Abstract: A novel ventricular assist device is disclosed comprising a pump unit and a motor unit. The pump unit is made up of an impeller, an impeller housing, and a shaft. The impeller and/or the impeller housing are expandable, allowing for custom fitting and positioning of the pump unit within the ventricle. In certain embodiments, the shaft is adjustable, allowing for further customization of fit.

Abstract: A vascular access needle assembly is provided. The needle assembly includes a housing interconnected with a needle. The housing and the needle have slots along their lengths which are aligned to form a slot extending along the entire needle assembly. A sheath interconnected with the needle extends partially about the needle and includes a slot. The vascular access needle, with the needle point exposed and needle slot closed, can be inserted into the blood vessel of a subject and a guide wire can be inserted into the blood vessel through the needle assembly. The sheath is then moved to cover the needle point and to expose the needle slot so that the guide wire can be lifted through the needle, sheath and housing slots and the vascular access needle assembly removed, leaving the guide wire in the subject. The device can also be used as a wire introducer for catheters.

Abstract: A vascular access needle assembly is provided. The needle assembly includes a housing interconnected with a needle. The housing and the needle have slots along their lengths which are aligned to form a slot extending along the entire needle assembly. A sheath interconnected with the needle extends partially about the needle and includes a slot. The vascular access needle, with the needle point exposed and needle slot closed, can be inserted into the blood vessel of a subject and a guide wire can be inserted into the blood vessel through the needle assembly. The sheath is then moved to cover the needle point and to expose the needle slot so that the guide wire can be lifted through the needle, sheath and housing slots and the vascular access needle assembly removed, leaving the guide wire in the subject. The device can also be used as a wire introducer for catheters.

Abstract: A novel ventricular assist device is disclosed comprising a pump unit and a motor unit. The pump unit is made up of an impeller, an impeller housing, and a shaft. The impeller and/or the impeller housing are expandable, allowing for custom fitting and positioning of the pump unit within the ventricle. In certain embodiments, the shaft is adjustable, allowing for further customization of fit.

Abstract: An inflatable circulation assist device is disclosed consisting of an inflatable stator housing an impeller with inflatable blades of varying shapes and sizes. The invention is introduced into the patient percutaneously. The circulation assist device is a small pump packaged into a compact form that is attached to a long flexible driveshaft. The pump is inserted along a guidewire to a target location, and then the pump is inflated. The circulation assist device's exterior is designed to expand only so much as to closely fit whatever cardiovascular system element in which it is placed for operation. The vascular assist device can be expanded either by inflation with a fluid. The driveshaft, which connects to the circulation assist device's impeller and extends outside the patient's body, is rotated by an external motor. After the circulation assist device is no longer needed, it is collapsed into a compact form and removed from the patient percutaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for and method of treatment or vascular procedures. An exitable lumen guide wire sheath is disclosed and advantages thereof. The exitable lumen guide wire sheath and method may be used as a multiple exitable lumen or single exitable lumen. A method of treatment of multiple branch vascular lesions is disclosed in which a desired branch of a multiple branch lesion may be protected for further procedures by an interventionalist or other practitioner. Other combinations and uses for the disclosed invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for and method of treatment or vascular procedures. An exitable lumen guide wire sheath is disclosed and advantages thereof. The exitable lumen guide wire sheath and method may be used as a multiple exitable lumen or single exitable lumen. A method of treatment of multiple branch vascular lesions is disclosed in which a desired branch of a multiple branch lesion may be protected for further procedures by an interventionalist or other practitioner. Other combinations and uses for the disclosed invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for and method of treatment or vascular procedures. An exitable lumen guide wire sheath is disclosed and advantages thereof. The exitable lumen guide wire sheath and method may be used as a multiple exitable lumen or single exitable lumen. A method of treatment of multiple branch vascular lesions is disclosed in which a desired branch of a multiple branch lesion may be protected for further procedures by an interventionalist or other practitioner. Other combinations and uses for the disclosed invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: An inflatable circulation assist device is disclosed consisting of an inflatable stator housing an impeller with inflatable blades of varying shapes and sizes. The invention is introduced into the patient percutaneously. The circulation assist device is a small pump packaged into a compact form that is attached to a long flexible driveshaft. The pump is inserted along a guidewire to a target location, and then the pump is inflated. The circulation assist device's exterior is designed to expand only so much as to closely fit whatever cardiovascular system element in which it is placed for operation. The vascular assist device can be expanded either by inflation with a fluid. The driveshaft, which connects to the circulation assist device's impeller and extends outside the patient's body, is rotated by an external motor. After the circulation assist device is no longer needed, it is collapsed into a compact form and removed from the patient percutaneously.