Abstract: A guide wire having an elongated core wire provided with a tabular distal end portion, and a coiled wire provided on an outer circumference of the core wire, wherein the distal end portion of the core wire is provided with a cutout section or a rased section so that a diametrical cross-sectional area of the distal end portion of the core wire gradually decreases toward a distal end thereof.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip designs including coiled safety/shaping structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion tool for use in inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter for use in a lumen of an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension connected to and disposed atop the main body. The funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen. The funnel lumen has a top opening and a bottom opening. The funnel lumen tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening. The bottom opening positioned and sized to communicate with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the top opening of the funnel lumen and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and processing physical space data used while performing image-guided surgery is disclosed. Physical space data is collected by probing physical surface points of surgically exposed tissue. The physical space data provides three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates for each of the physical surface points. Based on the physical space data collected, point-based registrations used to indicate surgical position in both image space and physical space are determined. In one embodiment, the surface of surgically exposed tissue of a living patient is illuminated with laser light. Light reflected from the illuminated surface of the exposed tissue is received and analyzed. In another embodiment, one or more magnetic fields of known shape and size are established in the proximity of the exposed tissue. Data associated with the strength of the magnetic fields is acquired and analyzed.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to an accessing system for a patient's coronary sinus which includes a tubular support member with a distal extremity extending into the right atrium of the patient's heart. A guide member is disposed within a first lumen of the tubular support member and advanced out an angled distal tip, through the patient's coronary sinus ostium and into the coronary sinus. A stabilizing member, similar to a conventional intravascular guidewire, is disposed within a second lumen of the tubular support member and extends into the right ventricle of the patient and is seated in the apex thereof. To advance the guide member into the CS ostium, the position of the distal extremity of the tubular support member is adjusted within the atrial chamber by moving longitudinally along or rotating about (or both) the stabilizing member and the guide member is advanced into the CS ostium. These steps may be repeated in a predetermined pattern in order to pass into the coronary sinus ostium.

Abstract: An over-the-wire balloon catheter has a radiopaque marker thereon at a known distance from a distal end of the catheter. An elongated flexible guide wire has a plurality of longitudinally spaced radiopaque markers on a distal portion thereof, with adjacent markers on the guide wire being longitudinally spaced at a distance equal to the known distance between the distal end of the catheter and its radiopaque marker. The guide wire is advanced through an artery until one of its markers is positioned at a desired location relative to a stenosis. Subsequently, the balloon catheter is advanced over the guide wire until the radiopaque marker of the catheter is in a predetermined position relationship to the radiopaque marker of the guide wire which has aligned on the stenosis.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body that extends from a distal end to a proximal end. The catheter body includes a delivery lumen, and an actuator lumen, where the actuator lumen extends from a position near or at the distal end to an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter body optionally includes an accessory lumen that extends from at or near the distal end and terminates at an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end surface of the catheter body, for example, on a side wall.

Abstract: An endovascular device (1, 100, 200, 300) having a distal end (2), a proximal end (4) and a body portion (3) therebetween. The body portion is made of a multiple filament helically wound row (A) of wires (5), provided with a sealing coating (14) on the inside surface or the outside surface or both. The device may be a catheter (1), a sheath, an introducer, a delivery device, a pusher (100), an embolization coil delivery device (300), or a receptacle (208) for an expandable prosthesis (220) used with a delivery device (200). From 2 to 12, and preferably from 4 to 8, wires (5) are used in the row, and fewer wires may be used proceeding toward the distal end (2) for greater flexibility. The helically wound row of wires transmits torque and provides pushability to the device while resisting kinking, and enables a small outside diameter for reaching very small vessels and extending through very tortuous vessels.

Abstract: A method of localizing a medical device inside a patient's body, the method comprising: transmitting ac magnetic signals between a plurality of points of known location outside of the patient's body and a plurality of points on the medical device inside the patient's body, the signals transmitted between at least some of the points comprising at least two different frequencies; and receiving the transmitted ac magnetic signals and processing the received signals to determine the position of the points on the medical device, and thus the location of the medical device, this processing including correcting for the affects of metal in the vicinity by using the transmitted and received signals at different frequencies. In an alternate embodiment, a reference device is provided inside the patients' body, and the medical device is localized relative to the reference catheter.

Abstract: A clip and a bioabsorbable marker are employed to mark a biopsy site. The former provides a permanent marker that is clamped onto tissue and that cannot migrate from the site over time. The latter is gradually bioabsorbed over time but the time may vary widely from weeks to months. In most embodiments, the clip and marker are integrally formed with one another at the time of manufacture. In one embodiment, the clip and marker are independently made but are joined to one another during the site-marking process. The markers are deployed by core biopsy needles of the type employing a vacuum, of the type that does not employ a vacuum, and by coaxial biopsy needles.

Abstract: A catheter includes a distal end, a proximal end, an outer tube extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and an inner tube extending through the outer tube. The distal end including a corrugated section attached to an end of the inner tube and an asymmetric balloon attached to the outer tube and configured to deflect the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A guidewire steering device includes a gripping member and a compression member. The gripping member includes opposed first and second gripping surfaces positioned for selective engagement of a guidewire positioned therebetween. The first gripping surface includes a first end and a second end and the second gripping surface includes a first end and a second end. The first and second gripping surfaces being oriented to permit selective gripping of a guidewire positioned therebetween. The second end of the first gripping surface and the second end of the second gripping surface are spaced apart in a manner defining a lateral access slot through which a guidewire may be passed for positioning between the first and second gripping surfaces.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for acquiring an image from within a body lumen are provided. Systems embodying features of the invention include an intracorporeal imaging component for acquiring imaging information, an image information recording component, and an image information playback component. Methods for acquiring image information from within a body lumen include steps of acquiring imaging information, storing image information, and playing back imaging information. Imaging information may be played back as acquired, or non-sequentially, or composite images may be formed by combining, filtering, enhancing, or subtracting images and the composite images displayed. Devices embodying features of the invention include optical imaging components such as an optical IGW, an optical imaging recording component, and an optical image playback component. The systems, methods and devices are suitable for use with angiopoplasty, stent delivery, and other intracorporeal clinical procedures.

Abstract: An elongate guidewire for use with a free, unsecured, intervascular device having an elongate, enclosed, open ended channel for receiving the guidewire. The guidewire includes an elongate, flexible body having an outer dimension which is less than the inner dimension of the channel and an expandable and contractable stop member mounted on the guidewire body for movement between a first contracted position and a second expanded position. The expandable and contractable stop member is dimensioned in the first contracted position to move through said channel and in the second expanded position to preclude movement of said stop member through the channel.

Abstract: A medical shaft or tubing includes an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft also includes a tubular wall extending between the proximal and distal ends to define a first lumen. The elongated tubular member further comprises a second lumen extending through at least a portion of the tubular member. The tubular wall additionally includes a reinforcing element that surrounds at least a portion of the first lumen and that surrounds and overlaps at least a portion of the second lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for use within an image-guided surgical navigation system for the storage and measurement of trajectories for surgical instruments. An icon representing the real-time trajectory of a tracked instrument is overlaid on one or more pre-acquired images of the patient. At the surgeon's command, the navigation system can store multiple trajectories of the instrument and create a static icon representing each saved trajectory for display. The surgeon may also measure a planar angle between any two trajectories. The angle is computed in the plane of the image, and therefore will be computed separately for each image displayed. Furthermore, the surgeon has the option of computing and displaying the three-dimensional distance between two points defined by any two trajectories.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a material for magnetic resonance imaging, and apparatus incorporating such material. The subject material can comprise cobalt, nickel, and chromium and can be used in nuclear spin tomography MRI. In specific embodiments, the subject material can be used in stents, mechanical springs, and guide wires.

Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. Also, a re-insertion tool and method for re-inserting a guide wire into a channel of a catheter. The re-insertion tool is particularly useful in combination with an endoscope and an SOE catheter disposed therein.

Abstract: A diversion catheter for use during ablation procedures includes a distal occlusion device such as a diversion balloon. The diversion balloon blocks blood flowing through a cardiac vein. The diversion catheter employs ports proximal and distal to the diversion balloon. The proximal and distal ports are in fluid communication so that blood flow through the cardiac vein is diverted through the distal and proximal ports and away from a cardiac surface intended for ablation.

Abstract: A port system including an implantable first fluid guiding system, an external second fluid guiding system with a connecting head at one end, a percutaneously implantable port for establishing a fluid connection between the fluid guiding systems, the port including a port casing which forms a first connecting element, and a connecting device which includes a second connecting element, wherein the connecting head is fastened to the port casing by a releasable, engagement of the connecting elements, several embodiments of which connecting elements are encompassed.

Abstract: A hollow tube body for medical tool has a plurality of metallic wires (2) cylindrically stranded to form a flexible tube. An inner surface of the flexible tube forms a convex-concave structure represented by the metallic wires (2) formed semi-circular in corss section. A leading distal end of the flexible tube is formed into a knife-edge circle configuration to provide a knife-edge circle front (3). The hollow tube body is used for catheters (K, K1, K2 and K3) to impart them with a perforative ability so as to improve its quality and performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter for penetrating a stenotic lesion occurred in a lumen in a human body, including:

Abstract: A device for gripping a guide wire includes a body portion having an opening therethrough, and has an open position and a closed position. When the device is in the open position the guide wire may be passed through the opening. When the device is in the closed position the guide wire is gripped at more than one location thereby allowing force or torque to be applied to the guide wire. A device according to the invention may optionally, or instead, include (a) a snout to act as a guide wire director, (b) a structure, such as an opening, configured to receive an end of a guide wire package, (c) a structure for securing a body member to the device, and/or (d) a mechanism for advancing or retracting a guide wire. If the device includes one of these optional features, it need not be designed to grip a guide wire at two or more locations.

Abstract: A medical long object of the present invention has a part made of a polymeric material containing a laser color developing agent at least in a part of the surface thereof, and a light developing portion formed in the part by color development of the laser color developing agent due to irradiation with laser light.

Abstract: A guide wire installation device for a catheter includes a pair of elongated main sections arranged to face each other. Each main section includes a gripping portion at one side, and a holding portion at the other side thereof. The holding portion has first and second grooves communicating with each other. The first groove has a size greater than that of the second groove. When the holding portions abut against each other, a hollow portion is formed by the first grooves, and a receiving hole communicating with the hollow portion is formed by the second grooves. The catheter can be held at the receiving hole, so that the guide wire or syringe for saline can be inserted through the hollow portion.

Abstract: Needle-bearing medical devices are provided for fluid infusion, fluid transfusion, and inserting a guide wire. After use the needle is shielded to render the contaminated needle safe to prevent inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes a housing and a needle having a sharpened tip. A biasing element biases the needle toward a position in which the sharpened tip is shielded.

Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Other localization wire embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the tissue volume may be penetrated by a portion of the device.

Abstract: A medical examination and/or treatment system has an X-ray image exposure system with a radiation source, a radiation receiver as well as a control and processing device that controls them, a catheter system with a catheter with at least one element in the catheter tip that generates a magnetic field and a device for generating an external magnetic field for guiding the movement of the catheter introduced into a patient by interaction with the magnetic field generated by the element at the catheter tip, as well as an ultrasound image exposure system having a device integrated in the catheter tip for generating and for receiving ultrasound and having a control and processing device that controls this device.

Abstract: A catheter guidewire straightener is disclosed. The guidewire straightener includes an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end having an exterior surface with a diameter sized to fit within a catheter guidewire tube, and a longitudinal passageway sized to accept a catheter guidewire. The passageway extends between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end further includes at least one lug extending from the exterior surface and a biasing member operatively connected to each of the at least one lug and biasing the at least one lug away from the passageway such that, when the proximal end is disposed within the guidewire tube, the biasing member biases the at least one lug against the guidewire tube.

Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Other localization wire embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the tissue volume may be penetrated by a portion of the device.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter extends from a proximal portion which remains outside of a patient's body during use to a distal portion which, during use, is located within a body lumen adjacent to a target area to be treated, wherein the proximal and distal portions are coupled by a medial portion. The catheter comprises a guide wire lumen extending longitudinally through the distal portion and a guide wire receiving channel formed by an outer surface of the medial portion, wherein the guide wire lumen is open to a distal end of the channel.

Abstract: An image guided catheter navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller, and a display. The imaging device generates images of the region of the patient. The tracking device tracks the location of the catheter in the region of the patient. The controller superimposes an icon representing the catheter onto the images generated from the imaging device based upon the location of the catheter. The display displays the image of the region with the catheter superimposed onto the image at the current location of the catheter.

Abstract: This invention is an improved tissue localizing device for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. This invention also encompasses methods for deployment of the localizing device and its excision along with the marked tissue volume. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. The locator element path preferably encompasses the distalmost portion of the tissue volume without penetrating that volume. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Other localization wire embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the tissue volume may be penetrated by a portion of the device.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: A steering configuration for facilitating steering of a catheter or the like provided with a rigid distal device employs a flexible support element to which a rigid device is attached at its distal end. At least one elongated flexible control element is configured such that tension applied to the control element causes flexing of the flexible support element. The control element is directly attached to the rigid device, thereby rendering the rigid device an operative extension of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for navigating coronary vasculature involves use of a guide catheter system which includes a guide catheter, a navigator catheter longitudinally displaceable within the guide catheter, and a deflection arrangement provided at a distal end of the navigator catheter. The guide catheter is advanced to at least a patient's coronary sinus ostium, and the navigator catheter is extended from the guide catheter to a location proximate or within an angled vein distal to the coronary sinus ostium. Using the deflection arrangement, a guide wire passing through the navigation catheter is directed into the angled vein. A lead having an open lumen is advanced over the guide wire to direct the lead to an implant site within the angled vein.

Abstract: The self-propelled colonoscope (1) is self-inserted into a colon by driving endless belts (17) mounted on the outside of the bending section (15) of the insertion tube (9). The cross section of the endless belt (17) is substantially circular and a rack gear teeth having a circular cross section are formed on the outside of the endless belts (17). A recess having a circular cross section and pinion gear teeth which correspond to the shape of the endless belt and the rack gear teeth. Since the endless belt (17) has a circular cross section, it can easily bend in all radial directions. Upon insertion of the insertion tube (9) into the colon, the endless belt (17) can easily follow the movement of the insertion tube (9).

Abstract: A guidewire having a flexible coil with a tapered distal tip. Preferably, the flexible coil has a polymer coating at least at its tapered distal portion. The polymer coating may comprise polyurethanes or other suitable polymers. The guidewires of the invention provide desirable performance characteristics, particularly when used to cross relatively tight lesions such as chronic total occlusions.

Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. The insertion tool may include a tongue or key disposed in the main lumen that is sized to fit in a slot of the catheter to thereby maintain alignment between the funnel lumen and the slot of the catheter.

Abstract: A guidewire steering device includes a gripping member and a compression member. The gripping member includes opposed first and second gripping surfaces positioned for selective engagement of a guidewire positioned therebetween. The first gripping surface includes a first end and a second end and the second gripping surface includes a first end and a second end. The first and second gripping surfaces being oriented to permit selective gripping of a guidewire positioned therebetween. The second end of the first gripping surface and the second end of the second gripping surface are spaced apart in a manner defining a lateral access slot through which a guidewire may be passed for positioning between the first and second gripping surfaces.

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: A guiding catheter includes an inner guide movably disposed within an outer guide. Both inner and outer guides include inner and outer balloons, respectively, located at the distal tip of the guides. The inner guide balloon is fluted, thereby allowing blood to flow past the implanted balloon when inflated. The outer balloon is substantially annular in shape and is deployable as an occlusion balloon. Various sensors can be provided at the distal end of the guiding catheter to assist in locating a destination vessel or structure of interest.

Abstract: A device for marking a selected tissue location within a patient's body comprises at least two markers (16, 116, 216) pre-loaded into a hollow needle (18, 118, 218) and packaged in a sterile fashion with a stopper (28, 128, 218) to prevent a stylet (27, 127, 227) inserted into the needle (18, 118, 218) from releasing the markers (16, 116, 216) during shipping. An indexing mechanism (28/29, 128/129, 228/229) is also provided for releasably blocking the stylet (27, 127, 227) at successive predetermined levels of insertion into the needle with each level of insertion being associated with the discharge of a single marker (16, 116, 216).

Abstract: This is a medical device, specifically used in surgery. It is a wire having distal radio-opaque markers and may be used, for instance, in endovascular procedures as a marker wire for estimating or referencing the structural attributes of internal physical features. In addition, the inventive marker wire may be used as a guide wire for a catheter used in endovascular procedures.

Abstract: A probe deflection device includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube is fabricated from an magnetic resonance (MR) compatible material. The inner tube is fabricated from a resilient material having a memory. The inner tube is shaped prior to insertion into the outer tube. To use the probe deflection device, the distal end of the outer tube is located in a biological subject near a target area. The shaped inner tube is inserted into the outer tube and extends into the target area. The shaped inner tube allows the inner tube to extend into a target area in the biological subject that is off-axis from the outer tube. A probe is inserted into the inner tube. The inner tube and the outer tube are removed from the biological subject leaving the probe embedded in the target area. Alternatively, the outer tube includes an controllable closure having an off-axis exit hole. The inner tube enters the biological subject through the off axis exit hole. A probe is inserted into the inner tube.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, and a distal region. The assembly also has a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. A pull wire also runs through the interior bore of the sheath, preferably within a lumen. The catheter tube has a distal portion with a coupling which joins the distal portion of the catheter tube and the distal portion of the pull wire. Relative movement of the pull wire and the sheath causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.

Abstract: An insertion tool and method for easily inserting a guide wire into a guide wire lumen of a catheter, particularly a rapid exchange catheter, for use in an endoscope. The insertion tool includes a main body having a main lumen and a funnel-shaped extension having a funnel lumen that merges with the main lumen. The funnel lumen has a first large opening and a second smaller opening aligned with the guide wire lumen of the catheter such that, when the catheter is disposed in the main lumen, the guide wire may be easily inserted into the large opening of the funnel-shaped extension and into the guide wire lumen of the catheter. The insertion tool may include a tongue or key disposed in the main lumen that is sized to fit in a slot of the catheter to thereby maintain alignment between the funnel lumen and the slot of the catheter.

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 guidewire for advancing a catheter within a body lumen which has a high strength proximal core section, a flexible distal core section preferably formed of pseudoelastic alloy and a connecting element to provide a torque transmitting coupling between the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section. The ends of the core sections are secured within the inner lumen of the connecting element by means of a hardened mass of bonding material. The wall of the connecting element is provided with an opening to facilitate the introduction of the hardenable bonding material in the pourable state into the inner lumen of the connecting element. Preferably at least one of the ends of the core sections are configured, e.g. enlarged in at least one dimension compared to an adjacent part of the core section, to develop a mechanical interlock within the mass of hardened material.

Abstract: A vascular system guidewire composed of a helically wound proximal spring segment attached to an additional helically wound distal spring segment of a more radiopaque material by winding the two segments together over a core. The helically wound springs may be tapered from the proximal to distal segment or straight, and a length of tubing is attached to the proximal end of the proximal spring segment with a ground distal tube segment to make for a flush fitting and a smooth continuous outside diameter of the guide wire. A core wire is attached to the end of the distal spring segment and moveable within the tube and proximal spring providing torque to the entire spring and movement of the core wire allows for varying the stiffness and support of the spring segment and for straightening the distal spring segment.