Abstract: A ventilation device comprises a ventilation tube having an inflatable occlusion cuff near its distal end. A deployable isolation barrier, such as secondary isolation cuff, is spaced proximally from the inflatable occlusion cuff on the ventilation tube. Deployment of the isolation barrier while the ventilation tube is in use creates an isolated region within a patient's trachea for capturing accumulated secretions and facilitating removal of such secretions. Usually, the isolated region will be irrigated to disperse the secretions and aspirated to remove the irrigant and dispersed secretions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for percutaneous myocardial revascularization of a human heart. A deflectable elongated flexible lasing apparatus is used which includes a source of laser radiation, an elongated flexible radiation conveying member for conducting the laser radiation to a lens on the distal end of the radiation conveying member for focusing the laser radiation, and control lines for deflecting the distal end of the radiation conveying member. The control lines are secured to the distal end of the radiation conveying member for changing the angle of deflection of the distal end of the radiation conveying member. The lasing apparatus is guided to an area within the patient's heart, and the distal end of the lasing apparatus is directed to an area of interest where the inner wall of the heart is irradiated with laser energy to form a channel through the myocardium for a desired distance. In a preferred embodiment, channels are formed without perforating the epicardium of the heart.

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 main guidewire lumen which extends essentially the length of the catheter and a guidewire extension lumen which extends proximally from the main guidewire lumen and is at least in part offset and parallel to the main guidewire lumen. A portion of the catheter shaft which defines at least part of the main guidewire lumen has a first slit from the proximal end of the catheter to the intersection between the extension lumen and the main guidewire lumen and a second lumen which extends from a proximal guidewire port in the guidewire extension lumen to a port in the distal end of 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 main guidewire lumen which extends essentially the length of the catheter and a guidewire extension lumen which extends proximally from the main guidewire lumen and is at least in part offset and parallel to the main guidewire lumen. A portion of the catheter shaft which defines at least part of the main guidewire lumen has a first slit from the proximal end of the catheter to the intersection between the extension lumen and the main guidewire lumen and a second lumen which extends from a proximal guidewire port in the guidewire extension lumen to a port in the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for percutaneous myocardial revascularization of a human heart. A deflectable elongated flexible lasing apparatus is used which includes a source of laser radiation, an elongated flexible radiation conveying means for conducting the laser radiation to a lens on the distal end of the radiation conveying means for focusing the laser radiation, and control lines for deflecting the distal end of the radiation conveying means. The control lines are secured to the distal end of the radiation conveying means for changing the angle of deflection of the distal end of the radiation conveying means. The lasing apparatus is guided to an area within the patient's heart, and the distal end of the lasing apparatus is directed to an area of interest where the inner wall of the heart is irradiated with laser energy to form a channel through the myocardium for a desired distance. In a preferred embodiment, channels are formed without perforating the epicardium of the heart.

Abstract: An optical fiber lasing apparatus includes an optical fiber which terminates in a lens having a convex lens side at its forward end, and having an extended barrel portion secured to the distal portion of the optical fiber. The lens is larger in diameter than the diameter of the optical fiber member.