Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter or cannula system that facilitates cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries and enables prolonged circulatory support of the heart. More specifically, the present invention provides an aortic catheter system including a porous aortic root balloon capable of occluding the aorta, delivering cardioplegia and providing tactile feedback and helping to maintain the competency of regurgitant aortic valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter or cannula system that facilitates cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries and enables prolonged circulatory support of the heart. More specifically, the present invention provides an aortic catheter system including a porous aortic root balloon capable of occluding the aorta, delivering cardioplegia and providing tactile feedback and helping to maintain the competency of regurgitant aortic valves.

Abstract: A perfusion shunt apparatus and methods are described for isolating and selectively perfusing a segment of a patient's cardiovascular system and for directly circulatory flow around the isolated segment. An aortic perfusion shunt apparatus is configured for deployment within a patient's aortic arch and methods are described for isolating the aortic arch vessels from the aortic lumen, for selectively perfusing the arch vessels with a fluid and for directly blood flow within the aortic lumen through a shunt past the isolated arch vessels. The perfusion shunt apparatus may be mounted on a catheter or cannula for percutaneous introduction or for direct insertion into a circulatory vessel, such as the aorta.

Abstract: A perfusion shunt apparatus and methods are described for isolating and selectively perfusing a segment of a patient's cardiovascular system and for directing circulatory flow around the isolated segment. An aortic perfusion shunt apparatus is configured for deployment within a patient's aortic arch and methods are described for isolating the aortic arch vessels from the aortic lumen, for selectively perfusing the arch vessels with a fluid and for directing blood flow within the aortic lumen through a shunt past the isolated arch vessels. The perfusion shunt apparatus may be mounted on a catheter or cannula for percutaneous introduction or for direct insertion into a circulatory vessel, such as the aorta.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic catheter having an upstream occlusion member positioned in the ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery and a downstream anchoring member positioned in the descending aorta, downstream of the aortic arch. The upstream occlusion member may be an inflatable balloon or a selectively deployable external catheter valve. The downstream anchoring member may be a larger inflatable balloon or other anchoring structure that provides sufficient friction to prevent migration of the balloon catheter in the upstream or downstream direction. In addition, an arch perfusion lumen, a corporeal perfusion lumen and a cardioplegia lumen are provided for performing selective perfusion and cardioplegic arrest.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-access cannula for use in a variety of surgical procedures, particularly for use in the course of performing conventional open-chest and peripheral access cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The multi-access cannula is capable of being inserted through a single puncture site with a percutaneous tip. At the appropriate depth of insertion, a closure seal may be engaged at the point of entry to secure the positioning of the cannula and prevent leakage of blood from the incision. Once the cannula is at the appropriate position the cannula provides a multiplicity of procedural options for the surgeon. For example, when approaching through the ascending aorta, the multi-access cannula enables the simultaneous passage of various fluids and multiple catheters or instruments in opposing directions within the lumen of the aortic arch through a single insertion site.

Abstract: A dual-mode transmitter (100) adjusts a signal's deviation level when switched between a wideband mode and a narrowband mode of operation. The transmitter (100) automatically attenuates the deviation of the signal based on a ratio of the maximum deviation level for the wideband mode to the maximum deviation for the narrowband mode utilizing wideband/narrowband maximum deviation adjust circuitry (115). Because the attenuation based on the ratio of the maximum deviation levels is too large for a narrowband mode signal having average deviation, the signal is amplified based on a ratio of the average deviation level for the wideband mode to the average deviation for the narrowband mode utilizing wideband/narrowband average deviation adjust circuitry (103). Attenuation and amplification of the signal's deviation occur when the dual-mode transmitter (100) is operating in the narrowband mode.

Abstract: A low-profile steerable dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures which has an inflated balloon on the distal end with little or no tendency to wrap on itself when the catheter is advanced through a patient's vascular system. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular member which is longitudinally relatively flexible but diametrically relatively rigid, a guide extension secured to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and an inflatable balloon secured on the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the elongated tubular member and on the distal end directly or indirectly to the guide member or the tubular member and an elongated flexible member such as a helical coil secured to the guide extension distally of the balloon. The elongated tubular member is preferably a hypotube of stainless steel or nitinol.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter having a balloon with an inflated length than can be adjusted according to the length of stenosis to be dilated. In one embodiment an exterior sheath having an expandable distal tip is employed about a elongated balloon which can be longitudinally adjusted so as to expose a length of balloon which provides a working balloon length required to dilate the stenosis. In another embodiment, the balloon has independently inflatable chambers. In yet another embodiment, the balloon has longitudinal tubular sections which expand sequentially higher pressures. Other means are also described.

Abstract: N-acyl-derivatives of hydroxyamines suitable for the therapeutic treatment of pathologies characterized by degranulation of mast cells caused by a neurogenic and/or immunogenic hyperstimulation.

Abstract: A low-profile steerable dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures which has an inflated balloon on the distal end with little or no tendency to wrap on itself when the catheter is advanced through a patient's vascular system. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular member which is longitudinally relatively flexible but diametrically relatively rigid, a guide extension secured to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and an inflatable balloon secured on the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the elongated tubular member and on the distal end directly or indirectly to the guide member or the tubular member and an elongated flexible member such as a helical coil secured to the guide extension distally of the balloon. The elongated tubular member is preferably a hypotube of stainless steel or nitinol.

Abstract: A perfusion-type dilatation catheter with perfusion ports in the wall of the catheter shaft wherein the proximal edges of the perfusion ports have depressions extending into a guidewire receiving inner lumen which passes through the catheter shaft. The depressed proximal edges prevent excursions of guidewires through the perfusion ports as the guidewire is passed through the guidewire receiving inner lumen. The perfusion ports may be conveniently made by forming holes into the wall of the catheter shaft, inserting shaping pins into the holes, heating the wall of the catheter shaft to make it readily deformable and then rotating the shaping pins proximally along the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft so that the rotated shaping pins form depressions along the proximal edges of the perfusion ports which extend into the guidewire receiving inner lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Self-venting balloon dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member having at least one lumen therein extending longitudinally thereof. A balloon is carried by the flexible tubular member and is in communication with the lumen. A fitting is carried by the tubular member for inflating the balloon with a balloon inflation medium. A plurality of small passages are formed which permit air to escape from the interior of the balloon but inhibit the passage of the balloon inflation medium from the balloon.

Abstract: Tandem balloon dilatation catheter assembly having a flexible elongate member with proximal and distal ends. The flexible elongate member is provided with at least first and second lumens extending therethrough. First and second balloons are carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and are spaced apart longitudinally thereof. The first balloon has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the second balloon. The first balloon is disposed distally of the second balloon. Communication is established between the interior of the first balloon and the first lumen and between the interior of the second balloon and the second lumen.

Abstract: A low-profile steerable dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures which has an inflated balloon on the distal end with little or no tendency to wrap on itself when the catheter is advanced through a patient's vascular system. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular member which is longitudinally relatively flexible but diametrically relatively rigid, a guide extension secured to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and an inflatable balloon secured on the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the elongated tubular member and on the distal end directly or indirectly to the guide member or the tubular member and an elongated flexible member such as a helical coil secured to the guide extension distally of the balloon. The elongated tubular member is preferably a hypotube of stainless steel or nitinol.

Abstract: Self-venting balloon dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member having at least one lumen therein extending longitudinally thereof. A balloon is carried by the flexible tubular member and is in communication with the lumen. A fitting is carried by the tubular member for inflating the balloon with a balloon inflating medium. A plurality of small passages are formed which permit air to escape from the interior of the balloon but inhibit the passage of the balloon inflation medium from the balloon.

Abstract: Floppy guide wire comprising an elongate flexible element formed of a metallic material. The element has a cylindrical proximal portion, a tapered intermediate portion and a flattened distal portion. A coil formed of a substantially radiopaque material is secured to said element and is generally concentric with the element. The coil extends beyond a rounded metallic protrusion is carried by the distal extremity of the coil and is spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. A safety wire is disposed within the coil and is secured to the protrusion and to the flexible elongate element.

Abstract: Hemostatic valve and method for positioning a plurality of elongated elements such as dilatation catheters and guide wires in the cardiovascular system. The hemostatic valve has two or more separately sealable access ports through which the elongated elements can be inserted and manipulated independently of each other.

Abstract: Low profile dilation catheter and method of manufacturing the same for use in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The catheter has an inflatable balloon for dilating stenotic lesions, and an integral guide wire by which the catheter can be steered into the artery system.

Abstract: Guide wire and method for insertion and use of a catheter. The guide wire has a shaft of substantially smaller diameter than the luminal opening, with a flexible coil at one end of the shaft. The guide wire is inserted into the cardiovascular system, and the catheter is advanced along the guide wire to the desired position, with the flexible coil outside the distal end of the catheter. An annular passageway is formed between the shaft and the wall of the luminal opening, and fluids are passed through this passageway while the guide wire is within the catheter. A marker of radio opaque material is provided at the distal end of the guide wire so that the position of the wire can be accurately determined even though the wire itself may be too small to be visible with a fluoroscope.