Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to a rapid exchange catheter that permits axial movement of an inner conduit within an outer conduit comprising: • an outer conduit; • an inner conduit, suitable for total or partial passage over a guide wire, wherein said inner conduit is movably disposed within the lumen of said outer conduit, wherein the proximal end of said inner conduit is angled such that it pierces the wall of said outer conduit; • means for permitting axial movement of said inner conduit within said outer conduit, such that said movement is not hindered by the passage of the angled proximal part of the inner conduit through said outer conduit; and • means, situated at the proximal end of the outer conduit, for causing axial pushing-pulling movements of said inner conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter comprising: a hollow inner shaft disposed within a hollow outer shaft; a balloon attached at its proximal end to said outer shaft and at its distal end to said inner shaft; wherein the inner shaft is constructed such that following radial expansion of the balloon to a first expanded state, said inner shaft is capable of responding to further longitudinal expansion of the balloon to a second expanded state by increasing its length from a resting value, and of responding to subsequent partial deflation back to said first expanded state by reducing its length back to said resting value.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a balloon catheter comprising, in addition to one or more balloons and one or more inflating/deflating conduits having a novel design which enables a predetermined sequence of inflation/deflation of a number of balloons via a single lumen. The invention is also directed to an indwelling device for direct organ (renal) perfusion to be harnessed to a standard single lumen pump drive. The invention is also directed to perfusion of a side branch vessel (e.g. renal artery) from a main branch vessel (e.g. aorta) with minimal risk of obstructing the target vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter system comprising one or more conduits to which are attached a compliant balloon having a non-helical shape in its deflated state, wherein said balloon is constructed such that is capable of adopting a spiral or helical conformation upon inflation. In addition, the present invention also provides methods for using said balloon catheter system.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed towards an anatomically-compatible and physiologically-compatible in vivo device for improving diastolic function of either the left or right ventricle of the heart, wherein said device comprises at least one elastic component in the form of a lattice capable of being arranged in a curved conformation such that one surface of said lattice may be adapted to the curvature of the external ventricular surface of the heart, or a portion thereof, and wherein said at least one elastic component is capable of being operatively connected to the external ventricular surface of the heart by means of one or more connecting elements.

Abstract: A system comprising a catheter (12) having an expandable element (18), which when expanded, has an annular shape surrounding a passageway. The expandable element in the expanded state is rollable along at least a portion of the shaft of the catheter without slipping. The system may be used for delivering an object to a site in the body, retrieving an object from a body, removing debris and/or other particulate matter from a blood vessel, and distending and/or expanding a pathologically-involved region of a blood vessel wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter comprising: a hollow inner shaft disposed within a hollow outer shaft; a balloon attached at its proximal end to said outer shaft and at its distal end to said inner shaft; wherein the inner shaft is constructed such that following radial expansion of the balloon to a first expanded state, said inner shaft is capable of responding to further longitudinal expansion of the balloon to a second expanded state by increasing its length from a resting value, and of responding to subsequent partial deflation back to said first expanded state by reducing its length back to said resting value.

Abstract: A catheter system suitable for the retrieval of debris and other solid or liquid matter from body passages, and the removal of said matter from the body. More particularly, a catheter system including two or more concentrically-arranged conduits and an inflatable element connected therebetween, wherein the inflatable element is arranged such that it may entrap solid or liquid matter in an internal annular cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for debridement of devitalized tissue in skin lesions, that includes a plurality of height- and angle-adjustable inlet tubes and at least one outlet tube and a member that forms an occlusive seal around a skin lesion. The plurality of inlet tubes is adapted for directing a continuous stream of enzymatic solution to the surface and into the entire volume of the wound bed of the lesion and the at least one outlet is adapted for removing the enzymatic solution, fluids draining from the lesion and tissue debris from the occluded skin lesion.

Abstract: A medical device for controlled release of one or more substances into a body cavity containing an electrolytic fluid, such as a urinary bladder. The device comprises a plurality of blister-like vesicles mounted on a first surface, each vesicle having at least a metallic portion formed from a first metal. The metallic portion of each vesicle is electrically connected to a first terminal of a power supply via a switch, so as to allow the metallic portion to function as an anode when the switch is closed. A cathode is formed from a second metal and is attached to the second terminal of the power supply The cathode is separated from the anodes by a space that is assessable by the electrolytic fluid when the device is in the body cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system including a side firing laser head to be used in a wide variety of medical, dental and other procedures, the side firing laser head having an elongated spiral slit extending along the laser head, but not extending to the tip portion of the laser head.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of an internal cavity are provided. The internal cavity is coated with a treatment solution. The treatment solution can include a solidifiable matrix with or without a drug or combination of drugs incorporated therein, or a drug solution without a solidifiable matrix. The treatment solution is coated onto at least a portion of the internal cavity, and acts as a slow-release drug delivery system.

Abstract: A system for deploying and retrieving implantable articles, such as balloons, typically for treating incontinence, from the bladder includes a urethral module, this deployed in the urethra and bladder with the coupling of a mandrel. The deployed urethral module, with the mandrel removed therefrom, provides a channel to the bladder for a magazine unit, that deploys the balloon, and a retriever, that retrieves the balloon, and is ultimately removed from the body with the balloon in a deflated or contracted state.

Abstract: A medical device for insertion into a body having a surface covered by a detachable cover. The cover may be detached from the surface and removed from the body while the device is inserted in the body. The device may be, for example, a catheter, cannula, drain, stent, pacemaker, or electrode.

Abstract: An expandable umbrella-like device for insertion into the urinary bladder of an individual. The umbrella may be used in the treatment of urinary incontinence or in treating urinary bladder dysfunctions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system including a side firing laser head to be used in a wide variety of medical, dental and other procedures, the side firing laser head having an elongated spiral slit extending along the laser head, but not extending to the tip portion of the laser head.

Abstract: A medical device for insertion into a body having a surface covered by a detachable cover. The cover may be detached from the surface and removed from the body while the device is inserted in the body. The device maybe, for example, a catheter, cannula, drain, stent, pacemaker, or electrode.

Abstract: A system for treating a urinary bladder of an individual. The system comprises a resiliently flexible, solid body for insertion into the urinary bladder. The system also comprises an applicator for inserting the body into the urinary bladder or for removing the body from the urinary bladder. The system is useful in treating the urinary bladder, in monitoring the urinary bladder and in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An expandable balloon for insertion into the urinary bladder of an individual. The balloon may be used in treating the urinary bladder, in monitoring the urinary bladder or in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A resiliently flexible body having a non-spherical shape and having a magnetizable portion for use in sealing an anatomical cavity such as a urinary bladder. The body is compressed and then inserted into the cavity. In the cavity the body is experimented and positioned at the cavity outlet. The body is rotated in the outlet using a hand-held magnet between a sealing orientation in which the outlet is sealed, and a non-sealing orientation in which fluid, such as urine, can flow out of the cavity.