Abstract: A variable-stiffness guidewire system which comprises an elongated flexible guidewire. The guidewire has a body and a guidewire head coupled to the body. The guidewire head is slidably moveable with respect to a guidewire collar of the body to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire. A tool is utilized with the guidewire to engage the guidewire head and move the guidewire head a desired distance from the guidewire collar to achieve a desired stiffness. The tool has a first mechanism that is configured to selectively deploy an insert to be positioned between the guidewire head and the guidewire collar. The insert maintains the desired stiffness of the guidewire.

Abstract: A variable-stiffness guidewire system which comprises an elongated flexible guidewire. The guidewire has a body and a guidewire head coupled to the body. The guidewire head is slidably moveable with respect to a guidewire collar of the body to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire. A tool is utilized with the guidewire to engage the guidewire head and move the guidewire head a desired distance from the guidewire collar to achieve a desired stiffness. The tool has a first mechanism that is configured to selectively deploy an insert to be positioned between the guidewire head and the guidewire collar. The insert maintains the desired stiffness of the guidewire.

Abstract: A variable-stiffness guidewire system comprises an elongated flexible guidewire having a body and a guidewire head that is coupled to the body. The guidewire head is slidably moveable with respect to a guidewire collar of the body to adjust a stiffness of at least a portion of the guidewire. An insert is coupled to the guidewire and positioned between the guidewire head and the guidewire collar. The insert has a cross-sectional dimension no larger than a diameter of the body. The insert is configured to maintain a distance of the guidewire head from the guidewire collar to maintain a desired stiffness in the at least a portion of the guidewire.

Abstract: A variable stiffness guidewire comprises a outer body including a plurality of coil windings that are oriented in a first direction. The outer body has a proximal end and a distal end and a hollow interior therebetween. A tension element is positioned within the hollow interior and has first and second opposed ends, wherein the second end is coupled to the distal end of the outer body. The tension element includes a plurality coil windings that are oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The tension element is configured to be pulled in a direction away from the distal end of the outer body to increase a stiffness in at least a portion of the guidewire.

Abstract: A variable-stiffness guidewire system which comprises an elongated flexible guidewire. The guidewire has a body and a guidewire head coupled to the body. The guidewire head is slidably moveable with respect to a guidewire collar of the body to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire. A tool is utilized with the guidewire to engage the guidewire head and move the guidewire head a desired distance from the guidewire collar to achieve a desired stiffness. The tool has a first mechanism that is configured to selectively deploy an insert to be positioned between the guidewire head and the guidewire collar. The insert maintains the desired stiffness of the guidewire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of treating an aneurysm by applying to an aneurysmal blood vessel a band around its exterior surface, at the position where the attachment system of the graft attaches the graft to the vessel. The band can be in the form of a strap with an attachment means such a Velcro.RTM., or a clasp, or it can be heat sealed onto the vessel or sewn thereon. The band can also be in the form of a support strap with a cable-tie buckle on one end and protruding ridges on the other end, wherein the support strap contains a plurality of protruding nodules along its length on the side of the support strap that contacts the blood vessel and a channel along its length on the side of the support strap that contacts the blood vessel for those applications wherein the graft retention system contains barbs or stables that penetrate the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of treating an aneurysm by applying to an aneurysmal blood vessel a band around its exterior surface, at the position where the attachment system of the graft attaches the graft to the vessel. A strap gun device and a method for using a strap gun device permits a surgeon to secure the material band or strap around the blood vessel with the use of only a single hand.