Abstract: A device for treating obstructions in vessels or small openings in the body, comprising a rotatable ablator tip which is guided to the obstruction in a reduced diameter configuration, expanded and rotated to remove the obstruction, and contracted to remove the device from the body. The variably expandable abrasive tip coil in one embodiment is actuated by piston means within the coil. A pair of collars is attached to the ends of the coil, and the piston effects relative longitudinal axial movement of the collars and the respective ends of the coil tip. When the ends of the coil tip are so moved, expansion and contraction of the diameter of the coil tip results. In another embodiment, the expansion tip coil is actuated by an expandable and contractible bellows disposed within the coil. In another embodiment, the expansion and contraction of the coil tip are effected by longitudinal axial movement of an internal coil attached to one end of the coil tip, within an outer coil attached to its other end.

Abstract: A device for removing obstructions from vessels or small openings in the body, comprising a rotatable ablator tip which is guided to the obstruction in a reduced diameter configuration, expanded and rotated to remove the obstruction, and contracted to remove the device from the body. The variably expandable abrasive tip coil in one embodiment of the invention is actuated by a piston means disposed within the coil. A pair of collars is attached to the ends of the coil, and the piston effects relative longitudinal axial movement of the collars and, hence, the respective ends of the coil tip. When the ends of the coil tip are so moved with respect to one another, expansion and contraction of the diameter of the coil tip results. In another embodiment of the invention, the expansion tip coil is actuated by an expandable and contractible bellows means disposed within the coil, instead of the piston means.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a catheter having first and second conductors comprises an anode ring including an outer portion and an inner portion connected to the outer portion. The inner portion includes a solid member having a blind passage therein and a channel therethrough. One end of the first conductor is received in the blind passage and retained therein by a pair of crimps impressed into the solid member against the conductor end. The second conductor extends through the anode ring in the channel. Alternatively, the inner portion includes a post which is received in a passage in the end of the first conductor and is welded to the first conductor. The second conductor includes a lead portion and a tip portion spaced therefrom and the anode ring includes a feed-through tube extending therethrough and interconnecting the lead and tip portions of the second conductor.

Abstract: A device for removing obstructions from vessels or small openings in the body, comprising a rotatable ablator tip which is guided to the obstruction in a reduced diameter configuration, expanded and rotated to remove the obstruction, and contracted to remove the device from the body. The variably expandable abrasive tip coil in one embodiment of the invention is actuated by a piston means disposed within the coil. A pair of collars is attached to the ends of the coil, and the piston effects relative longitudinal axial movement of the collars and, hence, the respective ends of the coil tip. When the ends of the coil tip are so moved with respect to one another, expansion and contraction of the diameter of the coil tip results. In another embodiment of the invention, the expansion tip coil is actuated by an expandable and contractible bellows means disposed within the coil, instead of the piston means.