Abstract: A sensor system having a distance sensor (1) for detecting the distance between two objects (3,4) that can be moved relative to one another and having a magnetic field sensor (2) for detecting a magnetic field between the objects (3,4), in particular for detecting a gap width and a magnetic field between a rotor and a stator, and having a selection device (13), wherein a measurement signal from the distance sensor (1) or a measurement signal from the magnetic field sensor (2) can be supplied for further processing via the selection device (13). Furthermore, a method for operating a sensor system is described.

Abstract: Catheter includes an outer shaft member having a proximal section and a distal outer member. The outer shaft has an inflation lumen defined therethrough. A balloon is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen and has a proximal balloon shaft, a proximal cone portion, a working length, a distal cone portion, and a distal balloon shaft. Catheter also includes a monolithic inner tubular member extending from the outer shaft proximal section through the distal outer member and through the balloon to form a tip. The distal balloon shaft has an inner diameter and comprises a distal seal portion coupled to the inner tubular member and a proximal portion free of attachment to the inner tubular member. The length of the proximal portion of the distal balloon shaft is at least about two times the inner diameter of the distal balloon shaft. Methods of making a catheter are also provided.

Abstract: Catheter includes an outer shaft member having a proximal section and a distal outer member. The outer shaft has an inflation lumen defined therethrough. A balloon is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen and has a proximal balloon shaft, a proximal cone portion, a working length, a distal cone portion, and a distal balloon shaft. Catheter also includes a monolithic inner tubular member extending from the outer shaft proximal section through the distal outer member and through the balloon to form a tip. The distal balloon shaft has an inner diameter and comprises a distal seal portion coupled to the inner tubular member and a proximal portion free of attachment to the inner tubular member. The length of the proximal portion of the distal balloon shaft is at least about two times the inner diameter of the distal balloon shaft. Methods of making a catheter are also provided.

Abstract: Catheter includes an outer shaft member having a proximal section and a distal outer member. The outer shaft has an inflation lumen defined therethrough. A balloon is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen and has a proximal balloon shaft, a proximal cone portion, a working length, a distal cone portion, and a distal balloon shaft. Catheter also includes a monolithic inner tubular member extending from the outer shaft proximal section through the distal outer member and through the balloon to form a tip. The distal balloon shaft has an inner diameter and comprises a distal seal portion coupled to the inner tubular member and a proximal portion free of attachment to the inner tubular member. The length of the proximal portion of the distal balloon shaft is at least about two times the inner diameter of the distal balloon shaft. Methods of making a catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously stripping at least two cable ends surrounded by insulation material includes a cutting device having first and second cutters that are movable relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable ends. The cutting edges of the first and second cutters are disposed substantially in the same plane and are movable towards each other such that the cutting edges simultaneously cut into the insulation material of the at least two cable ends. In addition, the cutting device and the cable ends are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the cable ends to simultaneously pull-off the cut insulation material from the at least two cable ends and thereby strip the at least two cable ends.

Abstract: Elongate, flexible catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therein. The shaft has an inner layer comprising an amorphous polyamide having a Shore D durometer value of greater than 78, and an outer layer comprising a semi-crystalline polyamide or copolyamide having a Shore D durometer value of less than 76. The outer layer is thinner than the inner layer. The shaft has an increased resistance to kinking as compared to a similar shaft of a single layer of the amorphous polyamide having a Shore D durometer value of greater than 78.

Abstract: Elongate, flexible catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therein. The shaft has an inner layer comprising an amorphous polyamide having a Shore D durometer value of greater than 78, and an outer layer comprising a semi-crystalline polyamide or copolyamide having a Shore D durometer value of less than 76. The outer layer is thinner than the inner layer. The shaft has an increased resistance to kinking as compared to a similar shaft of a single layer of the amorphous polyamide having a Shore D durometer value of greater than 78.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a multilayer catheter shaft is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the inner layer and outer layer are selected from materials that enhance the pushability of the catheter while preserving the flexibility. Using a combination of a high Shore D duromater value material and a lower Shore D duromater value material, various combinations of multilayer catheter shafts are disclosed utilizing different glass transition temperatures and block copolyamides to obtain the desired characteristics.

Abstract: Catheter includes an outer shaft member having a proximal section and a distal outer member. The outer shaft has an inflation lumen defined therethrough. A balloon is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen and has a proximal balloon shaft, a proximal cone portion, a working length, a distal cone portion, and a distal balloon shaft. Catheter also includes a monolithic inner tubular member extending from the outer shaft proximal section through the distal outer member and through the balloon to form a tip. The distal balloon shaft has an inner diameter and comprises a distal seal portion coupled to the inner tubular member and a proximal portion free of attachment to the inner tubular member. The length of the proximal portion of the distal balloon shaft is at least about two times the inner diameter of the distal balloon shaft. Methods of making a catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously stripping at least two cable ends surrounded by insulation material includes a cutting device having first and second cutters that are movable relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable ends. The cutting edges of the first and second cutters are disposed substantially in the same plane and are movable towards each other such that the cutting edges simultaneously cut into the insulation material of the at least two cable ends. In addition, the cutting device and the cable ends are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the cable ends to simultaneously pull-off the cut insulation material from the at least two cable ends and thereby strip the at least two cable ends.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a radiopaque coil embedded in the catheter's body corresponding to a landmark of the balloon or other location on the catheter body. The radiopaque coil can be viewed under fluoroscopy to located the balloon or other structure of the catheter. The coil can be readily inserted in the manufacturing process by inserting it between two layers that form the catheter body, and then sealing the coil inside the catheter at the desired location. This facilitates both the manufacturing process and prevents the marker from being dislodged during the manufacturing, navigation, or inflation process.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a radiopaque coil embedded in the catheter's body corresponding to a landmark of the balloon or other location on the catheter body. The radiopaque coil can be viewed under fluoroscopy to located the balloon or other structure of the catheter. The coil can be readily inserted in the manufacturing process by inserting it between two layers that form the catheter body, and then sealing the coil inside the catheter at the desired location. This facilitates both the manufacturing process and prevents the marker from being dislodged during the manufacturing, navigation, or inflation process.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a multilayer catheter shaft is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the inner layer and outer layer are selected from materials that enhance the pushability of the catheter while preserving the flexibility. Using a combination of a high Shore D duromater value material and a lower Shore D duromater value material, various combinations of multilayer catheter shafts are disclosed utilizing different glass transition temperatures and block copolyamides to obtain the desired characteristics.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a multilayer catheter shaft is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the inner layer and outer layer are selected from materials that enhance the pushability of the catheter while preserving the flexibility. Using a combination of a high Shore D duromater value material and a lower Shore D duromater value material, various combinations of multilayer catheter shafts are disclosed utilizing different glass transition temperatures and block copolyamides to obtain the desired characteristics.

Abstract: A catheter body having a variable stiffness along its longitudinal length and a method for manufacturing same is disclosed wherein an inner layer having an uninterrupted length serves as a backbone for segments of coextrusion of, e.g., Pebax or nylon and a tie layer which are then bonded to the backbone to create a multi-stiffness catheter body.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a radiopaque coil embedded in the catheter's body corresponding to a landmark of the balloon or other location on the catheter body. The radiopaque coil can be viewed under fluoroscopy to located the balloon or other structure of the catheter. The coil can be readily inserted in the manufacturing process by inserting it between two layers that form the catheter body, and then sealing the coil inside the catheter at the desired location. This facilitates both the manufacturing process and prevents the marker from being dislodged during the manufacturing, navigation, or inflation process.

Abstract: A catheter body having a variable stiffness along its longitudinal length and a method for manufacturing same is disclosed wherein an inner layer having an uninterrupted length serves as a backbone for segments of coextrusion of, e.g., Pebax or nylon and a tie layer which are then bonded to the backbone to create a multi-stiffness catheter body.

Abstract: A catheter balloon is formed from a mold process with a circumferential demarcation is formed on the outer surface using a groove or ridge on the mold surface. The demarcation is located at the transition between the body portion of the catheter balloon and the neck or taper section. The presence of the demarcation serves to identify the transition between the two regions for placing and positioning a visual marker inside the balloon.

Abstract: A clamping device for gripping a catheter shaft to facilitate advancement in a patient's body lumen. The clamping device is preferably configured to be releasably secured to the catheter shaft and longitudinally slidable along the catheter shaft. The clamping device comprises a body portion that couples to a portion of the catheter adapter on a proximal end, and an axially directed internal lumen sized to receive the catheter shaft. Extending longitudinally from the body portion are opposed, resilient cantilevered fingers that flex inwardly against the catheter shaft upon application of digital pressure from the practitioner's thumb and forefinger to grip and capture the catheter shaft, thereby increasing the surface area of the interaction between the practitioner and the catheter and enhancing pushability.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a multilayer catheter shaft is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the inner layer and outer layer are selected from materials that enhance the pushability of the catheter while preserving the flexibility. Using a combination of a high Shore D duromater value material and a lower Shore D duromater value material, various combinations of multilayer catheter shafts are disclosed utilizing different glass transition temperatures and block copolyamides to obtain the desired characteristics.