Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking a body passageway by inserting an expandable frame into the passageway and expanding the frame with an expandable balloon to partially embed the frame in the walls of the passageway. The frame can carry a separate sealing membrane, or the balloon can function as the sealing membrane. The sealing membrane, the frame or the balloon can also carry a clot promoting substance. The balloon can be removed along with the inflation tube after the expansion procedure, if it is not serving as the sealing membrane, or the balloon can be detached from the inflation tube and left in place, either as a sealing membrane or simply to lock the frame in place. The frame can be maintained in its expanded state by being plastically deformed during the expansion step, or the frame can be maintained in its expanded state by having the balloon locked in the expanded state and left in place.

Abstract: An over-the-wire rapid-exchange catheter having a guidewire channel and a rupturable membrane along one side of the guidewire channel. The catheter is exchanged by withdrawing the catheter from a guiding catheter, while stripping the operative catheter from the guidewire by tearing the guidewire through the rupturable membrane. The guidewire channel provides a sealing surface for a releasable seal on the guiding catheter, avoiding the gripping of the guidewire. A replacement catheter can be threaded onto the guidewire, and the end of the guidewire can puncture the rupturable membrane at a selected location to establish a guidewire channel at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An over-the-wire rapid-exchange catheter having a distal guidewire channel and a proximal guidewire channel. The catheter is exchanged by withdrawing the catheter from a guiding catheter until the guidewire can be removed from the proximal guidewire channel and then further withdrawn in the conventional fashion. The proximal guidewire channel provides a sealing surface for a releasable seal on the guiding catheter, avoiding the gripping of the guidewire.

Abstract: A novel over the wire-rapid exchange catheter is provided comprising a novel proximal end, which works in conjunction with the distal end of a traditional rapid exchange catheter, having a particular arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 which serves to enhance the users ability to properly operate and maneuver the guidewire/catheter, and thus to more effectively carry out the catherization procedure.Additionally, an OTW-RE catheter is provided with a means for rapidly removing the guidewire from the proximal end of the catheter, at the appropriate time during the procedure, while preserving the integrity of the device.

Abstract: A method and device for removing a first guide catheter and replacing the first guide catheter with a second guide catheter, without disturbing the placement of a flexible guide wire which has previously been inserted through the first guide catheter. The device of the invention comprises an "exchange catheter" which may be advanced over the outer surface of the pre-positioned guide wire to provide support and shielding of the guide wire during the catheter exchange procedure. A guide wire exit aperture formed in the "exchange catheter" permits the guide wire to exit the exchange catheter at a location whereby the operator may hold and manipulate the guide wire to maintain its desired position during the catheter exchange procedure.