Abstract: A pacemaker lead-guide catheter kit and system having anatomical target detection and distance measurement capabilities that aid in more precise lead implantation. The kit and system comprises a guide catheter and a lead, either or both of which include at least one ultrasound transducer that is used to more precisely implant the lead. The guide catheter may include an optical viewing assembly or window capable of displaying indicia on a portion of the guide catheter, pacing lead, or other medical apparatus. The optical viewing assembly is configured to display or transmit an image of the indicia which represents a distance from an end of the guide catheter or an end of a lead to the anatomical target. Additionally, the optical viewing assembly and indicia enables a Cardiologist to determine the location and/or depth of penetration of the lead.

Abstract: A coiled member of a medical device extends along a length of an elongate body of the device. A surface of the coiled member extends at an angle, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body, from a first edge to a second edge, toward the proximal end of the body, such that the first edge of the surface is disposed in close proximity to the body and the second edge of the surface is spaced apart from the body.

Abstract: An elongate body of a medical device includes at least one retaining segment extending along a length of the body, the retaining segment including a plurality of fish-like scales directed in a first common direction.

Abstract: A coiled member of a medical device extends along a length of an elongate body of the device. A surface of the coiled member extends at an angle, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body, from a first edge to a second edge, toward the proximal end of the body, such that the first edge of the surface is disposed in close proximity to the body and the second edge of the surface is spaced apart from the body.

Abstract: A medical device having retention means extending along a length of an elongate body of the medical device including a plurality of projections adapted to interfere with a wall of a generally tubular vessel to retain the body within the vessel.

Abstract: Novel retention means extending along a length of an elongate body of a medical device include a plurality of projections adapted to interfere with a wall of a generally tubular vessel to retain the body within the vessel.

Abstract: An elongate body of a medical device includes at least one retaining segment extending along a length of the body, the retaining segment including a plurality of fish-like scales directed in a first common direction.

Abstract: The implantable device for long term monitoring of congestive heart failure employs a signal generator, such as within a pacemaker, to generate an electrical signal which is monitored to obtain a single or dual frequency measurement that can independently measure systemic venous and pulmonary (lung) impedance. The device is able to detect changes in resistance to a flow of current in the systemic venous system and changes in impedance to a flow of current through a lung to thereby indicate separate detection of systemic venous and pulmonary congestion.

Abstract: The sealing device is composed of an intra-arterial occluder and an extra-arterial occluder, both made of resilient biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable material and held in place via a saw-toothed guide extending integrally from the intra-arterial occluder. An insertion tool is provided to effect sliding of the extra-arterial occluder over the guide and fixation of the extra-arterial occluder to the guide in sealed relation over an opening in body tissue and safe cutting of the guide. A force gauge is provided on the tool to indicate the sealing pressure on the intra-arterial occluder.

Abstract: The electrode lead is provided with a tine assembly having tines which can be actively moved back and forth between a retracted position and an extended position. The tines are mounted on an electrode tip which is movable relative to an elongated tubular body and are fixed to the body so that upon movement of the tip relative to the body, the tines can be moved between the retracted and extended positions. A threaded rod which is rotatably mounted within the elongated body is used to move the conductive electrode tip relative to the non-conductive tubular body.