Abstract: The present invention is for an arterial closure device which can be used to implement and augment the closure of a femoral artery or other related, adjacent or similar members of the vasculature and to reduce compression times associated therewith. A resorbable tubular plug is introduced through a delivery sheath subsequent to a procedure in which the delivery sheath is first utilized. The resorbable tubular plug is inserted through the delivery sheath and the distal tip of the resorbable tubular plug is positioned a short distance into the artery, whereby a suitable entry can be indicated by blood flow through and from the resorbable tubular plug. The delivery sheath is withdrawn to expose the resorbable tubular plug to the tissue track and to the arteriotomy and manual compression is applied to the wound site to foster and promote hemostasis.

Abstract: A guidewire with collapsible filter system and method of use where a deployable, collapsible and retrievable filter attached to a guidewire tube is utilized for filtering thrombotic particulate from blood flow in the vascular system during thrombectomy or other interventional vascular procedures.

Abstract: A gas inflation/evacuation system and sealing system for use with occlusive devices in vascular procedures. The gas inflation/evacuation system is removably connectable via the sealing system to a proximal portion of a guidewire assembly having a guidewire that defines a lumen and includes a first syringe system for evacuating the lumen and a second syringe system for introducing a biocompatible gas into the lumen to inflate an occlusive balloon that is in fluid communication with the lumen a plurality of times. The sealing system selectively seals the proximal portion of the guidewire and includes a crimping mechanism and a compression sealing mechanism having a resilient seal for sealing around the proximal portion of the guidewire when it is passed therethrough.

Abstract: An intravascular device for measuring blood pressure and flow is disclosed, which includes an elongate shaft having a pressure transducer and a flow transducer connected to its distal end. The pressure transducer may be a ferrofluid-type pressure transducer and the flow transducer may be an anemometer-type flow transducer. Measurement circuitry is also disclosed which provides a means for simultaneous measurement of both blood pressure and blood flow parameters. A sensor shield may be employed to isolate radial blood flow which is indicative of turbulent blood flow. An alternative blood flow measurement device is also disclosed which utilizes a thin metal film anemometer to measure flow in a vascular lumen.

Abstract: Catheter and method of manufacturing such catheter. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having an interior lumen extending therethrough. The interior surface of the lumen is geometrically configured to reduce friction and increase catheter performance. Additionally, the geometrically configured inside surface allows dye or blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter when engaged in the coronary artery. The catheter may also include a geometrically configured outer surface at its distal end having perfusion channels to allow blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter during catheter engagement.

Abstract: An intraluminal guidewire for use in medical procedures in general, and cardiovascular procedures in particular. A core wire is formed as the inner member of the guidewire. A distal helical coil is fixedly attached to the distal end of the core wire. A proximal helical coil is fixedly attached to the core wire proximally of the distal coil. The proximal end of the distal coil and the distal end of the proximal coil can be fixedly mounted in spaced relation on a flexible spacer sleeve. The two coils can be of different materials, such as stainless steel and gold, having significantly differing degrees of radiopacity. The sleeve can be a third degree of radiopacity, preferably selected to show a dark spot on a fluoroscope. The coils can be attached to the core wire by a flexible adhesive.

Abstract: Catheter and method of manufacturing such catheter. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having an interior lumen extending therethrough. The interior surface of the lumen is geometrically configured to reduce friction and increase catheter performance. Additionally, the geometrically configured inside surface allows dye or blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter when engaged in the coronary artery. The catheter may also include a geometrically configured outer surface at its distal end having perfusion channels to allow blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter during catheter engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a thin, flexible catheter guide wire having portions of uniform and tapering diameters, a helical coil of a first radiopacity encasing or covering the distal end of the wire, and at least one additional wire cover of a lubricous material which is formed to be radiopaque but which has a radiopacity different than that of the helical coil. This improved device enables the use of an improved method of placement with the use of fluoroscopy to steer and locate the guide wire, and thus the catheter ultimately placed over the guide wire, at a precise situs within the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of making a guide wire for use in medical procedures in general and cardiovascular procedures in particular. A core wire is formed as the inner member. A distal helix is fixedly attached to the distal end of the core wire. The core wire has tapers or is continuously tapered to achieve the desired handling characteristics. The distal helix is space wound, space wound and close wound, double wound, and/or ground to provide the desired radioscopic signature.

Abstract: A guide wire, and a method for the manufacture thereof, having an unsmooth surface along a segment thereof. According to one aspect of the invention, the unsmooth surface is provided by a sleeve member disposed about a distal portion of a core member. The sleeve member is formed from an extruded polymer and has an unsmooth exterior surface.

Abstract: Inflation apparatus for inflating a dilatation balloon of a catheter includes a frame having a first receiver supporting the barrel of a syringe. An operator has a second receiver supporting the plunger of the syringe. The syringe includes a fluid port for connecting the syringe chamber to the lumen of the catheter. A motor is supported by the frame and operatively connected to the operator to move the piston to change fluid pressure within the syringe chamber. A release device permits quick release of the pressure in the balloon catheter without the use of the motor. A pressure sensor is mounted to the frame to measure the pressure in the chamber through a diaphragm on the syringe. The pressure sensor operates a microprocessor-controlled display, which provides display of inflation and duration information and calculates other information. A circuit selectively operates the motor.

Abstract: A guide wire, and methods of use thereof, comprising a main part, an extension part, and a connector. The connector connects the main part to the extension part such that the main part and the extension part can be rotated relative to each other.