Abstract: The invention comprises a proximal end fitting for use within a guidewire assembly wherein the proximal end fitting comprises an elongated radially compressible tube. When in use, the tube is compressed against the O-ring seal in the fitting to better facilitate the seal between the O-ring and the guidewire and thereby better control blood reflux.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire assembly comprising: a guidewire having a tapered proximal end; an extension wire having a tapered distal end; and a polymeric tubular sleeve that is fixedly attached about the tapered distal end of the extension wire such that the tapered distal end of the extension wire extends partly through the sleeve lumen, said lumen having a diameter that is smaller than the untapered diameter of the guidewire and wherein said lumen expands radially when the sleeve is under axial compression and contracts radially when the sleeve is under axial tension.

Abstract: A single lumen valved balloon catheter assembly is disclosed that consists of a single lumen catheter tube that has a distally located integral balloon and a built-in guidewire that has a distal valve member that may be moved axially to engage and block the distal end of the catheter. The diameter of the guidewire is reduced at its distal end and the diameter of the lumen of the catheter tube distally of the balloon is reduced to below that of the proximal diameter of the balloon so that the axial movement of the guidewire distally is limited.

Abstract: An optical fiber lasing apparatus includes an optical fiber which terminates in a lens having a convex lens side at its forward end, and having an extended barrel portion secured to the distal portion of the optical fiber. The lens is larger in diameter than the diameter of the optical fiber member.