Abstract: RF energy for skin conditioning with a non-ablative electrode is applied with a handpiece incorporating means to prevent electrical shock to the patient when the energized electrode surface makes or breaks contact with the skin. In a preferred embodiment, switch means are incorporated in the handpiece and configured such that the active electrode surface is not energized until it is in actual contact with the patient's skin, and remains energized only while the active electrode surface remains in contact with the patient's skin, so that no voltage is present on the electrode, when an air gap whose dielectric breakdown can cause an electrical shock to the patient arises, immediately before or immediately after skin contact during a skin conditioning procedure. In another preferred embodiment, the electrode to skin impedance change as the electrode touches the skin is used to activate a switch that transfers RF to the electrode.

Abstract: Systems for delivering a bifurcated stent to a bifurcation site comprise catheters and/or bifurcated stents delivered therefrom.

Abstract: A tip assembly for a catheter includes a housing having a recess that receives an optical bench. The optical bench accommodates adjacent fibers, one of which is in optical communication with a first beam re-director. The first beam re-director is oriented to cause a beam incident thereon to travel in a direction away from the optical bench. An engaging structure coupled to the optical bench provides torque coupling between the housing and an end of a torque cable extending axially along the catheter.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent includes a first stent section and a second stent section. The first stent section is balloon expandable, has an unexpanded configuration, an expanded configuration, and a tubular wall defining a secondary opening. The secondary stent section is self-expanding and an end of the secondary stent section is engaged to a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section defining the secondary opening. The secondary stent section has an unexpanded configuration with a first length and an expanded configuration with a second length where the first length is less than the second length. The secondary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration after the primary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration. The secondary stent section forms a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section in the unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A spectroscope for detecting vulnerable plaques includes an optical fiber extending through a catheter. The optical fiber has a field-of-view that is modified to preferentially collect light scattered from deep within the wall of a blood vessel. Obstructions or curved optical surfaces can be used to modify the field of view.

Abstract: A catheter includes separate first and second optical channels extending between proximal and distal portion thereof. First and second beam redirectors in optical communication with the respective first and second optical channels each have on-axis stage and an off-axis stage.

Abstract: A tip assembly for a catheter includes a housing having a recess that receives an optical bench. The optical bench accommodates adjacent fibers, one of which is in optical communication with a first beam re-director. The first beam re-director is oriented to cause a beam incident thereon to travel in a direction away from the optical bench. An engaging structure coupled to the optical bench provides torque coupling between the housing and an end of a torque cable extending axially along the catheter.

Abstract: A spectroscope for detecting vulnerable plaque within a lumen defined by an intraluminal wall includes a probe through which an optical fiber extends. An coupler in optical communication with the fiber is configured to atraumatically contact the intraluminal wall. A light source provides light to the fiber for illuminating the wall and a detector coupled to the fiber receives light from within the wall.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: The invention provides basket-style catheter probes that are configured to automatically radially expand or contract in response to widening or narrowing of a lumen so that contact with the lumen wall is maintained during probing. Related diagnostic systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides various fiber optic probe assemblies for the delivery and collection of light in small spaces. The provided probe assemblies are small, flexible and well suited to performing minimally invasive spectroscopic examinations of biological tissues in-vivo. The invention also provides intravascular catheters that include the fiber optic probe assemblies.

Abstract: A system for displaying diagnostic data includes a display on which is displayed an image having an anatomic map and a diagnostic map. The diagnostic map, which is disposed at a location indicative of the spatial distribution of the diagnostic data, shows a spatial distribution of that data.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes an optical fiber extending through a catheter, and in communication with an optical system. The optical system has a finite focal length.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent includes a first stent section and a second stent section. The first stent section is balloon expandable, has an unexpanded configuration, an expanded configuration, and a tubular wall defining a secondary opening. The secondary stent section is self-expanding and an end of the secondary stent section is engaged to a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section defining the secondary opening. The secondary stent section has an unexpanded configuration with a first length and an expanded configuration with a second length where the first length is less than the second length. The secondary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration after the primary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration. The secondary stent section forms a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section in the unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: A stent suitable for implantation in myocardial tissue to enhance perfusion therein may include a tubular member having first and second ends and a lumen. The first end of the stent may be configured to pierce myocardial tissue and the lumen may be configured to be placed in flow communication with a coronary vessel. The stent may further include a means for retaining the tubular member within the myocardial tissue. A method for implanting the stent may include positioning the first end of the stent at a desired implantation site and applying force to the second end of the stent to implant the stent within the myocardial tissue. The method may further include engaging the means for retaining with the myocardial tissue to retain the stent in position.

Abstract: An intravascular probe includes a sheath with a distal portion and a proximal portion. The intravascular probe includes a first optical waveguide extending along the sheath, the first optical waveguide being configured to carry optical radiation between the distal and proximal portions, and a first beam redirector disposed at the distal portion in optical communication with the first optical waveguide. The intravascular probe also includes an optical detector configured to receive optical radiation from the first optical waveguide, and an ultrasound transducer disposed at the distal portion. The ultrasound transducer is configured to couple ultrasound energy between the intravascular probe and a transmission medium. A wire extends along the sheath in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer.