Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter and a control. The cutter is connected to the control with a rotatable element. A vacuum is applied through an annular passage defined between the tubular body and the rotatable element. The cutter has at least one radial projection which cooperates with at least one stationary element on the tubular body to cut material drawn into the tubular body. Material that has been processed by the cutter is aspirated through the tubular body for disposal.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter and a control. The cutter is connected to the control with a rotatable element. A vacuum is applied through an annular passage defined between the tubular body and the rotatable element. The cutter has at least one radial projection which cooperates with at least one stationary element on the tubular body to cut material drawn into the tubular body. Material that has been processed by the cutter is aspirated through the tubular body for disposal.

Abstract: An endocardial mapping catheter for introduction into a chamber of a heart formed by a wall. The flexible elongate tubular member has proximal and distal extremities and extends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of longitudinally-extending spaced-apart members are carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and have proximal extremities and interconnected distal extremities. Certain of the plurality of longitudinally-extending members are arms of a basket-like assembly and are movable between contracted positions and expanded positions in which the arms bow outwardly from the longitudinal axis. A plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes are carried by each of the arms. Electrical conductors extend through the flexible elongate tubular member and are connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes. At least one additional electrode is slidably mounted on one of the longitudinally-extending members.

Abstract: An intracranial pressure monitoring and drainage catheter having two tubes that are joined into a single tube at the catheter body distal end, each tube having a separate lumen. One tube is severed at a location proximal to the catheter body distal end and has an internal connector that may be removed from one severed end to introduce a stylet into the lumen. The stylet results in increased rigidity of the catheter body distal end to assist in placing the catheter in the patient. The wall of the distal end of the catheter has drainage apertures formed in communication with the lumen in which the stylet is placed. Reconnecting the internal connector after removal of the stylet provides a fluid path from the distal end of the catheter body to the proximal end of the catheter for drainage of fluid from the patient. A sensor may be placed in the other lumen for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as pressure or temperature or both.

Abstract: A catheter probe comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. An expandable assembly capable of moving from a contracted position to an expanded position is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and is formed from at least two elongate members movable between contracted and expanded positions. The elongate members have extremities which are joined so that the elongate members extend at an angle relative to each other to form a vee therebetween. A plurality of longitudinally and radially spaced-apart electrodes are carried by the expandable assembly so that they can be moved into engagement with the wall of the heart when the expandable assembly is expanded into the expanded position. Electrical conductors extend through the elongate tubular member and are connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining fluid pressure and inflation diameter in the balloon of a dilation catheter includes a pressure sensing transducer in fluid communication with the interior of the catheter balloon. The transducer provides a balloon pressure signal which is processed by a microcomputer to determine a balloon diameter or circumference as a function of the balloon pressure. The microcomputer produces a signal representing the balloon diameter or circumference. A digital display responds to the pressure signal and diameter signal to display both balloon pressure and diameter in order to provide an added degree of safety and control to a vascular physician conducting balloon angioplasty or similar procedures.

Abstract: An optical sensor comprising a selectively permeable matrix of hydrophobic material and a plurality of hydrophilic beads dispersed in the matrix. At least some of the beads carry an optical indicator. The matrix is capable of transmitting light at least at selected wavelengths from outside the matrix to the beads.