Abstract: Expandable stent for insertion into a body passage having a mesh structure of interconnecting portions (6) joined together by joining portions (5). The stent, when inserted into said body passage, is adapted to dissolve into smaller parts, wherein the joining portions dissolve faster than the interconnecting portions. In a preferred embodiment the joining portions are made from a first material and the interconnecting portions are made from a second material different from said first material, wherein the first material dissolves faster than said second material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and guide wire assembly (21; 31; 41) for intravascular measurements of physiological variables in a living body, comprising a core wire (22; 32; 42) and sensor element (23; 33; 43). The sensor element (23; 33; 43) according to the invention comprises basically a mounting base (24; 34; 44) and a pressure sensitive end portion (25; 35; 45) whose upper side is provided with a pressure sensitive device, such as a membrane (26; 36; 46). The mounting base (24; 34; 44) extends downwards from the end opposite to the pressure sensitive end (25; 35; 45), such that, when the sensor element (23; 33; 43) is mounted on the core wire (22; 32; 42), a clearance (27; 37; 47) is formed below the pressure sensitive end (25; 35; 45).

Abstract: Methods and systems related to sealing punctures in blood vessels (such as following an angio or PTCA procedure) are disclosed. The invention provides a system to sense the location of a distal portion of a member within a body. The system includes an introducer portion having a distal end adapted to be placed within a body and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the distal end and is adapted to provide a pulsation which can be sensed by an operator when the distal end is placed within a pulsating portion of the body.

Abstract: An indicator device for visually indicating a pressure of blood inside a blood vessel includes: a body, the body comprising a duct extending in the body and having a sealed proximal end; a distal end portion adapted to be positioned inside the blood vessel and including a liquid inlet opening in fluid communication with the duct; and a window including an at least semi-transparent section configured to enable visual observation of blood entering into the duct via the inlet opening when the inlet opening is located inside the blood vessel.

Abstract: A femoral compression device (1; 41; 51; 61) for compressing a femoral artery of a patient is provided. The femoral compression device (1; 41; 51; 61) comprises a pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62), a compression member (8; 43; 56; 65) for compressive bearing against a puncture site, a base portion (3; 44; 52) provided with two opposing extensions (4, 5; 45, 46; 53, 54), to the ends of which a belt (6), which is adapted to be arranged around the patient's body, can be fixed. According to the invention, the pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62) is characterized by non-uniform overall action constants, such that when a low compression pressure is applied, the pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62) exhibits a small action constant, and when a high compression pressure is applied, the pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62) exhibits a large action constant.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to sealing punctures in blood vessels (such as following an angio or PTCA procedure) are disclosed. The position of a distal end of an introducer assembly in tissue is determined using a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is connected to the proximal end of the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly has a fluid path between its distal end and its proximal end. Measured blood pressure is outputted as an indication of the position of the distal end of the introducer assembly in the tissue. Proper positioning of a seal is confirmed by placing the introducer assembly such that its distal end is in tissue outside a puncture in a blood vessel wall and observing a characteristic of blood at the proximal end of the introducer assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for replacing a first introducer, whose distal end is inside a vessel and whose proximal end is outside the skin of a patient, with a second introducer. The method comprises the steps of inserting a guide rod into the first introducer, removing the first introducer, passing the second introducer over the guide rod, and removing the guide rod. The guide rod to be used according to the method has preferably a flexible distal portion with a blunt distal end and a stiff proximal portion with a tapered proximal end.

Abstract: The invention provides a femoral compression device (11; 21) for compressing a femoral artery of a patient. The femoral compression device (11; 21) comprises a pressurizing means (12; 22), a compression plate (13; 23) for compressive bearing against a puncture site, a base portion (14; 24) provided with two opposing extensions (15, 16; 25, 26), to the ends of which a belt, which is adapted to be arranged around the patient's body, can be fixed. According to the invention, the pressurizing means is in the form of a spring (12; 22), such as a coil spring (12; 22), the first end of which is connected to the compression plate (13; 23) and the second end of which is operatively connected to a handle (19; 29), which can be operated to adjusting the compression of the spring (12; 22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and guide wire assembly comprising a pressure sensor having a plurality of terminals, the sensor being mounted in the distal end region of said core wire. It also comprises two to four electrodes for conductance measurement, also provided in the distal end region. Said two electrodes are electrically insulated from each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to sealing punctures in blood vessels (such as following an angio or PTCA procedure) are disclosed. The position of a distal end of an introducer assembly in tissue is determined using a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is connected to the proximal end of the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly has a fluid path between its distal end and its proximal end. Measured blood pressure is outputted as an indication of the position of the distal end of the introducer assembly in the tissue. Proper positioning of a seal is confirmed by placing the introducer assembly such that its distal end is in tissue outside a puncture in a blood vessel wall and observing a characteristic of blood at the proximal end of the introducer assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to sealing punctures in blood vessels (such as following an angio or PTCA procedure) are disclosed. The position of a distal end of an introducer assembly in tissue is determined using a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is connected to the proximal end of the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly has a fluid path between its distal end and its proximal end. Measured blood pressure is outputted as an indication of the position of the distal end of the introducer assembly in the tissue. Proper positioning of a seal is confirmed by placing the introducer assembly such that its distal end is in tissue outside a puncture in a blood vessel wall and observing a characteristic of blood at the proximal end of the introducer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device, insertable into a living body. The device includes an elongated flexible member in the form of a thick-walled hollow tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The tube defines a central lumen with an inner wall. The lumen may contain a core and an insulating material provided between the core and the inner wall. The core may be made of an electrically conductive material and may be of essentially constant diameter over its entire length. Alternatively, the lumen may contain at least two electrical leads. An electrical sensor is attached to the distal end of the elongated flexible member and is electrically connected to the core.

Abstract: Medical system comprising a hollow catheter 14, for insertion into a human or animal body, and an elongated x-ray tube unit 12 provided with an x-ray tube 16 at its distal end and adapted to be inserted into the catheter. A distal pole 8 of the x-ray tube is connectable to a connection means 22 in said catheter, wherein the x-ray tube is energised via a single electrical conductor 18 in said x-ray tube unit connected to the proximal pole and via said connection means.

Abstract: A guide wire for measuring physiological characteristics inside a body includes a sensor (14) for monitoring the physical variable and for forming an output signal characteristic for the value of the physical variable. The sensor is connected to a first electrical potential of an electronic unit (22) via an electrical wire (11) extending along the guide wire. An internal body electrode (17) is connected to the sensor (14) and is in contact with body fluids surrounding the sensor circuit. The guide wire (10) is inserted into a vessel of the body (25), and a second electrode (21) is applied near the internal body electrode, and the sensor circuit is powered by a second potential of the electronic unit (22) via a part of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the controlled delivery of ionizing radiation to a therapy location. It comprises a source (4) of ionizing radiation provided at the distal end of an elongated member (6). It also has a control unit (12) for controlling the movement of said radiation source (4) at the therapy location, via a driving unit (21, 22; 23, 24, 25, 26). A method according to the invention comprises controlling the radiation dose at the therapy location, by controlling the movement of the source.

Abstract: The sensor and guide wire assembly having a sensor element is inserted into the patient's body. Acoustic or electromagnetic waves are them emitted from an external source toward the sensor element. The sensor element receives the incident waves and enters into a resonating state. The characteristics of the resonance correspond to the variable or variables to be measured. A transducer is located externally from the patient's body and receives the scattered wave and transmits a resultant signal to an electronic drive and detection unit for signal analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A device for measurements, insertable into a living body, comprising an elongated flexible member (2, 30) with a proximal end and a distal end and a central lumen with an inner wall;. The lumen is filled with a core (22) and an insulating material (21) is provided between the core and the inner wall; the core (22) is made of an electrically conductive material and has an essentially constant diameter over its entire length. An electrical sensor (44) is attached to the distal end of the elongated flexible member and is electrically connected (52) to the core (22).

Abstract: An X-ray source includes a first support member and a second support member joined together so as to form a cavity between them and such that they are electrically insulated from each other. A cathode and an anode are located inside the cavity and opposite each other. The cathode is suitably made of diamond or diamond like material, and includes at least one pointed element.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to sealing punctures in blood vessels (such as following an angio or PTCA procedure) are disclosed. The position of a distal end of an introducer assembly in tissue is determined using a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is connected to the proximal end of the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly has a fluid path between its distal end and its proximal end. Measured blood pressure is outputted as an indication of the position of the distal end of the introducer assembly in the tissue. Proper positioning of a seal is confirmed by placing the introducer assembly such that its distal end is in tissue outside a puncture in a blood vessel wall and observing a characteristic of blood at the proximal end of the introducer assembly.

Abstract: The sensor and guide wire assembly having a sensor element is inserted into the patient's body. Acoustic or electromagnetic waves are then emitted from an external source toward the sensor element. The sensor element receives the incident waves and enters into a resonating state. The characteristics of the resonance correspond to the variable or variables to be measured. A transducer is located externally from the patient's body and receives the scattered wave and transits a resultant sisal to an electronic drive end detection unit for signal analysis.