Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device having an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon and downstream from the blockage to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to operatively position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon. Thus the filter is downstream from the blockage and is properly positioned to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: An improved stone basket is disclosed which comprises a handle having a slide and a piston movably mounted to it. In a first embodiment the distal end of a sheath is attached to the slide, and the distal end of a control wire is attached to the piston. A basket shaft is fixedly mounted to the handle. Initial rearward movement of the slide causes the sheath to retract over the fixed basket shaft, exposing a basket member at the forward end of the basket shaft and permitting it to open. Further rearward movement of the slide by the physician brings the slide into driving engagment with the piston. Thereafter, subsequent movement of the slide displaces the piston to exert a tension on the control wire to expand the basket member. In a second embodiment the sheath is fixedly mounted to the forward end of the handle. The rearward end of the basket shaft is mounted to the thumb slide, and the rearward end of the control wire is attached to the piston.

Abstract: A needle spacer is disclosed for use with a biopsy needle assembly of the type which is coupled to a driving unit to effect movement of the needle assembly. The needle spacer maintains the biopsy needle assembly in a predetermined operational relationship until after the needle assembly is coupled to the driving unit. In the preferred embodiment, the needle spacer prevents the lid of the driving unit from being closed while the needle spacer is still in place on the needle assembly, thereby eliminating the possibility that the physician will forget to remove the spacer prior to firing the instrument. In a first alternate embodiment, the needle spacer is configured to interfere with movement of the needles within the driving unit while the spacer is still in place so that if the physician attempts to fire the instrument with the needle spacer still in place, the needles will not advance.