Abstract: A marker band and medical devices such as catheters and guidewires that include a marker band. A marker band may include a generally cylindrical body portion having one or more slots or openings defined therein. The marker band is configured for being secured to a medical device. Methods of making and using a marker band and a medical device having a marker band are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter tip device and methods for manufacturing a catheter tip device are disclosed, the device comprising a transducer module attached to a capsule, wherein the transducer module comprises a carrier including a recessed die-attach area, a transducer die located in the recessed die-attach area, and at least one conductive lead deposited onto the carrier and interconnected to the transducer die. The recessed die-attach area has an outer perimeter greater than the outer perimeter of the transducer die forming a groove between at least one edge of the transducer die and the outer perimeter in which an adhesive agent is located to attach the transducer die to the recessed die-attach area. The methods of manufacturing the catheter tip device involve the use of an array of carriers.

Abstract: A hemostatic guiding catheter is biased to curve toward the artery wall and the distal opening is shaped so its edge is congruent with the artery wall. One or more annular balloons are inflated to produce a barrier between the guiding/catheter and the artery wall stopping the flow of blood and thus hemostasis. The annular balloons may be biased to inflate more on the side away from the distal opening thus imparting a force vector toward the distal opening and/or biased to overhang their line of attachment like a foreskin over a penis to allow the hemostatic guiding catheter to move a short distance while the biased balloons maintain hemostasis.

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: Methods and apparatus for delivery of substances or apparatus to target sites located outside blood vessels within the body of a human or animal patient. A vessel wall penetrating catheter is inserted into the vasculature, positioned and oriented within a blood vessel near the target extravascular site and a penetrator is advanced from the catheter so as to penetrate outwardly through the wall of the blood vessel in the direction of the target site. Thereafter, a delivery catheter is passed through a lumen of the penetrator to the target site. A desired substance or apparatus is then delivered to or obtained from the target site. In some applications, the penetrator may be retracted into the vessel wall penetrating catheter and the vessel wall penetrating catheter may be removed, leaving the delivery catheter in place for chronic or continuous delivery of substance(s) to and/or obtaining of information or samples from the target site.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter comprising a longitudinally extending elongated body portion, with at least two septa extending longitudinally therethrough the entire body portion, defining a central lumen and two side lumens. The central lumen is of oblong shape in cross section, and is positioned between the side lumens. The septa that form the central lumen are configured to be capable of flexing outwards when the central lumen is under pressure, such as when used in procedures that require power injection, whereby a cross sectional area of the central lumen resultantly increases to increase flow capacity through the central lumen. In some embodiments, the central lumen has a defining inner surface such that a radius of curvature of the central lumen inner surface is, in all locations, equal to or greater than a radius of curvature of an outer surface of a guide wire used for insertion of the multi-lumen catheter. The septa are each configured to fail under pressure before failure of the outer wall.

Abstract: A catheter includes a length sufficient to extend from an entry point into a body to a target site within the body and a substantially circular inner wall defining an inner lumen. The catheter further includes an outer wall separated from and opposing the inner wall, and at least a first rib and a second rib extending from the outer wall. The first rib and second rib define a first fluid flow channel extending along the outer wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for treating various target sites, such as vascular abnormalities. For example, a medical device according to one embodiment includes at least one layer of a fabric of braided strands having proximal and distal ends and a central axis extending therebetween. The medical device has an expanded configuration a generally frustroconical shaped portion at each end. The medical device is configured to be constrained to a reduced configuration for delivery through a diagnostic catheter and to at least partially return, when unconstrained, towards the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A two-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease The first phase is a procedure to induce creation of a localized pleurodesis and is preferably performed as an outpatient procedure. The second phase is a procedure to introduce a surgical instrument into the lung via the pleurodesis to create the pneumostoma. An interval of about one of more days between the first and second phases allows the formation of a stable pleurodesis to prevent pneumothorax during the procedure.

Abstract: A system for examining a colon includes a catheter, such as a rectal catheter, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter, and a flexible tube coupled with the catheter. The system includes a first balloon located adjacent a distal end of the flexible tube, and a second balloon extending around the catheter and being located between the distal and proximal ends of the catheter, whereby the distance between the first and second balloons is adjustable by sliding the flexible tube through the central lumen of the catheter. The first and second balloons are inflatable for isolating a section of a colon, and a gas or contrast may be introduced into the isolated colon section for conducting the examination.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering an agent to an area of treatment is presented. The catheter includes a catheter body, a balloon assembly coupled to the catheter body, a first lumen, and a second lumen. The balloon assembly has spaced-apart balloons that define an area between the balloons. The first lumen extends along the catheter body to pass an inflation material to the balloons to control an inflation level of the balloons. The second lumen extends along the catheter body and having an outlet in the area between the balloons. There may be a third lumen for bypassing a biological fluid such as blood while the catheter is being used. The method of using this catheter is also presented. The method entails simultaneously inflating the balloons to isolate a treatment area and adding an agent to the treatment area through one of the lumens.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating a tissue within a body of a subject includes an acoustic tag configured to be fixed to the tissue and adapted, responsive to acoustic waves incident thereon, to return acoustic echoes. Acoustic transducers are placed at respective positions so as to direct the acoustic waves into the body toward the tissue and to receive the acoustic echoes returned from the tag responsive to the acoustic waves, generating first signals responsive to the received echoes. Transducer position sensors are coupled respectively to the acoustic transducers so as to generate second signals indicative of the respective positions of the acoustic transducers in an external frame of reference. A processing unit processes the first signals and the second signals so as to determine coordinates of the acoustic tag in the external frame of reference.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to inflatable balloon catheters and methods for deploying an inflatable balloon catheter. For example, one embodiment is directed to a catheter assembly that includes a catheter comprising proximal and distal ends and at least one longitudinal conduit extending between the proximal and distal ends. The catheter assembly also includes an inflatable balloon comprising proximal and distal ends and configured to be at least partially positioned within the longitudinal conduit when the balloon is uninflated. The inflatable balloon is further configured to be inflated when deployed from the conduit such that a diameter of the proximal end of the inflatable balloon remains substantially constant and a diameter of the distal end of the inflatable balloon is variable and capable of at least partially occluding a lumen.

Abstract: An agent delivery device includes an inner tubular body having a proximal end, a sharpened distal end, a delivery lumen extending therebetween, and one or more outlet ports on the distal end communicating with the delivery lumen. The device also includes one or more seals sealing the one or more outlet ports, the one or more seals capable of being melted to allow a fluid to be delivered from the delivery lumen through the one or more outlet ports. The agent delivery device may further include a monopolar or bipolar electrode and/or a radio-opaque marker carried at the distal end of the device. The inner tubular body can be made from a conductive material to thereby allow the inner tubular body to function as an electrode.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering a drug to a preselected treatment site, includes a rupturable film capsule enclosing a quantity of the drug to be delivered; an array of micro-needles formed with passageways therethrough carried by the device; a covering layer overlying the capsule and forming a fluid-tight seal with the perimeter of the micro-needle array such that when the device is located with the micro-needles facing the treatment site, the application of pressure to the device causes the micro-needles to penetrate the treatment site and the capsule film to rupture to deliver the drug via the passageways to the treatment site; and an open mesh layer adjacent to the array of micro-needles effective, upon rupture of the capsule film, to uniformly distribute the drug to the micro-needles and also to reduce the possibility of clogging of the passageways.

Abstract: An improved endocardial catheter includes a plurality of longitudinally extending openings adjacent intermediate portions at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode, wherein the sealed openings are arranged around the tubular catheter surface, to an expanded mode. The plurality of longitudinal openings in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the tubular surface at the distal end so that intermediate portions of the tubular catheter surface are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the intermediate portions form wings around the distal end, revealing a cavity within the tubular catheter for the release of contrast material or other fluid into endocardial sites through the longitudinal openings.

Abstract: A series of embodiments of multi-lumen, multisegmented (or variable diameter) catheters and associated multi-channel flow control and measurement systems and methods for simultaneous delivery of a medium to a plurality of locations is described. The need for precise, stable reliable, and repeatable flow control in therapy delivery catheters is crucial to the efficacious treatment of the clinical manifestations of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and other such maladies. Such treatments may involve the placement of multi-lumen catheters into peripheral arterial trees, with the subsequent need to govern the flow dynamics within each individual lumen of the multi-lumen device in such a way that an optimum distribution of the agent is achieved intra-arterially. Combinations of pumps, flow monitors, pressure monitors, feedback loops and related hardware and software collectively capable of achieving this goal are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter, into a vertebral or basilar artery. The constrictor/occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during vertebral and/or basilar procedures by reversing blood flow in the vertebral artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongate intravascular device adapted to be advanced through a vessel of a subject. The present invention further includes an antenna which is disposed on an inflatable member such that the antenna can be increased or decreased in size to more accurately tune the system in which it is employed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device of the present invention includes an elongate catheter shaft comprising multifilar cable tubing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a coating that allows the shaft to provide a patent fluid passage, and a part of the distal portion inside a balloon may be uncoated or otherwise open to the balloon lumen, allowing for passage of fluid through the shaft into the balloon lumen.

Abstract: A sheath shaped and dimensioned for reducing trauma and easing insertion thereof includes an inner sheath member, the inner sheath member including an inner sheath tip having a primary bevel and a circumferential conical surface. The sheath also includes an outer sheath member shaped and dimensioned to fit around the inner sheath member in a manner permitting relative movement. The outer sheath member includes an outer sheath tip having a primary bevel and a circumferential conical surface.

Abstract: An improved catheter design for use in visualizing the prostate. The catheter includes an imaging balloon and a bladder retention balloon. The imaging balloon is disposed along the catheter proximate the location of the prostate. An actuator mechanism is operably connected to the imaging balloon so that the operator can selective inflate/deflate the imaging balloon to correspond with treatment or an ultrasound procedure. The actuator mechanism will allow for various inflation and deflation settings.

Abstract: To accomplish isolation and removal of a substance from a vasculature, a catheter is employed to occlude a vessel of the vasculature. The substance is thus isolated in the vasculature and can be removed. In this way, the substance is removed before entering other parts of the circulatory system. This method is applicable to removal of contrast from the coronary sinus shortly after injection of the coronary arteries with the contrast. The method substantially minimizes or avoids renal dysfunction caused by angiographic procedures in which contrast must be injected. Such angiographic procedures are often performed during intervention procedures. This method substantially prevents circulation of the contrast to the kidneys where it could otherwise cause renal dysfunction or failure. The apparatus for implementation of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steerable balloon catheter including a balloon catheter supported by a steerable guidewire having a deflectable distal tip. The guidewire comprises a longitudinal hypotube and a spring coil attached to the distal end of the hypotube and includes a longitudinally movable deflection member which is attached to the distal end of the spring coil and a tip retaining member which extends from the distal end of the hypotube to the distal end of the spring coil for providing very precise deflection of the distal tip of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: A medical system is disclosed that includes a cannula, an introducer stylet removably disposed within the cannula and a target confirmation device selectively insertable within the cannula. In an embodiment of the invention, the introducer stylet is configured for insertion into a patient's body. The outer cannula is sized to fit over the introducer stylet and is positionable at least partially within the patient's body after insertion and removal of the introducer stylet. The target confirmation device is insertable into the outer cannula after removal of the introducer stylet and is configured to confirm the position of the outer cannula relative to the target site. A medical procedure using the medical system of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing external magnetic fields in implantable medical devices are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for sensing magnetic fields. An apparatus embodiment includes a sensing circuit with at least one inductor having a magnetic core that saturates in the presence of a magnetic field having a prescribed flux density. The apparatus embodiment also includes an impedance measuring circuit connected to the sensing circuit. The impedance measuring circuit is adapted to measure impedance of the sensing circuit and to provide a signal when the impedance changes by a prescribed amount. According to an embodiment, the sensing circuit includes a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The impedance measuring circuit includes a transthoracic impedance measurement module (TIMM), according to an embodiment. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A diagnosis catheter 1 for an interstitial cystitis is connected to a current perception threshold inspection apparatus 4. A catheter body 11 is made of a soft flexible material and includes a bladder-dwelling distal end section A and a diagnosis section B adjacent the distal end section A at a proximal end side of the body 11. A core member 12 is made of a hard flexible material and is inserted into the diagnosis section B in the catheter body 11. An inflatable balloon 13 is mounted on an outer periphery around the bladder-dwelling distal end section A of the catheter body 11. A fluid supply passage 16 is provided in the catheter body 11 so that an end of the passage 16 is communicated to the balloon 13 and a proximal end of the passage 16 is communicated to an injection part 17.

Abstract: An apparatus for intravascular imaging to detect and characterize early-stage, unstable coronary arty plaques. The detector works by identifying and localizing plaque-binding beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for indirect imaging of the internal shape and structure of a heart. The invention can be practiced by injecting fluoroscopic contrast medium into the left atrium and ventricle of a heart, and by placing a radiopaque wire marker in the coronary sinus to provide a known reference location while fluoroscopic contrast medium is injected into the chambers of a heart. The invention provides for simultaneously injecting fluoroscopic contrast medium into both ventricles to characterize the ventricular septum and other cardiac structure. When using the disclosed methods, alone or in a combination with other methods and devices, a clinician can take multiple images of a heart in dyastole and systole. These images can be taken from different angles or the same angle and they can be superimposed upon each other to provide the clinician with a good image of the heart structure and the valve annulus.

Abstract: An image guided navigation system for mapping at least one of the shape, size and location of a structure within a heart of a patient, including a catheter system having a first catheter with a longitudinally extending lumen, a second catheter having a longitudinally extending lumen and positioned at least partially within and moveable relative to the lumen of the first catheter, an elongated member positioned at least partially within and moveable relative to a lumen of the second catheter, a first detectable marker located at a generally distal end of the first catheter, a second detectable marker located at a generally distal end of the second catheter, and a third detectable marker located at a generally distal end of the elongated member, wherein at least one of the three detectable markers is axially moveable relative to at least one of the other detectable markers.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided with one or more electrical accessory devices, for example, catheters (10) or RF body coils (6), which are intended for use during the examination of an object, as well as with a connection lead (13) which is arranged so as to extend through an examination zone (1) of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, which zone can be exposed to an RF field, and to connect the accessory device to a connection unit (12). In order to avoid heating of the connection lead (13) due to currents induced in the connection lead by the RF field, which currents could lead to injury of a patient or damage of the accessory device or the connection unit (12), the connection lead (13) comprises at least one lead segment (131, 132, . . . ) which has a length which is limited by at least one inductive coupling element, e.g. a transformer (141, 142, . . . ; 161, 162, . . . ) and is unequal to n*/2, where denotes the RF wavelength and n=1, 2, 3, . . . .

Abstract: A device and method for the obtaining a tissue biopsy and the delivery of a material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described that can be used in conjunction with either an aspiration biopsy or a cutting needle biopsy device. The device has an application chamber through which the biopsy mechanism, either a cutting needle device or aspiration needle, passes through. The mechanism for an aspiration biopsy has a biopsy cannula of constant cross section over its entire length connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel of constant or varying cross section connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The cutting biopsy mechanism has a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to rapidly fire a stylet with a biopsy trough into the intended tissue and then fire a biopsy cannula over the stylet to sever and retain tissue that has protruded into the biopsy trough.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for replacing a first introducer, whose distal end is inside a vessel and whose proximal end is outside the skin of a patient, with a second introducer. The method comprises the steps of inserting a guide rod into the first introducer, removing the first introducer, passing the second introducer over the guide rod, and removing the guide rod. The guide rod to be used according to the method has preferably a flexible distal portion with a blunt distal end and a stiff proximal portion with a tapered proximal end.

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: A method of cardiac radiological examination for coronarography comprises the steps of: a) introducing contrast medium simultaneously in the left coronary artery and in the right coronary artery from the aortic root and, in parallel, b) acquiring a sequence of dynamic images of the propagation of the contrast medium in the left and right coronary arteries with a displacement of the image plane, during the acquisition of said images, along a determined trajectory (E28). The contrast medium can be introduced in a cyclic manner during the acquisition of dynamic images, each cycle of introduction corresponding to a phase of closure of the aortic valve in the cardiac rhythm. 3D and 4D images with optimal efficiency can be obtained in the use of contrast medium. An injection device for producing the above cycles is synchronized with the introduction of the contrast medium.

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: A multiple lumen catheter having a soft, tapered multiple lumen distal tip for insertion into a body vessel. One of the lumens is sized to pass over a guidewire such that the catheter can be inserted into the body vessel using the Seldinger technique. At least one medical implement lumen is used for placement or positioning of a biomedical sensor or other medical implement. For example, at least one optical fiber passing through the medical implement lumen may transmit and receive light at the distal tip for measuring oxygen saturation of the blood. The catheter may have a cylindrical catheter body to which the soft distal tip attaches. The soft tip reduces the possibility of vessel or tissue puncture and abrasion. The tip is constructed of a soft plastic or pliable material that yields easily when force is applied.

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: 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: A catheter, including: a housing having a transverse inner dimension of at most about two millimeters; and a coil arrangement including five coils and five solid cores. Each of the coils is wound around one of the solid cores. The coils are non-coaxial. The coil arrangement is mounted inside the housing.

Abstract: A tie layer insert is disclosed to aid in bond formation between an expandable balloon and a distal portion of a catheter shaft. The tie layer insert can be a single layer applied directly to the structural surfaces, or alternatively, the tie layer may be incorporated into a preformed polymeric insert. In the latter embodiment, the polymeric insert may include several layers of polymeric material. During the manufacturing process, the preformed polymeric insert is positioned between the distal portion of the expandable balloon and the catheter shaft. The entire distal region is then processed to form a sealably bonded expandable balloon to the distal end of the catheter shaft.

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: A catheter tip apparatus is arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of an energy signal to permit analysis and/or treatment of body tissue by the energy signal. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing having a plurality of annularly disposed elongated grooves arranged thereon; and a flexible energy-bearing fiber arranged in each of the elongated grooves. Each of the fibers have a proximal end in communication with an energy delivery source or a signal analysis center. Each of the fibers also have a distalmost end in communication with a reflector for analysis and treatment of body tissue in which the catheter is disposed.

Abstract: An analytical instrument for analyzing biohazardous specimens is provided. The instrument provides means for exposing only the sample chamber to the containment area. A process for analyzing a biohazardous sample is also provided.

Abstract: A device and method for the obtaining a tissue biopsy and the delivery of a material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described that can be used in conjunction with either an aspiration biopsy or a cutting needle biopsy device. The device has an application chamber through which the biopsy mechanism, either a cutting needle device or aspiration needle, passes through. The mechanism for an aspiration biopsy has a biopsy cannula of constant cross section over its entire length connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel of constant or varying cross section connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The cutting biopsy mechanism has a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to rapidly fire a stylet with a biopsy trough into the intended tissue and then fire a biopsy cannula over the stylet to sever and retain tissue that has protruded into the biopsy trough.

Abstract: A catheter useful for non-surgical entry into a uterus to dispense a diagnostic fluid therein. The catheter includes a tubular body having a lumen extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. The lumen includes an external opening adjacent the first end for dispensing a diagnostic fluid into the interior of a subject uterus, and a balloon disposed marginally adjacent to the first end of the body for fluid sealing the interior of the subject uterus. The lumen further includes a second opening in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon for inflation thereof with the diagnostic fluid. In most applications, the catheter can be combined with a syringe to form a catheter apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheter delivery systems, and more specifically, to a tubular device with improved torque and flexure characteristics. The present invention is a tubular device having improved torque and flexure characteristics which uses a series of permanently interlocking independent segments to provide the necessary torque and flexure characteristics.

Abstract: A solution for forming a marker or filler mass for an intracorporeal site. The solution contains a polar, water soluble non-aqueous solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide and a bioabsorbable, essentially water insoluble polymer such as polylactic acid, or copolymers of lactic acid and glycolic acid. The solution may be delivered to the biopsy site by a suitable syringe and delivery tube. The delivery tube is preferably provided with a releasable radiopaque element on the distal tip which can be released within the polymeric marker mass formed in the biopsy cavity.

Abstract: A method and structure for a radio frequency receiver coil adapted to be extended from a catheter. This coil comprises a flexible printed wiring board that has a first end and a second end extending from the opening in the catheter and a connection external to the catheter joining the first end to the second end to form a loop. The flexible printed wiring board also includes shielding circuitry (e.g., a Faraday shield) on the flexible printed wiring board. The first end is more flexible than the second end and the relative flexibility of the first end with respect to the second end causes the first end to take the shape of a round arc when extended from the catheter. In addition, insulator sections on the flexible printed wiring board define the shape of the loop. Independently moveable control rods are connected to the first end and the second end, to allow the first end to be extended further out of the opening than the second end (to form the loop).

Abstract: A versatile coronary guiding catheter device and methods of use are provided. The device includes a guiding catheter, an anchor shaft, and a sleeve. In one embodiment, the anchor shaft can be moved relative to the catheter body to form a loop defined by the portions of the anchor shaft and catheter body that are between the distal end of the sleeve and a hinge point. The loop engages an interior surface of the aorta in manner effective to facilitate insertion of the distal end of the catheter body into a coronary ostium, to provide backup support for maintaining a position of the distal end of the catheter body within a coronary ostium, or both. The sleeve may also be moveable to increase the control of the loop size and position, to facilitate greater control of the placement of the catheter tip.