Abstract: Methods of coupling a catheter to a stem are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stem extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end, and the stem can include at least one enlargement positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. In some embodiments, a catheter can be positioned over the at least one enlargement and over a region of the stem that is proximal to the at least one enlargement. In further embodiments, a collar can be mated to the stem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for detecting and treating diseased tissue in a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter shaft having a distal end comprising a light transmission zone. A first fiber lumen in the catheter shaft contains a diagnostic optical fiber having a distal end terminating within the light transmission zone for emitting and receiving light through the light transmission zone. A diagnostic subassembly at the proximal end and in communication with the diagnostic optical fiber processes diagnostic light for use in connection with a diagnostic method for detecting diseased tissue. A second fiber lumen can be provided in the catheter shaft for containing a treatment optical fiber for delivering treatment light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light transmission zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved light delivery catheters for use in therapeutic methods, such as PDT, that require illumination of target tissue within a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. An improved catheter includes an optical fiber that transmits light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to a light treatment zone. An occlusion balloon on the distal end of the catheter shaft adjacent to the light treatment zone receives fluid via an inflation lumen in the catheter shaft. An infusion lumen connects with a plurality of infusion ports at the light treatment zone to deliver infusion fluid to the hollow body organ so that blood can be flushed from the region between the light treatment zone and target tissue.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for effecting fluid-tight coupling and mechanical joinder between a medical device and a catheter tube. An elongated catheter connection stem attached to the medical device is received in the lumen of the catheter. A catheter securement collar is advanced proximally along the exterior of the catheter and connection stem inside the catheter into the assembled condition of the connection system, passing a locking ring on the interior of the securement collar over an enlargement on the distal end of the connection stem. Maximum catheter compression occurs at the locking ring, while a void internal of the catheter system is filled with an enlarged securement lip of catheter material. Distal of maximum catheter wall compression, the catheter traverses a tortuous path between the locking ring and the enlargement, around the shoulder of the enlargement, and along the adjacent surface of the enlargement.

Abstract: The invention comprises several aspects which are each independently useful or which may be combined in a variety of combinations. One aspect of the invention is placing an atmospheric reference vent at or near the top of a rigid drip chamber for draining CSF from a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the vent is placed on the inside of the drip assembly, immediately next to the CSF. The vent, in another aspect of the invention, is made of a hydrophobic material. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic material is expanded polytetraflouroethylene (e-PTFE). In yet another aspect of the invention, the vent is made of a porous material having a pore size that allows air to readily pass through while preventing CSF from passing through. A preferred embodiment of this aspect includes making the vent of expanded polytetraflouroethylene (e-PTFE) with a pore size ranging from about 0.22 ?m to about 5.0 ?m and more preferable a pore size of about 3 ?m.

Abstract: The invention comprises several aspects which are each independently useful or which may be combined in a variety of combinations. One aspect of the invention is placing an atmospheric reference vent at or near the top of a rigid drip chamber for draining CSF from a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the vent is placed on the inside of the drip assembly, immediately next to the CSF. The vent, in another aspect of the invention, is made of a hydrophobic material. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic material is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). In yet another aspect of the invention, the vent is made of a porous material having a pore size that allows air to readily pass through while preventing CSF from passing through. A preferred embodiment of this aspect includes making the vent of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with a pore size ranging from about 0.22 &mgr;m to about 5.0 &mgr;m and more preferable a pore size of about 3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention comprises several aspects which are each independently useful or which may be combined in a variety of combinations. One aspect of the invention is placing an atmospheric reference vent at or near the top of a rigid drip chamber for draining CSF from a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the vent is placed on the inside of the drip assembly, immediately next to the CSF. The vent, in another aspect of the invention, is made of a hydrophobic material. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic material is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). In yet another aspect of the invention, the vent is made of a porous material having a pore size that allows air to readily pass through while preventing CSF from passing through. A preferred embodiment of this aspect includes making the vent of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with a pore size ranging from about 0.22 &mgr;m to about 5.0 &mgr;m and more preferable a pore size of about 3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved light delivery catheters for use in therapeutic methods, such as PDT, that require illumination of target tissue within a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. An improved catheter comprises a catheter shaft having a light treatment zone at its distal end. A light guide, such as an optical fiber, in the catheter shaft transmits light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light treatment zone. An occlusion balloon is positioned on the distal end of the catheter shaft adjacent to the light treatment zone. An inflation lumen in the catheter shaft, and in fluid communication with the balloon, delivers fluid from an inflation fluid source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the balloon. An infusion lumen in the catheter shaft delivers infusion fluid from an infusion fluid source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light treatment zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for detecting and treating diseased tissue in a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter shaft having a distal end comprising a light transmission zone. A first fiber lumen in the catheter shaft contains a diagnostic optical fiber having a distal end terminating within the light transmission zone for emitting and receiving light through the light transmission zone. A diagnostic subassembly at the proximal end and in communication with the diagnostic optical fiber processes diagnostic light for use in connection with a diagnostic method for detecting diseased tissue. A second fiber lumen can be provided in the catheter shaft for containing a treatment optical fiber for delivering treatment light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light transmission zone.

Abstract: The invention comprises several aspects which are each independently useful or which may be combined in a variety of combinations. One aspect of the invention is placing an atmospheric reference vent at or near the top of a rigid drip chamber for draining CSF from a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the vent is placed on the inside of the drip assembly, immediately next to the CSF. The vent, in another aspect of the invention, is made of a hydrophobic material. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic material is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). In yet another aspect of the invention, the vent is made of a porous material having a pore size that allows air to readily pass through while preventing CSF from passing through. A preferred embodiment of this aspect includes making the vent of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with a pore size ranging from about 0.22 &mgr;m to about 5.0 &mgr;m and more preferable a pore size of about 3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An insert is disclosed that is placed in the slit in a slit tipped catheter during storage of the catheter. This insert prevents opposite of the slit from contacting and forming bonds that tend to close the slit. When the catheter is to be used, the insert is removed and the catheter is used in its intended way.