Abstract: An endourethral device is provided having an elongate member having proximal and distal segments, the elongate member positionable within a lower urinary tract so as to at least partially traverses a prostatic urethra. A proximal anchor, adapted to abuttingly engage portions of a bladder neck so as to at least proximally anchor the device, is supported at least indirectly by the proximal segment of said elongate member. The proximal anchor includes bladder engaging elements radially extending from the proximal segment of said elongate member, urine being freely dischargable about at least the proximal segment so as to substantially bathe the bladder neck therewith.

Abstract: A diagnostic urethral assembly is provided. The assembly includes an elongate body having a fluid passageway and an elongate support member selectively positionable within the fluid passageway of the elongate body. The elongate body has a radially responsive wall segment, the elongate body being positionable within a lower urinary tract such that the radially responsive wall segment is adjacent a prostatic urethra. The elongate body is adapted to be in fluid communication with a bladder. The assembly has a first operably selective condition wherein the elongate support member is translatable relative to the elongate body so as to permit sequential and incremental radial compression of the radially responsive wall segment by the prostatic urethra in furtherance of defining architecture associated with the prostatic urethra.

Abstract: A urinary flow control device having a bladder responsive flow control assembly operatively engaged with an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, and a lumen capable of discharging urine therethrough is provided. The flow control assembly includes first and second fluid containing compartments adapted to be in fluid communication. The flow control assembly is adapted to receive and contain urine from a bladder so as to impinge upon the first fluid containing compartment. The flow control assembly is responsive to increased bladder pressure such that fluid is displaced from the first fluid containing compartment to the second fluid containing compartment to thereby permit select passage of received urine to the lumen of the elongate member for discharge therethrough. A method of controlling urinary flow is likewise provided.

Abstract: A device for ultrasonic imaging, and methods for the use an manufacture thereof, particularly of small coronary vessels. The device comprises an elongate member with a distal end that can be positioned within a small vessel of a patient's body while a proximal end is located outside the body, a transducer located at a distal end of the elongate member and operable to scan the distal coronary vessels with ultrasonic pulses, and a signal processor connected to a proximal end of the elongate member and to the transducer for generating and receiving pulses to and from the transducer. A motor may be also connected to the proximal end of the elongate member for rotating the transducer.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for quickly removing thrombus from the vascular system, particularly from a saphenous vein graft which can have highly organized thrombus over its entire length. Thrombus is pulled into a chamber at the distal end of the thrombus extraction device as a result of negative pressure, a severing mechanism severs the portion of the thrombus that is in the chamber, and fluid under pressure is supplied to transport and dilute the blood and thrombus, which renders the thrombus more manageable and reduces the blood loss to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recanalization of a blood vessel obstruction by application of low frequency mechanical energy to a vessel site or by creation of cavitation at the vessel site. The system includes a catheter assembly having a wire located within and extending through a wire support tube and adapted to move axially therewith. A driving apparatus positioned at a proximal portion of the catheter assembly imparts energy to the wire to oscillate it axially. A tip is connected to a distal end of the wire and imparts low frequency mechanical energy or causes cavitation at the vessel site to recanalize it. Further, a fluid particle removal system can be incorporated within the catheter assembly to convey pressurized fluid via the wire support tube to the tip where the fluid is redirected in a proximal direction into a second tube of the catheter assembly coaxially positioned around the wire support tube.

Abstract: A device for ultrasonic imaging, and methods for the use an manufacture thereof, particularly of small coronary vessels. The device comprises an elongate member with a distal end that can be positioned within a small vessel of a patient's body while a proximal end is located outside the body, a transducer located at a distal end of the elongate member and operable to scan the distal coronary vessels with ultrasonic pulses, and a signal processor connected to a proximal end of the elongate member and to the transducer for generating and receiving pulses to and from the transducer. A motor may be also connected to the proximal end of the elongate member for rotating the transducer.