Abstract: A steerable three dimensional catheter to engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a patient includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a patient in whom the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior or left lateral interior surface of the ascending aorta of the patient. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two differently directed angles.

Abstract: A torqueable, three-dimensionally preformed guide or diagnostic catheter to selectively engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a human includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a human body in which the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior interior surface of the ascending aorta of the human body. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two angles which provide smoother transition than a single sharp angle.

Abstract: A torqueable, three-dimensionally preformed guide or diagnostic catheter to selectively engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a human includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a human body in which the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior interior surface of the ascending aorta of the human body. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two angles which provide smoother transition than a single sharp angle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for suturing a perforation in a side wall of a patient's blood vessel. The apparatus includes an outer sheath having a longitudinal passage defined therethrough. The outer sheath is adapted to be inserted through the perforation in the patient's blood vessel. The apparatus includes at least a first suture point and at least a first suture thread attached to said first suture point. A carrier device is provided for carrying the first suture point in a distal direction through the longitudinal passage of the outer sheath into the patient's blood vessel and for pulling the first suture point in a proximal direction through the side wall of the patient's blood vessel. At least two such suture points and suture threads are preferably so attached to the patient's blood vessel and are then utilized to close the perforation.

Abstract: A vascular sheath apparatus is used for placement of a medical device through a perforation in a side wall of a patient's blood vessel. An elongated cylindrical sheath has a distal end portion constructed to be received through the blood vessel. An annular expandable sealing device is disposed about the sheath and expandable radially outward beyond the outer surface of the sheath. The sealing device preferably lies generally in a plane oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the sheath. A clamp is slidably disposed on the sheath proximally of the sealing device and can slide toward the sealing device so as to sandwich the vessel wall and overlying tissue between the clamp and the expanded sealing device. The sealing device may be either an inflatable balloon or an accordion fold. Other features include the particular geometry of the clamp which makes it especially suited for use in clamping a sheath in place in the femoral artery.