Abstract: An apparatus for removing and replacing a coronary balloon catheter during coronary angioplasty comprises a double catheter. A guiding catheter is inserted into the opening of a coronary artery. An auxiliary balloon catheter is disposed axially inside the guiding catheter, and is secured along the side wall of the guiding catheter. A balloon is secured near the distal end of the auxiliary balloon catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and a method of performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The catheter assembly has a dilating catheter and a guiding catheter. The guiding catheter has an inflatable balloon near the tip for engaging the inner surface of the coronary lumen when inflated. The guiding catheter also has a side hole for perfusion of blood through the guiding catheter while the balloon on the guiding catheter is inflated. The balloon on the guiding catheter can be repeatedly inflated and deflated, and radiopaque material may be used to inflate the balloon on the guiding catheter. The method of performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty includes inserting the tip of the guiding catheter into a coronary lumen of a coronary artery, and inflating the balloon on the tip of the guiding catheter until the balloon engages the inner surface of the coronary lumen. A dilating catheter is then passed within the guiding catheter through a stenotic lesion within the coronary lumen.

Abstract: A catheter asembly and a method of performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The catheter assembly has a dilating catheter and a guiding catheter. The guiding catheter has an inflatable balloon near the tip for engaging the inner surface of the coronary lumen when inflated. The guiding catheter also has a side hole for perfusion of blood through the guiding catheter while the balloon on the guiding catheter is inflated. The balloon on the guiding catheter can be repeatedly inflated and deflated, and radiopaque material may be used to inflate the balloon on the guiding catheter. The method of performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty includes inserting the tip of the guiding catheter into a coronary lumen of a coronary artery, and inflating the balloon on the tip of the guiding catheter until the balloon engages the inner surface of the coronary lumen. A dilating catheter is then passed within the guiding catheter through a stenotic lesion within the coronary lumen.

Abstract: A catheter having a tubular portion, a corrugated section, and a tubular tip portion. The tip portion may have side holes. A method of inserting the catheter into a selected artery by first inserting the catheter into an artery, until the tip of the catheter is near the selected artery. Then, the proximate end of the catheter is manipulated to bend a corrugated section of the catheter by forcing the tip of the catheter into the wall of the artery and pushing on the proximate end of the catheter. The proximate end of the catheter is then maneuvered to insert the tip of the catheter into the selected artery.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a dilating catheter and a guiding catheter. The guiding catheter has elongated, coaxial inner and outer tubes. The distal ends of the inner and outer tubes are connected together. A plurality of passages allow fluid flow through the connection between the inner and outer tubes. A plurality of support flaps are formed on the outer tube by a plurality of longitudinal slits. As the outer tube is moved longitudinally relative to the inner tube, the support flaps bend and move radially outward from the inner tube. The expanded support flaps, within the aorta, help to hold the end of the guiding catheter within the selected coronary artery. Radiopaque rings, mounted on each end of the support flaps, help to determine the location of the support flaps.

Abstract: A catheter for performing various medical procedures, such as coronary angiography or angioplasty. The catheter has an elongated, tubular, inner wall, enclosing a central lumen. An elongated, tubular, outer wall encloses the inner wall and a minor lumen between the inner and outer walls. A side hole passes through the outer wall, but not through the inner wall. Therefore, when the catheter is inserted into a coronary artery, blood can perfuse through the side hole and the minor lumen, without affecting the functions of the central lumen.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a dilating catheter, a guiding catheter, and a length of tubing. The tubing is connected to the guiding catheter, and is pivotable between two positions. In the first position, the proximate end of the tubing is end to end with the tip of the catheter. In the second position, the proximate end of the tubing is adjacent the tip of the guiding catheter. The tubing has a plurality of side holes. A guide wire holds the tubing in the first position. The catheter assembly is inserted into the patient's aorta, while the tubing is in the first position. The guide wire is removed, and the tubing is pivoted to the second position. The proximate end of the tubing and the tip of the guiding catheter are then inserted into an artery. Angiography or angioplasty then proceeds normally.