Abstract: A biopsy forceps having a proximal end and a distal end. The biopsy forceps includes a handle at the proximal end of the biopsy forceps. The handle includes a body portion and an actuator axially displaceable relative to the body portion. The biopsy forceps further includes an end effector assembly at the distal end of the biopsy forceps. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposed end effectors operable between an open position and a closed position. A catheter portion connects the handle to the end effector assembly so that axial displacement of the actuator relative to the body portion causes the end effectors to move between the open position and the closed position. The handle is shaped to receive the catheter portion to lock the end effectors in the open position.

Abstract: Atherectomy catheters are described having a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted at the distal end of a catheter body. The head has an axially elongated aperture and an open interior. A severing means is disposed adjacent the elongated aperture such that atheromatous material invaginated by the head is severed and diverted into the interior of the head. A preferred embodiment has the elongated aperture helically-disposed about the central axis of the cylindrical head and a cutting means formed integrally along the periphery of the aperture. Another preferred embodiment has the cylindrical head provided with a tapered distal end that extends distally from a housing for the head and incorporates an extension of the elongated aperture.

Abstract: A torque transmitting guiding catheter adapted for insertion into vascular vessels with a body and a method for its construction is disclosed. The guiding catheter includes a flexible tubular member surrounded by a pair of torque transmitting layers that are formed of a flat braided material. A flexible (plastic) casing that initially is applied as a viscous material impregnates and encases the torque transmitting layer to hold them in place and eliminate their rough edges. The ends of the torque transmitting layers are soldered using a radiopaque solder to enhance the catheter's visibility within a body. The tubular member is also folded about the distal end of the catheter over the distal extremity of at least one of the torque transmitting layers to provide a smooth and soft distal catheter tip. The formed catheter has a flexible curving distal tip. The tip's shape memory is enhanced by at least partially curing the casing material while the tip takes the form of its desired final shape.