Abstract: A device is provided for illuminating a tissue surface to be treated. The device includes a catheter, a light emitting diode in the distal tip of the catheter, and a distal cap disposed over the distal end of the catheter. The device includes a handle connected to the proximal end of the catheter. An external source of energy is provided for supplying energy to the light emitting diode and for controlling the light emitting diode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for the treatment of body cavities and damaged vessels using electromagnetic energy. A device and apparatus according to the invention may be used to irradiate a tissue surface internal to the body, for example, for treatment of an aneurysm, tissue reconstructing, or removal of an anomaly in a blood vessel. Light energy may be radiated from an implantable and retrievable biocompatible matrix into which is mounted a plurality of electromagnetic energy sources, such as light emitting diodes or the like.

Abstract: The hydrogel for the treatment of aneurysms acts as a carrier for both a radiopaque agent allowing the hydrogel to be visualized under fluoroscopy and a therapeutic agent such as one or more human growth factors. The hydrogel is delivered through a catheter into the aneurysm, where the hydrogel becomes more viscous upon reaching body temperature, or upon exposure to bodily fluids, to block blood flow into the aneurysm. In addition to stopping blood flow into the aneurysm, the delivery of human growth factors to the aneurysm site promotes the growth of a cellular layer across the neck of the aneurysm. The hydrogel may be of a type that dissolves over time or one which remains as a permanent occlusive agent within the aneurysm.

Abstract: The variable stiffness electrically conductive catheter shaft includes one or more electrically conductive members, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the one or more electrically conductive members of a length shorter than the one or more electrically conductive members, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness electrically conductive catheter shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the one or more electrically conductive members, extending from the proximal end of the one or more electrically conductive members toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide the electrically conductive catheter shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the electrically conductive catheter shaft.

Abstract: A superelastic strand used for windings in a golf ball or as strings for a racquet of the type used for racquet sports. The strand is made with at least one fiber of a superelastic material which may be wound into a cable incorporating other fibers of polymeric or superelastic materials. The superelastic material used in the strand can be a nickel-titanium alloy which is heat treated to provide superelastic qualities.