Abstract: A syringe holder has a barrel (1) with a sleeve (2) screwed over its forward end. A syringe is entered into the rear end of the barrel (1), needle (20) first, with the sleeve (2) at its rearmost position. A coned needle cap (23) snaps through an aperture (13) at the forward end of the sleeve as a flange (18) at the rear of the syringe tube (17) abuts the rear end of the barrel (1). Screwing the sleeve (2) forwards eases the cap (23) off the needle (20), and screwing it back again leaves the assembly ready to use. The barrel (1) has finger grips (10) to facilitate thumb operation of the syringe plunger.

Abstract: A splittable sheath assembly including a sheath, a T-shaped fitting and an attachment mechanism. The sheath is adapted for use in the trans-cutaneous insertion of medical instrumentation through a lumen defined by the sheath and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including an initial bifurcated portion defining two tabs. The T-shaped fitting has a central opening aligned with the lumen of the sheath, a handle on either side of the central opening, and a zone of weakness unitarily joining the two handles so that the T-shaped fitting is adapted to be split into two separate portions, each portion having only one of the handles. The attachment mechanism attaches each of the tabs of the proximal end of the sheath to one of the handles. Each attachment mechanism includes a projection portion engaging one of the tabs and a locking element received on the projection to inhibit removal of the tab from the projection.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system, such as a dilatation catheter system for angioplasty procedures, which provides for the replacement of the catheter or the guidewire during the procedure. The intravascular catheter has a guidewire-receiving inner lumen extending along its length. A first guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at or near the proximal end of the catheter. A second guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at a location spaced distally from the first guidewire port and proximally from a diagnostic or therapeutic tool, such as a dilatation balloon, on a distal portion of the catheter. A third guidewire port is provided in the distal end of the catheter. The guidewire ports are in communication with the guidewire-receiving inner lumen.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a balloon disposed at the distal end thereof and a therapeutic substance delivery assembly, including a needle in fluid communication with a therapeutic substance delivery lumen for allowing a therapeutic substance to be injected into a diseased physiological lumen. A deflector is positioned along an inside wall of the delivery lumen, positioned, such that as a bend region forms caused by the movement of the delivery lumen, the deflector bends to rest on the outside curvature of the bend. As the needle is made to travel through the bend, the ribbon helps to bounce the needle tip off the wall of the delivery lumen, allowing the needle to travel through the bend without digging into and/or gouging the delivery lumen wall.

Abstract: A trocar assembly structured to regulate fluid flow as well as the introduction of predetermined medical instrumentation into and out of a body cavity of a patient during a surgical procedure such as, but not limited to laparoscopy, endoscopy, etc. The trocar assembly includes a housing having a hollow interior secured at one end to an elongated open ended sleeve through which fluid flow and medical instrumentation passes. A valve assembly includes a valve member disposed within the hollow interior and a valve structure including a valve seat rotatably connected to the housing such that the valve seat is selectively rotatable relative to the valve member and into and out of fluid sealing engagement therewith so as to respectively define a valve-closed position and a valve-open position.

Abstract: A dual-chamber syringe has a plunger within an inner delivery chamber in fluid communication with an ejection port. The deliver chamber is formed within a tubular element axially slidable within a tubular guide. The tubular guide and the syringe outer barrel form an outer reservoir chamber. The outer reservoir chamber is sealed from the delivery chamber while the tubular element is in a first position within the guide. Upon withdrawal of the plunger, frictional contact imparted by the plunger seal causes the tubular element to slide away from sealing engagement with the barrel into a second position within the guide. In the second position of the tubular element, a fluid passageway is opened from the reservoir to the delivery chamber allowing fluid to be drawn into the delivery chamber. A porous seal between the plunger rod and barrel allows air into the reservoir during transfer of fluid to the delivery chamber.

Abstract: An injection device has a barrel (1) for housing and guiding a syringe (13) as it is urged forward to project its needle (14), while the dose is ejected, and as a return spring (22) retracts it. A firing mechanism (6) is connectable to the rear end of the barrel and is re-usable, whereas the barrel (1) with its spent syringe (13) is disposable. The connection (4) has limited freedom of axial movement so that, once made, forward pressure on the firing mechanism (6) moves the syringe (13) up to a ready position. A number of barrels (1) with syringes (13) can be housed in a common box (31) with a single firing mechanism (6), the forward end of each barrel (1) being screwed to a locator (32) on the base of the box.

Abstract: A single-use hypodermic syringe having a syringe barrel with distal and proximal ends. The syringe barrel includes a flange at the proximal end thereof and a luer locking collar at the distal end thereof. A needle assembly is removably coupled to the distal end of the syringe barrel. The needle assembly includes a hub and a needle extending from a distal end of the hub. A plunger is telescopically positionable within the barrel. A tubular shield is disposed around the syringe barrel such that the syringe barrel can be moved relative thereto. The shield includes locking prongs extending proximally therefrom, and a spring for moving the syringe barrel from an unused position, where the shield allows exposure of the needle assembly, into a used position where the shield covers the needle assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for safely inserting of a catheter into a patient and the use of a solid needle. An exemplary apparatus of the present invention includes a needle shaft, which is coupled to a solid needle tip. The needle shaft includes a first end, a second end, and a first dimension. The solid needle tip includes a sharp end and a blunt end, a groove, and a second dimension. The second dimension is greater than the first dimension such that a juncture, which is a step up from the first end, is formed when the needle shaft is coupled to the solid needle tip. The groove runs axially along a surface of said solid needle tip and extends from said sharp end to said blunt end. A catheter is disposed about the needle shaft and the solid needle tip with the solid needle tip protruding from an edge of the catheter. A connector is used to couple the catheter to a safety container, which is partially disposed within a body.

Abstract: An injection device made up from a housing, a dose setting and injection mechanism, a dose setting member and an injection button is described. The dose setting and injection mechanism is made as a preassembled unit insertable into the housing. Both the dose setting member and the injection button is thereafter connected to the preassembled dose setting and injection mechanism inside the boundaries of the housing, while being accessible for a user from outside the housing. The same preassembled dose setting and injection mechanism can fit into a large variety of different houses making production of different variants of an injection device somewhat easier.

Abstract: The invention is a dual lumen, adjustable cannula assembly which comprises an inner cannula which is moveable within an outer cannula. Each cannula has openings for fluid passage. The assembly may be placed at any region within a body cavity such as the peritoneal cavity, the vena cava, veins or arteries. The inner cannula can be advanced beyond the position of the cannula assembly so as to communicate with a region of the cavity different from that with which the outer cavity communicates.

Abstract: A medical instrument, or collection instrument, for collecting foreign material, such as calculuses and clips that have fallen in the abdominal cavity, is disclosed. The collection instrument includes a tube (1) that is hollow in the longitudinal direction and a collection bag (2) arranged at one end of the tube (1). The collection bag includes a barrier member having a fluid passage characteristic.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment that includes liquid-impervious skin-contactable sheets actually having a pair of belt-like strips spaced apart from and opposed to each other in a transverse direction of an undergarment and extending in a longitudinal direction of the undergarment along transversely opposite side edge portions of the undergarment. The skin-contactable sheets are attached to a skin-contactable surface 1a of the undergarment so as to cover a panel. The skin-contactable sheets have fixed surface areas secured to longitudinally opposite end portions 1c of the undergarment and free surface areas adapted to be spaced upward from the panel so that the skin-contactable surface may be partially surfaced between these skin-contactable sheets.

Abstract: A disposable diaper including a laminated panel that includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween. Side flaps of the panel are provided with leg-opening elastic members rectilinearly extending longitudinally thereof between the front and rear waist regions and secured under tension to the respective side flaps, the rear waist regions of the panel is provided between the respective side edges of the core and the respective leg-opening elastic members with a pair of stretchable regions being elastically stretchable transversely of the panel.

Abstract: A fastener tab for securing absorbent garments is provided. The fastener tab has a first elastic region that extends laterally outward from a waist region of the garment, a second elastic region that extends laterally outward from the first elastic region, and a grip that is attached to an outboard portion of the second elastic region. The second elastic region has a greater stretch resistance than the first elastic region. In another embodiment of the invention, the fastener tab has a substantially inelastic region interposed between the first elastic region and the second elastic region.

Abstract: A method of sterile needless vial access, utilized to transfer materials from one unit to another. The method utilizes a swab-able access port and a blunt cannula. The access port receives the blunt cannula to couple and aseptically transfer medical and body fluids. The swab-able access port permits disinfectant treatment before receipt of the blunt cannula to limit and prevent contamination of sterile fluids.

Abstract: This invention discloses a donor blood sampling apparatus attached to a tubing branch, a donor needle attached to an upstream tube, the donor needle being adapted for drawing blood from a body and a main collection bag attached to a donor tube, characterized by a flow controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating urinary tract infections in females is described. The method includes inserting a urine control device into a vagina of a female; followed by having the female urinate; and followed by removing the urine control device from the vagina. Preferably, the urine control device includes an anti-microbial agent. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an absorptive device for absorbing bodily fluids, and an elongated member attached to the absorptive device for removing the absorptive device from a vagina. Preferably, the absorptive device includes an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: A method of improving vision in an amblyopic eye is described in which vision in the dominant eye is reversibly disrupted. The technique promotes improvement of visual acuity in the weaker eye. The disclosed method is particularly suitable for treatment of adult amblyopia. The method also includes several devices suitable for use in the described treatments.

Abstract: A device in the form of a conversion adapter for reducing an internal lumen of a catheter so as to accommodate a guidewire having a diameter substantially smaller than the internal lumen of the catheter as well as a catheter system including such a conversion adapter is provided. The adapter is positionable within the internal lumen of the catheter. The adapter has an external diameter which is substantially equal to the internal lumen of the catheter and further includes a smaller internal lumen which is substantially equal in diameter to the guidewire and is therefore capable of accommodating the smaller diameter guidewire therethrough. Preferably, the adapter extends within the internal lumen of the catheter along the entire length thereof, and preferably extends beyond the length of the catheter, including a flexible tapered tip at the end portion.

Abstract: A method of positioning a main stent at a vessel bifurcation such that a side opening in the main stent is positioned at the ostium of a branch vessel, comprising: positioning a main guidewire in the main vessel such that a distal end of the main guidewire extends past the bifurcation; advancing a stent delivery system to a position proximate the bifurcation, the stent delivery system comprising a catheter with a flexible side sheath attached thereto, wherein the catheter is received over the main guidewire, and wherein the main stent is positioned over the catheter with the flexible side sheath positioned to pass through the interior of the main stent and out of the side opening in the main stent; advancing a branch guidewire through the flexible side sheath attached to the catheter and into the branch vessel; and subsequently, advancing the catheter over the main guidewire while advancing the flexible side sheath over the branch guidewire while viewing relative movement of a marker positioned on the flexibl

Abstract: A device (10) for extracting biliary or urinary stones, calculi or the like (stones 104) from the biliary or urinary tract (100) of a patient including a catheter shaft (12), a first expandable apparatus for dilating the tract entrance or the sphincter thereat, and a second expandable apparatus for capturing the stone and/or urging it out of the tract. The first expandable apparatus may be an inflatable balloon (14) fixed on the catheter shaft (12), and the second expandable apparatus may be a second inflatable balloon (18) fixed on the catheter shaft or on a second tube telescopically associated with the catheter shaft, or may be a reversibly collapsible extraction basket (154) such as of nitinol wires, that is slidably receivable in and extendable from the catheter shaft (112).

Abstract: An articulated apparatus is disclosed that includes an actuator base and a plurality of serially coupled link members that are mutually joined to one another at a plurality of joints. Each of the serially coupled link members has an axis of rotation. The plurality of link member includes a proximal link member that is proximal to the actuator base, and a distal link member that is distal to the actuator base, and each link member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of actuators that are located at the base, and each actuator is associated with a respective link member. The apparatus further includes a plurality of tendons, each of which is coupled to an actuator and a respective link member for effecting movement of the link member with respect to the actuator base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilization of aneurysm is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet radiation generator for generating UV radiation having a wavelength, strongly absorbed by the DNA and a catheter including means for delivering the ultraviolet radiation to the aneurysm. The distal end of the catheter is placed inside the aneurysm. Stabilization of the aneurysm is achieved by forming a mural arterial thrombus inside the aneurysm. To make irradiation possible, the blood is displaced from the aneurysm by a steady stream of UV radiation transparent fluid. The injury to the endothelium that triggers the thrombus formation is caused by UV radiation delivered to the aneurysm. In several days after intervention the thrombus becomes fully organized, leaving on the inside surface of the aneurysm a thick layer of fibrotic tissue that stabilizes the aneurysm.

Abstract: A software module for a software controlled device for performing cryosurgical procedures on a treatment region with a cryosurgical probe. The software controlled device is of a type that is responsive to user input settings. The software module includes a temperature feedback control system which is adaptive to the external heat load of a treatment region and utilizes user input settings for determining an optimal rate of gas flow through a cryosurgical probe thereby enabling the user to precisely monitor and deliver a cryosurgical treatment.

Abstract: A heat transfer device has first and second elongated, articulated segments, each having a turbulence-inducing exterior surface. A flexible joint connects the first and second elongated, articulated segments. An inner coaxial lumen is disposed within the first and second elongated, articulated segments.

Abstract: A surgical system that applies electrical energy to obtain predetermined surgical effects while improving the control of the application of the energy that is supplied by electrosurgical generators. In one embodiment, a surgical assembly interfaces with and receives power from an electrosurgical generator for executing a first electrosurgical procedure. This surgical assembly may employ a shunt circuit between its power and return lines for providing in effect a voltage limitation and/or to allow a constant power electrosurgical generator to execute an at least substantially constant voltage electrosurgical technique. The electrosurgical assembly may also include a return coupler for directing energy from the patient back to the electrosurgical generator, which in turn may include a dielectric material which interfaces with the patient and which at least initially conveys the return energy via one or more electric fields versus conduction.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for treating disorders of the genito-urinary tract and other disorders in other parts of the body. A particular treatment can include one or more of, or some combination of ablation, nerve modulation, three-dimensional tissue shaping, drug delivery, mapping, stimulating, shrinking (by creation of a pattern of thermal lesions) and reducing strain on structures by altering the geometry thereof and providing bulk to particularly defined regions. The particular body structures or tissues can include one or more of, or some combination of regions, including the bladder, esophagus, vagina, penis, larynx, pharynx, aortic arch, abdominal aorta, thoracic aorta, large intestine, small intestine, sinus, auditory canal, uterus, vas deferens, trachea and all associated sphincters. In one aspect of the invention, a catheter is deployed in the body.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including first and second curved members and a tissue coagulation apparatus on each of the first and second curved members.

Abstract: A catheter for applying ablation energy to biological tissue having biological fluid flowing thereby includes a shaft having a distal-end region defining a tissue-contacting surface and a fluid-contacting surface. A plurality of band electrodes are positioned at the distal-end region of the shaft. A thermally conductive and non-electrically conductive surface covering, covers a portion of each of the band electrodes substantially coincident with the fluid-contacting surface. Each band electrode thereby has at least one masked portion substantially coincident with the fluid-contacting surface and at least one non-masked portion substantially coincident with the tissue-contacting surface. Ablation energy is transferred through the non-masked portion of the electrode. One or more thermal sensors are located in the non-masked portion of each of the band electrodes.

Abstract: Relief of urethral obstruction is achieved by heat ablation of prostatic tissue by an ablation electrode passed within the urethra to a position in the prostate near the point of urethral obstruction. The electrode is coupled to a high frequency power supply to ablatively heat the urethra and the prostatic tissue near the urethra. Image guidance of the electrode placement is monitored by an imaging device. The temperature of the tissue is sensed at the electrode to control the high frequency heating energy and ablation process. The electrode has a blunt tip to help prevent piercing of the wall of the urethra during insertion of the electrode into the urethra through the penis and the positioning of the electrode tip near to the point of urethral obstruction. Several forms of electrodes, apparatus, and methods accommodate the specific objectives.

Abstract: The devices and methods disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices and methods produce and to maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The devices and methods also disclose locating and selecting a site for creation of a collateral opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral and intravertebral fixation making exclusive use of this space. The vertebral fixation uses rods or screws perpendicular to the articular faces of the vertebrae, which rods or screws are introduced by the conventional posterior or lateral spinal surgical routes. An artificial discal articulation can be placed between these vertebral fixators using these same posterior routes, the fixation being adjustable or self-adjustable according to movements of the patient. Surgical implantation thus becomes quick, without subjecting the patient to a major intervention.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for the treatment of a bone fracture (18′), comprising an elongate member (2) adapted for substantially axial insertion into the bone (18) such that it spans the fracture; where in one embodiment the elongate member being formed, adjacent one or both of its proximal and distal ends with fixture location means (9) adapted to receive a fixing device (27) inserted transversely of the elongate member (2) and passing through part at least of the bone to be treated; the position of the fixture location means (9) and the line of insertion of the fixing device (27) being defined by a jig (21) temporarily affixable to the proximal end of the elongate member; wherein a guide means (25) is adapted to pass through the fixture location and act as a guide for the desired location of the fixing device, said apparatus also providing drill means (25a and 26a), guidable by the guide means, and utilizable to form a bore communicating with the fixture location and adapted to accommodate the

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to body tissue fixation systems, including body tissue fixation hardware comprising biocompatible, bioabsorbable (resorbable) thermoplastic plates, and methods of using those systems and hardware.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to body tissue fixation systems, including body tissue fixation hardware comprising biocompatible, bioabsorbable plates, with an osteropromoting coating layer on at least one surface of said plates, and methods of using those system and hardware.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener or device (implant) formed in the shape of an arrow comprising a shaft with a proximal (first) portion having protrusions and a blunt end and a distal (second) portion having protrusions and a pointed end, the protrusions of the proximal and distal portions configured to lock the implant in a position inside a soft and/or tough tissue according to the use of the implant. The implant may be manufactured of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially (bio)absorbable in tissue conditions and contains oriented reinforcing structure or the like of a polymer or polymeric compound or ceramic bioglass compound. The surgical implant of the invention is particularly but not solely intended to be used in repair surgery of traumas of soft and/or tough tissues containing fibrous structures, such as knee meniscal tissues.

Abstract: An orthopedic stabilization structure including a threaded fastener capable of articulation to accommodate various skeletal geometries, a rod, and a cup supporting the threaded fastener and the rod to be subsequently helps in fixed position with respect to the skeletal structure.

Abstract: A device and method for use in a vertebral spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an implant. The device includes a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. A working end is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism adjacent to the working end. The drive mechanism is operable to move the upper and lower cutters of the working end to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plate region of the adjacent vertebral bodies. A guard provides protected access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies for the working end of the bone removal device through a passageway.

Abstract: A process with special instruments to Arthroscopically reduce certain joint fractures in humans and animals. The instruments are shaped and sized so as to afford remote manipulation of bone fragments, while viewing the procedure with an arthroscope and a fluoroscope in a C Arm. The process utilizes a lateral approach. This process with the instruments allows a skilled surgeon to affect an anatomically correct joint surface and then bone graft any bone deficit, all through small incisions local to the joint.

Abstract: A drill guide and methods of using a drill guide with a plate having at least one slotted hole extending therethrough. The drill guide positions a bone engaging fastener away from the ends of the slot, allowing compression or distraction of the bony segment to which the plate is attached.

Abstract: A shape memory clot retrieval device which can be placed in the vasculature of a patient for retrieving and removing distal clots. The clot retrieval device has an elongated catheter member that can be inserted in the vasculature, with one or more clot retrieval members on the elongated catheter member that are movable between an initial compressed configuration in which the clot retrieval device is inserted into the vasculature and an expanded configuration extending outwardly from the elongated catheter member to trap and hold clots within the vessel. The clot retrieval device typically can be introduced to the desired treatment site in the vasculature through a guiding catheter.

Abstract: A skin care device (1) includes a cleaning tool (18) which can be driven by a driving mechanism (8). The device also includes a drivable padding holder (19) and a padding configuration (31) retained by the padding holder (19). The configuration includes a padding interior (23), which is enveloped in a padding cover (24). The cover (24) may consist of a microfiber tissue material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a prosthetic mounting clip (1) having a monolithic structure, made of a biologically absorbable plastic material, comprising a distal anchoring element (2) in an anatomical support (8), a proximal stop element (3) relative to a prosthetic part (9), and a connecting rod (4) linking the distal anchoring element (2) and the proximal stop element (3), the connecting rod (4) being arranged relative to the distal anchoring element (2), to determine at least two positions of said connecting rod (4), namely an inoperative position wherein the connecting rod (4) is arranged along a direction (R) relative to the distal anchoring element (2), and another stressed position wherein the connecting rod (4) is folded back against the distal anchoring element (2) along a second direction (P).

Abstract: An impermanent biocompatible fastener comprises a male portion and a female portion. The male portion includes a base member and a pair of male members. The male members extend downwardly from the base member, each male member comprising a post and a head disposed at the bottom end of the post. The female portion includes a base member and a pair of sleeves. The sleeves extend upwardly from the base member, each sleeve defining a bore adapted to receive a head from a corresponding male member and having an inner flange. The flange extends into the bore and is engageable with the head once the head has been inserted past the flange to inhibit withdrawal of the head from the bore. Except for a biodegradable outer coating on each of the two heads, the fastener is made entirely of a non-bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: A clot and foreign body removal device is described which comprises a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture coil that is connected to an insertion mandrel. In one embodiment, the clot capture coil is made out of a solid elastic or superelastic material which has shape memory, preferably nitinol. The elasticity or superelasticity of the coil allows it to be deformed within the catheter and to then reform its original coil configuration when the coil is moved outside of the catheter lumen. In another embodiment the coil is a biphasic coil which changes shape upon heating or passing an electric current. Once the coil configuration has been established, the coil can be used to ensnare and corkscrew a clot in a vessel. A clot is extracted from the vessel by moving the clot capture coil and catheter proximally until the clot can be removed or released into a different vessel that does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: A clot and foreign body removal device is described which comprises a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture coil that is connected to an insertion mandrel. In one embodiment, the clot capture coil is made out of a solid elastic or superelastic material which has shape memory, preferably nitinol. The elasticity or superelasticity of the coil allows it to be deformed within the catheter and to then reform its original coil configuration when the coil is moved outside of the catheter lumen. In another embodiment the coil is a biphasic coil which changes shape upon heating or passing an electric current. Once the coil configuration has been established, the coil can be used to ensnare and corkscrew a clot in a vessel. A clot is extracted from the vessel by moving the clot capture coil and catheter proximally until the clot can be removed or released into a different vessel that does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: An aneurysm embolization device and deployment system for use in occluding the flow of blood at a preselected position within a vessel of the human body comprising a headpiece and a plurality of spherical members linked together with a central connecting member, which, when deployed the embolization device occludes the flow of blood in a high volume or wide neck aneurysm.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin-walled polymeric tubular member for an intralumenal device, and the member produced thereby. The thin-walled tubular member extruded using the method of the invention is suitable for use a sleeve for a catheter shaft or balloon. The thin-walled tubular member has a single wall thickness of not greater than about 0.003 inch (0.0076 cm). In the method of the invention, the thin-walled tubular member is formed by co-extruding a thin-walled first polymer layer with a removable second polymer layer, and the two layers are separated by dissolution or physical removal of the second layer, to leave the first layer, with the first polymer layer forming the thin-walled tubular member. Because the method of the invention involves co-extruding a removable second polymer layer along with the thin-walled first polymer layer, conventional tooling dimensions in the extruder may be used.

Abstract: A percutaneous filtration catheter used to entrap emboli from a patient's aorta and heart during cardiac surgery. The catheter has an elongate member, a proximal end, and a distal end. A balloon occluder is mounted on the distal end of the elongate member and an expandable filter is mounted on the elongate member distal the balloon occluder. Methods for using the devices are also disclosed herein.