Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A perfusion dilatation catheter is disclosed which has an improved distal catheter shaft portion with a tubular member extending within the balloon provided with an expanded coil support incorporated within the wall of the tubular member. The coil is preferably closer to the inner surface than the outer surface of the tubular member. Also disclosed are improved catheter shaft sections in a perfusion portion proximal to the balloon, one with a reinforced inflation tube depending into the guidewire lumen and another having three separate lumens, a central guidewire lumen and a pair of inflation lumens on opposing sides of the tubular structure defining the guidewire lumen.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation having a relatively stiff proximal catheter shaft which is formed at least in part of an engineering thermoplastic polymer material with a tensile strength of at least about 10,000 psi, an elongation of at least 50% and a tensile modulus of at least 300,000 psi. The polymer is preferably an aromatic polymer, and particularly polyetheretherketone.

Abstract: A guidewire having a core member with proximal, intermediate and distal sections and a flexible coil on the distal section and a catheter assembly or kit with such guidewire. The proximal section of the core may be substantially longer than the combined lengths of both the intermediate and distal sections and has a diameter which is at least 0.001 inch greater than the diameter of the intermediate section. The intermediate section has a diameter which is at least 0.002 inch greater than the diameter of the distal section. Improved pushability and a greater flexibility in the distal and intermediate sections are obtained. A catheter which is used with the guidewire has a proximal section of about 100 cm and a distal section of at least about 15 cm in length and an inner lumen having diameter of at least 0.003 inch less than the inner diameter of the inner lumen in the proximal section.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter such as a guiding catheter of composite construction having a nontraumatic distal tip comprising a proximal elastomeric tubular element and a distal elastomeric tubular element formed of softer material that the proximal section. The proximal tubular section of the distal tip preferably has a radiopaque material incorporated therein to enable the distal tip to be fluoroscopically observable when in place within a patient. The shaft of the catheter, which exhibits excellent torquability and pushability, is formed with a very thin wall. The catheter shaft includes an inner tubular member of braided polymeric fibrous strands impregnated with a thermoset polyurethane and having an outer jacket or coating of thermoplastic polyurethane secured to the braided tubular member. In some embodiments it is preferred to include a lubricous liner within the braided tubular member.

Abstract: Guiding catheter and method of using the same in a cardiovascular procedure such as coronary angioplasty. The catheter has an elongated shaft with a deflectable distal portion. One lumen extends through the elongated shaft to form a passageway through which a dilatation catheter can be introduced. A second smaller lumen extends through the shaft to form a passageway for a control line which passes therethrough and which is connected to the distal tip. Proximal movement of the control line decreases the included angle between the distal portion and the main portion of the shaft. Pull on the control line also exerts a force on the distal portion of the guiding catheter which transmits a resultant axial force to push the catheter disposed within the first lumen. Pull on the control line also allows for catheter tip configuration adjustment thereby enabling the catheter to engage a difficult coronary ostium. In the disclosed embodiments, the distal portion is formed in two sections.

Abstract: Guiding catheter and method of using the same in a cardiovascular procedure such as coronary angioplasty. The catheter has an elongated shaft with a deflectable distal portion. One lumen extends through the elongated shaft to form a passageway through which a dilatation catheter can be introduced. A second smaller lumen extends through the shaft to form a passageway for a control line which passes therethrough and which is connected to the distal tip. Proximal movement of the control line decreases the included angle between the distal portion and the main portion of the shaft. Pull on the control line also exerts a force on the distal portion of the guiding catheter which transmits a resultant axial force to push the catheter disposed within the first lumen. Pull on the control line also allows for catheter tip configuration adjustment thereby enabling the catheter to engage a difficult coronary ostium. In the disclosed embodiments, the distal portion is formed in two sections.