Abstract: An intravascular heat exchange catheter is disclosed that has a non-straight heat exchange element.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for heat exchange within a body includes a shaft with at least one input lumen and at least one output lumen in fluid communication with one or more elongate elements which each include a heat transfer lumen. The elongate element is arranged in one or more lengths which include heat transfer lumens being folded into first elongate substantially parallel and juxtaposed portions arranged either in series or parallel or both with adjacent wings. The juxtaposed portions are arranged together in planes extending radially from the center axis of the assembly and are equiangularly placed about that axis. The ends of the portions may be bonded together to create the radial plane. An infusion lumen may extend through the heat transfer assembly with an open end for infusing into the blood stream or sampling therefrom.

Abstract: A heat exchange catheter has a catheter body with an inflow lumen, an outflow lumen, and an infusion lumen. A first heat exchange balloon helically wraps around at least a portion of the catheter body in fluid communication with the inflow lumen. A second heat exchange balloon helically wraps around at least a portion of the catheter body in fluid communication with the outflow lumen. The first and second balloons form a gap there between to facilitate infusion of fluid into the blood stream of the patient via an infusion port formed within the gap.

Abstract: A heat exchange catheter has a catheter body with an inflow lumen, an outflow lumen, and an infusion lumen. A first heat exchange balloon helically wraps around at least a portion of the catheter body in fluid communication with the inflow lumen. A second heat exchange balloon helically wraps around at least a portion of the catheter body in fluid communication with the outflow lumen. The first and second balloons form a gap there between to facilitate infusion of fluid into the blood stream of the patient via an infusion port formed within the gap.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible small-diameter guide wire provided with an enlarged-diameter distal end portion, and a flexible elongated tubular shaft with at least one dual-function fluid-conducting lumen adapted to both receive the guide wire extending therethrough, and to communicate pressurized inflation fluid to a distal balloon of the catheter. A distal orifice of the catheter communicates with the balloon and is provided with selective valving means for releasably engaging sealingly with the enlarged distal end portion of the guide wire. Apparatus is disclosed for axially moving the guide wire to effect engagement and disengagement of the enlarged distal end portion with the selective valving means of the catheter shaft. A torquer device is also provided by means of which the guide wire may be rotated relative to the catheter shaft for steering of the guide wire along a vascular pathway.