Abstract: Implements, particularly medical instruments, formed at least in part of elongated polymer members, exhibit high torque fidelity after processing with tension, heat, and twisting. The processing orients the polymer in generally helical paths so that torque imposed at the proximal end can be transmitted to the distal end without substantial whipping, even if the implement follows a long and tortuous pathway. Applications include medical guidewires, catheters, and driveshafts.

Abstract: Implements, particularly medical instruments, formed at least in part of elongated polymer members, exhibit high torque fidelity after processing with tension, heat, and twisting. The processing orients the polymer in generally helical paths so that torque imposed at the proximal end can be transmitted to the distal end without substantial whipping, even if the implement follows a long and tortuous pathway. Applications include medical guidewires, catheters, and driveshafts.

Abstract: A guidewire adapted to be inserted into a vascular vessel or into a catheter that is to be inserted into a vascular vessel or the like. The guidewire comprises a coil of flexible radiotransparent wire having a proximal section and a distal section. The proximal section is formed of a coil of wire having abutting turns and distal section is formed by the same coil of wire with the turns of wire being spaced from each other. A layer of radiopaque material of predetermined length is disposed in a predetermined location on the distal section, the interior of the layer being interstitially disposed within the outer surface of the coil. A hemispherical tip is disposed at the distal end of the distal section. A small braze is made at the juncture between the proximal section and the distal section to prevent spreading of the coils from the abutting relationship in the proximal end of said guidewire.

Abstract: A catheter introducer sheath assembly, for introduction into a body passage of a catheter containing a filter comprises a flexible introducer sheath joined to the distal end of a closure device forming a through-passage with a diameter sufficient to pass the catheter therethrough. The closure device has a resilient member in the through-passage and two rotatable body portions, one stationary with respect to the resilient member, and the other rotatable about the axis of the resilient member with an internal cam circumferentially spaced around the axis. A compression member positioned radially in an extending aperture makes contact with both the resilient member and the cam surface to vary the through-passage allowing the operator to manually control the passage of the device. The sheath assembly receives a cathetory guidewire that slides through and extends beyond the closure device and the sheath.

Abstract: A guidewire assembly for measuring the size of occlusions in blood vessels which includes a guidewire having a flexible, distal end disposable in a blood vessel. The guidewire has a core wire disposed within it which extends to the distal tip. A linear array of radiopaque markers is disposed adjacent the distal tip of the core wire. The markers are spaced from each other at predetermined distances, whereby to enable the user to accurately measure the size and diameter of occlusions in blood vessels using radiological techniques.