Abstract: An endoprosthesis delivery catheter assembly comprises a placement catheter having first and second catheter shafts. A handle includes a body and an actuator mounted to the body for movement relative to the body. The proximal portions of the first and second catheter shafts are mounted to the handle. At least one of the proximal portions of the first and second catheter shafts are drivenly coupled to the actuator so that movement of the actuator causes rotary and/or axial movement of the first and second catheter shafts relative to one another. The actuator may be mounted to the body for both rotary and axial movement relative to the body so that rotary and axial movement of the actuator causes corresponding relative rotary and axial movement of the first and second catheter shafts. The number of turns and/or the length of the coiled endoprosthesis may be selectively changed using a single actuator and then released from the catheter.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter, particularly a dilatation catheter for PTCA procedures, which is adapted for rapid exchange during an intraluminal procedure and which also allows for the exchange of the guidewire without loss of access to the intraluminal region about the distal end of the catheter. The catheter has a guidewire lumen which extends essentially the length of the catheter. A wall of the catheter shaft which defines at least part of the guidewire lumen has a first slit from the proximal end of the catheter to an area proximal to the second guidewire port and a second slit which extends from the proximal guidewire port to a location spaced proximally from the distal end of the catheter. Also disclosed is an adapter having a slit which is continuous with the slit in the proximal extremity of the catheter shaft which facilitates separation of the guidewire and the catheter when the adapter is fixed to the proximal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A method for bonding a heat shrinkable tubular member to an inner member where a section of the tubular member is first twisted and then subjected to heat and tension to cause the twisted section to sealingly bond to an inner member disposed therein. The method is particularly directed to bonding the distal end of a balloon on an angioplasty catheter to an inner member.