Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for infusing a fluid into a patient. In one exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a volume of fluid and a temperature altering device in close proximity to the volume of fluid. The temperature altering device is employed to heat or cool the volume of fluid to a desired temperature. A positive pressure device is provided to place the volume of fluid under positive pressure while at the desired temperature. A transfer member is further provided to transfer at least some of the fluid into the patient while at the desired temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired. The method and system further provide for the cooling of initially hypothermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been warmed above the desired target level and the warming of initially hyperthermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been cooled below the desired target temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired.

Abstract: A catheterization assembly comprises an elongate substantially cylindrical catheter having an outer surface, and a flexible collapsible guide element attached to the outer surface of the catheter at a distal end thereof. A guidewire extends generally parallel to the catheter and through the guide element so that the guide element is held in an extended guide configuration away from the outer surface.

Abstract: A catheterization assembly comprises an elongate substantially cylindrical catheter having an outer surface, and a flexible collapsible guide element attached to the outer surface of the catheter at a distal end thereof. A guidewire extends generally parallel to the catheter and through the guide element so that the guide element is held in an extended guide configuration away from the outer surface.

Abstract: Valved self-perfusing guiding catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body, passageways disposed along at least a portion of the catheter body for permitting perfusion through a central lumen of the catheter body, and one-way valves for preventing passage of injectable agents, such as contrast media, through the passageways.

Abstract: A vascular catheter system comprises an outer flexible tube, an inner flexible tube disposed in the lumen of the outer flexible tube, and an expandable body mounted at the distal end of the third flexible tube disposed in the lumen of the inner flexible tube. The catheter system is suitable for percutaneous introduction to a blood vessel where the distal end may be located proximate a region of clot or thrombus. By extending the expandable body through the region of clot or thrombus, the obstructing material may be dislodged from the blood vessel wall and drawn toward the open distal end of the inner tube. The inner tube includes an expandable tip which will open to extend substantially across the blood vessel. In this way, the expandable tip will be positioned to collect all of the dislodged clot and thrombus. By withdrawing both the inner tube and the expandable body back into the outer flexible tube, the catheter system may be withdrawn from the patient without appreciable loss of the clot or thrombus.

Abstract: A vascular catheter includes a strainer device at its distal end. The strainer device is collapsible, capable of assuming both an open configuration where it is able to capture emboli when emplaced in a blood vessel, and a closed configuration where it is able to retain any captured emboli within its confines. The catheter of the present invention is normally utilized in conjunction with conventional angioplastic treatment techniques. By locating the strainer device downstream from the site of the angioplastic treatment, any emboli which are released during such treatment may be captured and removed from circulation.

Abstract: An improved laser catheter system includes a flexible catheter tube having proximate and distal ends. The distal end, which is intended for inserting into a patient's artery, is axially split into at least two segments. Optical waveguides extend the length of the catheter tube and terminate at the distal end, with at least one waveguide secured to each of the spreadable segments. A mechanism is provided for spreading the segments while the catheter is implaced in the patient. Conveniently, a balloon catheter may be used by inserting it into the lumen of the laser catheter so that the balloon tip lies within the spreadable segments. By then inflating the balloon, the spreadable segments are spread apart as desired.

Abstract: A guiding sheath for inserting guidewires or vascular catheters within a blood vessel includes an elongate body having plurality of axial lumens. At least some of the lumens project laterally from the body at preselected angles so that, when inserted therethrough, the guidewire or catheter will exit at said preselected angle to facilitate directing the guidewire or catheter to the proper location within the vascular system. Usually, the insertional sheath will include a primary axial lumen which is used for inserting the sheath on a guidewire to a location where a branching in the vascular system occurs. The sheath is then positioned under fluoroscopic guidance so that one of the lumens is then properly located to direct the guidewire or catheter in the desired direction.

Abstract: An improved balloon-tipped catheter includes means for convectively heating the inflation medium within the balloon during dilation. In the preferred embodiment, the convective heat is provided by a radiant heating block which is attached to a laser light source through an optical waveguide extending the length of the catheter. The convectively heated balloon promotes restoration and healing of the arterial wall in the region of stenosis, which region normally suffers from cracking, tearing, and stretching. It has been found that damage to the arterial wall can sometimes result in abrupt closure of the artery and frequent restenosis in the same region.