Abstract: A balloon catheter which has an elongate shaft with an inflatable balloon connected to its distal end and a manifold connected to its proximal end. The manifold may be fixedly or removably attached to the shaft and includes a barrel with a plunger movably disposed inside it. The barrel has an internal volume of less than 5 cc and an internal diameter of less than 0.25 inches. A pressure transducer may be mounted to the manifold to permit measurement via a sensor tube. A pressure source for a balloon catheter including a barrel with a plunger inside it. The barrel is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the catheter and has an internal volume less than 5 cc and an internal diameter of less than 0.25 inches. A pressure sensor may be connected to the barrel with a sensor tube defining a fluid path from the interior of the barrel to the pressure sensor. A lock mechanism may be connected to the barrel to control longitudinal movement of the plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a stent to a catheter as well as a method for crimping a stent to a catheter are disclosed in several embodiments. The apparatus in its various embodiments involves the application of a uniform radially inward force to a compressible tube in which the stent and catheter are situated.

Abstract: A balloon catheter which has an elongate shaft with an inflatable balloon connected to its distal end and a manifold connected to its proximal end. The manifold may be fixedly or removably attached to the shaft and includes a barrel with a plunger movably disposed inside it. The manifold may be held with one hand and the plunger may be actuated with one finger or thumb on the same hand. The barrel may have an internal volume of less than 5 cc and an internal diameter of less than 0.25 inches. The catheter also has a prep port which may be connected at or near the proximal end of the catheter. The prep port facilitates prepping of the catheter system. A seal (e.g. a releasable cap or a valve) may be connected to the prep port for sealing off the prep port during use. A pressure transducer may be mounted to the catheter (e.g. on the shaft, the manifold, the prep port, or the seal) to permit measurement of the pressure within the inflation lumen and the balloon.

Abstract: Guide catheter exchange device and method of exchanging a guide catheter. The guide catheter exchange device includes a magnetically responsive segment located on a proximal end for maintaining a previously placed guide wire in position across a stenosis, while performing a guide catheter exchange procedure. The guide catheter exchange device allows a guide catheter exchange procedure to be performed by a solo physician.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for controlling longitudinal movement of a tube relative to a shaft slidably disposed within the tube, especially in the catheterization of a patient. An operative segment on the shaft cooperates with an ancillary tool to create a coupling force field between the shaft and the tool. The tube can then be moved over the shaft while the coupling force field operates through the tube to restrict the movement of the shaft. In preferred embodiment, the shaft is a guide wire and the tube is a catheter with a lumen for slidably receiving the guide wire, while the coupling force field is created magnetically. In one embodiment, the operative segment is borne on a short guide wire extension which is selectively securable to a standard guide wire. In another embodiment, the tool has a telescoping handle for adjusting the handle length, and a movable cover for retaining the guide wire.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for controlling longitudinal movement of a tube relative to a shaft slidably disposed within the tube, especially in the catheterization of a patient. An operative segment on the shaft cooperates with an ancillary tool to create a coupling force field between the shaft and the tool. The tube can then be moved over the shaft while the coupling force field operates through the tube to restrict the movement of the shaft. In preferred embodiment, the shaft is a guide wire and the tube is a catheter with a lumen for slidably receiving the guide wire, while the coupling force field is created magnetically. In one embodiment, the operative segment is borne on a short guide wire extension which is selectively securable to a standard guide wire.

Abstract: Inflation apparatus for inflating a dilatation balloon of a catheter includes a frame having a first receiver supporting the barrel of a syringe. An operator has a second receiver supporting the plunger of the syringe. The syringe includes a fluid port for connecting the syringe chamber to the lumen of the catheter. A motor is supported by the frame and operatively connected to the operator to move the piston to change fluid pressure within the syringe chamber. A release device permits quick release of the pressure in the balloon catheter without the use of the motor. A pressure sensor is mounted to the frame to measure the pressure in the chamber through a diaphragm on the syringe. The pressure sensor operates a microprocessor-controlled display, which provides display of inflation and duration information and calculates other information. A circuit selectively operates the motor.

Abstract: An electrical connector module adapted for use in an access member to provide access to a circuit. The module includes an insulated housing surrounding a connector element and the housing includes a pair of side walls with edges forming a wire gripping slot. The module has particular advantages when arranged in an array to provide access to a plurality of circuits. The invention also relates to an improved connector element usable in connection with the electrical connector module.

Abstract: A wire insertion tool usable for inserting a wire into a split cylinder connector. The tool includes a central rod portion, a sleeve portion spaced outwardly from the rod portion and at least a pair of openings in the side wall of the sleeve portion to provide the tool with a self cleaning feature.