Abstract: An extendable shield apparatus for reducing radiation exposure of medical personnel to be used especially in hospitals is provided that comprises a base capable of being connected to a patient table of an X-ray fluoroscopy bed and a pole connected substantially vertically to the base. A dispenser for X-ray opaque blanket is supported by the pole, and a self-supporting X-ray opaque blanket capable of being extended from the dispenser.

Abstract: An extendable shield apparatus for reducing radiation exposure of medical personnel to be used especially in hospitals is provided that comprises a base capable of being connected to a patient table of an X-ray fluoroscopy bed and a pole connected substantially vertically to the base. A dispenser for X-ray opaque blanket is supported by the pole, and a self-supporting X-ray opaque blanket capable of being extended from the dispenser.

Abstract: A movable device holds a radiation protection drape for reducing exposure and protecting medical personnel from hazardous X-ray radiation scattered by the patient during fluoroscopy. The device enables positioning an X-ray opaque drape such that it covers the patient in an anatomically and procedurally compatible ways that reduces significantly the scattered radiation towards the operators. The device is capable of repositioning the X-ray opaque drape according to the C-arm movement to prevent interfering with the X-ray beam and the fluoroscopy image. The device is simple to use, reusable, and intended for the invasive, diagnostic and interventional procedure done in the catheterization laboratory.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter device comprising: an elongated collapsible catheter body with a distal end and a proximal end, having a duct along a portion of the distal end of the elongated body for engagement with a guide-wire, and having a lumen extending from the proximal end towards the distal end, a portion of the lumen at the distal end substantially parallel to at least a portion of the duct; and a stiffening insert for inserting inside the lumen up to a distal end of the lumen, so as to allow advancing the catheter by advancing the stiffening insert, which pushes the distal end of the elongated body at the distal end of the lumen, dragging the rest of the catheter behind it.

Abstract: A catheter configured to carry one or more stents and having an inflatable balloon for expanding a stent surrounding the balloon. The catheter is characterized in having a positioner for moving the one or more stents relative to the balloon from a first position in which the stent does not surround the balloon to a second position in which the stent surrounds the balloon. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a stent at a desired location in the vascular system.

Abstract: A catheter configured to carry one or more stents and having an inflatable balloon for expanding a stent surrounding the balloon. The catheter is characterized in having a positioner for moving the one or more stents relative to the balloon from a first position in which the stent does not surround the balloon to a second position in which the stent surrounds the balloon. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a stent at a desired location in the vascular system.

Abstract: A catheter configured to carry one or more stents and having an inflatable balloon for expanding a stent surrounding the balloon. The catheter is characterized in having a positioner for moving the one or more stents relative to the balloon from a first position in which the stent does not surround the balloon to a second position in which the stent surrounds the balloon. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a stent at a desired location in the vascular system.

Abstract: A catheter configured to carry one or more stents and having an inflatable balloon for expanding a stent surrounding the balloon. The catheter is characterized in having a positioner for moving the one or more stents relative to the balloon from a first position in which the stent does not surround the balloon to a second position in which the stent surrounds the balloon. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a stent at a desired location in the vascular system.

Abstract: A catheter configured to carry one or more stents and having an inflatable balloon for expanding a stent surrounding the balloon. The catheter is characterized in having a positioner for moving the one or more stents relative to the balloon from a first position in which the stent does not surround the balloon to a second position in which the stent surrounds the balloon. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a stent at a desired location in the vascular system.

Abstract: A catheter configured to carry one or more stents and having an inflatable balloon for expanding a stent surrounding the balloon. The catheter is characterized in having a positioner for moving the one or more stents relative to the balloon from a first position in which the stent does not surround the balloon to a second position in which the stent surround the balloon. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a stent at a desired location in the vascular system.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a blood vessel, comprising an elongate body having an axis, a lumen along said axis, a proximal opening at one end, connected to the lumen and a front tip at a distal end of the body; and an elongate hydraulic fluid column in said lumen and adapted to apply a pushing force to said front tip in a distal direction, said force being applied at an application point. Optionally, the body comprises two tubes, one or which extends in response to the pushing force.

Abstract: A catheter capable of being propelled through blood vessels. The catheter comprises at its distal end a head portion and, proximal thereto, a propulsion compartment. The propulsion compartment comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, the tubes being concentric, wherein one of the inner or outer tubes can slidingly move in relation to the other of the inner or outer tubes in response to a pressure exerted thereon by a fluid introduced into one or both of the tubes. A method for propelling a catheter through the lumen of a body vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter drive system, comprising: an inner tube adapted for inserting into a human body; an outer tube configured to slidably and snugly engage said inner tube, outside of a human body; and a pushing mechanism adapted to apply a pushing force to said inner tube less than 100 mm from an end thereof, such that said inner tube can extend at least 200 mm.

Abstract: A catheter configured to carry one or more stents and having an inflatable balloon for expanding a stent surrounding the balloon. The catheter is characterized in having a positioner for moving the one or more stents relative to the balloon from a first position in which the stent does not surround the balloon to a second position in which the stent surrounds the balloon. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a stent at a desired location in the vascular system.

Abstract: A lock assembly incorporating an exterior knob assembly which is axially movable into engagement with a latchbolt. The knob assembly includes a shaft having a circumferential groove into which a plurality of locking pins extend. The position of the locking pins is controlled by means of a number of combination knobs, and normally one or more of the locking pins is positioned within the circumferential groove to prevent axial movement of the exterior knob assembly. When the proper combination is chosen, the locking pins will be out of engagement with the groove, thereby allowing the exterior knob assembly to be moved into engagement with the latchbolt. The latch bolt can also be actuated by means of an interior knob assembly. The interior knob assembly is movable into a position which prevents engagement of the exterior knob assembly with the latchbolt despite the fact that the locking pins are all retracted from the circumferential groove.