Abstract: A hand tightenable connector provides a high pressure seal between a first element and a second element. A first female element includes a recess for supporting a compressible O-ring and a second male element includes a ferrule which deforms the O-ring in the recess when the male and female elements are mated. The ferrule abuts against the surface defining the opening of the O-ring recess so that a high pressure seal is effected between the first and second elements without severely distorting the O-ring. The connector may be used to couple various components of a high pressure fluid delivery system such as are found in a jet cutting system.

Abstract: A guidewire having a metal wire core and a high performance plastic sleeve extruded thereover. A tapering distal portion of the metal wire core extends beyond the high performance plastic sleeve. A coil formed of radiopaque material is mounted about the distal portion. A compliant jacket covers the high performance plastic sleeve and the radiopaque coil. The compliant jacket includes a lubricious coating.

Abstract: A mechanism stretches and slightly twists an intraaortic balloon to a stretched and wrapped state prior to insertion or removal. One embodiment includes a member which extends through a catheter from the handle to the balloon, and which advances to extend the balloon while slightly twisting it. A spiral drive screw assembly in the handle defines a precise ratio of balloon extension to twist, and also defines fixed total amounts of twist and extension delivered by the member. The mechanism permits the balloon to be fully untwisted once it is inserted and to be recompacted, following use, for removal from the patient. The device is of particular utility for a large diameter or non-cylindrical balloon, and for inserting a balloon along an arterial path having a narrow passage or sharp curve.

Abstract: A mechanism advances to stretch an intraaortic balloon prior to insertion or removal. One embodiment includes a member which extends through a catheter from the handle to the balloon, and which advances to extend the balloon without appreciably twisting it. A spring detent assembly in the handle defines a precise amount of extension delivered by the member. The mechanism permits the balloon to be fully relaxed once it is inserted and to be recompacted, following use, for removal from the patient. The device is of particular utility for a large diameter, irregular or polygonal non-cylindrical balloon, and for inserting a balloon along an arterial path having a narrow passage or sharp curve.

Abstract: A periodontal probe has a probe finger extending from a handle to an L-shaped distal end which includes a tip adapted for insertion into a periodontal pocket and formed of a thermally insulative material. A temperature sensing element is mounted at the extreme end of the tip. Conductive leads extend from the sensing element, through the probe tip to the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor is a thermocouple or thermistor, and the tip is sealed within an epoxy outer skin. The tip tapers so that the thermal mass of the probe in the vicinity of the sensing element quickly attains the temperature of surrounding tissue while minimally perturbing that temperature. The handle may contain signal processing or temperature display units, and the probe tip preferably includes graduations for indicating probe depth. Interchangeable sensor matching circuit elements adapt sensor elements having different characteristics to a common display driver.