluded blood vessel. The vibrating device is provided with a lock ring for reversibly preventing guidewire rotation without effecting guidewire reciprocation, and the reciprocation length of the device may be varied. The length the guidewire extends past the distal end of a delivery catheter may be varied from controls on the device which do not require guidewire detachment from the reciprocating mechanism. The device may be used with or without a delivery catheter provided with a curved distal end, the curvature of which can be varied while the catheter is inside the patient.