Abstract: An inflation adaptor is provided to move a wire within a hollow tubular body, the movement of the wire enabling actuation of an expandable member at the distal end of the hollow tubular body. The expandable member can be a balloon, filter or similar device. The adaptor generally includes a clamping mechanism which clamps the hollow tubular body and wire within the adaptor, and also includes a drive mechanism for moving the wire within the hollow tubular body. An actuator, such as a rotatable knob, is provided to operate both the clamping mechanism and the drive mechanism. The adaptor may also include a fluid delivery and expansion system within a housing when the expandable member is a balloon, wherein movement of the actuator delivers a predetermined amount to the balloon while still operating the clamping mechanism and the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical vascular catheters adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel from an incision through the skin of a patient for introducing other devices or fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and particularly to an improved distal soft tip or segment attachment with a relatively stiff proximal catheter shaft. A tubular sleeve is bonded through the application of pressure and heat to a distal portion of the catheter shaft and a proximal portion of the distal segment of soft distal tip bridging the attachment junction. In the preferred method, the catheter shaft distal end is aligned with the distal segment or soft tip proximal end and the sleeve is fitted over the attachment junction. A heat shrink tube is fitted over the sleeve and adjoining portions of the catheter shaft and the distal segment or distal soft tip and heat is applied.