Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate flexible microcatheter, for diagnostic and or therapeutic applications. The microcatheter is provided with a small outside diameter and high degree of flexibility, to facilitate negotiation of small, tortuous vessels such as those encountered in intercranial catheterizations. The catheter is formed from a composite of a series of tubular elements, each extending axially for a different distance along the tubular body. A distal section on one or more of the tubular components is provided with a spiral cut, to modify the flexibility properties of the finished catheter. The catheter may also be provided with an inflatable balloon, and a valve to permit the use of a single lumen for both receiving a guidewire and for conveying inflation media.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate flexible microcatheter, for diagnostic and or therapeutic applications. The microcatheter is provided with a small outside diameter and high degree of flexibility, to facilitate negotiation of small, tortuous vessels such as those encountered in intercranial catheterizations. The catheter is formed from a composite of a series of tubular elements, each extending axially for a different distance along the tubular body. A distal section on one or more of the tubular components is provided with a spiral cut, to modify the flexibility properties of the finished catheter. The catheter may also be provided with an inflatable balloon, and a valve to permit the use of a single lumen for both receiving a guidewire and for conveying inflation media.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate flexible microcatheter, for diagnostic and or therapeutic applications. The microcatheter is provided with a small outside diameter and high degree of flexibility, to facilitate negotiation of small, tortuous vessels such as those encountered in intercranial catheterizations. The catheter is formed from a composite of a series of tubular elements, each extending axially for a different distance along the tubular body. A distal section on one or more of the tubular components is provided with a spiral cut, to modify the flexibility properties of the finished catheter. The catheter may also be provided with an inflatable balloon, and a valve to permit the use of a single lumen for both receiving a guidewire and for conveying inflation media.

Abstract: An infusion guidewire or catheter for introduction through a selected path in a patient's vascular system to a site in a blood vessel and for infusing a drug or agent into the blood vessel. An elongated tubular body extends between a proximal and a distal end having an infusion device lumen formed therein extending to a plurality of infusion ports formed in a distal infusion segment of the elongated tubular body. The distal infusion segment is pre-biased to assume an infusion configuration when positioned in a blood vessel that tends to present the infusion port toward the blood vessel wall in a low blood flow rate zone and defining a generally centrally disposed perfusion lumen for perfusing blood therethrough.