Abstract: A deflective medical device including a catheter shaft having a distal end, and an ablation electrode disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft. A deflection body is provided within the catheter shaft, and the deflection body includes a longitudinally extending spine. Multiple slots are formed in the deflection body, and the slots define a group of ribs. A flex member is disposed distal to the deflection body, and an intermediate region is defined between the deflection body and the flex member. A deflection mechanism is coupled to the intermediate region, which includes a retaining member, a collar, and a pull wire coupled to the collar.

Abstract: Medical devices such as pull wire catheters and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. A pull wire catheter may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end region, a distal end region and a lumen extending between the proximal end region and the distal end region. A therapeutic element may be disposed at the distal end region. A pull wire may extend through the lumen to the distal end region and may be fixed to the distal end region such that relative movement between the pull wire and the tubular member proximal region alters the distal end region. The pull wire may have a core comprising a first material having a first conductivity and a cladding comprising a second material having a second conductivity.

Abstract: Intravascular device for matching impedances of portions of an intravascular circuit and limiting RF signal-induced heating of intravascular conductors. An intravascular device includes alternating conductive and dielectric layers and an electrically conductive coil in a configuration that effects an impedance-matching circuit. Another embodiment of an intravascular device has cylindrical inner and outer walls formed of an expandable, electrically conductive material, the inner and outer walls being separated by a compressible dielectric material. Varying the pressure in the lumen defined by the inner wall changes the spacing between the inner and outer walls, thereby changing the capacitance between the inner and outer wall. Another embodiment of an intravascular device includes one or more coaxial chokes for limiting heating caused by currents induced by RF signals. A conductive shield of the choke is formed of a conductive polymer to further reduce heating effects.

Abstract: Intravascular device for matching impedances of portions of an intravascular circuit and limiting RF signal-induced heating of intravascular conductors. An intravascular device includes alternating conductive and dielectric layers and an electrically conductive coil in a configuration that effects an impedance-matching circuit. Another embodiment of an intravascular device has cylindrical inner and outer walls formed of an expandable, electrically conductive material, the inner and outer walls being separated by a compressible dielectric material. Varying the pressure in the lumen defined by the inner wall changes the spacing between the inner and outer walls, thereby changing the capacitance between the inner and outer wall. Another embodiment of an intravascular device includes one or more coaxial chokes for limiting heating caused by currents induced by RF signals. A conductive shield of the choke is formed of a conductive polymer to further reduce heating effects.

Abstract: An intravascular device for measuring blood pressure and flow is disclosed, which includes an elongate shaft having a pressure transducer and a flow transducer connected to its distal end. The pressure transducer may be a ferrofluid-type pressure transducer and the flow transducer may be an anemometer-type flow transducer. Measurement circuitry is also disclosed which provides a means for simultaneous measurement of both blood pressure and blood flow parameters. A sensor shield may be employed to isolate radial blood flow which is indicative of turbulent blood flow. An alternative blood flow measurement device is also disclosed which utilizes a thin metal film anemometer to measure flow in a vascular lumen.

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 a 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: 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.