Abstract: This is a catheter assembly and a section of that catheter assembly. That catheter assembly may be used in accessing a tissue target within the body, typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the invention is the use of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated within the catheter body in such a way to create a catheter having an exceptionally thin wall, controlled stiffness, high resistance to kinking, and complete recovery in vivo from kinking situations. The braid may have a single pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section. The braided ribbon reinforcing member typically is placed between a flexible outer tubing member and an inner tubing member to produce a catheter section which is very flexible but highly kink resistant.

Abstract: A solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. The retaining device may be placed in the body temporarily or permanently. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: A solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.

Abstract: This is a single lumen balloon catheter having an infusion section distal of that balloon for infusing liquids into the bloodstream. In general, the infusion section has a plurality of holes in the wall of the section proximal of the tip so to allow infusion of that selected material. Depending upon the variation of the invention selected, the infusion section may have valve seats at either or both ends of that infusion section. The device may include a core wire for assistance in controlling the infusion of liquids through the distal sections orifices. The core wire, in most variations of the invention, may also be used as a guidewire for introducing the catheter with its attendant balloon to a suitable site. The single lumen is used both for inflation of the balloon and infusion of the treatment or diagnostic material. The balloon itself, depending upon the use to which the catheter is to be placed, may be either a compliant balloon or one having a predetermined fixed diameter.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having braided layer which extends generally from the proximal end of the catheter to a location distal of the balloon. In particular, it is desirable that the shaft of the catheter proximal of the balloon be stiffest at the proximal section and least stiff just proximal of the balloon. Although the catheter may be a single lumen catheter using some type of a core wire to act as a valve for inflation and deflation of the balloon, it is within the scope of the invention to include either a separate inflation/deflation lumen or one incorporated into the various concentric polymeric layers used to make up the proximal shaft. Particularly preferred is the use of an elastic, compliant balloon.

Abstract: This is a solderless sacrificial link between a detachable member which is placed at and is intended to remain at a desired site within the mammalian body and the core wire used to introduce the detachable member. The detachable member device may be one used to create emboli in the vascular system or may be of any other type deliverable into the human body and detached into an ionic aqueous environment, either for later removal or permanent placement.

Abstract: An occlusive implant delivery assembly includes a rapid response decoupling or detachment mechanism that does not effect significant migration of the implant during release. The assembly includes an occlusive implant device, such as an embolic coil, a pusher or device to carry the implant to the selected location, and an expandable coupling-decoupling mechanism for releasing the implant at the selected site. The mechanical construction provides rapid release times. In addition, the releasing mechanism generally operates without exerting any significant force on the implant, thereby avoiding any significant displacement of the implant during release.

Abstract: This is a composite guidewire for use in a catheter and is used for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire core or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni--Ti alloy, also preferably having specified physical parameters. The composite guidewire assembly is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. Variations include multi-section guidewire assemblies having (at least) super-elastic distal portions and super-elastic braided reinforcements along the mid or distal sections. A variation of the inventive guidewire includes the coating of the wire with a tie layer and then with a one or more lubricious polymers to enhance its suitability for use within catheters and with the interior of vascular lumen.

Abstract: This invention is an implantable vaso-occlusive device. It is a helically wound coil having a central section along its longitudinal axis which is somewhat stiffer than at least one of its end regions.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical device. It is a guidewire for use in a catheter and is used for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire or guidewire section may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni--Ti alloy, having specified physical parameters. The guidewire is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. A special variation of the inventive guidewire includes the coating of the wire with a tie layer and then with a one or more lubricious polymers to enhance its suitability for use within catheters and with the interior of vascular lumen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new technique for preparing metal devices such as guidewires for the subsequent attachment of hydrophilic coatings. The invention also relates to guidewires and other devices made according to that method.In one embodiment of the method of this invention, a hydrocarbon residue undercoat is applied to a metal guidewire core by plasma deposition. A photoactive hydrophilic polymer is then deposited on the hydrocarbon residue coating and activated by ultraviolet light. The hydrocarbon residue coating acts as a tie layer between the hydrophilic polymer and the metal guidewire core apparently by providing C--C bonds for the covalent linking of the coating material to the tie layer. The resulting article of this invention is a guidewire having the maneuverability of a metal guidewire and the biocompatibility of a lubricious, hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: An exceptionally flexible, ultrasoft vaso-occlusive or embolism forming device made of a material which may be a braid, coil, or chain which forms a long, thin thread-like device having little rigidity or column strength. The device is sufficiently flexible and small that it may be hydraulically delivered to a site within the vasculature of a human body using an injected drug or fluid flush through a catheter.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical device. In particular, it is a multilumen catheter having a shaft, at least a portion of which is continuously extruded and undergoes a change in polymer composition during that extension. The invention includes the substituent shaft per se and a method of making the shaft.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is a catheter for treating a target site by delivering a controlled amount of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent (the target site being accessible by a tortuous path through the vasculature), the perfusion tip assembly on first catheter, and a process of using that catheter to deliver fluids to the selected vascular site.

Abstract: The catheter with atraumatic drug delivery tip can be sued to access remote tortuous blood vessels and to deliver defined doses of medication over a desired length of the accesses vessel. The guidewire of the catheter helps guiding the catheter to a desired location and can be used to control release of medication in axial as well as in radial direction inside the vessel. The catheter is designed with sections of different flexibility.

Abstract: A device for occluding a blood vessel comprising a helical metal coil having at least one fibrous element attached to its proximal end wherein the fibrous element(s) extends in a sinusoidal wave configuration, the loops of which extend about individual windings at spaced intervals along the axis of the coil.

Abstract: A device for occluding a blood vessel comprising a helical metal coil having at least one fibrous element attached to its proximal end wherein the fibrous element(s) extends in a sinusoidal wave configuration, the loops of which extend about individual windings at spaced intervals along the axis of the coil.