Abstract: A sensing guidewire device used to measure physiological parameters within a living body. In one embodiment, the device is used to measure the fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in a patient's vasculature. The device includes a sensor that is adapted to be affixed near the distal end of a guidewire. The guidewire contains a corewire, processed to enclose electrical conductors in a sealed, off-centered interstice or channel, with an outer diameter approximate to the outer diameter of the device, running substantially the full length of the device, and has a homogenous outer surface. The enclosed eccentric channel provides space for electrical conductors to move freely. The corewire can have a tapered segment to create desirable flexibility. A solid connector comprised of alternating conductive and insulating elements for connecting the conductors to an external device is disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue imaging device that includes a catheter body, a hood, and a visualization assembly. The catheter body includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and at least one lumen extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The catheter body includes at least one drainage port having a first opening and at least one infusion port having a second opening. The first and second openings are located about a lateral aspect of the catheter body. The hood projects distally from the distal end portion and is configured to self-expand into an expanded deployment state that defines an open area therein. The visualization assembly is disposed within the open area and extends distally from the distal end portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: Mitral valve insufficiency is treated by introducing an expansible device such as a balloon bearing an ultrasonic transducer into the heart so that the transducer is positioned adjacent the mitral annulus but spaced from the mitral annulus, and actuating the transducer to heat the mitral annulus, denature collagen in the annulus and thereby shrink the annulus.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue imaging device that includes a catheter body, a hood, and a visualization assembly. The catheter body includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and at least one lumen extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The catheter body includes at least one drainage port having a first opening and at least one infusion port having a second opening. The first and second openings are located about a lateral aspect of the catheter body. The hood projects distally from the distal end portion and is configured to self-expand into an expanded deployment state that defines an open area therein. The visualization assembly is disposed within the open area and extends distally from the distal end portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation device, including a catheter and an expandable ablation element incorporating one or more balloons at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the probe. The probe may have an atraumatic tip with a ball formed at the leading edge. The atraumatic tip prevents any tissue damage such as perforation of heart wall.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation device, including a catheter and an expandable ablation element incorporating one or more balloons at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the probe. The probe may have an atraumatic tip with a ball formed at the leading edge. The atraumatic tip prevents any tissue damage such as perforation of heart wall.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation device, including a catheter and an expandable ablation element incorporating one or more balloons at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the probe. The probe may have an atraumatic tip with a ball formed at the leading edge. The atraumatic tip prevents any tissue damage such as perforation of heart wall.

Abstract: Mitral valve insufficiency is treated by introducing an expansible device such as a balloon bearing a an ultrasonic transducer into the heart so that the transducer is positioned adjacent the mitral annulus but spaced from the mitral annulus, and actuating the transducer to heat the mitral annulus, denature collagen in the annulus and thereby shrink the annulus.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation device, including a catheter and an expandable ablation element incorporating one or more balloons at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the probe. The probe may have an atraumatic tip with a ball formed at the leading edge. The atraumatic tip prevents any tissue damage such as perforation of heart wall.

Abstract: A device and method for precisely delivering dosage of radiation from a radiation source to a treatment site of a vessel is provided herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a catheter which inserts into a vessel lumen of the body. The catheter includes an adjuster section for altering a portion of the radiation emitting radially from the radiation source so that the radiation source delivers an asymmetrical radiation profile to the vessel. The device can also include a catheter supporter which inhibits rotational deformation in the catheter between a catheter distal end and a catheter proximal end. This allows the delivery section to be precisely rotated to properly position the adjuster section within the vessel lumen.

Abstract: A method for forming a balloon for a dilation catheter is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning a tube in a preconditioned mold; (ii) expanding the tube in a preconditioned mold to form a parison; (iii) positioning the parison in a balloon mold; and (iv) expanding the parison within the balloon mold to form the balloon. Thus, the tube is initially expanded into a parison in the preconditioned mold. Subsequently, the parison is expanded into a balloon in the balloon mold. Because of this unique manufacturing process, polyester block copolymers can be formed into balloons. Some of these polyester block copolymers could not be formed into a balloon using prior art blow molding processes. The resulting balloon exhibits superior characteristics, including relatively thin and consistent walls, soft texture, low uninflated crossing profile, expansion in a predictable fashion, and good tensile strength.

Abstract: A method for forming a balloon for a dilation catheter is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning a tube in a preconditioned mold; (ii) expanding the tube in a preconditioned mold to form a parison; (iii) positioning the parison in a balloon mold; and (iv) expanding the parison within the balloon mold to form the balloon. Thus, the tube is initially expanded into a parison in the preconditioned mold. Subsequently, the parison is expanded into a balloon in the balloon mold. Because of this unique manufacturing process, polyester block copolymers can be formed into balloons. Some of these polyester block copolymers could not be formed into a balloon using prior art blow molding processes. The resulting balloon exhibits superior characteristics, including relatively thin and consistent walls, soft texture, low uninflated crossing profile, expansion in a predictable fashion, and good tensile strength.

Abstract: A delivery device and method for delivering a dosage of radiation from a radiation source to a treatment site of a vessel is provided herein. The delivery device includes a catheter and a delivery area. The catheter is suitable for being inserted into a vessel lumen of the vessel and includes a delivery lumen for receiving the radiation source. The delivery area also receives the radiation source. The delivery area includes an attenuator section for attenuating a portion of the radiation emitting from the radioactive area so that the delivery area emits an eccentric radiation profile. The delivery device can also include a catheter supporter which inhibits rotational deformation in the catheter between a catheter distal end and a catheter proximal end. This allows the delivery area to be precisely rotated to properly position the attenuator section within the vessel lumen.

Abstract: A swivel tip assembly (100) includes a housing (110) having a passageway (128) with proximal (112) and distal (114) openings. Spherical member (106) and bushing (108), which is captured by the housing (110), provide a swivel joint. A wire (102), which is coupled to the spherical member (106), is attached to the distal end of a catheter (50). The swivel joint allows the housing (110) to swivel or rotate freely thereby minimizing the opportunity of grabbing the guide wire (116) as the catheter (504) is being pushed or pulled along the guide wire (116).

Abstract: A device and method for precisely delivering dosage of radiation from a radiation source to a treatment site of a vessel is provided herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a catheter which inserts into a vessel lumen of the body. The catheter includes an adjuster section for altering a portion of the radiation emitting radially from the radiation source so that the radiation source delivers an asymmetrical radiation profile to the vessel. The device can also include a catheter supporter which inhibits rotational deformation in the catheter between a catheter distal end and a catheter proximal end. This allows the delivery section to be precisely rotated to properly position the adjuster section within the vessel lumen.

Abstract: A method for forming a balloon for a dilation catheter is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning a tube in a preconditioned mold; (ii) expanding the tube in a preconditioned mold to form a parison; (iii) positioning the parison in a balloon mold; and (iv) expanding the parison within the balloon mold to form the balloon. Thus, the tube is initially expanded into a parison in the preconditioned mold. Subsequently, the parison is expanded into a balloon in the balloon mold. Because of this unique manufacturing process, polyester block copolymers can be formed into balloons. Some of these polyester block copolymers could not be formed into a balloon using prior art blow molding processes. The resulting balloon exhibits superior characteristics, including relatively thin and consistent walls, soft texture, low uninflated crossing profile, expansion in a predictable fashion, and good tensile strength.

Abstract: A method for forming a balloon for a dilation catheter is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning a tube in a preconditioned mold; (ii) expanding the tube in a preconditioned mold to form a parison; (iii) positioning the parison in a balloon mold; and (iv) expanding the parison within the balloon mold to form the balloon. Thus, the tube is initially expanded into a parison in the preconditioned mold. Subsequently, the parison is expanded into a balloon in the balloon mold. Because of this unique manufacturing process, polyester block copolymers can be formed into balloons. Some of these polyester block copolymers could not be formed into a balloon using prior art blow molding processes. The resulting balloon exhibits superior characteristics, including relatively thin and consistent walls, soft texture, low uninflated crossing profile, expansion in a predictable fashion, and good tensile strength.

Abstract: A device and method for precisely delivering dosage of radiation from a radiation source to a treatment site of a vessel is provided herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a catheter which inserts into a vessel lumen of the body. The catheter includes an adjuster section for altering a portion of the radiation emitting radially from the radiation source so that the radiation source delivers an asymmetrical radiation profile to the vessel. The device can also include a catheter supporter which inhibits rotational deformation in the catheter between a catheter distal end and a catheter proximal end. This allows the delivery section to be precisely rotated to properly position the adjuster section within the vessel lumen.

Abstract: A device and method for precisely delivering dosage of radiation from a radiation source to a treatment site of a vessel is provided herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a catheter which inserts into a vessel lumen of the body. The catheter includes an adjuster section for altering a portion of the radiation emitting radially from the radiation source so that the radiation source delivers an asymmetrical radiation profile to the vessel. The device can also include a catheter supporter which inhibits rotational deformation in the catheter between a catheter distal end and a catheter proximal end. This allows the delivery section to be precisely rotated to properly position the adjuster section within the vessel lumen.

Abstract: A swivel tip assembly (100) includes a housing (110) having a passageway (128) with proximal (112) and distal (114) openings. Spherical member (106) and bushing (108), which is captured by the housing (110), provide a swivel joint. A wire (102), which is coupled to the spherical member (106), is attached to the distal end of a catheter (50). The swivel joint allows the housing (110) to swivel or rotate freely thereby minimizing the opportunity of grabbing the guide wire (116) as the catheter (504) is being pushed or pulled along the guide wire (116).