Abstract: The leading end of a catheter tube is directionally controlled by reactive forces imparted to the tube by pressurized control fluid issued from selected control ports defined through the tube proximate its forward end. The reactive forces can be used to bend, turn, propel and otherwise maneuver the advancing catheter. A circumferentially pleated section of the tube may be provided to facilitate bending. A flexible and annular flow baffle may be disposed in the control port outflow path to minimize control flow impact on the vessel wall and/or to affect thrust direction.

Abstract: A method of bonding a material to a substrate utilizing a hydrogel adhesive and a source of microwave energy of at least 100 MHz through a waveguide. The bonding may be temporary and frangible by water or may be permanent where it is achieved in a pressure vessel.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve comprising a semi-rigid framework having three projecting symmetrical struts and open axially therethrough, as well as a polyurethane elastomeric membrane attached to the struts and constituting three leaflets, is formed by molding the framework, including the base and strut, using polyurethane resin; forming the elastomeric membrane, of polyurethane resin which is thin relative to the framework, and forming a thickened commissure along the leading edge of the membrane as well as reinforcing lines radiating from its base; then joining the framework with the elastomeric membrane using an adhesive cement so as to permanently bond the membrane to the framework.

Abstract: A single-lumen, one piece catheter approximately 0.04 inch in diameter with an integral balloon at its end having a wall thickness of 0.005 inch or less, sufficiently small to be retractible by suction into the catheter and to be extensible at a desired site by fluid pressure. The balloon may have a calibrated restricted leak aperture. The balloon portion of the catheter is made by heating a portion of the catheter tubing, stretching the tubing lengthwise, and applying fluid pressure to the tubing. The apparatus for forming the balloon includes a spring-loaded clamp to hold the tubing at one end, a capstan to hold the tubing at the other end, a heating coil wrapped around the tubing near the clamped end thereof and mounted with the clamp, and a mechanism for controlling the pressure and volume of the pressurizing gas entering the lumen of the tube in accordance with the retractile movement of the spring-loaded clamp.

Abstract: A polyurethane heart valve has a semirigid frame composed of a base ring and three struts, and an elastomeric membrane integral and unitary with the frame, the contours of which make up three leaflets of the valve. The leading edges of the leaflets which form the commissure line are reinforced with a narrow elastomer band. The leaflets are further reinforced by radiating lines projected from the frame into the leaflet and which simulate collagen formation in natural leaflets. In addition, the transition between the frame and the leaflets is tapered.

Abstract: An electrode for implantation in the heart to control atrio-ventricular block by artificial pacemaker including plural electrically conductive wires grouped in a bundle with spring metal arcuate prongs formed on one end thereof. A sheath is provided to compress the prongs for insertion of the electrode through a cannula to place the electrode against the heart. The electrode is implanted in the heart by advancing the prongs through the pericardium into the myocardium.

Abstract: An artificial valve remotely placeable in a blood vessel without major surgery to supplant the function of a malfunctioning natural valve including an expansible check valve remotely placed in a constricted configuration through the vessel and a remotely removable constraint for selective expansion of the check valve for sealing engagement thereof within the walls of the vessel at the desired location.