Abstract: A miniaturized brush and method of making same having a hollow lumen for introducing an agent for dissolving a soft fibrinous obstruction, such as a recently formed thrombus, within a patient's vascular system. The brush has soft, flexible bristles extending outward from the drive shaft distal section, the bristles being sufficiently resilient and dimensioned for enabling compression and passage of the brush out of and back into the distal end of an introducer lumen and to mix into the fibrin of the soft thrombus, yet not damage the vessel wall. The brush assembly is formed of a proximal section comprising an elongated proximal tube and a distal section comprising a distal tube extension, the proximal and distal sections having an aligned lumen and forming a drive shaft or brush body.

Abstract: A bi-directional endoscope comprising a catheter body having a tubular spring frame attached to and extending axially from the distal end thereof. The spring frame comprises a spring body which includes a tip member positioned on the distal end thereof, and a plurality of relief slots disposed therein for allowing the deflection of the spring frame within a first deflection plane. The relief slots are formed in the spring body in a manner defining first and second longitudinally extending stiffening portions which are oriented substantially diametrically opposite each other therewithin. Extending longitudinally through the catheter body and spring frame is a pair of activation wires which are encased by a pair of support sleeves. The spring frame is deflected by stressing the activation wires by subjecting either of the wires to a tensile force.