Abstract: The present invention is a device for insertion into a human or animal body, in a preferred embodiment a perfusion guidewire capable of delivering perfusion fluids to a vascular site while at the same time exhibiting handling characteristics associated with existing non-perfusion guidewires. Preferred embodiments include a perfusion guidewire which closely matches the dimensions and physical characteristics of standard guidewires. Preferred embodiments also permit high pressure perfusion of oxygen-supersaturated solutions, and include a diffuser segment which divides the flow and reduces fluid velocity, thereby providing an atraumatic, non-cavitating, bubble-free delivery to the patient. The invention also encompasses the attachment of a core wire within a tubular housing to provide superior characteristics to such guidewires, balloon catheters and similar devices.

Abstract: A tissue acquisition system includes electrodes that are energized by a radio frequency (RF) energy source. Retractable electrodes are energized and extended from a cannula and the cannula is advanced in the tissue to position the cannula near the target tissue site in a patient. The retractable electrodes are then retracted and a distal electrode cuts a tissue sample from the tissue site when the cannula is further advanced into the tissue. The retractable electrodes are then energized and extended from the cannula and the cannula is rotated to separate the tissue sample from the tissue site. The tissue sample is ejected through the cannula for collection by advancing a dilator.

Abstract: A system for accessing a desired site within a patient's body includes a cannula defining an inner lumen that opens into a longitudinally extending side aperture formed in the side of the cannula, near its distal end. An electrosurgical stylet slidably fits inside the inner lumen. At the distal end of the stylet is an electrosurgical electrode capable of ablating tissue and permitting advancement of the system into a patient's body. The electrode, in an expanded deployed configuration, can be wider than the maximum transverse dimension of the cannula, but it may be deflected toward the center of the stylet so that the electrode fits within the inner lumen of the cannula, permitting the stylet to be inserted and removed through the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for insertion into a human or animal body, in a preferred embodiment a perfusion guidewire capable of delivering perfusion fluids to a vascular site while at the same time exhibiting handling characteristics associated with existing non-perfusion guidewires. Preferred embodiments include a perfusion guidewire which closely matches the dimensions and physical characteristics of standard guidewires. Preferred embodiments also permit high pressure perfusion of oxygen-supersaturated solutions, and include a diffuser segment which divides the flow and reduces fluid velocity, thereby providing an a traumatic, non-cavitating, bubble-free delivery to the patient. The invention also encompasses the attachment of a core wire within a tubular housing to provide superior characteristics to such guidewires, balloon catheters and similar devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for insertion into a human or animal body, in a preferred embodiment a perfusion guidewire capable of delivering perfusion fluids to a vascular site while at the same time exhibiting handling characteristics associated with existing non-perfusion guidewires. Preferred embodiments include a perfusion guidewire which closely matches the dimensions and physical characteristics of standard guidewires. Preferred embodiments also permit high pressure perfusion of oxygen-supersaturated solutions, and include a diffuser segment which divides the flow and reduces fluid velocity, thereby providing an atraumatic, non-cavitating, bubble-free delivery to the patient. The invention also encompasses the attachment of a core wire within a tubular housing to provide superior characteristics to such guidewires, balloon catheters and similar devices.