Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a coiled endoluminal prosthesis (122, 190, 198) and a catheter (136) having at least first and second telescoping shafts (138, 140, 142). The prosthesis is releasably engaged to the distal ends (144, 146, 148) of the telescoping shafts. The prosthesis is capable of assuming a second, expanded diameter state from a first, reduced diameter state. The length and number of turns (128) of the coiled prosthesis can be changed by the relative translation and rotation of the shafts. The catheter assembly is especially useful for placing a coiled stent graft (122), in which one turn (132, 134) of the prosthesis has a greater pitch than the adjacent turns, at the intersection (184) of a bifurcation within a blood vessel (182). Remotely viewable marker elements (188, 190, 191, 192, 193, 195, 197) may be used and include a marker element (193, 190A, 197) configured to indicate orientation as well as axial position of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A catheter (4) includes a hollow catheter shaft (18), an inflatable balloon (36) surrounding the catheter shaft distal portion, and an expandable endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent graft (38, 40), surrounding the balloon. The stent is typically a coiled stent having distal ends (58, 48) slidably housed within stent end holders (56, 50) on the catheter shaft. The first stent end is released from its holder by inflating the balloon. The second stent end is selectively released from its holder by other than inflating the balloon, typically by a push wire (30) pushing the second stent end out of its holder. A sheath (8) is moveable between a first position surrounding the stent and a second position spaced-apart from the stent. The stent is prevented from assuming its expanded-diameter state by (1) the engagement of the stent ends with the catheter shaft through the stent end holders, and (2) the sheath being in its first position during the introducing step.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a coiled endoluminal prosthesis (122, 190, 198) and a catheter (136) having at least first and second telescoping shafts (138, 140, 142). The prosthesis is releasably engaged to the distal ends (144, 146, 148) of the telescoping shafts. The prosthesis is capable of assuming a second, expanded diameter state from a first, reduced diameter state. The length and number of turns (128) of the coiled prosthesis can be changed by the relative translation and rotation of the shafts. The catheter assembly is especially useful for placing a coiled stent graft (122), in which one turn (132, 134) of the prosthesis has a greater pitch than the adjacent turns, at the intersection (184) of a bifurcation within a blood vessel (182). Remotely viewable marker elements (188, 190, 191, 192, 193, 195, 197) may be used and include a marker element (193, 190A, 197) configured to indicate orientation as well as axial position of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A cell necrosis apparatus is described. The cell necrosis apparatus includes an identification and usage device capable of performing an encrypted handshake protocol with an energy source. The identification and usage device is capable of identifying the cell necrosis apparatus, to prevent the use of unauthorized devices with the energy source, as well as controlling and causing a record to be made of a usage of the cell necrosis apparatus.

Abstract: A device for the ablation of tissue for use with the human hand and a radio frequency power supply and controller providing a source of radio frequency energy and a control for controlling the application of radio frequency energy to the device. The device includes a handle sized so that is adapted to be grasped by the human hand and has proximal and distal extremities. A needle formed of a conducting material has proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity of the needle is mounted on the distal extremity of the handle so that it is insulated from the handle. Conductors are carried by the handle and are connected to the needle and extend from the handle and are coupled to the radio frequency power supply and controller for supplying radio frequency energy to the needle.