Abstract: Disclosed is the automated rapid advancement of a guide wire through a guide catheter using x-ray markers. The procedure involves providing a guide wire with a marker at or adjacent its tip, providing a guide catheter with a marker at or adjacent its distal terminus, rapidly advancing the guide wire through the guide catheter from its proximal end to its distal end under the control of an automated apparatus, and terminating the automated rapid advancement when the guide wire tip marker becomes adjacent to the guide catheter distal end marker. Fluoroscopic images may be taken of the of the guide wire as it rapidly advances through the guide catheter and image processing software used to determine when to terminate the rapid advancement. This software may use either the position or the velocity of the guide wire to make this determination.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a process for guiding the distal end of a guide wire or working catheter as it emerges from the distal end of a guide catheter into a blood vessel. The distal end of the guide wire or working catheter is provided with an X-ray marker, a determination is made that this distal end has emerged from the distal end of the guide catheter and a fluoroscopic image of the distal end of a guide wire or working catheter is taken. This image is correlated with the length of guide wire or working catheter inserted into the guide catheter. After further advancement of the guide wire or working catheter, another fluoroscopic image of the distal end of a guide wire or working catheter is taken and this image is correlated with the length of guide wire or working catheter which has been inserted into the guide catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed is the automated rapid advancement of a guide wire through a guide catheter using x-ray markers. The procedure involves providing a guide wire with a marker at or adjacent its tip, providing a guide catheter with a marker at or adjacent its distal terminus, rapidly advancing the guide wire through the guide catheter from its proximal end to its distal end under the control of an automated apparatus, and terminating the automated rapid advancement when the guide wire tip marker becomes adjacent to the guide catheter distal end marker. Fluoroscopic images may be taken of the of the guide wire as it rapidly advances through the guide catheter and image processing software used to determine when to terminate the rapid advancement. This software may use either the position or the velocity of the guide wire to make this determination.

Abstract: A combined hemostasis valve and drive mechanism is provided. The hemostasis valve has a valve body with a first and second leg. The first leg has a proximal port, a distal port and a lumen extending between the proximal port and the distal port. At least one valve is located in the lumen adjacent the proximal port to permit an interventional device to be passed therethrough. The second leg extends at an angle relative to the first leg and is in fluid communication with the first leg. A rotating male luer lock connector is rotatably connected to the first leg proximate to the distal port. It is configured to secure a guide catheter and has a driven member. The drive mechanism has a drive member removably interfacing with the driven member and a motor operatively connected to the drive member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being adapted to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being adapted to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is also configured to work in conjunction with an electrical lead for an implantable bi-ventricular pacing device, an electrical lead for an implantable cardio defibrillator, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being adapted to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation.