Abstract: An embolic protection device provides a filter membrane for removing emboli from a fluid flowing in a vessel of a patient. The filter membrane is mounted on a filter frame having an integrated strain relief mechanism that provides strain relief and kink resistance in the transition between the relatively stiff filter and the flexible distal tip of the guidewire that is used to guide the filter into the treatment area. The strain relief mechanism is one or more cuts through the distal end of the filter frame. The cut pattern, pitch and variation of the pitch from one end to the other provides a way of fine-tuning the strain relief to a wide variety of filter frames, guidewires and flexible distal guidewire tips.

Abstract: An embolic protection device provides a filter for removing emboli from a fluid flowing in a vessel of a patient. The filter is mounted on an elongated tubular member that extends along a substantial distal portion of a core guidewire used to place the filter in the appropriate position within the vessel of the patient. The tubular member provides a way to permit rotation of the core guidewire independent of rotation of the filter while also reducing the friction between the core guidewire and the delivery sheath. Improved torque response result. The tubular member may be one or more pieces that may be either coil wire tube or polymeric tubing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter is provided which has a stiff proximal cannula made of a material such as metal hypotubing. The distal end of the catheter includes an inflatable medical device balloon, an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen. A coiled transition assembly is positioned between the proximal cannula and the distal end section. This coiled transition assembly has a tightly wound coil within a tube and provides for a flexible transition between the two components of diverse stiffness, namely the proximal cannula and the flexible distal end portion. The dilatation catheter typically has an easily or rapidly exchangeable feature and is used in conjunction with a guiding catheter. During a procedure when the catheters are within the vascular system, the coiled transition section of the dilatation catheter readily follows tightly curved portions of the inserted guiding catheterby.