Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

Abstract: A flexible PTCA and/or PTA device is disclosed which respects the curves of the anatomy for dilatation, centering and setting stents. A method for inflation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides guide wires adapted for passage across a heart valve and methods of use therefor. The guide wires have an increased diameter and a shorter, relatively floppy distal tip, as compared to previously known standard guide wires. The increased diameter provides improved pushability to facilitate positioning in a blood jet and passage through a heart valve. The short, floppy distal tip reduces a risk of damage to valve leaflets during passage through the valve, reduces a risk of emboli generation and coronary artery trauma during passage through a stenosed valve, and reduces a risk of myocardial perforation after passage. Additionally, the decreased length of the distal tip facilitates positioning within the blood jet and limits deflection of the guide wire out of the jet.

Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises an elongate body having two states. IN a first of these states the elongate body is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape adapting to the shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the elongate body is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: The medical appliance has an elongated tubular shaft with a lumen extending therethrough and slots in the distal area for pressure medium entry into the lumen. A stiffening means in the form of an independent wire extends through the lumen with its proximal area extending proximally of the shaft. The proximal area of shaft is affixed to a luer-lock comprising a housing with an inner cavity and a distal end forming a muff fixedly and tightly sealed on the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

Abstract: A catheter arrangement (1) is provided with a guide wire tube (3) for receiving a guide wire and an expandable balloon (7) fastened to the guide wire tube (3). The guide wire tube (3) has a bent tip (2) projecting beyond the distal end (4) of the balloon (7).

Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises an elongate body having two states. In a first of these states the elongate body is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape adapting to the shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the elongate body is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: The medical appliance has an elongated tubular shaft with a lumen extending therethrough and slots in the distal area for pressure medium entry into the lumen. A stiffening means in the form of an independent wire extends through the lumen with its proximal area extending proximally of the shaft. The proximal area of shaft is affixed to a luer-lock comprising a housing with an inner cavity and a distal end forming a muff fixedly and tightly sealed on the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A prepared catheter for intraluminal treatment of a vessel section with ionizing radiation, which catheter has an elongate shaft with a proximal end and distal end as percutaneous transluminal access to the vessel section, an inflatable balloon at the distal end of the shaft, and inflation lumen which runs through the shaft and opens into the balloon, and a source of ionizing radiation which can be positioned in the balloon, and which catheter is filled with a gas for applying pressure to the balloon. In this way, only a comparatively small proportion of the ionizing radiation is absorbed and rendered ineffective as it passes through the gas, and the intended dose of radiation can be administered within a short treatment time. The inflation lumen preferably has, along the greater part of the length lying within the patient's body during treatment, a cross-sectional area having a value in mm2 not greater than the balloon in mm3 divided by 1200.

Abstract: The medical appliance has an elongated tubular shaft with a lumen extending therethrough and slots in the distal area for pressure medium entry into the lumen. A stiffening means in the form of an independent wire extends through the lumen with its proximal area extending proximally of the shaft. The proximal area of shaft is affixed to a luer-lock comprising a housing with an inner cavity and a distal end forming a muff fixedly and tightly sealed on the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: The pressure measuring guide wire comprises an elongated flexible shaft with a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen is surrounded by a wall forming the shaft and the distal portion of which is provided with slots for pressure medium entry. The distal portion has a thickness, greater than the thickness of the proximal area of the shaft. A coil surrounds the proximal area of the shaft to compensate the difference in kinking resistance between the proximal and distal areas of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for directional drilling and a method and apparatus for placing pipe in a directionally drilled bore. The present invention provides a launch tube which is placed into unstable soil. The tube is fitted with a unique cutting shoe which forces soil both into and out of the tube to prevent the tube from becoming obstructed. Preferably, the launch tube extends to bedrock or stable soil. Once the launch tube is placed a directional drill is moved through the tube and into the bedrock so that the bore may be directionally drilled in the bedrock. Once the bore is established a pipe, or a plurality of pipes, may be placed into the tube using known techniques.

Abstract: The guidewire comprises an elongated flexible shaft which is tubular. A coil assembly comprises a first coil having a proximal portion with a peripheral size providing an unstressed fit within the distal portion of shaft. Tight recesses formed between consecutive turns of the coil by a solder filler hold adhesive between the coil and the tubular shaft.

Abstract: The pressure measuring guide wire comprises an elongated flexible shaft with a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen is surrounded by a wall forming the shaft and the distal portion of which is provided with slots for pressure medium entry. The distal portion has a thickness, greater than the thickness of the proximal area of the shaft. A coil surrounds the proximal area of the shaft to compensate the difference in kinking resistance between the proximal and distal areas of the shaft.

Abstract: The pressure monitoring guidewire comprises an elongated tube made of one piece of elastic Nickel Titanium alloy. The distal end portion of the tube has transverse openings formed through the tube wall for the entry of pressure waves into a lumen. The distal end portion of the tube which encompasses the openings, is malleable. The pressure monitoring guidewire can be formed by thermally treating the distal end portion of a guidewire formed of an elongated tube of one piece of elastic Nickel Titanium alloy having a distal end portion with transverse openings.

Abstract: A docking assembly for the extension of a guidewire. The docking assembly comprises a plug formed at the proximal end of the guidewire, and a socket formed of a tubing permanently bent so as to have a V shaped portion comprised between two straight portions. The end of straight portion is affixed to the distal end of extension wire. A sleeve is slidably engaged over the tubing to substantially straighten it and facilitate insertion of plug into the tubing. Removal of sleeve allows the tubing to recover its preshaped deformation, thereby assuring locking of plug in tubing. To release the assembly it suffices to pull the guidewire and extension wire oppositely to slip the plug out from the tubing.

Abstract: A catheter guide wire comprises a main section having a circular cross-section and a distal end section surrounded by a spiral. The distal end section has a portion adjoining the guide wire tip, in the shape of a wedge, the height of which diminishes towards the guide wire tip and the width of which increases towards the guide wire tip.

Abstract: The appliance comprises a core wire on which is mounted a coil of radioactive material. A first proximal radiopaque coil configuration and a second distal radiopaque coil configuration maintain and locate the radioactive radiation coil on the core wire thereby assuring positioning thereof on the core wire and accurate visualization via X-ray fluoroscopy.