Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for reconstructing a plurality of gestures using roll pitch and yaw data, typically in combination with data for recognition of start and/or stop portions of the gesture using an auxiliary sensor, such as a capacitive touch sensor or a MEMS sensor.

Abstract: Transcatheter delivery systems, delivery catheters and associated methods for percutaneous delivery of prosthetic mitral valves using a retrograde approach are disclosed herein. A heart valve delivery system configured in accordance herewith includes a delivery catheter having an elongated tubular component and an articulation assembly at a distal end thereof. The articulation assembly includes an arm portion coupled to the tubular component by an elbow or hinge portion. In a closed, delivery state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion generally parallel to the tubular component for delivery of the delivery catheter through the vasculature. In an open, deployed state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion in a non-axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular component for orienting and positioning a prosthetic valve device carried by the arm portion, e.g., within the native mitral valve region.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for determining blood flow rates based on temperature measurements by thermodilution. The catheter may include a fluid lumen defined between inner and outer tubular members for delivering an indicator fluid, and a guidewire lumen defined by the inner tubular member. The catheter may include fluid infusion openings at the distal end region of the outer tubular member configured to permit the indicator fluid to exit the catheter from the fluid lumen, and a fluid hole located at the distal end region of the inner tubular member configured to permit the indicator fluid to pass from the fluid lumen into the guidewire lumen. A temperature sensor positioned on a guidewire may be positioned within the guidewire lumen to measure the temperature of the indicator fluid entering the guidewire lumen through the fluid hole. A blood flow rate may be calculated based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing medical procedures on an anatomical body includes an extension with an element near its distal end to be extended into the body, and a driver that moves the extension axially into the body, and that causes flexure of the distal end of the extension. The movement and flexure of the extension is driven by the driver from the proximal end of the extension, and an electronic controller directs the operation of the driver.

Abstract: A malleable cannula. The malleable cannula includes a polymeric jacket and a malleable member. The malleable member, being surrounded by the jacket, includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween and along a lengthwise axis of the malleable cannula. The malleable member further includes a longitudinal strut that is parallel to the lengthwise axis and a plurality of transverse struts coupled to and extending laterally away from the longitudinal strut and at least a portion of the lumen. The malleable member is configured to assume and maintain a shape of the malleable cannula.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a catheter, such as an endovascular catheter configured for catheter rotation during a catheterization procedure, e.g., an endovascular catheterization procedure. The catheter includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the central portion of the first tubular member, where the first and second tubular members are rotatable with respect to each other. Methods for performing a catheterization and kits that include the catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting assembly, an outer tubing, and a flexible torque component. The cutting assembly extends from a first proximal end to a first distal end. The cutting assembly includes an outer cannula defining a cutting window and an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula. The outer tubing extends from a proximal tubing end to a distal tubing end. The distal tubing end is coupled to the outer cannula. The outer tubing is configured to receive a torque at the proximal tubing end and transmit the torque to the outer cannula to rotate the outer cannula. The outer tubing includes a plurality of first wires and a plurality of second wires each including more than eight wires and less than twenty four wires. The flexible torque component is coupled to a third proximal end of the inner cannula to rotate the inner cannula.

Abstract: A method may include inserting, through a slotted cannula, a first anchor assembly into a first spinal segment. The first anchor assembly may be attached to a suture at a first end of the suture. The method may include inserting, through the slotted cannula, a second anchor assembly into a second spinal segment. The method may include extruding, through the slotted cannula, a graft construct to permit the graft construct to extend from the first spinal segment to the second spinal segment. The graft construct may be connected to the suture. The method may include attaching, using the slotted cannula, a second end of the suture to the second anchor assembly to permit a spinal fusion of the first spinal segment and the second spinal segment using the graft construct.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tray and packaging system for a prosthetic valve delivery system permits conversion from a storage and/or shipping configuration to a set up and preparation configuration. In a first configuration, a delivery system can be supported by first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system arranged to extend linearly from the first main tray to the second main tray, and in a second configuration, the delivery system can be supported by the first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system turned back in a U-shaped manner with the deployment portion of the delivery system positioned to the side of the control handle portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a shaft element and a flexible distal torque transmission element. The torque transmission element can be formed of a coiled wire having one or more of the loops that are welded or otherwise fixed together to achieve desirable flexibility and torque transmission.

Abstract: A tracheoscope pull wire control mechanism includes a rotating wheel pivotally arranged inside a handle; a holding cavity is formed on an upper portion of the rotating wheel; a spring and a brake block are arranged in the groove, such that a connection rod of the control piece above the handle passes through a long slotted hole at a position opposite to the handle, and is clamped and linked with the brake block; and the near ends of the two pull wires are extended and are combined on the rotating wheel of the control mechanism. The positioning structure can be operated with a single hand, which is different from the conventional two-hand control manner; and the operation efficiency and the convenience are improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure and, in particular, an aortic valvuloplasty, in a vessel for transmitting a flow of fluid. The apparatus includes an inflatable perfusion balloon including an internal passage for permitting the fluid flow in the vessel while the perfusion balloon is in an inflated condition, the balloon including a plurality of cells in a single cross section and a covering for at least partially covering the cells. A valve associated with the balloon controls the fluid flow within the passage, the valve being arranged external to the passage. The valve may form a tubular extension of the covering, or may be separate from the covering, and may comprise flaps. A spiral covering may also form the valve.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to method and apparatus for crossing an obstruction in a tubular member, and more particularly to a medical device method for crossing of a chronic occlusion in a subintimal or interstitial space of an artery.

Abstract: A medical guidewire includes a flexible spiral coil, a fiber, and a strengthening element. The coil is configured to guide a medical device into a patient body. The fiber extends along at least part of the coil, is coupled to the at least part of the coil at one or more first predefined locations and is configured to mechanically strengthen the at least part of the coil. The strengthening element is coupled to one or more second predefined locations along a distal section of the coil, and is configured to mechanically strengthen the distal section.

Abstract: Guide wires, systems and methods can improve advancement through the vasculature, particularly when the catheter tip encounters resistance or an obstruction and cannot advance. The guide wire can include an enlargement spaced proximally from a distal tip of the elongated member alone or in combination with a configured portion of the wire. The configured guide wire can be positioned in the vasculature and a medical device such as a catheter can track over the guide wire. The catheter can get caught-up in the vasculature or on implanted devices during advancement. When that occurs, the configured guide wire can be retracted back to the catheter tip and the guide wire configuration can cause the catheter distal tip to move and/or deflect away from the obstruction or resistance allowing the system to advance. The guide wire can be returned to its distal position and the procedure can continue.

Abstract: A catheter is made by coextruding first and second molten polymers, wherein the second molten polymer forms a flexible inner core and the first molten polymer forms exactly two bands on opposite sides of the inner core. The inner core is braided, and a third molten polymer extruded onto the braid to form a flexible jacket that encloses the braid, the bands and the inner core. The bands are more rigid than the inner core, and they provide preferential in-plane bending.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a hub, and a sealing member. The catheter defines one or more lumens. The hub includes one or more hub extensions dimensioned to be received within the one or more lumens of the catheter. The sealing member is positioned adjacent the interface of the catheter and the hub. The sealing member includes an expandable material which increases in volume upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for navigation including a flexible catheter having a proximal portion adjacent a proximal end and a distal portion adjacent a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, the flexible catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis and configured to enable translation of an instrument from the proximal end to the distal end. The flexible catheter defines a compound curve formed on the distal portion, wherein the compound curve includes an elbow bend and a radially curved portion. The elbow bend deflecting the distal portion of the flexible catheter from the longitudinal axis, while the radially curved portion extends from the elbow bend farther deflecting the distal portion about a center point. The catheter guide assembly for navigation includes a control handle disposed at the proximal end of the flexible catheter and is configured to advance and rotate the flexible catheter within a luminal structure.

Abstract: Catheter shaft handles and deflection actuators are disclosed. The actuators include at least one pull wire guide wall and a means for anchoring the proximal portion of a pull wire or of a fiber attached to a pull wire. Each actuator is pivotable relative to the catheter handle housing, and may comprise at least one boss for pivoting the actuator relative to the catheter handle housing. The actuators transfer rotational motion based upon user input on a boss into longitudinal motion of a pull wire. The actuators may include a tensioning mechanism comprising a tension adjustment pin and a pin block, wherein the tension adjustment pin is rotatably attached to the pin block to enable adjustment of tension in a pull wire (e.g., during assembly of the catheter handle).

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating diseases and disorders effecting the cardiovascular system of the human body are disclosed. An exemplary device in accordance with this disclosure comprises a shaft, tip member fixed to the shaft, and a probe extending beyond a distal surface of the tip member. In some useful embodiments, the tip member is relatively atraumatic and the probe is shaped so as to be more likely to produce trauma than the tip member.

Abstract: A connection structure includes a multi-thread coil formed by winding first metal element wires formed of a first metal and second metal element wires formed of a second metal arranged between a first metal body including the first metal and a second metal body including the second metal. The first metal body is connected to the first metal element wires of the multi-thread coil, and the second metal body is connected to the second metal element wires of the multi-thread coil. The connection structure imparts improved flexibility to the connection between the first and second metal bodies, and an appropriate connection can be provided even when the first and second metal bodies are made of dissimilar metals.

Abstract: Liquid embolic preparations and medical treatment methods of using those preparations are described. In some embodiments, the preparations or solutions can transition from a liquid to a solid for use in the embolization. The preparations can include biocompatible polymers with covalently bound radioactive iodine isotopes.

Abstract: A grip designed for sliding movement over a urinary catheter shaft, and a urinary catheter system including a urinary catheter and the grip. The grip includes a body designed to surround the urinary catheter shaft, a first flare, and a second flare. The body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a gripping area between the proximal end and the distal end, the gripping area designed to contact the urinary catheter shaft upon the application of force to the gripping area. The first flare increases in cross-sectional area from the gripping area to the proximal end of the body. The second flare increases in cross-sectional area from the gripping area to the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A sensor may include a core and a coil. The core may include a rectangular substrate, a layer of magnetically-permeable material disposed on the substrate, and an adhesive rigidly coupling two ends of the substrate so as to form a tube with the rectangular substrate. The coil may be wound on the tube. The core may further include a layer of radiopaque material. The core may further include a flex pad for electrically coupling the coil with an external system.

Abstract: Guidewires suitable for use in a system for implanting a lung volume reduction device are disclosed. The guidewire includes an outer sheath having proximal and distal ends, and comprising a proximal section, a transition section, and a distal section. The proximal section extends from the proximal end of the sheath to the transition section, and the distal section extends from the transition section to the distal end of the sheath. The distal section defines a bore extending from the transition section to the distal end of the sheath and an inner core having proximal and distal ends. The inner core extends through the bore of the distal section of the sheath, wherein the inner core is fixed to the sheath at the transition section, and wherein the distal end of the inner core is fixed to the distal end of the sheath at the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: Vessel occlusion coils disclosed that have a primary configuration for delivery and a secondary configuration for deployment that is conferred upon the devices by a stretch resistant member. In the secondary configuration, the stretch resistant member forms a stiffer coil and may have a greater diameter, and a more complex shape having some interior space, at one end than at the other end, for improved anchoring of the device in the vessel. The methods include intravascular delivery and deployment for implanting one or more vessel occlusion devices.

Abstract: A robotic device for performing intracranial procedures, comprising a baseplate for mounting on the subject's skull and a rotatable base element rotating on the baseplate. The rotatable base element has a central opening through which a cannulated needle can protrude such that it can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the baseplate. This cannulated needle is robotically controlled to provide motion into and out of the subject's skull. A flexible needle is disposed coaxially within the cannulated needle, and it is controlled to move into and out of a non-axial aperture in the distal part of the cannulated needle. Coordinated control of the insertion motion of the cannulated and flexible needles, and rotation of the combined cannulated/flexible needle assembly enables access to be obtained to a volume of a region of the brain having lateral dimensions substantially larger than the width of the cannulated needle.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to double-ended wire guides for use in a percutaneous procedure within a body cavity and to methods of using such devices. In certain embodiments, the wire guide includes a break-away discontinuity near at least one end of the wire guide.

Abstract: A system for providing access to a surgical site includes a first dilator; a second dilator slidably couplable to a first side of the first dilator and including a first interface portion; a plurality of additional dilators slidably couplable to a second side of the first dilator in a nested manner; and at least one retractor member including a second interface portion removably couplable to the first interface portion. When the first interface portion is coupled to the second interface portion, and the second dilator and the plurality of additional dilators are coupled to the first dilator, the second dilator and the at least one retractor member form a retractor wall extending about the first dilator and the plurality of additional dilators.

Abstract: A steerable catheter is disclosed, having an elongated, tubular catheter body with at least one deflection member slidably disposed within a lumen, secured at a distal end to a tip section and terminating in an interconnect at a proximal end and a handle releasably attached to the proximal end of the catheter body. The handle has at least one sliding member coupled to an actuator, such that manipulation of the actuator causes relative longitudinal movement with respect to the handle, wherein the interconnect and the sliding member engage when the handle is attached to the catheter body so that the relative longitudinal movement of the sliding member is transmitted to the deflection member and wherein the interconnect and the sliding member disengage when the handle is released from the catheter body.

Abstract: A device for introduction into a body vessel includes a shaft, a balloon positioned at the distal end of the shaft, a guidewire disposed longitudinally within the shaft to receive a guidewire during use, a balloon disposed at the distal end of the shaft, and longitudinal scoring wires to score a vascular lesion attached to the distal end of the shaft. The scoring wires are disposed over the balloon and disposed within the shaft. The proximal ends are welded or otherwise affixed to a spring mounted in the handle. The balloon expands when fluid is delivered to the balloon through the inflation lumen. This expansion pushes the scoring wires against the vascular lesion. The scoring wires attach to a source of vibrations. The scoring wires are made of a helical coil.

Abstract: A surgical tunneler assembly is used to pass a cable or other elongate member through the skin. A surgical tunneler may include a lance including a first segment, a second end segment, and a connector on each one of the first end segment and the second end segment. A cable adapter includes a lance connection portion and a cable connection portion. The lance connection portion engages and disengages the connectors. The cable connection portion engages and disengages a cable. A handle engages and disengages the lance.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes an insertion section including a plurality of segments, a plurality of stiffness variable portions provided in the respective segments and configured to vary stiffness of the respective segments, and a state detector configured to detect a shape of the insertion section. The apparatus includes a state calculator configured to acquire a shape of a tube at a time when the insertion section advances into the tube, and configured to calculate a relative position of the segment to the tube, and a control device configured to control, based on the shape of the tube, the stiffness variable portion provided in the segment which is calculated the relative position to the tube by the state calculator.

Abstract: A guidewire including a thin elongated structure and an outer shell around at least a portion of the thin elongated structure. The outer shell includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion of the outer shell are each coupled to the thin elongated structure. The first portion is spaced from the second portion by a gap. The guidewire is configured to move between a flexible state and a rigid state. The gap has a first distance when the guidewire is in the flexible state and the gap has a second distance greater than the first distance when the guidewire is in the rigid state.

Abstract: Tortuosity of vessels at or leading to the site of minimally invasive procedures is a problem for conducting such procedures as they increase the difficulty to guide the procedural catheters through tortuous vessels. Methods and apparatus for stabilization of the sheaths and catheters during access, procedures, and withdrawal in these tortuous vessels are disclosed. The apparatus and method for improving access include application of a pull component to the stabilized procedural catheter using a stabilization catheter/wire in addition to a push component from the percutaneous access to make the access easier while enabling use of more flexible catheters and softer wires. These methods and devices address the problems of trauma to the vessels during access, procedure and removal of catheters and wires, improve pushability of softer catheters and wires, and also substantially reduce substantially the procedure time.

Abstract: In a medical guide wire having a connecting structure formed by three members: a tubular connector; a first core; and a second core, when a torsional rigidity of one member is lower than the torsional rigidity of the materials of both end portions, for example, the twist is unevenly generated between the members and the rotation transmission performance to the distal end side is significantly reduced. In such a case, there is a technical problem for improving the rotation transmission performance to the distal end side. In the connecting structure formed by three members, as a result of focusing on the torsional rigidity of the three members and considering the torsional rigidity ratios between the members, the technical problem for improving the rotation transmission performance to the distal end side can be solved when the torsional rigidity ratios satisfy a predetermined relation.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, a retrieval device may include a sheath, a first drive member in the sheath, and a second drive member in the sheath. The second drive member may be movable relative to the first drive member. An end effector may be retractable into and extendable out of the sheath. The end effector may include a first proximal end portion coupled to the first drive member, a second proximal end portion coupled to the second drive member, and a plurality of legs extending distally from the first and second proximal end portions to a distal tip of the end effector. All of the legs that extend to the distal tip may be fixed together at the distal tip.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a core shaft, a coil body disposed around an outer periphery of the core shaft, and a joining portion joining a distal end of the core shaft to a distal end of the coil body 3. An outer periphery of the joining portion has, at its proximal end, an uneven shape in a longitudinal direction of the guide wire. The outer periphery may include a protruded portion that protrudes proximally in the longitudinal direction, and a recessed portion that protrudes distally in the longitudinal direction. The guide wire has improved joining strength between the joining portion and the coil body, preventing the joining portion from detaching from the coil body.

Abstract: Delivery systems include a delivery instrument and a delivery device removably attached to the delivery instrument. A plurality of actuators are operable to position an opening of the delivery device with respect to the target site. A material supply system supplies the material to the delivery device. A navigation system tracks the target site and the opening as the target site moves during the procedure and as the opening moves during the procedure. A controller controls movement of the opening and/or flow rate of the material to achieve desired delivery of the material at the target site using various methods.

Abstract: A treatment instrument for an endoscope used in combination with an endoscope having a raising base at a distal end section of a channel, the treatment instrument for the endoscope includes a sheath section having flexibility; a treatment section installed closer to a distal end side than the sheath section; and a manipulation unit installed at a proximal end of the sheath section and configured to manipulate the treatment section, wherein the sheath section has a sheath main body; a sandwiched portion formed at a distal end side of the sheath main body and sandwiched between the raising base and an inner circumferential surface of the channel; and a torque transmission member configured to transmit a rotational torque input at the proximal end side by a user and turn the sheath main body about the axis.

Abstract: An intraluminal scoring system for expanding an opening within an intraluminal passage includes a balloon catheter which is positioned alongside plaque lining a wall of the intraluminal passage. A wire is positioned between the balloon and the plaque so that the inflation of the balloon restricts the wire between the balloon and the plaque. After the balloon is inflated, a mechanical vibration is induced in the proximal end of the wire by a lithotripter actuator. The vibration travels through the wire to the distal portion, causing the wire to impact the plaque lining the wall of the passage causing scoring, compression, or fragmentation of the plaque.

Abstract: A sensor guide wire for an intravascular measurement of a physiological variable in a living body, may comprise a proximal tube portion; a distal end portion; and a sensor element configured to measure the physiological variable based on exposure to fluid in the living body. The sensor guide wire may further comprise a mounting structure supporting the sensor element in a freely suspended manner in a lumen within the sensor guide wire and/or a cylindrical-shaped jacket forming an interior space housing the sensor element and extending from a distal end of the proximal tube portion to a proximal end of the distal end portion in which the outer circumferential wall of the jacket includes a plurality of slots located between at least one aperture of the outer circumferential wall and one of the distal and proximal ends of the jacket.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a core shaft and a coil body covering an outer surface of a distal portion of the core shaft. The coil body includes a straight section that extends in a straight state from a proximal end of the coil body toward a distal end of the coil body, and a bent section arranged at a distal end of the straight section. The coil body may be formed by winding at least one element wire into a helical coil structure, or by winding a plurality of stranded wires (obtained by stranding a plurality of element wires) into a helical coil structure. The element wires and/or the stranded wires of the coiled body are in contact with each other on a side of the bent section opposite to a side toward which the bent section is bent relative to an axial direction of the straight section.

Abstract: An anchored guide wire is described including at least one expansion apparatus having an outer surface for contacting surrounding tissue, an elongated guide wire with at least one lumen for supplying fluid to the expansion apparatus, and a pump that supplies fluid to the lumen to inflate the expansion apparatus, wherein the outer surface of the expansion apparatus has a textured surface for preventing slippage on surrounding tissue. A method of securing a guide wire in a bodily cavity is also described including inserting an elongated guide wire with an expansion apparatus having a textured outer surface and a lumen for supplying fluid to the expansion apparatus, into the bodily cavity, supplying fluid to the lumen with a pump until the expansion apparatus is inflated, moving a medical device along the elongated guide wire, deflating the expansion apparatus, and withdrawing the guide wire from the bodily cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cannula for femoral arterial bidirectional (a heart direction and a distal lower extremity direction) perfusion. The cannula, which has a cannula tube to be inserted into a blood vessel of the femoral artery, includes a perfusion guide channel formed as a concave part from a predetermined portion of an inner circumferential surface at an end of the cannula tube to the opposite end thereof in a length direction and further includes a through-hole provided at a boundary portion between the perfusion guide channel and the cannula tube in an end direction of the cannula tube, or includes a through-hole provided in a predetermined portion of an inner circumferential surface of an end of the cannula tube and a guide cover provided at an upper portion of the through-hole to cover the upper portion of the through-hole and guide perfusion.

Abstract: The robot for arteriography comprises a fixed base and a movable receptacle. The receptacle comprises a recipient receiving an elongate flexible member. A drive system drives the receptacle relative to the base. The receptacle comprises a drive module rigidly connected to the elongate flexible member in translation in operational configuration of the robot. The drive module is actuated in order to generate a rotational movement of the elongate flexible member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for centering a microcatheter within a vasculature. In one aspect, the methods and apparatus can be used to support centering and to facilitate a guidewire to cross through a chronic total occlusion. In one embodiment, the catheter apparatus includes: a microcatheter having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end; one or more guidewires for passing through the lumen of the microcatheter; an inner shaft having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end for passing the inner shaft over the microcatheter; an outer shaft having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end for passing the outer shaft over the inner shaft; and a self-expandable scaffold structure disposed towards the distal end of the inner shaft. The self-expandable scaffold structure is preferably non-occluding thereby allowing blood to flow through the scaffold. Preferably, the inner shaft and microcatheter are capable of being independently operable.

Abstract: A sensor guide wire includes a sensor element arranged in a jacket in a sensor region of the sensor guide wire; a core wire extending at least partly along a length of the sensor guide wire; and at least one electrical lead connected to the sensor element. The jacket is tubular and includes proximal and distal end openings, a jacket wall, a first opening arranged in the jacket wall, and a second opening arranged in the jacket wall, the first and second openings being proximate to the sensor element. The core wire is adapted to extend through the jacket via the proximal and distal end openings. At least a portion of the first opening and at least a portion of the second opening are both located in the same cross-section of the sensor guide wire, the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sensor guide wire.