Abstract: A lightweight training aid is disclosed including selectively positioned posable appendages for use in various training exercises. The training aid may be formed of one or more separable and distinct portions including a head module, a torso module and a leg module, and combinations thereof. The head module and/or leg module may be releasably coupled to the torso module by interchangeable mounting arrangements. Appendages of the training aid may be posable, at least within a set range of motion, within any of a potentially infinite number of orientations. Methods of using such a training aid also are disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight training aid is disclosed including selectively positioned posable appendages for use in various training exercises. The training aid may be formed of one or more separable and distinct portions including a head module, a torso module and a leg module, and combinations thereof. The head module and/or leg module may be releasably coupled to the torso module by interchangeable mounting arrangements. Appendages of the training aid may be posable, at least within a set range of motion, within any of a potentially infinite number of orientations.

Abstract: A sled mounted training aid is disclosed including independently pivotable shoulder members and independently movable arm members for use in various training exercises. The training aid may be formed of opposing spring-loaded shoulder members that may be independently pivoted outwardly in response to a user's applied force. The training aid may also include independent arm members that include integrated coil springs attached to each of the shoulder members respectively, such that the arm members may be deflected in any direction in response to an exerted force. The combined range of motion of the shoulder members and arm members is approximately 200 degrees, and sufficient for a user to run past the pivoted arm without obstruction. Methods of using such a training aid also are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used for athletic training wherein movable arms are interconnected with a frame structure. A coil spring is used to reposition the arms to an original position. The arms and frame are typically comprised of a padded surface. The frame can be composed of a tubular structure to which the arms and head are releasably interconnected in multiple orientations. A target jersey with shoulder pads can be positioned over the frame to better simulate American football exercises.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having a guidewire lumen slidable sleeve. The lumen and sleeve have aligned apertures, which may be closed by moving the slidable sleeve. When the apertures are aligned, a guidewire may be loaded from the distal end of the catheter through the lumen. The guidewire is forced out of the lumen by a ramp in the lumen. The ramp is at the end of a removable core member, which provides enhanced shaft rigidity. The catheter may be converted from a "monorail" to an "over-the-wire" configuration by moving the slidable sleeve to close the aperture and advancing a replacement guidewire through the guidewire lumen past the now sealed aperture. A non-circular cross-section is used for the lumen, removable core member, and slidable sleeve, thereby maintaining orientation of the lumen and slidable sleeve apertures should the catheter undergo rotational flexing during use.

Abstract: The present invention is an "over-the-wire" catheter having a proximal adapter system which may be used to open a longitudinally closed guidewire lumen, thereby facilitating rapid removal of the catheter without a guidewire extension mechanism.

Abstract: A steerable balloon dilatation catheter which is particularly suitable for peripheral arteries having an elongated tubular member with a flexible, inelastic balloon on the distal end. The tubular member has a relatively stiff proximal portion formed of stainless steel and a relatively flexible distal portion formed of a polyester. A fixed guiding member is disposed within the catheter bonded to the proximal portion of the tubular member, to a short relatively rigid cylindrical member bonded to the distal portion of the tubular member and the distal end of the balloon.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the arterial system of a patient. The guidewire system has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by twisting the two sections to effect a threaded connection. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section an be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.

Abstract: A guidewire assembly particularly suitable for valvuloplasty procedures have an outer tubular member a first shapable core member fixed within the outer member and a second stiffer core member which is axially movable within the out tubular member. The first core member preferably has a double curvature shape with the most distal curvature having a much smaller radius or curvature than the second curvature. When the movable core member is moved proximally, the fixed core member assumes its shaped form and thereby changes the shape of the guidewire. The double curvature shape prevents the traumatic engagement of the distal tip of the guidewire with the lining in the heart chamber and also provides supports to the guidewire when disposed through the heart valve.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the cardiovascular system. The guidewire has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by pushing the two sections together and pulling them apart. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section can be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the cardiovascular system. The guidewire has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by pushing the two sections together and pulling them apart. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section can be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.