Abstract: A stylet and hub assembled for stiffening a catheter in rapid exchange mode. The catheter guidewire lumen has a side port associated with a bi-stable guide element that lies across the lumen. A disengageable feature assembly limits insertion of the stylet into the lumen in rapid exchange mode. To convert from rapid exchange mode, disengagement of the disengageable feature enables the stylet to displace the guide element, clearing the guidewire lumen and enabling guidewire or other device to extend throughout the lumen. The stylet has a long proximal portion, a relatively short portion tapering distally to a smaller diameter, and enlarged end. The guide element is formed by plastic deformation of the catheter wall. The disengageable feature is in a removable housing having an end cap that can be replaced with a syringe for flushing liquid along the stylet. A balloon, preferably a PTCA balloon, is mounted on the catheter.

Abstract: A stylet and hub assembled for stiffening a catheter in rapid exchange mode. The catheter guidewire lumen has a side port associated with a bi-stable guide element that lies across the lumen. A disengageable feature assembly limits insertion of the stylet into the lumen in rapid exchange mode. To convert from rapid exchange mode, disengagement of the disengageable feature enables the stylet to displace the guide element, clearing the guidewire lumen and enabling guidewire or other device to extend throughout the lumen. The stylet has a long proximal portion, a relatively short portion tapering distally to a smaller diameter, and enlarged end. The guide element is formed by plastic deformation of the catheter wall. The disengageable feature is in a removable housing having an end cap that can be replaced with a syringe for flushing liquid along the stylet. A balloon, preferably a PTCA balloon, is mounted on the catheter.

Abstract: A stent device constructed to reside for a prolonged period in a blood vessel for engagement with the vessel wall while enabling blood flow therethrough. The device includes an elongated stent structure of limited length and sized to wholly reside in the vessel having an inner tubular structural member defining a flow passage and an outer flexible inflatable element constructed to engage the vessel wall at sub-dilation pressure. The passage is sized to fit over a removable transfer element for delivery of the device to a desired site within the vessel. An elongated, flexible inflation-deflation lumen element secured to the inflatable element has an exterior cross-section sufficiently small to permit prolonged residence in the vascular system without substantial adverse effect upon blood flow in the vessel. A method of engaging a vessel wall with the stent device is described.

Abstract: A stylet and hub assembled for stiffening a catheter in rapid exchange mode. The catheter guidewire lumen has a side port associated with a bi-stable guide element that lies across the lumen. A disengageable feature assembly limits insertion of the stylet into the lumen in rapid exchange mode. To convert from rapid exchange mode, disengagement of the disengageable feature enables the stylet to displace the guide element, clearing the guidewire lumen and enabling guidewire or other device to extend throughout the lumen. The stylet has a long proximal portion, a relatively short portion tapering distally to a smaller diameter, and enlarged end. The guide element is formed by plastic deformation of the catheter wall. The disengageable feature is in a removable housing having an end cap that can be replaced with a syringe for flushing liquid along the stylet. A balloon, preferably a PTCA balloon, is mounted on the catheter.