Abstract: A method and kit for accessing the pericardial space take advantage of the fact that the right auricle is a thin-walled, low-pressure structure which can be readily penetrated without damaging the pericardium or the epicardium. The method includes the step of passing a guide catheter through a selected peripheral vein to establish a transvenous route to the right auricle of the heart. An infusion guide wire and a leading guide wire are passed through the guide catheter and into the right auricle so that a distal end of the leading guide wire is positioned against a wall of the right auricle. The leading guide wire is located within a lumen of the infusion guide wire and protrudes outward, preferably about 2 mm, from a distal end of the infusion guide wire. The wall of the right auricle is then pierced with the distal end of the leading guide wire. After the wall of the right auricle is pierced, at least one of the infusion guide wire and the leading guide wire are advanced into the pericardial space.

Abstract: Catheter for use in biliary procedures, including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guidewire lumen is carried by the shaft extending from a location proximal the distal end of the shaft to a location proximate the distal end of the shaft. An opening is included for accessing the guidewire lumen from a location exterior the catheter shaft located distal the proximal end of the shaft. The guidewire lumen may be formed integral the catheter shaft. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures. The catheter may further include a port and channel design including a first opening into the guidewire lumen located proximal the distal end of the shaft, a second opening located proximal the first opening, and a channel extending longitudinally between the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: Access to blood vessels and other body lumens is provided from spaced-apart access penetrations. A penetrating device is introduced through a first access penetration to a target site within the body lumen and then used to penetrate outwardly from the body lumen to an external surface on an organ or the patient's skin. A guidewire may then be deployed through the penetrating device, and the penetrating device removed to leave the guidewire in place. Catheters and other interventional and diagnostic devices may then be introduced to the target site from either or both of the first and second access penetrations over the same guidewire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel shape-transferring cannula system, which provides access to tortuous and unsupported paths. The shape-transferring cannula system and method enables exploration of hollow body structures, and creates a custom-contoured access port for insertion and removal of, for example, diagnostic, surgical, or interventional instruments to and from a site within the body to which the physician does not have line-of-sight access.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter having an x-ray generator unit at its tip which generates x-ray radiation having a wavelength in a range effective for treating biological tissue. In one embodiment, the x-ray generator unit includes a miniature x-ray generator and a miniature transformer that form, in combination, a monolithic device. The transformer includes a primary winding that receives an input voltage in a range of 100 V to 4 kV from a power source, via a flexible cable that runs from the proximal end of the catheter body to its distal end. The transformer further includes a secondary winding that up-converts the input voltage to generate an output voltage in a range of 10 kV to 40 kV to be applied to a cathode of the x-ray generator. The cathode emits electrons in response to the applied voltage, and an extraction electrode guides the emitted electrons to an anode, which is preferably formed of a high-Z refractory metal.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing guidewire assembly with improved stiffness and torquability is disclosed. The guidewire assembly includes an elongated tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen receives a torque enhancing mandrel that adds stiffness and torquability to the elongated tubular member. The torque enhancing member and elongated tubular member may have an atraumatic spring tip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for visualizing structure located on the interior of a biological substance. The device of the present invention includes a marker member which may be a solid cylinder or lumen having an interior volume. The marker member has a proximal end, and a distal end. The distal end of the device is removably insertable in the biological substance relative to the interior structure to be visualized and is composed of a biologically stable substrate material. An image-enhancing material is contained relative to the marker member in a manner such that the imaging material does not directly contact the biological substance; such imaging material will remain self-contained without causing significant tissue absorption, toxicity or undesired image distortion. The imaging material of choice is one which is capable of producing an emission or signal detectable external to the biological substance by suitable imaging instrumentation.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic embolization apparatus for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a coiled element adapted for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, the coiled element shaped to be retained within the aneurysm, and one or more permanent magnetic segments carried by the coiled element to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm.

Abstract: An improved intracorporeal device such as a guide wire or other guiding member for use within a patient's body that is at least in part visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but is not detrimentally affected by the imaging is disclosed. The intercorporeal device has a non-conductive proximal core section, an essentially non-magnetic metallic distal core section that is preferably more flexible than the proximal core section, and that has an MRI visible member or coil in the distal section.

Abstract: A variety of devices for use in accessing the subarachnoid space are described. In several embodiments an introducer sheath is disclosed having three main sections, a distal portion, an intermediate portion, and a proximal portion. The distal portion and intermediate portion form a first bend, and the intermediate portion and the proximal portion form a second bend, giving the overall device a general L-shape, S-shape, C-shape, or a three dimensional Z-shape. Apparatuses for attaching an introducer sheath to the skin of a patient are also discussed, as are methods for using, shaping and sizing an introducer sheath.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and system for a aligning surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stand-alone instrument guidance unit that is attachable to a patient's skull. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system and method of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an instrument guide unit includes an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body in an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area. The adjustment mechanism is operative to adjust the instrument guide in x and y directions.

Abstract: Methods and devices relating to guidewires. In one embodiment, a distal tip portion of a guidewire comprises a first tip member and a second tip member. The first tip member has a first end, and a second end. The second tip member has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The first and second tip members are coupled together, preferably in an arrangement that can effect the flexibility of the guidewire at certain points along its length.

Abstract: An elastically deformable indwelling catheter formed as a hollow spring having a coiled portion positioned between a first and a second substantially straight portion. The catheter may be straightened for insertion into a patient, wherein the catheter is allowed to resume its coiled shape. A flexible connector extending at least partially through the catheter is used to “lock” the catheter into its coiled shape. The flexible connector extends through the first substantially straight portion and the coiled portion and penetrates through the wall of the second substantially straight portion. The flexible connector is anchored in the first substantially straight portion and extends through the helically coiled portion, penetrates through the catheter wall of the second substantially straight portion and returns to the exterior of the first substantially straight portion. The flexible connector may be secured relative the catheter to prevent further elastic deformation of the spring portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating access to the left atrium, and specifically the left atrial appendage. The apparatus may comprise a sheath with first and second curved sections that facilitate location of the fossa ovalis and left atrial appendage. The apparatus may further comprise tissue piercing and dilating structures. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices to treat and/or cure cardiac arrhythmias. The methods comprise the use of photochemotherapy or photodynamic therapy, a non-thermal method, to destroy the tissues and pathways from which abnormal signals arise and/or in other cardiac tissues such that abnormal electrical rhythms can not be generated and/or sustained.

Abstract: A micro catheter and guidewire system for use in tortuous regions of a vasculature includes a catheter body having a distal end, a guidewire lumen, a proximal region with an outer diameter, and a distal region with an outer diameter. The ratio of the proximal region outer diameter to the distal region outer diameter is at least 1.625:1 to improve pushability of the catheter body. The guidewire lumen defines a stopper and the guidewire has a depth stop for engaging the stopper of the guidewire lumen. The depth stop and the stopper cooperate to enable the guidewire to cooperate with the catheter to improve catheter pushability. The depth stop and the stopper also prevent over extension of the guidewire.

Abstract: With an introducing catheter (A) accommodated by a diagnostic-therapeutic catheter (B), the necessity of a sheath is eliminated to render the diagnostic-therapeutic catheter (B) as large as the sheath. This enables a manipulator to fully treat a patient with the use of diagnostic-therapeutic catheter (E). With the elimination of the sheath, the diagnostic-therapeutic catheter (B) is directly inserted into tubular human organs (e.g., radial artery and brachial artery). Coaxially provided are inner and outer tubes 12, 13 with the diagnostic-therapeutic catheter (B) to have an annular space 14, at least a part of which forms a drug-releasable open end 15 exposed to a shaft portion 11. The outer tube 13 has a plurality of drug-releasable side holes 9 to release an anti-spasmodic drug toward a blood vessel through the drug-releasable open end 15.

Abstract: An apparatus for contemporaneously treating a sequence of treatment sites in an internal organ and creating a viewable map of the treated sites includes a first catheter having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion through a body passage to tissue needing treatment. A needle assembly is attached to the distal end of the first catheter to permit injection of fluid into treatments sites of the tissue. A fluid injection assembly is connected to the proximal end of the first catheter and containing predetermined amounts of radiographic contrast agent and treatment agent for injection into the various treatment sites. A radiographic visualizing apparatus is aimed at the treatment sites, including a display screen for displaying the extent of migration of radiographic contrast agent around each treatment site after injection, so that a radiographic marking appears on the display screen for a predetermined amount of time after each injection, showing which treatment sites have been treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a high-quality representation of a volume having a real-time 3-D reconstruction therein of movement of a catheter, wherein its real-time movement is determined using a lower-quality representation of only a portion of the volume. Movement of the catheter is detected in a 2-D X-ray fluoroscopy image and is reconstructed in a 3-D angiography (X-ray) reconstruction. Described is a catheter design for easier detection, and a technique for 3-D reconstruction of a catheter from real-time 2-D fluoroscopic images and stored 3-D angiography data, so as to present the 3-D reconstructed catheter in the common coordinate frame.

Abstract: In a method for positioning a catheter that has been inserted into a vessel and a device for implementing the method, the road map technique is used, wherein as a mask image, a three-dimensional mask image of the vessel which is composed of number of individual mask images is employed. From these individual mask images, that individual mask image is selected whose exposure direction corresponds optimally to the exposure direction of an instantaneously captured individual image, in order to combine this selected individual mask image with the instantaneously captured mask image and to display the resulting combined image.

Abstract: The present invention provides for integrated coaxial drive cables and transmission lines for use in catheter systems. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a catheter system comprising a catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end and a working lumen. A drive cable extends through the catheter body's working lumen and comprises an outerwound layer, an innerwound layer and a central lumen. A coaxial cable is provided comprising a conducting core and an insulation layer. The coaxial cable is disposed to extend through and fill the central lumen.

Abstract: In a torsion control catheter including a tubular body and a flexible tip connected to the tubular body, the improvement comprising a copolymer catheter tip composition comprising a first monomer of polyamide and a second monomer of polyamide having a lower alkyl side chain group attached to a polyamide backbone. The flexible catheter tip may include one or more tip members, at least one of which may be formed of the copolymer composition.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device generally having an elongate shaft with an asymmetric radiopaque marker disposed upon or within the distal end thereof. The radiopaque marker member enables the user to determine the orientation of the distal end of the device under fluoroscopic and similar imaging techniques. In certain embodiments the device is configured as a delivery catheter system having multiple delivery catheters, some or all of which may have radiopaque marker members disposed upon or within their distal ends. The delivery catheter system is configured in some embodiments to deliver an elongated diagnostic or therapeutic device to a desired location within a patient's heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidewire having a reduced diameter, which ensures rigidity and excellent guidance ability in spite of its reduced diameter, and which achieves an excellent sliding ability and insertion/pulling-out ability with respect to a catheter or the like. The guidewire has an inner core formed of a single wire having an uneven surface on its outer circumferential surface, a high-polymer coating which densely covers the outer circumferential surface of the inner core, and an uneven surface formed on the outer circumferential surface of the high-polymer coating by an influence from the uneven surface on the outer circumferential surface of the inner core.

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 ther 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.

Abstract: An unwanted effect of secondary radiation enhancement from backscatter of incident ionizing radiation on a relatively extensive metallic portion of an instrument to be inserted into a human body under x-ray fluoroscopy is minimized by coating the metallic surface thereof with a biocompatible material having the characteristic of shielding the secondary radiation enhancement effect from reaching body tissue. The depth of penetration of the secondary radiation enhancement is dependent on the atomic number of the metallic portion in conjunction with the expected radiation characteristics and energy level of the radiation incident on the metallic surface.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes a optical fiber, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the optical fiber of a length shorter than the optical fiber, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the optical fiber, extending from the proximal end of the optical fiber toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide said optical fiber shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the optical fiber shaft. The plurality of coaxial layers can be arranged in successive progressively shorter coaxial layers, and can be formed of heat shrink polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, PET or PPS.

Abstract: Guide catheter incorporating a braidless construction having increased performance characteristics for catheterization procedures. The guide catheter may include a tracking wire, inner or outer guide for positioning the guide catheter within the patient's vascular system.

Abstract: An RF coil structure for intra-cavity use includes a pair of conductors (7, 8) separated by a support such as a web (9) which come together at positions separated along the length of the coil structure such as (A, B). Previous coils have included two parallel conductors. If the conductors (7) and (8) were parallel, while the structure could be flexed transverse to the plane of the web (9) about the arrow (10), it could not be flexed in the plane of the web (9) about arrows (12, 13). Because the conductors come together at points (A) and (B), it can be so flexed. A second coil may be provided including conductors (4, 5) and flexing about the same points as for the first coil is still possible because the points of closest approach for one pair come between those for the other pair.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter having an extremely low profile proximal section. The indwelling catheter of the present invention solves the problems associated with the prior art feeding catheters by providing an extremely low profile proximal section which is situated external to the patient's body when the catheter is in place. The external portion is preferably in the form of a “trap door”, including a flat base portion that lies against the patient's skin and a flat, hinged cover which is operative to seal the proximal opening of the catheter when not in use. In order to retain the catheter and prevent it from being accidentally dislodged, the catheter includes a series of helical coils which are unformed during catheter insertion and then automatically reform in order to hold the catheter in place internally. The catheter is self-adjusting in that fewer or greater loops will automatically reform depending upon the thickness of the patient's abdominal wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of navigating a magnetic object (11) within an object (1) which is exposed to a magnetic field, as well as to a magnetic resonance device in which this method can be carried out. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for navigating a catheter or a flexible endoscope within the body of a patient. The magnetic object (11), preferably being provided in or on such a medical instrument (10), has a controllable magnetic moment for this purpose and the direction of movement of the object is determined by control of the magnetic moment. In the case of a magnetic resonance device whose static magnetic field is used, the object (11) is preferably includes as a coil system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an “over-the-wire” dilatation catheter of the type comprising a flexible tubular body having a distal part, an intermediate part and a proximal part. According to the invention, the body comprises a core having a high modulus of elasticity, which core is permanently joined at one end to the proximal part and embedded at its other end in a wall defining an inner duct for a guide-wire to pass through. The invention finds a particular application in the treatment of stenoses of blood vessels.

Abstract: A system and a method for evaluation of gastrointestinal function is presented. The system consists of a catheter, a recorder and software. The catheter includes one or more CdTe sensors for measuring isotope activity. The catheter CdTe sensors are placed in the gastrointestinal tract to measure gastric emptying or gastrointestinal output after administration of radiolabeled liquid or solid meals. Data is stored in the recorder or displayed on-line on a computer screen. Other parameters such as pH can be added for a more complete evaluation of gastrointestinal function. The computer software is written for the Windows environment. The software includes provisions for general ambulatory and stationary data acquisition. The software also includes realtime analysis combined with an extensive patient journal where all items are described as objects in understandable userfriendly language connected to a database.

Abstract: An angioplasty guidewire includes a proximal shaft and an intermediate section extending from the shaft to a distal joint and having a stiffener and a flexible member. The stiffener and the flexible member are disposed in coaxial slidable relationship and operable, as the stiffener and flexible member undergo relative axial shifting, to cooperatively impart a variable stiffening force on the intermediate section. A flexible distal tip mounts to the end of the intermediate section and projects axially therefrom.

Abstract: A medical catheter including a continuous liner defining a guidewire lumen. The liner has a constant inner diameter and a constant outer diameter. A continuous layer is braided over the liner and encapsulated between the liner and a bump layer. The bump layer has a proximal segment, and a bump section. The bump section has a transition zone at the proximal end of the bump section. The proximal segment has a distal end affixed to the proximal end of the bump section. The proximal segment of the bump layer has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the bump section of the bump layer. The transition zone has an outer diameter which smoothly transitions from the outer diameter of the distal end of the proximal segment of the bump layer to the larger outer diameter at the distal end of the transition zone. The bump layer is encapsulated between the outer jacket layer and the braided layer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for determining physiological characteristics of body lumens, such as the length of a blood vessel. According to one exemplary method, the distance between a first target location and a second target location within a lumen are measured by aligning a first marker on a first elongate member disposed within a lumen with the first target location. A second marker on a second elongate member disposed within the lumen is aligned with the second target location. The distance between the first and second markers is then measured, and the measured distance corresponds to the distance between the first and second target locations.

Abstract: The apparatus for ultrasonic tissue investigation comprises an ultrasonic transducer (1) adapted to emit pulsed emissions into tissue and means (2) to move the transducer to scan an area of tissue to be investigated. Signals reflected from interfaces between acoustically different tissue components are received and converted into a representation of the tissue, which may be visually displayed. The emissions of ultrasonic radiation are so pulsed that each pulse has a very rapid fall back period, enabling better discrimination. Interpretation of the images may be facilitated by use of such techniques as fractal analysis.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for targeted drug delivery into a living patient using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The apparatus and method are useful in delivery to all types of living tissue and uses MR Imaging to track the location of drug delivery and estimating the rate of drug delivery. An MR-visible drug delivery device positioned at an target site (e.g., intracranial delivery) delivers a diagnostic or therapeutic drug solution into the tissue (e.g., the brain). The spatial distribution kinetics of the injected or infused drug agent are monitored quantitatively and non-invasively using water proton directional diffusion MR imaging to establish the efficacy of drug delivery at a targeted location.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) includes a rigid stem section (12) defining a longitudinal axis (32) of the surgical instrument. The rigid stem section (12) has a central passage (86) for aspirating human tissue through the rigid stem section. A flexible stem section (14) extends from the rigid stem section (12). The flexible stem section (14) has a central passage (86) for aspirating human tissue through the flexible stem section. The flexible stem (14) section has a distal end portion (68) defining a suction opening (74) of the surgical instrument (10). The suction opening (74) communicates with the central passage (86) of the flexible stem section (14). The flexible stem section (14) comprises a bendable outer tubular member (60) and a bendable inner tubular member (90) slidable within the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member (60) has a neutral axis of bending (66).

Abstract: The invention features a medical guidewire constructed for insertion into the body for providing access to a body passage. The medical guidewire has a main proximal portion in the form of an elongated tube extending the majority of the length of the guidewire, and a distal tubular portion integral with the main proximal portion. The distal portion includes a distal end and a flexible section having a slot cut in the wall of the distal tubular portion. The slot crosses the right sections of the distal tubular portion at an oblique angle and extends continuously about the distal tubular portion, in excess of at least one rotation about the distal tubular portion, to increase the flexibility of the distal tubular portion with respect to the main proximal portion.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter having an extremely low profile proximal section. The indwelling catheter of the present invention solves the problems associated with the prior art feeding catheters by providing an extremely low profile proximal section which is situated external to the patient's body when the catheter is in place. The external portion is preferably in the form of a "trap door", including a flat base portion that lies against the patient's skin and a flat, hinged cover which is operative to seal the proximal opening of the catheter when not in use. In order to retain the catheter and prevent it from being accidentally dislodged, the catheter includes a series of helical coils which are unformed during catheter insertion and then automatically reform in order to hold the catheter in place internally. The catheter is self-adjusting in that fewer or greater loops will automatically reform depending upon the thickness of the patient's abdominal wall.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to one or more devices and a method for improving quantitative coronary artery analysis. The devices which may be used with the present invention include an improved angiographic image quality phantom, an improved arterial phantom and the initial imaging of the procedure catheter. One or all of these devices may be used to increase the accuracy and quality of the arterial measurements provided by an edge detection analysis program. The method includes the initial imaging of the image quality phantom to allow for the correction of various geometric distortions present in an imaging system. Next, the tip of the procedure catheter and the arterial phantom are imaged to create an improved regression curve for the imaging system an to allow for increased accuracy in the use of the procedure catheter as a basis for the determination of the calculated artery diameters.

Abstract: The present invention is for a guide wire comprising a core wire with a first diameter and the distal end having at least one section having a second, lesser diameter and a radiolucent coil surrounding the distal end at the second core wire diameter with a radiopaque wire located at the distal end within the radiolucent coil and a means for securing the radiopaque wire to the core wire.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for determining physiological characteristics of body lumens, such as the length of a blood vessel. A catheter allows measurements of the distance between a first target location and a second target location within a lumen by aligning a first marker on a first elongate member disposed within a lumen with the first target location. A second marker on a second elongate member disposed within the lumen is aligned with the second target location. The distance between the first and second markers is then directly measured from spaced-apart calibration marks along the second member, and the measured distance corresponds to the distance between the first and second target locations.

Abstract: An electrode tip assembly for a catheter is bendable under the control of the user. The distal tip portion of the assembly is progressively less resistant to bending than the remaining portions. The variable stiffness is provided by tapering the width or thickness of a bendable spring component or otherwise providing a progressive change in bending characteristics by notching, dimpling or stepping the thickness of the spring.

Abstract: A torque device for attaching to and selectively gripping and releasing a catheter guidewire to permit rotational and longitudinal manipulation of the guidewire to steer the guidewire through a vessel. A spindle is threadably engaged in a cap, and a bore through the spindle aligns with a bore through the cap to accept the guidewire. The end of the spindle inside the cap has a pair of fingers straddling the guidewire. As the cap and spindle are rotated with respect to each other, the threaded engagement of the spindle and cap forces the end of the fingers to advance along a tapering bore in the cap, which causes the fingers to close and grip the guidewire. Reversing the direction of rotation releases the grip on the guidewire.

Abstract: A guiding introducer system for use in the right atrium comprised of an inner guiding introducer and an outer guiding introducer wherein the inner guiding introducer is comprised of a first and second section and the outer guiding introducer is comprised of a first, second and third section. The guiding introducer system is for use in sensing, pacing, and ablating procedures within the right atrium of the human heart.

Abstract: An intravascular guidewire providing enhanced steerability and radioscopic visibility. The guidewire has an elongated selectively formable core and a plastic jacket including proximal and distal jacket portions, where the distal jacket portion is further divided into a proximal jacket section and a distal jacket section. The distal jacket portion incorporates means for enhancing the radiopaque properties of the distal jacket portion relative to the proximal jacket portion. The distal jacket section has a different radiopacity than the proximal jacket section, making the distal jacket section more easily viewable under radioscopy. One embodiment provides enhanced steerability with a distal jacket section made of softer material than the proximal jacket section. Another embodiment provides enhanced steerability with a distal jacket cross-section smaller than the proximal jacket cross-section.

Abstract: The guidewire comprises: a tip section including a core wire including a first tapered portion, a reduced-in-diameter portion, a second tapered portion and a rod end portion, two or more highly radiopaque annular marker bands being received on the core wire between the first tapered portion and the rod end portion and precisely spaced apart on the core wire by one or more plastic tubing segments, and an outer sleeve covering said marker bands and tubing segments.

Abstract: A guide wire dispenser which is used to introduce a guide wire into the body using one hand. The dispenser utilizes a trigger grip configuration which is arranged in combination with a thumb access platform to provide accurate single-handed control of guide wire delivery to the body. A dual trigger configuration is also disclosed which provides the capability to dispense a guide wire from two different nozzles in a single device.