Abstract: Methods and devices for retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A catheter for retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate shaft and a housing fixed to the elongate shaft proximate a distal end thereof. A tip member is slidingly disposed within a cavity defined by the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the tip member is configured such that the housing is substantially centered about the guidewire. In another preferred embodiment, the tip member is slidingly disposed within the housing, and the tip member may be moved between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A catheter with a fluorescent temperature sensor is shown and described. The catheter includes a lumen, a fiber-optic cable that extends through the lumen. A distal end of the fiber-optic cable is coated with a fluorescent material and a proximal end of the fiber-optic cable is connected to a console. The console includes a light source for transmitting light through the fiber-optic cable for exciting the fluorescent material. The console further includes a photo multiplier tube for converting light emitted by the excited fluorescent material to a plurality of analogue voltage signals. The console further includes a digital oscilloscope linked to the photo multiplier tube for converting the plurality of analogue voltage signals to at least one digital signal. The console further includes a processor linked to the digital oscilloscope for converting the at least one digital signal to a temperature value for the distal end of the fiber-optic cable.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for locating vulnerable plaque lesions within a body lumen comprising a unique balloon mounted on a catheter shaft. The balloon having an uninflated state and being expandable to an inflated state, the balloon further having an inside and an outside, the balloon being made at least partially of at least one temperature responsive material. The at least one temperature responsive material designed to exhibit at least one predetermined color when the material is in contact with an object having an elevated temperature, such as a vulnerable plaque lesion. The catheter having a lumen which allows a light source to transmit light into the inside of the balloon. The light directed to illuminate at least a portion of the temperature responsive material.