Abstract: A stent positioning apparatus and method are provided for the attachment of a stent to a balloon to be used in the treatment of stenosis, such as coronary angioplasty. In one preferred embodiment, a first generally cylindrical member has a radially deformable wall defining a channel within which the stent and balloon assembly are inserted. A second generally cylindrical member has an opening sufficient to receive the first member with the assembly therein. The second member is then slid longitudinally over the deformable wall of the first member causing nonuniform depressions to be formed in the inner diameter of the stent, thus crimping the stent onto the balloon. Thus, the stent is attached to the balloon without damage and without risk of the stent falling off the balloon prematurely.

Abstract: A multi-catheter emboli containment system is disclosed in which a treatment chamber within a blood vessel is formed by at least two occlusion balloons on opposite sides of a stenotic lesion, thereby preventing emboli migration during the treatment procedure. Irrigation and aspiration are provided to remove emboli and debris from the chamber. The irrigation and aspiration can be provided through separate catheters, or, the catheters used to create the chamber, together with the catheter used to provide therapy to the stenosis can be used. The catheters are all sized so as to be concentric, slidably disposed with respect to one another, and able to be delivered into blood vessels less than 25 mm in diameter or even smaller.

Abstract: A composite structure comprising a body having a surface. Cladding covers at least a part of the surface. The body and the cladding are formed of different materials, at least one of which is a shape memory alloy having a recoverable strain in excess of 1.0%.

Abstract: A sheath for advancement into a vessel of a patient having a stenosis therein which at least partially occludes the flow of blood in the vessel. A flexible elongate tubular member has proximal and distal extremities with a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A portion of the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member is radially expandable. The expandable portion carries stiffening elements that impart pushability and column strength to the expandable portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping a wall of a heart forming a chamber in the heart comprising a guiding catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and a mapping catheter having a shaft that is slidably mounted in the lumen of the guiding catheter. A basket assembly is provided and is comprised of a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart longitudinally extending arms having proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremities of the arms are secured to the distal extremity of the shaft of the mapping catheter. Each of the arms includes a member formed of a material having a recoverable strain in excess of 1% and has an outwardly bowed shape memory. At least one electrode is provided on each of the arms. Conductors connected to the electrodes are carried by the arms.

Abstract: Device comprising an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a section with a plurality of lumens extending from the proximal extremity to the section. At least two conductive elements are disposed in the lumens in said section of the elongate tubular member. The conductive elements are formed of a conductive metal alloy having a recoverable strain in excess of 1% and exhibiting a martensitic phase transformation. Electrical current is supplied to the at least one conductive element. The section has at least one portion. A current conductor is carried by said at least one conductive element for shunting current flow around the at least one portion of said at least one conductive element.