Abstract: The invention is directed to a guide wire apparatus and a method for detecting the location of a guide wire within the body of a patient. The apparatus includes a guide wire with an internally-housed sensing member. The guide wire assembly is structured to provide the response, maneuverability and tactile feel comparable to conventional guide wire devices. The apparatus is useful in medical treatments and diagnoses such as angioplasty or catheterization procedures, for detecting obstructions within a blood vessel of a patient, and the like.

Abstract: An improved electrocardial lead for use with an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD) comprises an elongated, flexible, plastic tubular catheter body which is preformed so that when unconstrained, it assumes the shape of a tapered spiral or helix. The catheter body supports a defibrillating electrode attached to the exterior wall of the catheter body and is connected by a suitable cable to a proximal connector for mating with the AICD pulse generator. The improved lead also includes a tip electrode for sensing cardiac activity and providing information to the AICD pulse generator for controlling its operation. The lead of the present invention is intended for endocardial emplacement with the electrode structures predominantly in the right ventrical and provides substantially increased electrode surface area in contact with heart tissue as compared to prior art endocardial defibrillating leads and, thus, maximizing the energy delivered to the heart during defibrillation.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillation/cardioversion electrode. The electrode is elongated and comprises a distal active region and a proximal lead region. Conductive discharge and insulative materials occupy distinct surfaces along the length of the active region. The active region is preformed to adopt a planar spiral patch configuration under relaxed conditions. Additional flexible preformed insulative and conductive discharge wings are provided to attach to the corresponding surfaces of the active region. A method of implantation of the spiral patch is disclosed for deployment by straightening the electrode and introducing the same through an opening that approximates the cross section of the straightened electrode.

Abstract: An improved electrocardial lead for use with an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD) comprises an elongated, flexible, plastic tubular catheter body which is preformed so that when unconstrained, it assumes the shape of a tapered spiral or helix. The catheter body supports a defibrillating electrode attached to the exterior wall of the catheter body and is connected by a suitable cable to a proximal connector for mating with the AICD pulse generator. The improved lead also includes a tip electrode for sensing cardiac activity and providing information to the AICD pulse generator for controlling its operation. The lead of the present invention is intended for endocardial emplacement with the electrode structures predominantly in the right ventricle and provides substantially increased electrode surface area in contact with heart tissue as compared to prior art endocardial defibrillating leads and, thus, maximizing the energy delivered to the heart during defibrillation.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty catheter is described which includes an elongated flexible plastic tube dimensioned so as to allow it to be passed through the vascular system. Affixed to the distal end portion of the tube is an inflatable expander member which is intended to be positioned in the annulus of the valve to be treated. Inflation ports expose the interior of the expander member to the lumen of the tube so that when an inflation fluid is injected, under pressure, at the distal end of the tube, the expander member expands radially outward to spread the valve and free-up its leaflets. The novelty resides in providing first and second inflation ports of differing size so that the expander member inflates so as to create a dog-bone effect, tending to stabilize the expander member relative to the valve being treated.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac pacing lead includes a porous, platinum electrode, a flexible electrically conductive coil, and a crimp tube coupling the electrode to the distal end of the coil. A recess in the crimp tube, open to the electrode at the crimp tube distal end, houses a matrix impregnated with a therapeutic drug. The electrode is highly porous and loaded with a therapeutic drug in liquid or solid form. Immediately upon implant of the electrode at a selected myocardial location, the electrode begins dispensing the therapeutic drug. Meanwhile, the matrix begins to elute its drug at a rate more suited to chronic treatment. If desired, the recess can extend through the crimp tube to permit proximal end loading of the drug carrying matrix. A silicone plug, or an additional and proximal crimp tube section, is inserted into the recess after loading of the matrix to provide the required fluid seal.

Abstract: A positive fixation cardiac lead includes an electrode sleeve/crimp tube assembly in which a recess is formed for retaining a drug impregnated matrix. The electrode sleeve and crimp tube threadedly engage, to permit insertion of the matrix prior to their assembly. The distal end section of the crimp tube can be provided with a helical groove corresponding to the shape of a fixation helix, with the sleeve and distal section spaced from one another to permit insertion of an annular drug matrix. The distal portion of the electrode sleeve can have an annular groove formed to receive a length of platinum wire, for increased electrode sensitivity.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter having a balloon-like expander located at the distal end thereof, the interior of the balloon communicating with one of the plural lumens whereby a fluid introduced at the proximal end of the catheter can be made to inflate the balloon. A series of surface electrodes are axially spaced over a zone located near the distal end of the catheter body. Electrical conductors connected to each of the surface electrodes pass through another lumen to an electrical connector at the proximal end of the catheter. A pair of stiffener members, one being co-extensive with the zone of the catheter bearing the axially spaced surface electrodes and the other being spaced a short predetermined distance proximally of the first stiffener member are in another lumen.