Abstract: Apparatus for introduction into the vessel of a patient comprising a guiding catheter adapted to be inserted into the vessel of the patient and a device adapted to be inserted into the guiding catheter. The device includes a flexible elongate member and a sleeve carried by the flexible elongate member near the distal extremity thereof and extending from a region near the distal extremity to a region spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. The device also includes a guide wire adapted to extend through the sleeve so that the guide wire extends rearwardly of the sleeve extending alongside of and exteriorally of the flexible elongate element into a region near the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate element.

Abstract: Apparatus for introduction into the vessel of a patient comprising a guiding catheter adapted to be inserted into the vessel of the patient and a device adapted to be inserted into the guiding catheter. The device includes a flexible elongate member and a sleeve carried by the flexible enlongate member near the distal extremity thereof and extending from a region near the distal extremity to a region spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. The device also includes a guide wire adapted to extend through the sleeve so that the guide wire extends rearwardly of the sleeve extending alongside of and exteriorally of the flexible elongate element into a region near the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate element.

Abstract: Vascular catheters include ultrasonic imaging capability and optical waveguides for delivering laser energy for ablating vascular obstructions. The ultrasonic imaging capability comprises a fixed ultrasonic transducer which directs ultrasonic energy at a reflective surface on a rotating element. The rotating element allows the interior of the blood vessel to be scanned prior to the application of laser energy to ablate the obstruction.

Abstract: Ultrasonic apparatus, system and method for high resolution intravascular imaging to assist indovascular lesions and to monitor the results of interventional therapy. An ultrasonic transducer is carried by the distal end of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel, and either the transducer or another element is rotated and/or translated relative to the catheter to image different portions of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in cannulation of blood vessels includes a hollow needle having a sharpened end for penetrating tissue, a trocar including a transducer mounted on one end for positioning within the hollow needle for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves through the sharpened end of the needle. The trocar further includes a support rod for the transducer and ultrasound damping material attaching the transducer to the support rod. Electrical conductors are provided through the support rod or on the surface of the support rod in contact with electrodes on the front and back surfaces of the transducer for transmitting electrical signals to and from the transducer. A syringe portion is detachably detached from the needle for receiving the back flow of blood when the needle is inserted into a blood vessel.

Abstract: Ultrasonic apparatus, system and method for high resolution intravascular imaging to assist indovascular lesions and to monitor the results of interventional therapy. An ultrasonic transducer is carried by the distal end of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel, and either the transducer or another element is rotated and/or translated relative to the catheter to image different portions of the vessel.

Abstract: Balloon dilatation catheter adapted to be utilized in connection with a guiding catheter and a guide wire. The catheter comprises a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a lumen extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The interior of the inflatable balloon is in communication with the lumen. A sleeve extends through the balloon and extends rearwardly from the balloon and alongside the lumen. The sleeve has a guidewire lumen extending therethrough. The guidewire lumen is adapted to receive a guide wire extending therethrough and extending rearwardly of the flexible elongate element into a region adjacent the proximal extremity of the proximal elongate element. The sleeve has a slit extending longitudinally of the same from the proximal extremity of the sleeve to a region adjacent the balloon permitting the guide wire to be removed therethrough.